R2 compared to Macan EV, Cayenne EV, Gravity - my review

[Ps702]

On the hunt for my next daily driver to replace my VW ID.4. I need an SUV for comfort, durability, and enough room for two adults and two small dogs.

I’ve driven just about every EV since 1999, but over the past two months, the contenders have come down to the Rivian R1 and R2, Lucid Gravity, Macan EV, and Cayenne EV.

The Cayenne EV is at the top of my list. It has the best suspension, comfort, and driving dynamics. Even driving the Turbo version without Porsche Active Ride—which is a requirement for me—it was still incredible. It drives better than the new Range Rover, which says a lot. The only issue is the astronomical price tag, which just doesn't make sense.

The Macan EV is another one with great suspension and steering, but in my opinion, it feels like a hot hatch with zero storage and functionality. I had it as a loaner for a week and ended up using it more like a sports car than a family cruiser.

The Lucid Gravity was a disappointment. The suspension wasn’t as smooth as I thought it would be, even with the dynamic, three-chamber air suspension. It rode on 23-inch wheels, and the ride quality just wasn't there on poor roads. I also didn't like the steering wheel, the steering feel, or the visibility, and it is definitely not worth the over-$100k price tag.

The Rivian R1S would be nice if it had a better suspension for road use. I understand its focus is off-roading, but that isn't my use case. The body roll and head-tossing effect disqualify it, especially at that price point.

The Rivian R2 stands out as the best choice and value. The active dampers bring the ride quality incredibly close to the Macan EV, but at the right price, proper size, and with great storage, durability, and long-term residual value. I took it through a small canyon road and was highly impressed by the driving dynamics and NVH levels.

My ideal spec: Performance trim in Launch Green, Coastal Cloud interior, and 20-inch wheels for a better ride.

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[stevejust]

I have shares of Rivian. I have no shares of Porsche/AUDI/VW and no shares of the BMW Group. So I'd prefer you get a Rivian. Except I'm reading what you wrote, and don't understand why you're not getting a BMW iX3?

 

[Mos Eisley]

Since you can buy two R2's for the optioned-out price of the Macan... I'd take... One R2 and a couple of trips to Italy

 

[MaskedRacerX]

Yeah, that's quite a jump across market spaces.

I mean, the R2 driving dynamics aren't going to be even close (to the Porsches), but that's not a surprise given the price and target segment.

I just can't get behind Lucid, there's been a lot of discussion on the various BMW boards about "What's next after your iX", and the Gravity enters the conversation quite a bit.

Have you considered something like the new EX60 Volvo but waiting for the performance dual motor / big battery flavor?

When our iX goes back in April '27, and iX5 will almost for sure take its place, unless we just happen into an iX M70 for an insane deal.

 

[CharonPDX]

"Should I get a Ferrari Luce, or a Fiat 500e? They're both Italian EVs."

Seriously, the vehicles in your set have so little in common with each other, nobody can give any serious comparison advice. Of *COURSE* the $100k+ vehicles are going to be significantly better than the ~$50k vehicle. You're the only one who can decide what's worth what to you.

Are you a billionaire? Get the Cayenne fully specced out.

Would anything but the R2 be an absolute stretch financially? Get the R2.

 

[justinkitswa]

The R2 and Porsche products aren't really even in the same ballpark.

"Would you like to run out for Taco Bell for dinner, or fly to Paris?" sort of thing

I will say I have a friend who bought an Audi Etron GT and It's had the battery pack swapped out three times for various recalls and failures. I am not convinced the VW/Audi/Porsche folks really have the battery stuff sorted, to be honest.

I wish the R1 suspension would get tuned in better, sucks that we went from full air and hydraulic suspension on the R1 to coil spring struts and 'semi-active' dampers on the R2, feels like there's a compromise to be had between the two that Rivian sort of just skipped-over.

I find the R1S to be the second most comfortable SUV I've owned, we had a Tahoe Duramax with full air suspension and magnetic dampers before and it was absolutely perfect on the road.

 

[donguanella]

Agree. We had a Porsche Cayenne on order and decided to go R2 instead.

The lack of one pedal driving on the Porsches is what was the final straw that killed them for us as contenders. As a long time EV driver I couldn't go back to an EV without one pedal driving.

 

[mkg3]

Recently, I was driving our R1S next to the new Cayenne EV and at a glance, I thought it was the Macan EV but realized that its bit larger all around. Nice vehicle.

Noticed that.OP (@Ps702 ) has a preference for the VWG EVs. So, my question is why not include Audi eSUV options? Q8 and Q6 eTrons?

I know large portion of Porsche owners prefer other models from the same so I understand the comparison. What I would say overall is that Rivian lacks refinements and lacks eyes for details that you'll find in Porsche and Audi models. Obviously the cost difference is one aspect but there are others factors for the differences.

The value proposition is something only you can decide so good luck. Get whatever is that you'll be happy with within your own affordability limit and not do the straight value comparison. There are lots of value options below $50K eSUVs today. You're probably not thinking about those, right?

 

[Mos Eisley]

Marques just posted his rview of the new Macan yesterday,

 

[virgnia_rivian]

We had two Macan's before we got our R1T. (Obviously not the EV version)
They were great daily drivers, but they are small crossovers, not even a medium sized SUV.

The R1S is a big suv with a good amount of storage space. We didn't need a third row of seats and it's a waste to buy a vehicle with a third row when it's not necessary. We do use our R1T as a truck and daily driver.

We'll be buying at R2 shortly. (Keeping our R1)
Our R1T has been the best driving vehicle we've ever had (that includes our Macan's and an Audi on the list). The R1 in sport mode will tighten the suspension. We have 20" AT's, but the road tires will give you a completely different driving feel/experience.

We have test driven a Cheyenne (gas version) and we have never been a fan, but this is a personal opinion.

A well equipped R2 will be less than half the cost of the Cheyenne. It may be a good fit and you can also upgrade if desired. Having demoed the R2, it's a very nice ride.

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