Spotted: Slate pickup vs Rivian R2 - size comparison

[Driven5]

The first thing that struck me when I saw the Slate in person was that it wasn't as small as it looks in pictures. It definitely has more visual presence than traditional compact trucks.

So it's got micro spoilers at the back of the cab and on the tailgate, the roofline is a curve, lay flat handles, and probably a bunch of other details we don't notice

In addition to the roof line also tapering under airflow directing 'spoiler', and the nice crisp trailing edges, one I rarely see mentioned is also the subtle tapering of the B-pillars.

 

[Johnologue]

I've done some aero work in my day. It's remarkable how slippery something that looks "non-aero" can be (and vice versa). I'm sure the Slate aero team did their homework.

I think they did their best with a lot of constraints (wrap-friendly shapes seem like they're limiting - though the tapered B-pillar that was just posted is more than I expected possible).

But, the Slate's tall and upright profile still means it's a lot less aero than it would be otherwise, right?

 

[KHN707]

I think they did their best with a lot of constraints (wrap-friendly shapes seem like they're limiting - though the tapered B-pillar that was just posted is more than I expected possible).

But, the Slate's tall and upright profile still means it's a lot less aero than it would be otherwise, right?

Correct. Sort of. Depends on what the "otherwise" scenario is. The design had to satisfy a lot of competing criteria. A less tall and less upright profile may have been more aero but the frunk would have been smaller, or the crash results worse, or the cabin less accommodating.

 

[gouacats]

Perspective is your enemy. But one thing I've loved about the Slate from the moment I saw it it is that they said "screw aerodynamics" from day one. That big, minimally raked, tall windshield is exactly how I like my small truck.

Nobody does that in 2026 for a bunch of reasons, mainly aero. Ford even said so with the UEV, noting that every millimeter is more range or less battery. It's nice to see that Slate said "Hobbits keep nasty aero. We likes our trucks old school" (with apologies to Gollum).

Hey now! My Jeep says screw aerodynamics!

 

[Johnologue]

Correct. Sort of. Depends on what the "otherwise" scenario is. The design had to satisfy a lot of competing criteria. A less tall and less upright profile may have been more aero but the frunk would have been smaller, or the crash results worse, or the cabin less accommodating.

I'm just dreaming of the someday-in-my-mind lower Slate hatchback coupe (strongly influenced by the fact that's what I currently drive and like) and want to believe there's a highway range justification!

 

[cadblu]

I'm strangely attracted to that dots wrap.

Same here, for some reason I have a strange desire to play a good ol’ game of Twister!

 

[Driven5]

Same here, for some reason I have a strange desire to play a good ol’ game of Twister!

 

[Susan]

Some more specs, Google provided me with a little while back:

So with the new 1,550 lb payload, Slate is looking really good for those of us who want to haul (not tow) things.

Vehicle	Max Rear Cargo (Seats Down)	Frunk Volume	Total Max Storage
Rivian R2	79.4 cu-ft	5.2 cu-ft	84.6 cu-ft
Slate Truck (w/ Cargo Kit)	73.5 cu-ft	7.0 cu-ft	80.5 cu-ft
Subaru Trailseeker	74.0 cu-ft	None	74.0 cu-ft
Telo MT1	60 cu-ft (Bed Only)	None	60 cu-ft

 

[ValkorTheOptimistic]

I'm still considering the lowering kit for my Slate suspension - might go more than 1" - but you're saying I might want to chop and drop the top as well?

I had a chance to sit in one a year ago, and I thought it felt cavernous, despite my somewhat long torso. If a 6'5" employee can fit comfortably, you can probably lose a few inches without bothering most people.

 

[Ronnie]

I had a chance to sit in one a year ago, and I thought it felt cavernous, despite my somewhat long torso. If a 6'5" employee can fit comfortably, you can probably lose a few inches without bothering most people.

How was the seat height? Ideally hips should be at the same height as your knees or at least close. In an actual truck that is normal, but pickups tend to be lower, and my My Tundra is too low, and i feel like I am looking up and out of it, plus it becomes uncomfortable after a few hours. I am 5'9"

 

[adele]

How was the seat height? Ideally hips should be at the same height as your knees or at least close. In an actual truck that is normal, but pickups tend to be lower, and my My Tundra is too low, and i feel like I am looking up and out of it, plus it becomes uncomfortable after a few hours. I am 5'9"

This thread seems to confirm that the driver seat height is adjustable.

 

[kvermeer]

Ideally hips should be at the same height as your knees or at least close.

In what way is that ideal?

I much prefer my hips to be lower than my knees, I always raise the front of the seat/lower the rear of the seat base if possible, with a gentle recline. If the seat base is close to flat I feel I'm going to slide into the footwell.