In this week’s post
- Can I buy a Rivian RV van?
- The Chevrolet Trax is my biggest surprise of the year!
The first question comes from several viewers and fans who wanted a Rivian RV van.
Q: (Several questions summerised) Is it possible to get a Rivian RV van, or a used Amazon Rivian van?
Will Rivian build a version of their Amazon van that the public can buy?
– Several questions (combined) over the past year
A: Sort of: while there has been no announcement about a Rivian RV van, the Rivian van will be available for fleet sales soon.
I have to confess, I love the way the Rivian delivery van is designed. In terms of exterior esthetics, and modern interior design, this electric van is pretty cool. Ah, but I just said something that may cast a spanner in the possibility of this thing making a good RV (recreational vehicle); it’s all-electric.
The larger version of the van (there are two) has an estimated range of 153 miles. The shorter van has a total estimate range of 161 miles. Neither are ideal for heading off to a campsite in the boonies. These are delivery vans, built for city and suburban runs. They have the ability to charge at up to 100 kW – which isn’t that fast. As such, you would probably have to pull over often to charge, and wait a while as you do so. Not ideal for getting away from it all.
Still, that’s not to say that it’s impossible for Rivian to boost the range in the future – IF public sales ever happen. Rivian made it clear that this van is for fleets only. If you think you’ll be cunning and buy one for you fleet of one – you’ll be disappointed. The sales folks at Rivian say that they will focus on big fleets first.
You may have a long wait.
Finally, there’s the cost. These things are not toys: they’re made for profit. Depending on the size, they start at $83,000 and go up to $87,000 – before options and upgrades. You can learn more about these vans by heading to Rivian’s fleet website.
– N
The last question initially came from TFL’s very own Brenden, asking about my favorite inexpensive car. It mutated into a conversation with TFL Studios’ Editor/Producer Zach as well.
Q: (Summerized) What is the most surprising car for you this year, and what is the best value proposition you’ve driven as well?
Is it the Chevrolet Trax? Maybe its cousin, the Buick Envista?
– ZacBren
A: Yes. The Chevrolet Trax is one of the most surprising vehicles this year, with its cousin, the Buick Envista a close second.
Sure, they are very similar under the skin and have tiny 1.2-liter, three cylinder turbos. They also have no option for all-wheel drive – and that makes them tall hatchbacks in my book. In addition, they are mad in South Korea, which bothers some people.
Not me. I think that both cars are killer bargains for their segments. They are comfortable, have good power (for their size) and feel like they are well screwed together. In addition, the standard tech is impressive, as is the frugality of both vehicles.
Base price for a 2024 Buick Envista is less than $23,000. The base price for the Chevrolet Trax is about a thousand dollars less than that. These cars have a impressive list of safety features, have the utility of a hatch (although the Trax is more utilitarian), and they are actually kind of fun to drive.
Let me put it another way: making 137 turbocharged horsepower, and weighing in at a bit over 3,000-lbs, nothing in this price-range is as rewarding, nor as comprehensibly well equipped. A mid-level Nissan Kicks, or Hyundai Venue just feel sluggish and cheap by comparison.
Honestly, I did not expect to like either this much.
- N
p.s. Tommy likes the Trax too… even OFF-ROAD!?
