Rivian Leads Owner Satisfaction Survey, Surpassing BMW and Tesla.

Rivian has managed to position itself prominently in terms of customer satisfaction, ranking first for the second consecutive year in the latest owner satisfaction survey, according to a recent assessment. Owners of its R1S and R1T models highlighted aspects such as comfort, speed, handling, and ease of use. A remarkable 86% of owners expressed that they would be willing to repurchase a vehicle from this California brand, placing it ahead of competitors like BMW and Tesla in satisfaction.

However, the landscape complicates when it comes to reliability. Rivian, a relatively new player in the electric vehicle sector, ranks at the bottom of the list regarding reliability. According to experts in automotive data analysis, EV technology is still evolving, which leads manufacturers to face various issues both in their propulsion systems and non-electric components, including the latest infotainment and electronic functionalities.

The survey took into account the opinions of approximately 300,000 vehicles from model years 2022 to 2024. To rank reliability, 20 problem areas were assessed, ranging from minor inconveniences like squeaky brakes to serious issues that could involve high costs, such as problems with engines, transmissions, and electric vehicle batteries.

It is interesting to note that Rivian is not the only car manufacturer with disparate ratings in satisfaction and reliability. BMW, despite ranking second in satisfaction, also received criticism regarding reliability. In contrast, Subaru was rated as the most reliable brand, albeit with average satisfaction scores. Analyses indicate that vehicle satisfaction ratings may not directly correlate with reliability, especially in new models, where customers may feel satisfied even if they have to visit the workshop frequently due to extended warranties that mitigate costs.

In terms of software updates, Rivian has introduced a new feature known as "Snow Mode," designed to enhance control and comfort in winter conditions, available for both the R1T and R1S. This update aims to soften the intensity of the regenerative braking system, providing better handling on slippery surfaces. In addition to this improvement, the latest update also includes the ability to heat the front and rear seats, as well as a defrosting system, all controlled from a mobile app.

The introduction of these features post-delivery has been a topic of discussion. While no official statement has been made on this matter, it is suggested that the company is prioritizing customer experience, which implies a thorough testing process before the release of new features. Although some vehicles exhibit differences in finishes, such as the use of wood trim, it is speculated that this could be due to cost adjustments or improvements in the assembly line.