Tested! R2 vs. our favorite EV SUVs: Model Y, Ioniq 5, Mach-E --by MotorTrend

[savethemanual]

I used to love Motor Trend and Car and Driver; it makes me sad they offer almost no value and largely irrelevant. Yes, the R2 and Model Y are competitive; each offering their own advantages, but today I need to watch YouTube videos.

Not sure when the traditional guys will just close up shop...

They're on YouTube too!
https://www.youtube.com/@caranddriver/videos
https://www.youtube.com/@MotorTrendWatch/videos

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[iamnid]

I agree the ionic's frunk is laughably small but I'd rather have that than nothing. You can at least fit adapters or maybe a wall connector in there.

 

[computertom]

Now this is a frunk:

 

[Husky]

Yeah? Which one I wonder...

	2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Specifications	2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD Specifications	2027 Rivian R2 Performance AWD Specifications	2026 Tesla Model Y Performance Specifications
BASE PRICE	$56,735	$50,625	$59,485	$59,380
PRICE AS TESTED	$65,635	$51,865	$61,485	$59,380

I was a but surprised that the R2 LE was cheaper than two of the others. I would say Rivian did a good job on the pricing. It's a lot of value in this market.

 

[savethemanual]

I was a but surprised that the R2 LE was cheaper than two of the others. I would say Rivian did a good job on the pricing. It's a lot of value in this market.

According to that chart, the R2 is less expensive as tested than only one other, not two.

 

[r2fb]

R2 only has less cargo volume than the Y on paper, only holding true if you were to load it up with candy bars or golf balls. Many reviewers find that when you load it up with real world items like carry on bags, the R2 takes more than the Tesla due to the roof being upright vs sloped down.

they definitely got the complaining about glass roofs without shades right tho. I don't want a shitty fiddly shade, i want a proper motorized or electrochromic one. A corolla cross can have that why not these cars

 

[Husky]

Oops. You're right, although my soon to arrive Esker Silver R2 will be a tad less than the MY.

 

[windshieldfarmer]

Before purchasing the R2 I briefly cross shopped the Mach E GT. Range and charging speeds were concerning however. The attraction; the availability of used 2025 GT’s with less than 7,500 miles for around $40,000. At my point in life the savings did not drive my decision though a few years ago I suspect I would have selected the Mach E….for the comparable value.

 

[r2fb]

R2 only has less cargo volume than the Y on paper, many reviewers find that when you load it up with real world items like carry on bags, the R2 takes more than the Tesla due to the roof being upright vs sloped down

Before purchasing the R2 I briefly cross shopped the Mach E GT. Range and charging speeds were concerning however. The attraction; the availability of used 2025 GT’s with less than 7,500 miles for around $40,000. At my point in life the savings did not drive my decision though a few years ago I suspect I would have selected the Mach E….for the comparable value.

I did the same calculus and also with blazer ev ss. Mach e lost because the gt only has black interior and SS infotainment seems to be a mess. Also they're not "cool" brands and have the cool looks as the R2

 

[Husky]

R2 only has less cargo volume than the Y on paper, many reviewers find that when you load it up with real world items like carry on bags, the R2 takes more than the Tesla due to the roof being upright vs sloped down

I did the same calculus and also with blazer ev ss. Mach e lost because the gt only has black interior and SS infotainment seems to be a mess. Also they're not "cool" brands and have the cool looks as the R2

Yes, the large, boxy shape of the cargo area was attractive to me.

 

[mkhuffman]

R2 only has less cargo volume than the Y on paper, many reviewers find that when you load it up with real world items like carry on bags, the R2 takes more than the Tesla due to the roof being upright vs sloped down

I did the same calculus and also with blazer ev ss. Mach e lost because the gt only has black interior and SS infotainment seems to be a mess. Also they're not "cool" brands and have the cool looks as the R2

I owned a Mach-e GT for three years and I loved it. Except for range and charging.

The infotainment system was one of my favorite features. It integrates Android Auto into the powertrain, so you can plan trips and see estimated SoC at arrival in Google Maps. So great. Android Auto Google Maps even sets off preconditioning in the MME.

I am not trying to talk you out of a R2. I just loved my MME. It is a great car if range and DCFC speed isn't a concern.

 

[r2fb]

I owned a Mach-e GT for three years and I loved it. Except for range and charging.

The infotainment system was one of my favorite features. It integrates Android Auto into the powertrain, so you can plan trips and see estimated SoC at arrival in Google Maps. So great. Android Auto Google Maps even sets off preconditioning in the MME.

I am not trying to talk you out of a R2. I just loved my MME. It is a great car if range and DCFC speed isn't a concern.

I like the mach e, if the gt interior was available with a light color I might seriously have bought a used one

 

[bobc]

I just clicked on the pictures and LOL'd. The Mustang showing off it's CCS port in 2026... and this? Wth is this in the Hyundai? Who thought this was a good idea?

I'm

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/...vs-ford-mustang-mach-e-comparison-test-review

What are your thoughts about this comparison?

Solid review. Would like to see the video.

 

[BanditTA]

Anyone have comparison thoughts about Gen 2 R1S vs Lucid Gravity grand touring?
Trying to decide…

Anyone have comparison thoughts about Gen 2 R1S vs Lucid Gravity grand touring?
Trying to decide…

Yes. The Gravity looks like a minivan. No matter how great the Gravity may be in other areas I can’t get passed that first comparison. It makes the Model Y actually look semi-decent.

 

[BanditTA]

For those of you who complain about Rivian quality issues our Kia EV6 (2023 GT model - same platform as Ioniq) was a nightmare. Constantly in the shop, bricked multiple times, fried ICU. We had to lemon law it (and won our case).

That being said it was fun to drive and I liked the interior space outside of the frunk. Drove more like a hatchback / wagon than an SUV. It’s V2L worked well and it charged to 80% fast (though it overheated constantly when charging). Surprisingly did better range wise than EPA said.

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