R2 Driving Dynamics

[CalDriver]

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!

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[sparked]

It drives a little more like a truck in terms of seating position, but ride was smooth and enjoyable. It won't be as sporty as many of the crossovers that are built off sedan platforms that sit physically lower. Demo drives are limited in time though so that's only my first impression.

 

[rbdavis808]

It drives a little more like a truck in terms of seating position, but ride was smooth and enjoyable. It won't be as sporty as many of the crossovers that are built off sedan platforms that sit physically lower. Demo drives are limited in time though so that's only my first impression.

Agreed. Nothing in my very brief driving time felt at all wobbly, undirected or otherwise unenjoyable, but the greater ride height did make me feel a little more disconnected from the road in comparison with our lower-riding Ioniq5. Hardly unexpected.

 

[Hyro]

Did a demo just yesterday. It goes fast. Handles a straight line great. I took some on/off ramps at speed and discovered the demo has a governor set to 80mph... It handles a bit worse than my Gen 1 R1T quad, IMO. Definitely felt the weight on corners. I don't think it'd be fun on a sporty drive, at least to my liking. I've spent a lot of time in a Mach-E, and the Ford is definitely far sporty. FWIW, our other car is a Polestar 2 -- amazing at speed on a twisty road, until the suspension gets overwhelmed and it feels like it's gonna fly off the road.

All of that said, don't expect a sport car and you'll be very happy. I think the R2 is a perfect daily driver. We'll probably get one and replace the P2, it's just a matter of when.

 

[aak7268]

The Launch Package can well, do just that in the straight away. It's got plenty of power. The active suspension does a very good job of transmitting or soaking up bumps, depending on your preference. Cornering? Eh. It corners like an SUV. The Mach E has it beat there, that's still the best-handling EV I've ever driven.
The R2 provides a refined ride that can feel a little incongruous at highway speed. With soft suspension on, it feels like I'm going slower than I am because there's no wind or road noise.

 

[aak7268]

Oh and 1PD can be adjusted so that the Regen is very grabby or very light when you release the accelerator. I've found the middle strength to be perfect. But then I'm a big 1PD fan. All my Bolts were returned with brand new 3-yr-old brakes

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