Thoughts from people who have seen the R2 in person.

[tbirdnyc]

I checked out the R2 this past weekend, and honestly, it didn’t impress me as much as I expected. I’m currently on the waiting list and had been pretty convinced it would be my next car, but now I’m not so sure.

I was hoping it would feel like a smaller version of the R1, but to me it seemed to fall short in build quality. Maybe having the R1 on display nearby didn’t do it any favors—or maybe that was intentional, to nudge people toward spending more on the R1.

On the plus side, the R2 felt very spacious, especially in the back seat. Still, overall, it came across as more than just a scaled-down version, it felt like there was noticeable cost-cutting in several areas.

For those of you who’ve seen it, am I being too critical? Were my expectations too high?

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[CharonPDX]

Yeah, it isn't "smaller R1S", it's "cheaper Rivian that happens to be smaller as part of the effort to make it cheaper."

Its primary design goal is to "be a sub-$45,000 vehicle." R1S at its absolute cheapest it has ever been listed is a $70,000+ vehicle. Even the cancelled R1 "Explore" lowest-end trim was still going to be a $70,000 vehicle, before the price increase.

 

[sparked]

I was hoping it would feel like a smaller version of the R1, but to me it seemed to fall short in build quality.

You may want to elaborate which aspects you didn't like as that's pretty vague.

To me, it seems like an improvement in interior quality over the equivalent EVs like the Model Y. Not sure yet how it stacks up against the BMW iX3 for interior, but R2 likely has the edge on tech and UI. So tradeoffs with some of the EV competition.

 

[SANZC02]

I checked out the R2 this past weekend, and honestly, it didn’t impress me as much as I expected. I’m currently on the waiting list and had been pretty convinced it would be my next car, but now I’m not so sure.

I was hoping it would feel like a smaller version of the R1, but to me it seemed to fall short in build quality. Maybe having the R1 on display nearby didn’t do it any favors—or maybe that was intentional, to nudge people toward spending more on the R1.

On the plus side, the R2 felt very spacious, especially in the back seat. Still, overall, it came across as more than just a scaled-down version, it felt like there was noticeable cost-cutting in several areas.

For those of you who’ve seen it, am I being too critical? Were my expectations too high?

My take was different. I saw the prototype in Pasadena and when I saw the production models in Santa Monica I thought they did a good job keeping it close to the prototypes. The R2 interior is close to my R1S and still better than the interior in my Model S even at the lower price.

I think it matches up with other vehicles in that price range and will getting one when they call my number.

 

[kanundrum]

And a R1S owner(almost 4 years) and someone who has ridden in a R2 several times it's definitely a baby R1S but a budget

 

[rklopp]

I had a ride in an R2 last week. I thought the suspension felt "tighter" and quieter compared to the pneumatic suspension on my '24 Gen 1 R1T. I thought the R2 body fit and finish was better than on my R1T, too, especially at the front corners of the hood. The R2 had plenty of acceleration.

 

[tate16t]

but R2 likely has the edge on tech and UI.

I haven’t seen either in person but do you think so?

 

[rfkxyz]

I was hoping it would feel like a smaller version of the R1, but to me it seemed to fall short in build quality. Maybe having the R1 on display nearby didn’t do it any favors—or maybe that was intentional, to nudge people toward spending more on the R1.

On the plus side, the R2 felt very spacious, especially in the back seat. Still, overall, it came across as more than just a scaled-down version, it felt like there was noticeable cost-cutting in several areas.

Not surprising - compare XC60 to XC90 and I think you’d feel the same way.

 

[strykerwsu]

Amazing to me for the price, looks great with perfect features for mass market. I expect everyone to be complaining in 2 years when it sells like Model Y’s and we are no longer special.

 

[Jeremy3292]

Shouldn’t be concerned about fit and finish yet as they made it clear these were still pre-production vehicles basically.

Comparing an R1 to an R2 is like comparing a Toyota to a Lexus. Two very different price points. About ~$30k difference almost for the same trim/model on each.

Remember, Tesla used to be thought of as a luxury brand bc all they sold were $100k cars. Then the 3/Y came and now they’re mainstream. Will be Rivian in 5 years or so too with the R2/R3.

 

[NaeemTHM]

I went to the Long Island Block Party. Maybe the bar is too low for me, but I was just looking for a stylish and spacious EV for my family and I sincerely believe Rivian delivered in spades.

I’m coming from a 2022 EV6 that I paid $55K for and the R2 feels like a substantial step up from that. The performance and space alone has me more than excited to finally move on from KIA.

I honestly agree that you could immediately tell the difference between the R1S and R2 on display, but it actually made me even more convinced that the R2 was right for my family. Aside from the incredible interior and extra seats, the R2 nails 90% of what we’re looking for…especially at that price point.

Also, people are rightfully saying the iX3 and EX60 are nice alternatives, but neither one is going to have the level of autonomy or horsepower the launch R2 has at sub-$60,000. I think Rivian has a real winner on their hands.

 

[Great Gatsby]

I checked out the R2 this past weekend, and honestly, it didn’t impress me as much as I expected. I’m currently on the waiting list and had been pretty convinced it would be my next car, but now I’m not so sure.

I was hoping it would feel like a smaller version of the R1, but to me it seemed to fall short in build quality. Maybe having the R1 on display nearby didn’t do it any favors—or maybe that was intentional, to nudge people toward spending more on the R1.

On the plus side, the R2 felt very spacious, especially in the back seat. Still, overall, it came across as more than just a scaled-down version, it felt like there was noticeable cost-cutting in several areas.

For those of you who’ve seen it, am I being too critical? Were my expectations too high?

Expectations were likely high. At the end of the day, it is still a sub $60k vehicle. Even luxury brands with entries in this space feel a lot cheaper than their more expensive counterparts.

If it helps, I'd reconfigure how you think of the R2.

I'd see it as a rugged vehicle with durable materials that you and your family can abuse and use without having to baby it too much. It is meant to be driven and take out on a dirt road or when its snowing. Durable, less complex and easy to clean. It would likely do the A-B thing well with cool tech and be super fast while doing it. And with a ton of space. While nicer than mainstream vehicles, I would just not consider it a luxury car and honestly it might be for the better of it. My two cents.

If you did want a more luxury oriented and well established brand, as others have said, the Volvo EX60 and BMW iX3 will be far better options and not too far off on price.

 

[HokieBird7980]

I saw the R2 in Chicago downtown showroom. To me it was quite a bit smaller than I thought it would be and the interior trim not as plush as my two first gen R1Ts. That being said, my 6'7" son fit in both the front and back seats with ease and had plenty of room. The other disappointment was that they only had the Gray R2 on display and I don't think it accents the R2 as well as the brighter colors do. I have a R1T in ElCap gray with stealth PPF and it looks just like that color, but i don't want that color any longer as it really gets dirty quick.

I'm on the fence now as to whether i want to trade in my 2024 R1T Quad for the R2. On one hand i'd like to have the latest tech and all the stuff that goes with the Performance launch edition. On the other hand, i have to determine what the trade offs are in regards to the utility of the R1T, the off road capability, camp mode, suspension flexibility vs the ability to fit in the garage better and from what those who drove it so far say, a better driving vehicle. Most likely will trade in the 2024 R1T for the R2, try it for some time and then if i don't like it go back to Gen2 R1T (or perhaps Gen3 if it comes in next couple of years).

 

[SHRED]

I had a ride in an R2 last week. I thought the suspension felt "tighter" and quieter compared to the pneumatic suspension on my '24 Gen 1 R1T. I thought the R2 body fit and finish was better than on my R1T, too, especially at the front corners of the hood. The R2 had plenty of acceleration.

Did you ride in the Launch Edition I assume?

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