EV Noob here = thoughts on R2 configs?

[Mathme]

Info on R2 Configs is all conjecture at this point...doesn't mean it's still not fun to pontificate on though.

I was new to EVs when I got the R1T in 2023 when I got a Gen 1 Quad Large -- as that was the only option available. If I had to replace my truck with another today, then I'd go with a Dual Performance Max as we do road trip, and the extra battery would be nice and the Performance as it offers additional drive modes (namely Sport) that I would use. I've priced out the difference between a dual max and a Tri, and the price is about 5-10k more. I'm not sure it's all worth that for the option of a different interior and paint colors.

looking at an R2, I'd likely go with a Dual Largest battery as well. From there I'd be curious to know other options, colors, and such....

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[Kaitlyn2004]

Sounds like the R2 is going to be a great fit for your needs! If you're coming from a 4Runner, I think you’ll appreciate the practicality it still offers — plus way more speed, like you mentioned. The dual motor + large battery combo seems like the sweet spot for range, performance, and cost. Unless you're planning on doing a lot of off-roading or just want the extra thrill, I’d probably skip the tri-motor too.

I’d be coming from a 4Runner but am getting cold feet.
I don’t go “wheeling” or specifically seek out 4wd driving options, but regularly drive up mountain roads for hiking and adventuring. Those roads can, at times, get a bit gnarly. Good terrain tires are definitely #1, but I worry it may not otherwise be the right vehicle to take up remote mountain roads

plus some of the roads get very overgrown and even if easy to drive, you’re guaranteeing a bunch of pinstripping with the overgrown alder! Eek haha!

 

[Redline]

I’d be coming from a 4Runner but am getting cold feet.
I don’t go “wheeling” or specifically seek out 4wd driving options, but regularly drive up mountain roads for hiking and adventuring. Those roads can, at times, get a bit gnarly. Good terrain tires are definitely #1, but I worry it may not otherwise be the right vehicle to take up remote mountain roads

plus some of the roads get very overgrown and even if easy to drive, you’re guaranteeing a bunch of pinstripping with the overgrown alder! Eek haha!

Why don't you think it could drive up remote mountain roads?

 

[Sgt Beavis]

I’d be coming from a 4Runner but am getting cold feet.
I don’t go “wheeling” or specifically seek out 4wd driving options, but regularly drive up mountain roads for hiking and adventuring. Those roads can, at times, get a bit gnarly. Good terrain tires are definitely #1, but I worry it may not otherwise be the right vehicle to take up remote mountain roads

plus some of the roads get very overgrown and even if easy to drive, you’re guaranteeing a bunch of pinstripping with the overgrown alder! Eek haha!

Rivian is building its reputation on adventuring. The R1 is a very capable off roader and there is no reason to believe the R2 won't be just as capable. We already know that the R2 9.8" of ground clearance. It will have a 25degree approach angle and 27degree on the departure. I'm not sure of the break over but the shorter wheelbase and higher ground clearance will make that pretty decent. If Rivian continues using Pirelli Scorpions, you'll be good to go from a tire stand point. The Pirelli's aren't the best for Rock Crawling but they'll be perfect for what you've described.

Pinstripping is something every vehicle has to deal with on the trails. If it really concerns you, just get a PPF coating put on and you'll never have to worry about it.

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

Why don't you think it could drive up remote mountain roads?

Well realistically I’m not familiar enough with EV “suvs”. I’m used to have 4hi, and especially 4lo available. Being able to traverse water bars or rocky rutted terrain - both the clearance metrics and wheel articulation and power distribution to the wheels…

I guess dual motor has front+back 50/50 power? And then presumably the standard brake torque vectoring type of stuff?

I haven’t really engaged the locking differential outside of snow I don’t think

 

[Redline]

Well realistically I’m not familiar enough with EV “suvs”. I’m used to have 4hi, and especially 4lo available. Being able to traverse water bars or rocky rutted terrain - both the clearance metrics and wheel articulation and power distribution to the wheels…

I guess dual motor has front+back 50/50 power? And then presumably the standard brake torque vectoring type of stuff?

I haven’t really engaged the locking differential outside of snow I don’t think

The R1 vehicles are some of the most capable on the planet from the factory. I doubt the R2 will be a slouch.

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

Rivian is building its reputation on adventuring. The R1 is a very capable off roader and there is no reason to believe the R2 won't be just as capable. We already know that the R2 9.8" of ground clearance. It will have a 25degree approach angle and 27degree on the departure. I'm not sure of the break over but the shorter wheelbase and higher ground clearance will make that pretty decent. If Rivian continues using Pirelli Scorpions, you'll be good to go from a tire stand point. The Pirelli's aren't the best for Rock Crawling but they'll be perfect for what you've described.

Pinstripping is something every vehicle has to deal with on the trails. If it really concerns you, just get a PPF coating put on and you'll never have to worry about it.

for sure but to be fair the r2 is also quite stripped/simplified vs the r1.

and also a lot of the manufacturers are marketing the adventure lifestyle and off-road trims - trail sport, wilderness edition, etc. sometimes they’re just cosmetic other times some functional changes but even then they don’t compare at all to a proper body in frame suv with off-roading at its core

 

[iansriv]

for sure but to be fair the r2 is also quite stripped/simplified vs the r1.

and also a lot of the manufacturers are marketing the adventure lifestyle and off-road trims - trail sport, wilderness edition, etc. sometimes they’re just cosmetic other times some functional changes but even then they don’t compare at all to a proper body in frame suv with off-roading at its core

If you are interested in the R2, just wait till it's out. There will be lots of reviews that include off-road reviews. Then you can base your decision on facts.

 

[VSG]

I’d be coming from a 4Runner but am getting cold feet.
I don’t go “wheeling” or specifically seek out 4wd driving options, but regularly drive up mountain roads for hiking and adventuring. Those roads can, at times, get a bit gnarly. Good terrain tires are definitely #1, but I worry it may not otherwise be the right vehicle to take up remote mountain roads

plus some of the roads get very overgrown and even if easy to drive, you’re guaranteeing a bunch of pinstripping with the overgrown alder! Eek haha!

I have a R1T now but my previous vehicle was a Gen3 4Runner with a manual transmission, hi/low transfer case, and locking differential. The R1T exceeds the capability of that 4Runner in every single metric that matters to me - including range BTW ... My 4Runner is 98% pinstripes (including on the roof) from the Sitka alders etc., but it's "dune" colored so the stripes don't really show unless you're up close. That is really the only thing I miss about it - not having to worry about scratching the exterior. But that's going to be a concern for ANY new vehicle you drive in those conditions.

The R1T is longer and wider than the 4Runner, which is the only downside when on these roads, but the R2 is much closer in size - very similar actually (I've seen an R2 in person). I have no doubts that the R2 will perform better than your 4Runner.

Well realistically I’m not familiar enough with EV “suvs”. I’m used to have 4hi, and especially 4lo available. Being able to traverse water bars or rocky rutted terrain - both the clearance metrics and wheel articulation and power distribution to the wheels…

I guess dual motor has front+back 50/50 power? And then presumably the standard brake torque vectoring type of stuff?

I haven’t really engaged the locking differential outside of snow I don’t think

The thing is, EV motors provide their maximum torque at 0 speed, while gas engines need to rev pretty fast to get their maximum torque so they *need* gearing to get good torque at low speeds., You don't need to gear down an EV motor to increase the low-speed torque - you don't need 4low because what you have with an EV is better than that.

The R2 clearance will be better than the 4Runner. And the R2 will have a flat bottom - no bulky diff hanging down.

As for the locking diff, we don't know yet what the R2 will have. If you think you need that you might wait until they release the specifications until you make a decision. I rarely used mine, and to be honest even when I used it I probably didn't need it.

If you think the R2 might suit you, make a reservation now to get in line. It's only $100 and it's fully refundable.

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

I have a R1T now but my previous vehicle was a Gen3 4Runner with a manual transmission, hi/low transfer case, and locking differential. The R1T exceeds the capability of that 4Runner in every single metric that matters to me - including range BTW ... My 4Runner is 98% pinstripes (including on the roof) from the Sitka alders etc., but it's "dune" colored so the stripes don't really show unless you're up close. That is really the only thing I miss about it - not having to worry about scratching the exterior. But that's going to be a concern for ANY new vehicle you drive in those conditions.

The R1T is longer and wider than the 4Runner, which is the only downside when on these roads, but the R2 is much closer in size - very similar actually (I've seen an R2 in person). I have no doubts that the R2 will perform better than your 4Runner.


The thing is, EV motors provide their maximum torque at 0 speed, while gas engines need to rev pretty fast to get their maximum torque so they *need* gearing to get good torque at low speeds., You don't need to gear down an EV motor to increase the low-speed torque - you don't need 4low because what you have with an EV is better than that.

The R2 clearance will be better than the 4Runner. And the R2 will have a flat bottom - no bulky diff hanging down.

As for the locking diff, we don't know yet what the R2 will have. If you think you need that you might wait until they release the specifications until you make a decision. I rarely used mine, and to be honest even when I used it I probably didn't need it.

If you think the R2 might suit you, make a reservation now to get in line. It's only $100 and it's fully refundable.

Thanks for this

I already put in my $100… just been constantly debating since haha

 

[RivAW]

The R2 will be my first EV. I'm looking for ideas and thoughts on which config to choose.

I am replacing a 5th gen 4Runner. It's a slow horse, but a great vehicle otherwise. Not very efficient, but roomy and has never let me down.
I still do projects around the house, so the R2 will see bags of mulch, plants, and lumber from time to time. (The roll down rear window is a must)
My second vehicle is a fun car - fast convertible.
My wife's car is an Acura SUV.
We do occasionally take road trips.
Both retired.

The R2 appears to be the EV version of the 4Runner, but a bit smaller - and MUCH faster. I think it will be perfect for me. As for config, I have never been a base model sort of guy, so I am leaning toward the Dual motor and large battery. The tri-motor sounds like killer fun, but I am looking for the sweetspot.

Apologies if this has already been beaten to death, but I searched and did not see a discussion on it specific to the R2.

You are a little too early. Rivian has not announced options or made a configurator available for the R2 yet so nobody can answer your question(s) aside from stating what they hope for

 

[R2D2TOO]

You are a little too early. Rivian has not announced options or made a configurator available for the R2 yet so nobody can answer your question(s) aside from stating what they hope for

Of course. Just looking for thoughts.

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