Rivian Mom
Active Wheeler
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2024
- Messages
- 246
- Reaction score
- 26
- Rivian
- R1S
I'm still yet to purchase my Gen 2 key fob but I've seen it in action first hand and I felt like sharing some initial thoughts. Just in case anyone wants to purchase theirs and is looking for a review.
1. Appearance/build quality: Well, it's not super premium. The carabiner part is really light, sandblasted aluminum, and has the exact same feel as those cheap chinese aluminum doo-dads you get off Amazon for $5 for a 10-pack. The clip spring action isn't smooth, as the barrel rubs against the plastic fob housing when you lift the clip, and when you spin it, feels kind of sandy. The locking button is nice, and works as advertised. When closed, the clip is locked down but the tolerances are loose enough where it can jiggle and clack against the latch. The plastic fob part is fine.
2. Activation/pairing: Flawless, it works exactly as you'd expect. Pop the battery in, an orange light starts flashing on it. Load the Rivian app on your phone and select "Add keyfob" in the Drivers and Keys section, done. It took about a minute.
3. Function: Great. PaaK can be a bit annoying, if you're walking out to the mailbox or doing yardwork and the car constantly locks/unlocks. Its does it as well with the keyfob, but if you don't have your keys unless you're intentionally going to the car, so this is a case where having a single-purpose device helps. NFC seems to work well too for unlocking and vehicle start. Excited to see what UWB will bring.
4. Battery is a chonker. Hope it can last a year or more.
Overall, it's fine. I don't think the build quality is in line with the attention to detail of the vehicle itself, or with the various other keyfobs I've used before. Price-wise, that doesn't bother me. It's the same as others charge, and I want it for the extra functionality/convenience, which it provides.
1. Appearance/build quality: Well, it's not super premium. The carabiner part is really light, sandblasted aluminum, and has the exact same feel as those cheap chinese aluminum doo-dads you get off Amazon for $5 for a 10-pack. The clip spring action isn't smooth, as the barrel rubs against the plastic fob housing when you lift the clip, and when you spin it, feels kind of sandy. The locking button is nice, and works as advertised. When closed, the clip is locked down but the tolerances are loose enough where it can jiggle and clack against the latch. The plastic fob part is fine.
2. Activation/pairing: Flawless, it works exactly as you'd expect. Pop the battery in, an orange light starts flashing on it. Load the Rivian app on your phone and select "Add keyfob" in the Drivers and Keys section, done. It took about a minute.
3. Function: Great. PaaK can be a bit annoying, if you're walking out to the mailbox or doing yardwork and the car constantly locks/unlocks. Its does it as well with the keyfob, but if you don't have your keys unless you're intentionally going to the car, so this is a case where having a single-purpose device helps. NFC seems to work well too for unlocking and vehicle start. Excited to see what UWB will bring.
4. Battery is a chonker. Hope it can last a year or more.
Overall, it's fine. I don't think the build quality is in line with the attention to detail of the vehicle itself, or with the various other keyfobs I've used before. Price-wise, that doesn't bother me. It's the same as others charge, and I want it for the extra functionality/convenience, which it provides.
