R2 Driving Dynamics

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Can people who have driven the R2 talk a bit about its driving dynamics? A lot of the reviews I am seeing posted focus a lot on the non-driving aspects of the R2 like the infotainment, charging, etc.

What vehicle would you compare the R2 too in terms of how it drives? How sporty (or not) would you say it is compared to other electric SUVs in the twists?

I got a 2021 Mach-E now and I have a day 1 reservation for the R2. I am considering trading it in. I would really love a detailed comparison to the Mach-E in terms of driving dynamics if anyone can provide one or point me to an existing review.

Last question, is 1PD in the R2 similar or different to 1PD in the Mach-E? I am not a fan of 1PD tbh, but want to give it another try before saying yes or no to my R2 reservation.

Thanks!

I’d say pay less attention to internet hot takes and read reviews by people who drive and review cars for a living: the car magazines and the more established car enthusiasts blogs (not junk tabloids with AI slop). Nearly all of them have given detailed impressions and glowing reviews. These folks have driven everything from economy cars to exotics and competition cars. They understand vehicle dynamics.

Sponsored

 

[BCondrey]

My wife did most of the driving on our test drive. Her comments were that it was very smooth, drove better than my R1T, was quieter than her Tesla M3, was easy to park, and had more power than she would ever need. I agree with all that, especially the part about it being a very smooth ride.

 

[Manalishi]

2021 Mach-E First Edition (essentially a Premium) and 2025 R1S (Gen 2) owner here: We found the ride to be much better than the Mach-E (which is notoriously bouncy, but which I've just gotten used to.) and not as much different from the R1S as I had feared. It feels more planted, and less floaty than the R1S, especially at 70+ mph. Wind noise seems well controlled too (although, the real test would be in a 20+ mph crosswind, where my R1S screams at highway speeds due to the front door window frame pulling away on the opposite side of the wind direction)
I deliberately hit roughly patched potholes and excessive tar strips, and the car handled them very well. No concerning interior rattles.

 

[Manalishi]

Can anyone compare BlueCruise and Autonomy+ based on your drive experiences?

In my personal opinion, BlueCruise is still better than Autonomy+. When Autonomy+ (hands free driving) was first added to my R1S 2 years ago it was horrible. It has improved a lot since then, so I have confidence it will continue to improve. As of right now though, BlueCruise is still better. More predictable and confident when changing lanes. Works on more roads, is more tolerant of construction zones, especially when lanes are shifted outside of the mapped area.

 

[Apprunner]

It probably won't handle as well as a Model Y performance given its height and weight disadvantage but it handles really great for a tall true SUV. No problems handling a fun canyon road and doing emergency maneuvers but I wouldn't track with it

For reference, I drive a 2024 Model 3 Performance so I was expecting to be disappointed. I actually came away impressed.

Sponsored