Rivian’s Wooden EV Playset: Product Review and Market Analysis

Daily Car

19/12/2025

Product Parameters and Technical Features

Rivian recently introduced a handcrafted wooden electric vehicle (EV) playset, joining a growing segment of automakers offering branded lifestyle products. The set comprises detailed replicas of the R1T pickup, R1S SUV, and RCV electric van. All bodies are designed to attach effortlessly to a shared skateboard-style base using built-in high-powered magnets. The package costs $150 and includes the base, red and blue variants of the R1T and R1S bodies, and the RCV body, which features a removable windshield. The parts are made primarily from Birch wood, while the RCV includes some MDF components. The magnets are fully embedded to ensure safety, particularly for children, as they cannot be directly accessed or swallowed.

Design Highlights and Practicality

The wooden playset is designed as an ornamental item suitable for both children and adults. Its modular structure allows users to easily interchange the vehicle bodies onto the base, mimicking the real-world ‘skateboard’ platform found in full-size electric vehicles, where key mechanical systems are integrated into a flat chassis. This modular approach not only enhances play value for children but also serves as a functional desk accessory for adults, signifying a blend of Rivian’s automotive focus and lifestyle branding. The craftsmanship, color detailing, and safety by design emphasize practicality in both home and office environments.

Market Positioning and Trends

Rivian’s entry into lifestyle merchandise aligns with trends established by competitors, notably Tesla, which offers a similar wooden EV model set priced at $60. However, Rivian’s set targets a higher price bracket, reflecting differences in model scale, magnet integration, and craftsmanship. While Tesla’s kit is smaller and lacks magnetic features, Rivian’s offering arrives at a time when Tesla’s similar item is sold out, giving Rivian an edge for immediate holiday availability. The move highlights a growing focus among EV manufacturers on brand engagement beyond vehicles, connecting with both current owners and enthusiasts as part of a broader lifestyle.

Industry Comparison and Technical Explanation

Both Rivian and Tesla use their respective playsets to mirror the real-world flexibility of their skateboards—structures underneath actual EVs that house batteries, motors, and suspension. This real-world platform is modular, allowing for different body styles and vehicle types to be easily built atop the same basic base—much like the playset’s interchangeable vehicle bodies. For context, in automotive terms, a ‘skateboard platform’ refers to a universal, flat chassis housing key technical components, on which various body designs can be mounted. Rivian’s inclusion of high-powered, safely embedded magnets for modular play adds a functional difference over Tesla’s offering, though at a higher cost point.

Objective Assessment

Rivian’s playset stands out for its detailed execution and modular design. Its price point is higher than Tesla’s comparable product, justified by scale, magnetic connections, and safety engineering. The set underscores Rivian’s intent to broaden its appeal and strengthen customer engagement through lifestyle products, a trend that has found momentum across the automotive sector. The set’s immediate availability may attract buyers during the holiday season, despite competition from established brands like Tesla.

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