I review cars online and on the radio, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in almost a decade of doing it is that, car reviewers are often at odds with the people who actually buy and own the vehicles. Spending a week or a few days on a first drive event are great ways to get a feel for how a car performs and get a handle on its basic features, but living with a vehicle reveals so much more.
That’s the case with Rivian, which recently landed atop Consumer Reports’ list of most-loved auto brands, despite the publication listing the R1S as one of its least favorite test vehicles of 2023.
Rivian was the only brand in Consumer Reports’ study to earn a perfect 5 out of 5 score, while six others came close with four. The automaker also ranked highest when buyers were asked if they could consider buying from the brand again, with an 86 percent positive response. Mini came a close second, with 77 percent saying they’d buy another.
Rivian is in a unique place as a new-ish company with an extremely defined attitude and identity, which makes it easy for buyers to align with the brand from top to bottom. Plus, most reviewers have reflected positively on the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, despite Consumer Reports’ lack of enthusiasm.
This is good timing for the brand, as the R2 will be revealed on March 7, according to a teaser Tweeted out by the company.
[Image: Rivian]
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