Christian SeligFeb 10
With all the hype Rivian R2 news, I thought I'd detail my hopes and dreams as a current R1 owner https://christianselig.com/2026/02/rivian-r2-wishes/
Rivian R2 wishes as an R1 owner

After 7 years with a Tesla Model 3, we picked up a gen 2 Rivian R1S in April of 2025. We still have the Model 3 as a second vehicle, but it’s been really cool experiencing a new electric vehicle from a very passionate new company. 2026 is a really exciting time for Rivian, as in the first half of this year they’re launching their R2 vehicle - a smaller, less expensive SUV offering that should have a lot more mass-market appeal.

Show threadscullyFeb 10

@christianselig Very helpful article. Thanks.

FYI, one small typo in CarPlay section.

I am personally one of those people for whom CarPlay is a requirement in any car I own from now on. Which sucks because Rivian is the only brand other than Hyundai that I am interested in for EVs. We love our FWD Kona, but need an AWD vehicle next. I would prefer an R2 (or even better an R3), but I assume an Ioniq 5 is in our future.

Show threadChristian SeligFeb 10
@rickscully Fixed thank ya! What part of CarPlay entices you so much out of curiosity? Ioniq 5 looks great but dang those ICCU issues scare me
Show threadscullyFeb 10

@christianselig Yeah, the ICCU issues are a concern, and thankfully no issues with the Kona.

As for CarPlay, I think these companies that are leaving it out are doing so in order to track, and sell data. (For now) I still trust Apple more with that data. Plus I like a consistent experience when it comes to podcasts and maps and voice asisstants. Lastly, my only experience with a manufacturer's SatNav is Hyundai and I do not like it. I find it hard to see, and I HATE the voice!

Show threadChristian SeligFeb 10
@rickscully Rivian's navigation voice is pretty good haha. With some companies I totally agree on the selling angle, I think with Rivian though funnily enough their angle is more Apple-like in general: they want to control the stack rather than have potentially massive dependencies on a partner
Show threadscullyFeb 10

@christianselig And that makes sense, but I am (for good or bad) in the Apple ecosphere and not Rivian's.

Thankfully I am not in immediate need of another vehicle, and can wait and see where the cards fall, but I am hoping Rivian (and GM, et alia) change their minds.

Show threadChristian SeligFeb 10
@rickscully I mean sure but Apple doesn't make cars, Rivian does 😛 I'd think about what you'd honestly be missing by not having CarPlay with Rivian and if privacy is the only thing I don't really think that's a concern
Show threadscullyFeb 10
@christianselig Maybe so, but for me it is a principle. I have a device that does all the things I want to use in a car, and that car maker is blocking me. I don't like that. Maybe it is a neurodiversity thing. I don't know. But if I had to buy a car today, it is enough of an issue for me that I would avoid them and not feel I am missing out.
Show threadChristian Selig
@rickscully Hey fair, you gotta do you!
Feb 10 at 6:47pmWeb
Show threadscullyFeb 10
@christianselig it is important to me to "vote" with my wallet since so many companies only listen to that!