Finished R2 demo test drive? Share your review / impressions

[rbdavis808]

For those that have done a test drive, here's a stupid question: what time of day are they loading the daily slots? I've checked several dozen times and I've yet to get it to show me anything other than "check back soon".

While visiting south-central PA a couple weeks ago I had no luck booking a slot at any of Glen Burnie, Gaithersburg or King of Prussia. When I called Glen Burnie the guy told me that each particular slot opened exactly 24 hours in advance, e.g., the 1pm Thursday slot would be made available for booking on the website at exactly 1pm on Wednesday, etc., so I should check back throughout the day. I never had any luck finding an opening at any of those three locations, and eventually just drove to KoP to see the car in the showroom, where a very nice lady allowed me an unscheduled 15-minute drive.

At that time there always seemed to be slots available in NYC (both Manhattan and Brooklyn), but that locale didn't strike me as particularly useful for a 30-minute test, besides being 3+ hours' drive away from where I was visiting.

After returning home to Honolulu ten days ago slots seemed to be routinely available a couple of days in advance, meaning that, if nothing else, each site apparently has their own unique booking methodology (or their own uniquely misinformed staff). Nowadays slots here seem widely available, here's tomorrow's schedule (as of 5:30pm today):

Good luck, and if nothing else turns up come on over here!

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[gecko10x]

While visiting south-central PA a couple weeks ago I had no luck booking a slot at any of Glen Burnie, Gaithersburg or King of Prussia. When I called Glen Burnie the guy told me that each particular slot opened exactly 24 hours in advance, e.g., the 1pm Thursday slot would be made available for booking on the website at exactly 1pm on Wednesday, etc., so I should check back throughout the day. I never had any luck finding an opening at any of those three locations, and eventually just drove to KoP to see the car in the showroom, where a very nice lady allowed me an unscheduled 15-minute drive.

At that time there always seemed to be slots available in NYC (both Manhattan and Brooklyn), but that locale didn't strike me as particularly useful for a 30-minute test, besides being 3+ hours' drive away from where I was visiting.

After returning home to Honolulu ten days ago slots seemed to be routinely available a couple of days in advance, meaning that, if nothing else, each site apparently has their own unique booking methodology (or their own uniquely misinformed staff). Nowadays slots here seem widely available, here's tomorrow's schedule (as of 5:30pm today):

Good luck, and if nothing else turns up come on over here!

Thanks for the info!

 

[LevelHeaded]

I'm not about to sift through 39 pages of replies, to see if my review falls on the majority or minority of the opinions, but here goes.


Early adopter R1T owner, Day 1 R2 reservation holder, 2 min after launch, invitation to configure was received on 6/16, did my demo drive on 6/18.

As it stands right now, I guess I have three options: Configure and take delivery, cancel my reservation, or sit on it a while and see how things go. I'm leaning toward the third and here's why:

The R2 is a cool vehicle. It builds off of what Rivian started with the R1 vehicles, but in a package that's available to the masses. That said, maybe I was expecting a scaled down R1 and that is not at all what it is.

It's too small for my liking. I think the most obvious size change is the height. It sits low, and standing next to it for some reason made it feel very not-SUV-like. It's probably the exact right size for most people, but again, coming from an R1, it's more of a change than I was expecting.

The materials are appropriate for the $50k price point, but not anything special. The R1 by comparison feels like a luxury vehicle. A lot of this is the result of the manufacturing simplicity needed to reach the target price. Trim and pieces seem to be larger and molded together. The quality of the plastics is average. I hate hate hate the recycled material on the dash used as trim. In a test unit with about 1100 miles on it, there were already more creaks and rattles than there should have been. I assume this was a production unit, not a pre-pro demo.

The sound system is below average. I've never been in the camp of "give me CarPlay or give me death" that seems prevalent on these forums, but that's because I felt like the native UI, with Apple Music and Dolby Atmos in my Gen1 R1T was actually pretty good, just not great. I did not get a chance to fiddle with the equalizer too much, but the sound quality was lacking. Even with the correct source and a song I knew should put spatial audio to the test, it sounds pretty flat and hollow.

The ride is ok. You will definitely know you aren't on an air suspension, for better or worse. My R1T has had some air suspension issues, so I was optimistic the more traditional setup on the R2 would be a welcome change. Over rougher Dallas city streets, it felt a little unsettled. The reviews seem to indicate the suspension in the R2 over performs when pushed, so I didn't get a chance to experience that.

I don't hate the color palate, but it seems like a miss that Rivian isn't offering a darkout package on the R2. I get that not everyone wants the black trim, black wheels look, but I think that may tone down the cartoonish look that some people dislike about Rivian.

Some good things - I actually thought the halo rings were easy and intuitive. The roll down back glass is one of my favorite features (although I feel like the rocker switches to control them operate the opposite of what you would expect). The frunk has a lot of good usable space, something a lot of competitors don't necessarily lean into.

I think it's a good start for the entry into Rivian ownership for most people. The problem is, I entered Rivian ownership with what I feel like was a better product. For someone who was comfortable paying $80-100k for a vehicle, I think you'll absolutely feel like you're downgrading to the R2.

Maybe future variants will bridge the gap between the current upper end of the R2 trims and where R1 begins. I think a tri-motor possibly with an upgraded Ascend interior once LiDAR models roll out would feel more palatable. Either that, or maybe another refresh of the R1 into gen 3 where they incorporate things like the roll down window or the halo buttons and improved UI into the range would keep the R1 fresh and keep people paying a premium for it.

I went in expecting to love it, so maybe those expectations were too high. I think it's a great vehicle for many, most maybe, but too much of a downgrade for some. Where the R1S really did compete with the luxury brands in the same space, the R2 competes with Tesla, and while that's a good space for the company to be, I would never consider a Model Y and even if the R2 bests it in every measure, that's not really an accomplishment I care about.

All good points.

I’m assuming you weren’t following the 2 years of steady info coming out about the R2 after placing your reservation though, because this was all known… a mass-market Model Y competitor with more of a Subaru-level of off road ability is exactly what the R2 was always supposed to be…

 

[hans13]

I did my demo drive in Chicago over the weekend and thought the R2 was great overall but noticed two things.

1. The part of the seats where my shoulder blades hit seems almost over cushioned or is angled weird as I felt like I was being angled forward a bit more than I'd expect. I think other people have mentioned the seat can feel a bit odd there.

2. There seemed to be a delay from when I'd release a window switch to the window actually stopping movement. Like half a second or so. Never experience that before and it was a bit odd.

Overall though I really enjoyed the demo drive. Will be a tough decision when my order opportunity comes in Sep/Oct.

 

[rvnxyz001]

with more of a Subaru-level of off road ability is exactly what the R2 was always supposed to be…

Subaru-like off-road, maybe, but not on-road. The R2 is two-wheel drive, predominantly on-road (deal breaker for current subaru owners ), it's more like some Toyota AWD products.

 

[LevelHeaded]

Subaru-like off-road, maybe, but not on-road. The R2 is two-wheel drive, predominantly on-road (deal breaker for current subaru owners ), it's more like some Toyota AWD products.

Same with Audi Quattro these days. A vast majority of AWD (in ICE form) and multi-motor (in EV form) are 2WD until slippage is detected.

That’s not really here nor there though, given PT4WD vehicles are still the overall most off-road capable though, and they’re literally 2WD-only on dry roads…

 

[rvnxyz001]

Same with Audi Quattro these days. A vast majority of AWD (in ICE form) and multi-motor (in EV form) are 2WD until slippage is detected.

Exactly, and that’s my point.
Most AWD has moved this way now: save energy first, then bring the second axle in when the computer thinks it needs it. That may work fine, but it is not the same philosophy Subaru has been selling forever.
Rivian’s normal mode is range-first. One-axle driving, strong regen, minimum losses. That is probably a big part of how they get the 330-mile EPA number.
Subaru’s setup is AWD-first. It pays the range penalty because AWD is part of the normal driving behavior, not just something waiting in the background.
So yes, the R2 may be very capable off-road. But on-road, for people who actually like the Subaru AWD feel, it is a totally different approach.

I’d love to see R2 range tested in Snow Mode with AWD more engaged and regen toned down. My guess is it would look a lot less magical and a lot closer to Subaru efficiency.

 

[LevelHeaded]

Exactly, and that’s my point.
Most AWD has moved this way now: save energy first, then bring the second axle in when the computer thinks it needs it. That may work fine, but it is not the same philosophy Subaru has been selling forever.
Rivian’s normal mode is range-first. One-axle driving, strong regen, minimum losses. That is probably a big part of how they get the 330-mile EPA number.
Subaru’s setup is AWD-first. It pays the range penalty because AWD is part of the normal driving behavior, not just something waiting in the background.
So yes, the R2 may be very capable off-road. But on-road, for people who actually like the Subaru AWD feel, it is a totally different approach.

I’d love to see R2 range tested in Snow Mode with AWD more engaged and regen toned down. My guess is it would look a lot less magical and a lot closer to Subaru efficiency.

Hmm, to be clear, my comment was saying the target of the R2 was to be a Model Y competitor with approximately the off-road capability of a Subaru ICEV.

Re: on-road (ie zero-slippage) AWD behavior, nearly all EV systems, even if they're PM on both axles with no mechanical disconnects, require slippage to deliver meaningful torque to the non-primary axle, at least in the normal drive modes. Subaru's (aka Toyota's) EVs don't have disconnects, but I'd be surprised if in 0 slippage situations they are delivering the same (or close) torque from both motors in the standard drive mode.

There is a meaningful gap between

• a balanced propulsive split (say 50/50 or 60/40) where both motors are doing real work, both burning copper losses proportional to their load, and
• a strategy where one motor carries essentially all the tractive torque and the other is commanded to ~zero q-axis current, contributing negligible propulsion and costing only its spin/core losses (plus a bit of field-weakening at speed).

The second one is functionally a "software 1WD" cruise mode, and it's exactly how a dual-PM, no-clutch EV recovers most of the efficiency that a Tesla gets from an induction freewheel or that a clutch car gets from mechanical disconnect

That being said, slippage-based EV systems react a lot quicker than ICE AWD, so it's not really an issue. And again, when you're actually off-road and have an off-road drive mode engaged, usually torque is continuously delivered to both axles. Including in the R2.

 

[rvnxyz001]

That being said, slippage-based EV systems react a lot quicker than ICE AWD, so it's not really an issue.

Yeah, pretty much.
R2 AWD in normal mode is only as good as Rivian’s software team and how they implemented AWD calibration... (vibe coding certainly helps )The hardware is there, but software decides when the front motor wakes up, how early, and how much torque it gets.

And yes, Toyota/Subaru EVs can apparently do a similar trick in Eco mode: run mostly on one motor, then bring the second one in when slip or traction demand it (saw this explanation in one of the Toyotausa video, can't find it now)

But baseline still matters I believe. R2 normal mode starts from range-first/RWD cruise. Subaru/Toyota seem to start from a more AWD-biased baseline unless you put them in Eco.

 

[Big Kidd]

I did my demo drive in Chicago over the weekend and thought the R2 was great overall but noticed two things.

1. The part of the seats where my shoulder blades hit seems almost over cushioned or is angled weird as I felt like I was being angled forward a bit more than I'd expect. I think other people have mentioned the seat can feel a bit odd there.

I experienced the same thing. Glad you pointed this out. I also demo drove a R1S and the seats felt great.

 

[rogersmj]

I just finished my R2 drive (Performance with 20" wheels) and I'm impressed. Felt solid, composed, well-put-together.

I'm also kind of annoyed...at how much better it is than my 2025 R1S in almost every way (other than seating capacity). The number one thing is the suspension's on-road composure...it is so much better than the R1S, so much quieter, "tighter" feeling, regardless of drive setting. Sport mode in the R1S is as close as it gets, but it's still a bit unsettled and "loose" feeling in how it handles certain bumps compared to the R2.

Other things the R2 is better at...the interior storage is improved (not only the two glove boxes, but the door storage and center armrest storage seemed a little better); the main screen felt more responsive when flipping between apps/pages; the door handles, while still electronic, felt much better, and the doors didn't feel like junk when you closed them.

Seats were maybe a very slight downgrade (agreed with it feeling slightly odd around the shoulders) but I only drove it for 20 minutes.

At the end, I got back my R1S -- after pulling on the disgusting-feeling door handle and shutting the rattly door -- and drove home further disappointed in how the R1S rides on-road. I knew it wasn't great at that when I bought it, but over time, it's just grated at me more and more -- like a really small pebble in your shoe. At first, "oh it's not that bad" but then after awhile it's all you can feel.

The R2 is going to sell like hotcakes. It's the right product, done (by all appearances) right.

I can't justify ditching our paid-for (and problem-free) Model Y Performance for an R2 right now, but I desperately wish for an R1S-sized vehicle with the R2's simpler suspension and better build quality.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Just did my second test drive and oh boy, Rivian needs to figure out customer service in some areas.

My first test drive was in the Orlando SC and it was excellent. My second one was today in the Alpharetta showroom and it was pretty terrible. I had an appointment booked for 2:30 p.m., showed up 15 minutes early, am told I was lucky they didn't cancel my appointment and threw me in the car and told me to follow a specific 5 minute route and to come back soon as they had back to back appointments.

If you were wondering how me showing up early to my appointment meant I had less time with the vehicle, then you are correct, this makes no sense. I was so irritated that I did the 10 minute drive and came back asking what the heck happened. Instead of explaining like a normal person, I got some nonsense about how they only have one R2 (they had two outside...I can count) and how they were really busy. I was the ONLY person there. It is 2 p.m. on a Tuesday. I specifically chose this time to spend more time with the vehicle. She then asked me, and I quote "What do you want me to do?"

I left. We all knew Rivian was going to have some pains going mass market, but if this is what the future of company looks like when they are "busy", then this is the closest I've felt inclined to look elsewhere. R2 demo was there when I got there, was still waiting there when I left. And yet we are still rushing people? Not a good look.

Everything about the car was fine but left a really sour taste in my mouth. Had this been my first experience with Rivian, I'd be out.

 

[Mos Eisley]

Just did my second test drive and oh boy, Rivian needs to figure out customer service in some areas.

My first test drive was in the Orlando SC and it was excellent. My second one was today in the Alpharetta showroom and it was pretty terrible. I had an appointment booked for 2:30 p.m., showed up 15 minutes early, am told I was lucky they didn't cancel my appointment and threw me in the car and told me to follow a specific 5 minute route and to come back soon as they had back to back appointments.

If you were wondering how me showing up early to my appointment meant I had less time with the vehicle, then you are correct, this makes no sense. I was so irritated that I did the 10 minute drive and came back asking what the heck happened. Instead of explaining like a normal person, I got some nonsense about how they only have one R2 (they had two outside...I can count) and how they were really busy. I was the ONLY person there. It is 2 p.m. on a Tuesday. I specifically chose this time to spend more time with the vehicle. She then asked me, and I quote "What do you want me to do?"

I left. We all knew Rivian was going to have some pains going mass market, but if this is what the future of company looks like when they are "busy", then this is the closest I've felt inclined to look elsewhere. R2 demo was there when I got there, was still waiting there when I left. And yet we are still rushing people? Not a good look.

Everything about the car was fine but left a really sour taste in my mouth. Had this been my first experience with Rivian, I'd be out.

Reach out Rivian directly and let them know.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Reach out Rivian directly and let them know.

I am. Thought about leaving a Google review as well but would prefer Rivian handled directly and hopefully resolve the issue with this employee.

The weirder part is that I've talked to this employee several times before (I've spend a lot of time in the showrooms and bring people interested there) so to deliberately sabotage a prior customer and brand ambassador is a really stupid move.

I'm still recommending Rivian to anyone who is interested but am now adding the caveat to stay away from the Alpharetta location. Yikes. I'm still in shock.

 

[Dark-Fx]

If you were wondering how me showing up early to my appointment meant I had less time with the vehicle, then you are correct, this makes no sense. I was so irritated that I did the 10 minute drive and came back asking what the heck happened. Instead of explaining like a normal person, I got some nonsense about how they only have one R2 (they had two outside...I can count) and how they were really busy.

My car was sitting outside near where they sometimes do demos at my SC when I picked it up from service today. They also do deliveries in the same area as the demo. The presence of an R2 does not mean it's a demo unit.

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