R2 Test Drive - First Impressions

[Rade]

I took my R1T into the Canton SC today for routine service (preparing for a series of road trips over the next several months). While there, Jack Tighe (Rivian Field Sales Advisor, and really nice guy) offered to let me test one of the demo R2's they had on the lot. I have to say, the Catalina Cove was a STUNNER, and I got to take it out for a quick spin. Solid, quiet, peppy. A little tighter behind the wheel (versus the cavernous R1T), but acceptable. I really liked it a lot! They also had a black R2, but it just...reminded me too much of my Dad's old, bland Ford... blah.

I am definitely going to consider the upgrade when the 2nd Gen R2 (with LiDAR) is available. YES, I want the LiDAR. I ain't getting any younger.

Profile shot of the R2...

Kudos to the Canton SC team; the R1T was done and charged in short order! They even plugged it into the Rivian DCFC!

Rade

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[defcon888]

My wife and I have done a test drive and love it. I was also able to sign up for another demo drive and I am taking my brothjer-in-law (we both own R1Ts). He may trade in the R1T as we probably will as well for the R2.

We have hte Riviaibn Blue (see my profile picture), and we are liking the Esker silver.

 

[TechDad]

When I first saw this image I was like "OMG! Did someone already sideswipe this person's new R2?!?!" Then I quickly realized it was the reflection from the parking line, LOL!

 

[Rade]

When I first saw this image I was like "OMG! Did someone already sideswipe this person's new R2?!?!"

The sales advisor said that DID happen to an R2 that out for a test drive a week or so ago. Got side-swiped.

 

[iamnid]

There's already a test drive first impressions thread with about 10+ pages -- maybe the moderators can merge these two threads?

 

[Rade]

In a few weeks, we're going to schedule another R2 test drive. I kind of hurried myself through the one I took last week. It was nice; vehicle had some nice pep to it. My issue is the drivers seat position.

I got to contemplate that a lot since the test drive. Been using my R1T for a LOT of moderate distance driving. Get on the road, turn on UHF and sit back. I have issues with my knees; left knee in particular, and I love with the R1T that during those times on the road, with the seat set as I have it, I can fully extend my left knee to a comfortable position. Comfortable enough that I don't feel hobbled when I get out of the vehicle.

I tied to get the seat situation in the R2; sorta made it / not quite as much as the R1T, but because it was in demo mode, as soon as I put the R2 into drive, the seats reset to whatever the default was. Though I futzed with the switches, It just felt tight, reminded me of my old Nissans, both the Frontier and Rogue.

I watched the Travis Ketcham R2 "day of delivery" video when he first connected to the new vehicle before taking delivery and his seat went full forward. It got me to thinking about my experience and what aspects I really appreciate about my R1T.

More to consider.

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