What Would Make You Dump Your R1 for an R2

[shamoo]

Long post, but I'll give my 2 cents.

The R1S and the R2 are completely different vehicles. Besides the size, the R1S is just "more" of everything the R2 isn't. More rugged, more adventure-y, faster, can tow more, etc. Ride height differences are staggering (9.8" on the R2 vs. up to 15" on the R1S). The competing market in the compact SUV constantly tout "...has 9.1 inches of ground clearance!!!" and "...has 9.4 inches of ground clearance!!". They're competing within <1.5" inches of clearance. The R1S has FIVE more.

I don't understand how someone would cross shop these two vehicles unless you are looking to downsize.

The one compelling point is that many of us earlier R1S owners now have a trade in value that is equal (or possibly more?) than that of a brand new R2. If this was essentially a "free trade" to get a new car, then it could be compelling. But you're getting a much smaller vehicle.

My buddy works at Rivian and I've had the R2 at my house a few times. It is VERY different and when you see the R1S next to it, it is shocking how much smaller it is.

Sponsored

 

[usulio]

I'd be willing to downsize. Smaller size and weight are generally appealing to me, although the storage in R1S is nice. I would have to sacrifice some off roading ability, but that's probably ok.

When I got the R1S (2023), there was no other EV SUV with reasonable 4WD and ground clearance ability. So I didn't pick it specifically because it's big.

My biggest question mark is battery pack size. My R1S has 131 kWh usable. Rivian and the EPA can say whatever they want, but going to 85 kWh (if that is indeed the largest) for a slightly smaller vehicle will be a huge downgrade.

 

[narmstrong79]

Long post, but I'll give my 2 cents.

The R1S and the R2 are completely different vehicles. Besides the size, the R1S is just "more" of everything the R2 isn't. More rugged, more adventure-y, faster, can tow more, etc. Ride height differences are staggering (9.8" on the R2 vs. up to 15" on the R1S). The competing market in the compact SUV constantly tout "...has 9.1 inches of ground clearance!!!" and "...has 9.4 inches of ground clearance!!". They're competing within <1.5" inches of clearance. The R1S has FIVE more.

I don't understand how someone would cross shop these two vehicles unless you are looking to downsize.

The one compelling point is that many of us earlier R1S owners now have a trade in value that is equal (or possibly more?) than that of a brand new R2. If this was essentially a "free trade" to get a new car, then it could be compelling. But you're getting a much smaller vehicle.

My buddy works at Rivian and I've had the R2 at my house a few times. It is VERY different and when you see the R1S next to it, it is shocking how much smaller it is.

I agree these are different beast. but you'd be shocked how many of the Rivian nerds like us (people who use forums and only follow other Rivian owners on twitter etc..), are cross-shopping or excited to get the newest thing Rivian offers. The R2 is need to win more of the non Rivian crowd (RAV4, Subaru, Bronco Sport, CRV potential buyers) and the anti-tesla crowd, than the vacuum we're in.

 

[usulio]

The R1S and the R2 are completely different vehicles. Besides the size, the R1S is just "more" of everything the R2 isn't. More rugged, more adventure-y, faster, can tow more, etc. Ride height differences are staggering (9.8" on the R2 vs. up to 15" on the R1S). The competing market in the compact SUV constantly tout "...has 9.1 inches of ground clearance!!!" and "...has 9.4 inches of ground clearance!!". They're competing within <1.5" inches of clearance. The R1S has FIVE more.

Counterpoints - if you are actually off-roading, the gap is smaller. R2 has a bit shorter wheelbase. With traditional suspension, it might be easier to put a 2-3" lift on the R2. Highest in R1 is only for specific scenarios, High is just over 13", so that already equalizes things.

This really depends on if you can put a lift and bigger tires on R2, which are both basically impossible on R1.

 

[Matchbox]

Only if they made an R2T.

 

[ENVErider]

I will need to drive the R2 to know if it will get me out of my R1T. I put in my reservation because I loved the idea of the rear window feature with my dogs looking out the back window; the interiors, form factor, and overall styling are sufficiently close to my R1T. I don't care much about autonomy, at least until we're talking Level 4, BUT I'm not convinced I'm ready to give up my AIR SUSPENSION, which turns my tight-handling R1T into a very capable off-roader and truck that self-levels when camping.

 

[Just Passing By]

The part I found interesting in the review yesterday was the horse power at 650 is about the same as the R1S G2 performance but the torque is quite a bit lower at 609 compared to 859. This was putting the zero to 60 times for those 2 vehicles the same around 3.6 seconds even though the R2 is 2k lbs lighter.

The 609 torque is closer to the R1S dual motor not the performance. Makes me wonder if the R2 test vehicles did not have the performance package enabled. I guess it could also just be the new R2 motors or the smaller battery pack might make that much difference in top torque output.

I guess we will find out on 3/12. 3.6 seconds to 60mph is no slouch but I would expect a dual motor performance that is so much lighter to be a bit quicker.

It could be that they are choosing to limit torque for motor/drive train reliability and longevity, at least for now. Especially if they want to continue to offer 8 years or 120,000/150,000 mile warranties as a selling point versus competition.

 

[cjust2006]

A truck version. I'd miss height adjustable/leveling suspension, but mine is so noisy I just might not care.

 

[jprev]

If someone came out with a mid-sized EV truck that could tow the same as a R1T, but had regular spring suspension and a bigger battery that charged quicker, I'd seriously think about trading in my current truck. I'm a day to day truck guy, meaning I haul stuff and I tow stuff. I'd don't offroad or 'adventure', because there aren't a lot of opportunities for that where I live.

So, a truck with 200 miles of towing range and faster charging, with a non-bespoke suspension that does OK in snow would get my vote, and my dollars. I bought the R1T because it was the sole mid-sized EV truck available at the time. I don't need huge horsepower numbers or fancy gizmos - what I really want is the EV equivalent of a Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado.

I'm thinking an R2 truck would be exactly the right size for me.

 

[shamoo]

The R2 is need to win more of the non Rivian crowd (RAV4, Subaru, Bronco Sport, CRV potential buyers) and the anti-tesla crowd, than the vacuum we're in.

I can certainly agree with this. I do hope Rivian succeeds and can get some of that market share.

Counterpoints - if you are actually off-roading, the gap is smaller. R2 has a bit shorter wheelbase. With traditional suspension, it might be easier to put a 2-3" lift on the R2. Highest in R1 is only for specific scenarios, High is just over 13", so that already equalizes things.

This really depends on if you can put a lift and bigger tires on R2, which are both basically impossible on R1.

I was mainly speaking stock vs. stock. The R2 has significantly less ground clearance and comes with mediocre tires. You can toss more aggressive tires on it, but your articulation/ground clearance would need to change. That's a much more involved modification that most people wouldn't do. But yes, you could do that and the downside is you'd risk negatively impacting your normal on-road dynamics and performance. For example if you significantly alter the suspension of a Wrangler (very common), no matter what owners say, the on road performance suffers.

It is compelling though. Assuming you don't need the larger size, the cheaper price point will allow extra funds for "fun" modifications.

 

[Deb G]

trading the R1T for the R2 when there is lidar, no longer need a truck that can tow. Coming up 4 years of ownership so time to get the best trade in value. Down sizing.

 

[1pinhigh]

The end of the warranty is a little scary to me. I've had a couple of fender benders that have been outrageously expensive to repair, though I doubt that will change with the R2. The warranty is the primary motivator for reserving an R2.

 

[Count Orlok]

The Count's R1S is now 38 months old. The R2 might be a fun change. As you all know, The Count loves his fun.

 

[Ilovejunebugs]

Not looking to replace my R1T but add to our company fleet of vehicles. Not as our service trucks but for the tech's when they are doing local work and/or making airport runs. EV's make the most sense as the maintenance is minimal.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

A 6'+ bed and Forest Edge interior.

Sponsored