I do believe this is it, this is the Rivian vehicle that will sell like crazy. The size, the practicality, the design, and the pricing (hopefully holds) will make this the best selling Rivian EV, and possibly the best selling EV in its segment. I'll have one of these in garage to replace my current Tundra if they are able to meet demand and pricing doesn't change.

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

They're leaning in to the success of the R1S and hoping to leverage what people loved about it. -Travis

@mluu510

2 ай бұрын

i wish they would ship in 2025. 2026 is a LONG time away

@darinanderson4859

2 ай бұрын

No cup holders?

@ed8018

2 ай бұрын

I agree, I think this will sell really well if they can get it to market. I was waiting for Rivians to drop into the $50-$60K range so I'm excited for the higher trim levels.

@makatron

Ай бұрын

​@@darinanderson4859 remember this is still a prototype

Absolutely can't wait to get this. My wife has been waiting for this exact vehicle. Fits everything she's looking for in an EV. Rivian is going to kill it with the R2. Now I need an R3X for my daily!

@delinquense

Ай бұрын

Hate to disappoint you and the missus... but you might want to learn to read a financial statement or two.

@user-kv4if6mu6w

Ай бұрын

Bio bobbin zee

Alex... up to $90k for the top trim? A tri-motor costing double the base? No chance. If Rivian sticks to the $45k starting price, I would be surprised to see the top of the line R2 above $65k.

@mckenziebrowne3874

2 ай бұрын

Agreed. I believe Rivian aims to make the R2 a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y. Looking at Tesla's website for the ones they already built that are currently available, you won't find a new Model Y for over $56k. They would be better served to stay within $10k of the top Model Y. They most likely want the R2 to be a volume seller and a lot of people are going to want the 2 and 3 motor variations (especially considering the very base model is under 300 miles of range). Topping out at $90k hurts that possibility.

@noahpietraszewski7356

2 ай бұрын

I just commented the same exact thing. I would bet the tri-motor might surpass $70k with options included…. I don’t understand where he got $90k from

@GA-wq8xq

Күн бұрын

Rivian have said the R2 tops out less than a base R1S so $75k

I have high hopes, I'd sell my Model 3 at a loss (not much of a choice there) to get an R2.

@randomwalker2134

2 ай бұрын

Ditto here...except I have the model y.

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

It's a very different vehicle but if different is what you're looking for you likely wouldn't be disappointed. -Travis

@aRANDOMqUICKIEgunsandfun

2 ай бұрын

Same id really consider trading my model 3 for an R2

@dyeace

2 ай бұрын

​@@AAutoBuyersGuideno it's the exact same vehicle

@EdwardsNH

2 ай бұрын

@@dyeace No… no, it’s not

Why not put the charge port on the front right to be both curb compatible and Tesla v3 compatible?

@DitzlerPhoto

Ай бұрын

To keep the cost down on the base RWD model they don’t have any high current wires in the front of the vehicle. With the R1 the wiring was already up there for the front motors.

I’ve wanted an EV for years. I was about to pull the trigger this summer with a Tesla M3 I like it a lot, but like my other possible choices, it still isn’t a “hell yes” The R2 is a hell yes for me

As usual, Alex's review is the best one. The camera work really made me feel like I was in the car with him and always so descriptive, mellifluous, smooth and fluid. Great job.

I like how finished looking this concept/prototype looks. It looks production ready. Hopefully, they can get things tested thoroughly and production line ramp going smooth.

Looking forward to you driving it and giving your impressions. I always find your videos to be detailed, informative and unbiased.

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

It'll be 2025 at least before they'll have one available for us to drive but thank you for watching! -Travis

@OnBendedKneeMusic

Ай бұрын

I reserved on a few days ago. As a current Flex owner, I love the boxy design. I just hope my 6'3" frame will fit in it!

Agreed on the chargeport location.

I'm a happy Mach-E GT owner, but I have my reservation in on the R2 since my lease is up in mid-2026.

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

A reservation is rarely a bad idea, especially if you find yourself with a time crunch like an expiring lease. -Travis

@cipitm1

2 ай бұрын

I had a reservation on Fisker One( bad idea) ..trying to get my money back!😬

Alex. Your 'Make it or Break It' headline is a very 'tough love' approach to evaluating this Rivian. 😉

@Richey24

2 ай бұрын

It's not a secret that rivian is burning money and selling these at a loss, so it's an apt title I think

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

It might be tough love but it's not hyperbole when it's going to be the only mainstream model for awhile. -Travis

@rightlanehog3151

2 ай бұрын

@@AAutoBuyersGuide'Keeping it real' is the foundation on which 'tough love' is built. 😉

@rightlanehog3151

2 ай бұрын

@@Richey24👍

I preordered. Rivian if you are listening. Since this can't be raised with air, allow the after market to lift it easily or add some extra ground clearance. Add a tire option that has much more sidewall. Something with a 17 and a 275/70 would be great. Can you give us an EV 4Runner? Dial back some of the luxury. No glass roof, or other things that can be done to save money. On board air for the tires would be super nice. Maybe the port could be inside, or contained within the charge port. Alex- One thing I noticed was the vehicle seems low. For example you had to make sure you didn't hit your head on the lift glass. How does the size of it compare with the 4runner? And do you think this vehicle will compete with the 4runner offroad, just by judging the ground clearance and what not? I really would like that from Rivian. An EV 4Runner.

@jimsomerville3924

2 ай бұрын

I thought other reviewers at press release said it was 9.5" which is competitive with 4Runners and pickups.

@MountainManGuy

2 ай бұрын

100%. I am banking on the aftermarket to come out with a couple lift options for this. I am also planning on running the smallest wheel I can fit over those brakes, with the largest tire I can fit without rubbing. I just hope there's a focus on offroad here. Lockers anyone?

@Japplesnap

2 ай бұрын

The R2 is a lot smaller than a 4Runner. The R1S is closer in size to a 4Runner.

@EUC-lid

2 ай бұрын

It's a unibody, not a body-on-frame. A body lift might be possible, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Get a used R1 for the same price if you want to lift a Rivian.

@MountainManGuy

2 ай бұрын

@@EUC-lid Nah the R1S is too big and too expensive. Plus I wouldn't lift a R1S. I'd just up the air suspension when off road

Totally agree: this thing has to take off for them. Rivian's sink or swim moment. Wish the roof wasn't a glass solar oven, but this thing has the interior stuffability that Tesla Y is lacking.

@AaronVets

Ай бұрын

I’ve been wishing they would add a solar roof option instead of only all-glass! ☀️😎

Definitely appreciate they retained the stalks on the steering wheel rather than moving everything to the screen. Not sure about the placement of the charge port though -- putting it on the right hand side is fine, but that low location is right where parking lot fender benders tend to happen. Maybe they could move it higher up the bodywork? Overall I really like this car -- I already put a reserve on it (even though we canucks won't get it for another three years). Hope they can keep the price creep to a minimum, I've seen too many other EVs advertised with enticingly low prices only to see virtually none of them selling at that price point.

I placed a reservation on R2 but I’m more interested in the R3 to replace my Chevy Bolt. I like a smaller commuter car

Most people are waiting for "this EV is priced in the low $30,000." High price is one of the reasons why I'm waiting to buy any EV.

I wish the charge port on the front passenger side. That would still allow for easier curbside charging plus easier charging while towing since you can nose into position and not unhook or block stalls. The port placement for the R1 is excellent for charging while towing.

They really need to focus on capability and price for this vehicle, not a bunch of gadgetry, roof windows, and luxurious features. Basically an EV 4Runner SR5.

@martinsolis7409

2 ай бұрын

OMG!!! Yes! I do love love my very affordable (and practical) e-golf but it is so limited in its abilities and of course its range, I'm so very fortunate to have access to my dad's 98 4Runner that even as old as it, still goes anywhere. It would be so nice to have the practicality of such an amazing SUV, but as an EV.

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

I don't think anyone is in a hurry to make an SR5 4Runner EV, and if that "responsibility" fell to anyone I would probably say it's Toyota. -Travis

@jimsomerville3924

2 ай бұрын

@@AAutoBuyersGuide It's no one's responsibility. Rivian's only real niche is off-pavement capable EVs, but they are extremely expensive for an inherently limited platform (i.e. range and recharging in those geographies). A '24 4Runner SR5 4x4 has all the reasonable bells and whistles one could expect if they care about price, is quite capable off pavement, has 391 mi range, and is $44k. So if Rivian can offer similar level of features with 300+ miles range for under $50k then I think a lot of EV enthusiasts would be interested. If the real price for these winds up mid-50s to mid-70s, then not really sure who their expected market is, and there will be lots of competition. There are a lot of people complaining about overpriced pickups, Broncos, Jeeps, etc. Cater to that market with an EV alternative.

@huanronghu4432

2 ай бұрын

honestly, considering this year will most likely debut the 6th generation 2025 toyota 4runner, the price will most likely be pretty comparable to the R2 and will be a gas version of the r2 with the original roll down back window

@EUC-lid

2 ай бұрын

It's a unibody soft-roader. An Escape/Forester/CR-V/Rav-4/Model Y competitor. If they want to compete with the 4Runner they need to make a 2-row R1S.

Great video Alex! Love your in depth analysis on all the vehicles you test. I noticed you've lost a lot of weight lately. I hope everything is Ok??

great video.. best up close video yet!

Rivian is essentially taking design elements from Volvo in the way that the floor mats and the backs of the seats look and the material they're made out of. And that's a good thing.

Great video. Looks like a much nicer place to film than at the busy LA launch! Hoping they bring the R2 back to NY soon so I can check it out and I can't wait for them to be on the road.

tank you for yours always good reporting have you forget to mention the back window on the side pop out

Currently have a R2 reservation and can't wait for this to come out! Hopefully the staff there were listening to your comments and mention it to the higher ups. It would never happen, but I wished AA/CP will be come available (though it looks like there are a few after market companies that make them) and optional air suspension. I would pay the premium for that. The R2 is the perfect daily commuter/mild off roader imho. Hope to hear more info from you guys 😄

Looks good! I like it! I hope for a R2X as well! Definitely going to sell a lot of these in Europe.

With the rear seats folded, how long is the space between the closed tailgate and the back of the upright front seats? I'm coming from an Outback and I usually leave the rear bench flat to carry stuff and trying to visualize the difference is difficult! Great detailed review as always, my pre-order is in and I cannot wait to see test drive reviews!!

Great review! And fantastic vehicle.

No CarPlay so I won't even consider this car when I'm eventually in the market for an EV. The glass roof is another deal killer

Great overview. I’ve got a Model Y, would you say rear seating has more mid/leg room or the same as the Y?

the only things left on my wishlist is a HUD, 800V, and optional air suspension

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

That's not a small wish list, even if it's only a few items. -Travis

@cypvh74

2 ай бұрын

My only thing is CarPlay.

@MountainManGuy

2 ай бұрын

@@cypvh74 It will not have carplay

@EdwardsNH

2 ай бұрын

I’ll be getting one, but I would love for it to have steer by wire. But I know that will never happen

@openmind6969

2 ай бұрын

there must be a difference between R1 top of line vs R2 outside of size...

Really liked the silhouette of this car

I LOVE almost everything about the R2. It really hits on everything that I like, especially the interior design (I love the Nordic aesthetic), but I still can’t get used to the headlamps. I really wish they’d be just a little bit more traditional. Also, is the glass roof standard on all trims or do base versions come with a regular steel roof?

As with the R1 SUV, I really hate those electronically controlled air vents, and the reliance on the touch screen for even the simplest controls. Here's hoping future iterations will ditch that.

@paul5683

Ай бұрын

Running all the controls through the touch screen is a pain. There should be at least one alternate way of interacting with the controls, like mercedes gives you three, you can touch screen or use the center touch pad/knob or you can use the steering wheel controls. Bouncing along, trying to pick a spot on a smooth piece of glass is not ideal.

Super super excited for the R2. Have put my deposit for the reservation down, planning on having this as my first ev

The prototype looks very well built, finish looks great, panels line up properly and interior looks modern and comfortable.

I don't really care about driver or passenger side, but the charge port should be in the front for a vehicle that's designed to be an 'adventure' vehicle. You'll run into issues with charging from the rear with hitch-mounted accessories and even more so with a trailer that's being towed.

@EUC-lid

2 ай бұрын

It's a unibody soft-roader. I think most buyers will be fine.

I think the R2 is a winner! Good first look review Alex!

Glad you got to sit in it. How tall are you? I’m 6’2” and I hope to have plenty of room as well as the person sitting behind me. Great review!

How many watts in that back a/c outlet?

Kudos to Alex for keeping it together while those people walked all over his photo shoot. I'm not on board with the Rivan's exterior design. I like the interior though.

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

We were all sharing space, we're just happy to get a chance to see the R2 in person. -Travis

The Rivian folks should've stopped and learned all they could from Alex on this one.... 😎

Love it. Made a reservation already.

What is the storage capacity behind the middle seats? Or at least the dimensions of the trunk?

Love this. Hope it’s priced right and sells well.

I put down deposits for many EV but ended up with a Tesla 3 and Tacoma truck. Tesla's my wife and I'm waiting for the right truck/suv that is midsized. The cybertruck overpromised and underdelivered. I also had Canoo as well but they are going under. The R3 looks so cool like the 90s hatchbacks I have but the R2 is the sweet spot for me.

I have a kind of strange question. How tall are you? Just trying to get an understanding of just how short the vehicle his. Thanks for a great vid!

How do we estimate up to $90k? That’s well into the price range of the R1S?

How large will the battery be?

The only other company that promised : "hand off, eyes off" level of ADAS COMPETENCY was Volvo for the Ex90 which will have LIDAR (via luminar). Let's see what Rivian does with their hardware.

I wish the plug was up higher like on the R3, but otherwise I like it enough to have reserved one. I have an ID.4 now which is also a decent car in the same price range. The plug on the ID.4 is at waist level and it’s relatively easy to plug in without bending down. Most fast chargers cables are attached up high while level 2 cables are lower and longer. I don’t anticipate camping in the R2 and using the folding drivers seat, but I may use the folding passenger seat often having bulky toys in the car. I wish more manufacturers made the passenger seat fold flat

Like the looks, features and price. If it comes with DC fast charging that's at least 250-350kw (10~ minute charge to 80%) and gets 300+ miles of range, I think I'll be sold. Here's to looking forward to some driving reviews and to see what holds up on production models.

RJ and Frank, please provide some RWD trims at launch. I really cannot afford anything more than 45k and I am not waiting for R3. I am a 2021 & 2023 R1T quad owner through my parents (who have an EEAP vehicle as well). I am 23 year old college graduate that is currently employed by Rivian and living at home temporarily. My configuration will be RWD. I understand that the more expensive ones (Dual + Tri) need to be prioritized for profit reasons. But RWD will be easier/quicker to manufacture. Also a lot of the markets that you will be successful in (especially in the beginning) are warm/non snow states. Those regions will be configuring RWD more and if the goal is to get as many in the market as possible, then maybe RWD should also get some prioritization too.

Price should be 45 k to 75 k, so all within Credit and in clear tiering withing the offering.. what is not great with charging port, we had our EV charging location adapted for the R1T, and now we would need to change the layout if we want to avoid cable running around.

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

If there isn't a standardized charging location there's always going to be some level of difficulty in installing a "perfect charging" location at home. -Travis

@EUC-lid

2 ай бұрын

Just park backwards to how you do now. The R1 and R2 ports are on opposite corners.

@olivierhiers4224

2 ай бұрын

@@EUC-lid the way our driveway is set up would make it awkward, not to mention all other car but r2 would be parked the same way. No turning our cars around is not an option. It is not the end of the world, just inconvenient

@olivierhiers4224

2 ай бұрын

@@AAutoBuyersGuide fair point, I guess I would want Brand consistency,

Will they have a D2 trim with blue and silver accents?

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

I'm sure there will be a few of them out there but I don't see Rivian pursuing that licensing. -Travis

Love this car. I decided to join Rivian to work on its L2 autonomous driving after R2 release.

I'm looking forward to this and R3. The charge port should have been placed on the front right. This would allow for better compatibility with current Tesla Super Chargers and curb-side charging.

@EUC-lid

2 ай бұрын

Rivian has their own charging network. It would make zero sense for them to build a car to meet a competitor's network. NACS doesn't mean Tesla Supercharging. Probably half of all DCFCs will have NACS cables on them by the time this car launches.

Great initial look! I hope you are wrong though about the price for the tri-motor R2 as a quad motor R1S with Large pack is $92K. My hope is that the R2 tri-motor will be $65-70K.

I'm excited to see what Scout will offer. It's literally between the R2 and the Scout for which vehicle I buy.

I love it. Placed my reservation within minutes of the reveal. I’ve had 2 Model Y’s so I was looking for something different next time around and this checks all my boxes, especially with access to the Supercharger network.

The fold-flat seats appear to mean they lose all lateral bolstering. Not sure about you but I tend to TURN more often than I need to move lumber.

@xavier3098

2 ай бұрын

Fair point - I hadn’t thought of that. Though I’m willing to trade that for them going flat so I can camp inside :)

We wants the redhead! Uh I mean the R3 off road...

It would be cool if they removed the front middle console and made the front seat a complete bench style seat. You would get way more room. Since that floor is not connected its really calling for it. It would be a nice option to have.

The most important vehicle in Rivian's history is their EDV. Without AMZN financial support Rivian would not exist.

I wonder if there will be a vehicle to load feature like the Ionic etc...

I really hope they can make it. This is a great offering and I would love to get one.

I just want to know what is being carried over to the R1S

I think Rivian absolutely hit it out of the park with the R2 and R3/R3X--if they can just survive financially until 2026, they should be good for the duration. If I have one problem with the R2, it's that I do not see a place for a spare tire--there is a storage area under that rear cargo map, so hopefully there will be a workaround on this issue. I spend a lot time up on mountain roads, and for peace of mind, I'd really like to have a spare tire along just in case I am 10 miles away from anyone and I puncture a tire. Other than that one issue, I love the car and already put my $100 down to get in line.

I'm really looking forward to the R3 personally, both look like excellent offerings in the EV space.

Will the Fronk have a drain for ice and drinks like the r1?

I really hope this will come to Europe. I will trade in my Volvo XC40 EV for this for sure!

Im curious about how well this might actually do off road. Not a ton of room between the tire and wheel arch. Im skeptical about how much articulation this actually has. Maybe the wheel wells are much larger inside and there is a more travel than appears but I'm skeptical.

Alex, does it have a rear wiper on the trunk door?

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

It does not, not on this one. -Travis

I much prefer the charge port on the driver's side, since most charging is done at home, and that would also make it compatible with the Tesla layout. But your explanation for the passenger side is the first I've heard for that location. So I guess I'd like to see EV mfrs offer dual charge ports to serve any situation.

This is a home run Congrats Rivian

Can anyone confirm if this was easier to climb in and out of? I have a family member with a disability, and they have a hard time with the initial head room when entering the R1S.

I sure hope Rivian is working to beef up the production lines since they won't be able to make the R2 fast enough. With the base battery being projected to get over 300 miles of range, it's a no brainer.

It would be great if you compared this to something other than the model Y. What is it like compared to a CR-V or RAV4? Or is it bigger like a Passport? More ground clearance than a Jeep Wrangler?

that's it. I will switch our model Y with the R2. Can't wait until it comes up for sale.

@AAutoBuyersGuide

4 күн бұрын

It'll still be a bit of a wait. -Travis

If Rivian actually makes this in volume and a quality build, I'm def on board.

Wait…. No cup holders up front or in the doors?

I’m actually excited for R2. I find it very handsome, which I would never say about a Model X or Y. I just hope the timeline and pricing don’t get out of control. I wish they would offer a steel roof option. I hate the giant glass roof trend.

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

There are a lot more glass roofs these days. -Travis

No Spare tire compartment?

Rear wiper?

A '24 Santa Fe calligraphy hybrid in that bronze color vs the R2!!! Apples to lappels haha

Love it but... The rear hatch doesn't open up high enough for anyone over 5'4"

The dash gave me a BMW i3 vibe. 🥰

Looks good

Lucid also plans to release an SUV around the same size as the Model Y & R2 in 2026

I like the retro tailgate glass disappearing act, and it might even be kind of useful now and again. But the absence of a rear window wiper will be a constant annoyance anywhere that experiences actual weather. If this remains in the final design, Rivian will be repeating the same mistake Hyundai made with the Ioniq 5, and will probably be forced to fix it- like Hyundai has been forced to fix it - by adding a rear wiper. But without one, the R2 is not for me.

@RyanBarrier

2 ай бұрын

RainX is a wonderful thing.

2 years is a long time. With deliveries expected to be flat this year and I can also assume deliveries will be flat next year because a great deal of us will wait for the RS2 for one more year. Does Rivian have enough cash on hand to not be bankrupt? They really need to deliver this car by late 2025. More competition is coming from KiA and others which will only make it harder in 2026. I sure hope they can surprise us by delivering these cars in late 2025. I expect delivery for RS1 to also be flat next year.

I hope they have ventilated seats too

I think I'll wait for the D2

It is for sure the most important vehicle in Rivian history. I would love to buy one but 2 yrs before production? What does Rivian do before they can put this out? It's very concerning. If I was an investor, I'd be expecting another big dilution soon.

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

It's a relatively early announcement but it's not worlds away. -Travis

@jimsomerville3924

2 ай бұрын

They'll probably be out of business by the time this is supposed to come out, or shortly after. Especially if the price of this is jacked up.

It would be ideal if they moved the charging port front the rear to front passenger side. That way, you could still use Tesla chargers with less drama

US buyers don't care about the reason why the charge port is on the WRONG side. There is no justification as to why they put it there. Us charging infrastructure (besides Tesla) is crap. IF they wanted to make that justification AND the vehicle is able to charge on the Tesla network why the hell not put it on the FRONT passenger? This car is near perfect. The charge port location is a MAJOR flaw.

No cupholders?

@AAutoBuyersGuide

2 ай бұрын

There are cupholders, they pop forward out of the center console.-Travis

It’s a mistake not making all versions AWD. If ur an adventure brand, all models should be AWD (or 4wd). There r lots of options out there for non-adventure vehicles. Rivian should stick to where they are somewhat unique.

I loved everything until I saw the touch only control for most settings. Please don’t copy Tesla and do cost savings by making everything touch. Euro NCAP just stated that controls must be physical.

I’ll wait for the R3.