2027 R2 Performance vs. 2026 Model Y Performance - highway efficiency test (Out of Spec comparison)

[macb00kemdanno]

Admin addendum -- AI summary added:

Conclusions

1. Model Y Sweeps All 5 Cycles: The Tesla Model Y Performance consistently used less energy across every speed tier and drive environment tested [55:40, 58:15].
2. Aerodynamics Matter: The gap was smallest at 50 mph (+18.4%), where wind resistance is lower, and widened to over +26% at 80 mph due to the Rivian R2's boxier profile [55:40, 57:46].
3. Urban Efficiency: In the 20-minute stop-and-go track simulation, the Model Y remained 25% more efficient despite the R2 utilizing a front-motor clutch disconnect system [03:51, 58:15].

Sponsored

 

[Indy avocado]

But we can see that the 10% challenges between Model Y and R2 were a more extreme difference than the side-by-side testing, by almost double.

Either measurement on it's own is within margin of error IMO, but they stack in opposing ways, making the difference seem more extreme.

At the end of the day, its probably 1-2 minutes more charging time per stop on R2 vs Model Y.

 

[macb00kemdanno]

So, not exactly what I was expecting, since RJ said it would offer similar efficiency due to a narrower body and efficient motors.

Oh well, at least it doesn’t look like a lozenge

 

[mdpa]

The underlying decision: Do you want the EV version of a Bronco Sport Badlands or Porsche Macan GTS? The Rivian is still the most efficient in it's class as is the Model Y.

I would like to own both, but my gut tells me highway use will have more impact for me. Why does life offer so many compromises...which well rounded option best fits your use case?

 

[Indy avocado]

The underlying decision: Do you want the EV version of a Bronco Sport Badlands or Porsche Macan GTS? The Rivian is still the most efficient in it's class as is the Model Y.

I would like to own both, but my gut tells me highway use will have more impact for me. Why does life offer so many compromises...which well rounded option best fits your use case?

There's not a meaningful difference between these IMO. Based on the side-by-side data, you get 20% less efficiency but you'll have 8-15% more battery (Model Y battery likely will lose ~5% in the first year, R2 probably none). 10-80% is faster. All adds up to maybe 2 minutes per charging stop.

Space, looks, and handling are the differentiators. Not range and efficiency.

 

[NinjaWrap]

In my real world use, I haven’t noticed any difference in road tripping in our Model Y RWD (the most efficient) and Cyberbeast (least efficient. In both we stop every couple hours, and that’s when we charge. Is that time spent at the charging stop different? Probably, but by the time we use the restroom, get a snack/drink and walk around and sit down for a few minutes, we are ready to go on for a couple hours.

I think road tripping more back when superchargers weren’t everywhere retrained how we approach traveling. The difference will only matter in Y vs R2 if you are in a hurry (I’m not, I don’t even speed) and have a bladder that lasts 12 hours (I don’t, never have).

 

[tivoboy]

Well they proved a few things, the biggest being that NO, Rivian hasn’t figured out how to defy physics, or truly build a better mousetrap. ;-)

I THINK that Rivian is going to be able to get charging speed up 5-10% for a large part of the curve (and their curve is nicer than at least THIS tesla MYP - I know my M3LR is much better).. that will depend on charging infrastructure to some extent as well, but they said earlier that “250kw should be doable”.. and we know with 400v architecture and 600-650v infrastructure that should be the case.

 

[savethemanual]

I will happily own the R2 over the MY, absolutely love the looks of R2 and willing to take the hit on the efficiency difference. There's so much more to owning a vehicle than just numbers. I get why many prefer the MY...especially with FSD but the egg shape, bare bones interior and supporting it's CEO I simply can't do. Happy more and more choice out there every year, the future is !

 

[Mike777]

These tests coming out recently are making my wife and I reconsider the R2 after being excited to order.

We test drove it we love it but we also do 220 mile road trips once a month to see family going at least 80. If this can't even do that in one shot it might be a deal breaker. I was now being asked to find an alternative that's not a Tesla.

I just don't get why they didn't put an extra 20kwh of battery in this vehicle like bmw did with the IX3 or IX5.

 

[tivoboy]

These tests coming out recently are making my wife and I reconsider the R2 after being excited to order.

We test drove it we love it but we also do 220 mile road trips once a month to see family going at least 80. If this can't even do that in one shot it might be a deal breaker. I was now being asked to find an alternative that's not a Tesla.

I think the r2 will Definelty be able to cover 220 miles from stop at home with 100% SOC to a destination 220 miles away and still have 10-15% left. Unless it’s say Bay Area to Tahoe

those tests should come next.

 

[macb00kemdanno]

There's not a meaningful difference between these IMO. Based on the side-by-side data, you get 20% less efficiency but you'll have 8-15% more battery (Model Y battery likely will lose ~5% in the first year, R2 probably none). 10-80% is faster. All adds up to maybe 2 minutes per charging stop.

Space, looks, and handling are the differentiators. Not range and efficiency.

The R2 was billed as being equal in efficiency while offering better off-road capabilities and a more traditional shape. But common sense should have stepped in considering its shape.

And you don’t “make up” a 20% deficit in efficiency with a bigger battery. You’re still going to be paying out of pocket for that 20% efficiency loss and larger battery when it comes time to pay for charging.

On the extreme end, Chevy uses a 200 kWh battery to go 450 miles in the Silverado. Sure, that’s fine, but you’re paying more to charge it, which adds up over time.

The result, to me, is disappointing, but it hasn‘t dampened my enthusiasm.

 

[sparked]

I think the r2 will Definelty be able to cover 220 miles from stop at home with 100% SOC to a destination 220 miles away and still have 10-15% left. Unless it’s say Bay Area to Tahoe

those tests should come next.

At 70 mph, but not at 80mph like he wants. I usually stop midway on our 230 mile trip for gas so now we would probably just find a convenient charging stop instead. Plus, the last few trips we've had a lot of traffic and construction so no way we're going 80mph unless it's off hours.

 

[tivoboy]

At 70 mph, but not at 80mph like he wants. I usually stop midway on our 230 mile trip for gas so now we would probably just find a convenient charging stop instead. Plus, the last few trips we've had a lot of traffic and construction so no way we're going 80mph unless it's off hours.

My point is. Nobody ever leaves a house, travels 80 mph on whatever part of the highway they do it on and then gets off the highway and goes to a destination in a town or even not far from the highway and AVERAGES 80 mph. It’s probdbly more like 63-65 at best. So that combination from HOME to DESTINATION is never going to be as inefficient as locking in at 80 mph non stop not slowing at all on the highway.

I would suggest the poster put their home address and destination into ABRP which has R2 performance data from Rivian and see what it calculates.

 

[Indy avocado]

These tests coming out recently are making my wife and I reconsider the R2 after being excited to order.

We test drove it we love it but we also do 220 mile road trips once a month to see family going at least 80. If this can't even do that in one shot it might be a deal breaker. I was now being asked to find an alternative that's not a Tesla.

I just don't get why they didn't put an extra 20kwh of battery in this vehicle like bmw did with the IX3 or IX5.

Very first world problem - uou could add 10 minutes and charge. Or drive 5-10mph slower.

But at the same time I totally agree that the iX3 is worth the premium in terms of efficiency, range, and charging.

 

[Big_Ike]

At the end of the day, its probably 1-2 minutes more charging time per stop on R2 vs Model Y.

I own a Model Y and have taken two test drives in the R2. For a far superior ride and visibility/sight lines, I like the R2 over the Model Y and I'm willing to spend a few extra minutes charging on a road trip.

Sponsored