Rivian is facing backlash for the updated manual door release system in the R2 prototype. The new design, which requires rear passengers to remove a small plastic cover to access the release cord, has sparked frustration among many fans and owners. While the driver and front passenger have an easy-to-use manual release handle in case of an emergency, rear passengers are left with a more complicated process.
This issue is not new for Rivian. Owners of the R1S and R1T have previously documented how they had to jerry-rig their vehicles to make it easier for kids to escape in emergencies. The updated R2 system, while an improvement over previous models, still fails to meet the expectations of many owners who believe a more user-friendly design is necessary.
Manual Release Design Remains a Point of Contention
The manual release system in the R2’s rear doors is similar to the one found in facelifted R1 models. In these vehicles, Rivian placed a manual release cable behind a removable plastic panel on the door card, which caused frustration among owners. The pre-facelift R1S and R1T models featured a more integrated system, where the manual and electronic releases were built into the door handles.
Despite the revised system in the R2 prototypes, which makes the manual release cable slightly easier to access, many feel that the design is still inadequate. YouTuber JerryRigEverything’s video shows how rear passengers must still pop out a plastic panel to reach the release cord, which some consider an unnecessary complication compared to the front seat’s straightforward manual release handle.
Rivian’s Response and Customer Concerns
Although the R2 is still in the prototype phase, with the potential for further updates before production, the current manual release design has sparked significant frustration. Hundreds of Rivian fans and potential customers have voiced their concerns on social media platforms and forums like Reddit, urging the company to rethink its design.
One commenter said, “If this is what is going into production, I’m out.” Another user questioned why Rivian couldn’t simply use the same release system in the back as in the front. The sentiment is clear: many believe that the current system is unsafe and impractical for emergency situations.
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Safety and Design Challenges
As Rivian continues to refine the R2 prototype, the manual release system remains a major point of contention. Given the company’s emphasis on safety and user-friendly design, the current system for rear passengers could undermine these goals. The decision to continue with this design may affect the brand’s reputation as it prepares for full production. Rivian needs to address these concerns to ensure that the R2 meets the expectations of both safety-conscious consumers and loyal fans.
