Rivian Mom
Active Wheeler
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2024
- Messages
- 192
- Reaction score
- 25
- Rivian
- R1S
As someone who has driven both the Gen 1 and Gen 2, I can boldly claim that the Gen 2 R1S has improved suspension/ride feel as compared to the Gen 1 R1S. I had a Gen 1 (Feb 2023/vin 18xxx) and received it after all the software suspension updates so I didn’t know what the pre-update suspension felt like but, I'd just share my Gen 1 suspension experience so maybe other Gen 1 owners could learn something from it.
Before I purchased my Gen 1 R1S back then, I had read the complaints about Gen 1 suspension so I was prepared for the worst but was pleasantly surprised to find that it actually drove quite nicely. Sure, a bit truck like and somewhat boaty, but not horrible. Over time, I noticed some porpoising over rhythmic bumps and head toss/stomach drops over bumpy, pothole ridden roads. Although, I generally don’t notice these things unless I’m myopically focused on identifying suspension issues. I asked my family and they didn’t noticed a thing, even in the back seats. I have found that I preferred the moderate setting for driving around town as soft seems to have a little too much bounce.
One of the things I hated about my Gen 1 back then, was clunks, squeaks, and other suspension noises that made it sound like a 25 year old Chevy truck with leaf springs. Feels good to know that the jounce lines and other parts have been redesigned. Back then, I expected the clicking when adjusting ride height, but otherwise it was a bit embarrassing how much noise it made.
So, I started to wonder if some of the mechanical suspension updates implemented in Gen 2 were already finding their way into late Gen 1 builds. I took a photo of the knuckle on my R1S and it’s almost, but not completely identical to what you find on a Gen 2. Has the much sleeker, opened up design which differs from the original, much heavier Gen 1 knuckle.
Harder to say with regards to the dampers, I can’t visually identify the difference between Gen 1 vs Gen 2. Here’s what mine looks like. I know a few Gen 1 owners who had warranty replaced dampers due to excessive noise, so I figured there already was some sort of improved Gen 1 suspension available in later years.
Before I purchased my Gen 1 R1S back then, I had read the complaints about Gen 1 suspension so I was prepared for the worst but was pleasantly surprised to find that it actually drove quite nicely. Sure, a bit truck like and somewhat boaty, but not horrible. Over time, I noticed some porpoising over rhythmic bumps and head toss/stomach drops over bumpy, pothole ridden roads. Although, I generally don’t notice these things unless I’m myopically focused on identifying suspension issues. I asked my family and they didn’t noticed a thing, even in the back seats. I have found that I preferred the moderate setting for driving around town as soft seems to have a little too much bounce.
One of the things I hated about my Gen 1 back then, was clunks, squeaks, and other suspension noises that made it sound like a 25 year old Chevy truck with leaf springs. Feels good to know that the jounce lines and other parts have been redesigned. Back then, I expected the clicking when adjusting ride height, but otherwise it was a bit embarrassing how much noise it made.
So, I started to wonder if some of the mechanical suspension updates implemented in Gen 2 were already finding their way into late Gen 1 builds. I took a photo of the knuckle on my R1S and it’s almost, but not completely identical to what you find on a Gen 2. Has the much sleeker, opened up design which differs from the original, much heavier Gen 1 knuckle.
Harder to say with regards to the dampers, I can’t visually identify the difference between Gen 1 vs Gen 2. Here’s what mine looks like. I know a few Gen 1 owners who had warranty replaced dampers due to excessive noise, so I figured there already was some sort of improved Gen 1 suspension available in later years.
