R2 Off-Road Ability Test Video -- Great Size, Limited Flex

[rogunenode]

TLDR version (via AI -- added by Admin)

Overall Verdict
The Rivian R2 handles general trails better than expected for its class, acting as a capable "soft-roader" or "normie" off-roader for camping trips or unpaved paths. However, it is fundamentally limited by its suspension design compared to heavier-duty off-roaders like the R1 series.

Where the R2 is Good for Off-Roading (Strengths)

• Compact Size and Short Wheelbase: The vehicle's smaller physical footprint and short wheelbase are major assets on tight or winding trails, making it nimble and easy to maneuver around obstacles.
• Trail Handling: It manages general, unpaved terrain and standard trail driving smoother and better than many typical crossovers in its class, easily surpassing basic daily drivers or standard EVs when heading toward a campsite or field.

Where the R2 is NOT Good for Off-Roading (Limitations)

• Lack of Suspension Articulation: The most immediately noticeable drawback is its restricted suspension flex. Because it lacks an aggressive suspension travel range (and lacks features like a factory anti-roll bar disconnect in this context), the independent suspension setup limits downward reach.
• Lifting Tires in Offset Ruts: Due to the limited articulation, when navigating uneven terrain or offset ruts, the R2 lifts a tire off the ground surprisingly easily.
• Traction Struggles: When a tire gets lifted into the air because the suspension cannot reach down far enough, the vehicle can temporarily struggle to maintain forward momentum and traction until the electronic systems compensate.

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[Rad]

Thanks for sharing the video. I laughed at your comment: "I think I have more flexibility in my knees more than this thing does".

I'm surprised to see the low ground clearance and lack of articulation. A good opportunity for aftermarket enhancements.

 

[rogunenode]

It's not my video; just posting as a potential buyer interested in its off-road capability and figured I'm not the only one.

Hopefully, it won't be long before we see aftermarket options beyond spacer lifts.

 

[macb00kemdanno]

Considering that 95% of these will be commuters (just like the Model Y), finding their way to the local Starbucks, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, REI, and school pickup line, it's more than fine.

For the other 5%, the R2 will easily clear the wooded trails and slightly rocky terrain that it will be subjected to. In other words, mission accomplished

 

[Thebandit]

So....... Not bad. Yeah, definitely not as much suspension travel as the R1S, but it didn't get stuck. I'm very satisfied with that result.

 

[rogunenode]

Considering that 95% of these will be commuters (just like the Model Y), finding their way to the local Starbucks, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, REI, and school pickup line, it's more than fine.

For the other 5%, the R2 will easily clear the wooded trails and slightly rocky terrain that it will be subjected to. In other words, mission accomplished

You left out the small percentage of us who hoped for an R3X with more capability than wooded trails and slightly rocky terrain, aka, soft-roading. I get why Rivian hasn't done that (yet?). I recently drove a Macan GTS with air suspension and off-road mode. I'd wager it is on par with the R2's capabilities, but the R2 definitely has greater potential via mods.

 

[Holler Wanderer]

All it really needs to do is be on par with the Subaru Wilderness/BS Badlands, etc., and I think it will be just fine. It's probably better in stock form than most of the "off road" trim crossovers out there.

 

[a9967]

It also has chonky sway bars. Disconnecting those would help a bunch with articulation for offroad. Keeping in mind it's still an R2, not an R1.

Hopefully we see some quick disconnects hit the market.

 

[Tom(myBoy)]

I watched that video last night on YouTube in part to introduce me to the R2’s off-road capability / limitations. And, in part to introduce me to more true off-roading.

I think there should be more comparisons between the R2 and midsize SUV competitor vehicles like the Jeeps, 4Runner, Bronco/Bronco Sport, Nissans & Hondas.

And, I too look forward to more aftermarket for adventuring with it.

 

[DuoRivians]

As much articulation as a Subaru

 

[scottf200]

I'm surprised to see the low ground clearance and lack of articulation. A good opportunity for aftermarket enhancements.

You have missed the Out of Spec clip of it on the track. eg. blended use cases but leans toward people doing road driving (with corner handling, planted feel, etc)

"R2 may be the most fun EV I’ve ever driven "

 

[Holler Wanderer]

I watched that video last night on YouTube in part to introduce me to the R2’s off-road capability / limitations. And, in part to introduce me to more true off-roading.

I think there should be more comparisons between the R2 and midsize SUV competitor vehicles like the Jeeps, 4Runner, Bronco/Bronco Sport, Nissans & Hondas.

And, I too look forward to more aftermarket for adventuring with it.

I don't think it would be fair to compare it to body on frame SUVs like the 4Runner and Jeeps.

 

[Husky]

You have missed the Out of Spec clip of it on the track. eg. blended use cases but leans toward people doing road driving (with corner handling, planted feel, etc)

"R2 may be the most fun EV I’ve ever driven "

We'll see if it's more fun to drive on the road than my EV6

 

[tivoboy]

Approach angle is the real take away deficiency.. but if one isn’t bouldering or trying to get up over large logs and stumps, that shouldn’t be TOO much of an issue. One only has to look at the front lower lip and relationship to the tire/ground to see that is going to be an issue.

It was probably done for a tiny bit more AERO, but at the sacrifice of approach angle.


And, as is always the case,

”good tires, but not great tires”

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Thanks for sharing the video. I laughed at your comment: "I think I have more flexibility in my knees more than this thing does".

I'm surprised to see the low ground clearance and lack of articulation. A good opportunity for aftermarket enhancements.

TBH, it's expected of conventional independent suspension with sway bars. It's the sway bars that limit articulation. If the sway bar end links were replaced with ones with manual quick disconnects, more droop could be had. But, it with advanced traction control that knows to send power to the tire that does have traction (vs the one hanging in the air), it may not be necessary—and having two wheels in the air is not necessary end-of-story for forward progress.

R1 is also has independent suspension front and rear. But it does not have sway bars. It had the dynamic hydraulic suspension dampers to simulate sway bars, by varying pressure within each damper. So it can droop more because of that, plus being a long travel design to begin with.

On a completely different topic... If these BFG all-weather tires had a R1-compatible size, it might actually be a decent jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none, alternative to the factory Goodyear's Territory AT. EDIT: And it does look like BFG has a XL 275/60R20 that has load and speed index of 116T, plus 3PMSF and 65k mileage warranty (and with white outlined lettering). $280/tire at TireRack. Very intriguing. @ksurfier, your thoughts?

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