R2 vs Model Y size & shape comparison (spotted photo)

[drivetorun]

We installed an aftermarket running board at my wife's insistence. There are a lot of chioices out there and that may be why Rivian didnt build their own. I would have preferred not to but the daily "reminders" of how difficult it is was enough. Mind you, the same woman complained that my 911 was too low. Go figure.

Yeah, my hesitation with the aftermarket ones is the lack of consistency of how the service centers handle them. It seems like it's a crapshoot regarding whether they'll require them to be removed, and also since most of my service visits are mobile, I want to keep things as standard as possible so they can't just blame aftermarket running boards when it's convenient. I'd honestly pay a premium for ones made by Rivian if I knew it'd prevent possible hassle down the line.

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[drivetorun]

Have you tried Kneel mode in the R1T to lower the suspension for easier access?

Absolutely, but even then, for both more mature (80+ years old) and height-challenged (sub-5'3") passengers, it's not quite enough.

 

[gregeast]

It sounds like the next update has some improvements to Kneel Mode, including (I think) a lower height for Kneel Mode.

 

[loqueid]

It sounds like the next update has some improvements to Kneel Mode, including (I think) a lower height for Kneel Mode.

Badly needed. I engaged kneel in All Purpose mode. Then changed to Sport/Lowest and it lowered even more.

 

[loqueid]

Alas, decals do not equal release colors. Better bet is to look at the body colors under the wraps/decals when doors are opened in these videos, for example. The blue-decaled R2 that MKBHD drove was a wrapped silver/gray, for example.

From the vids yesterday:
Zack(Zach)'s yellow R2 is Rivian Blue

Marqueses's blue R2 is Rivian Blue

Doug's red R2 is .. idk is that granite or something new?

Showroom purple R2 is clearly white

Mat's is this (I'll just stop guessing -- I'm bad at colors)

green R2 frame:

 

[iansriv]

Yeah, my hesitation with the aftermarket ones is the lack of consistency of how the service centers handle them. It seems like it's a crapshoot regarding whether they'll require them to be removed, and also since most of my service visits are mobile, I want to keep things as standard as possible so they can't just blame aftermarket running boards when it's convenient. I'd honestly pay a premium for ones made by Rivian if I knew it'd prevent possible hassle down the line.

I asked my SC before installing them. You could consider that. Cheers.

 

[RivAW]

I'm curious what the difference in distance is between the street/pavement and top of the driver's seat for the R2. One of the biggest annoyances of the R1 is the lack of factory-available running boards to make entry/exit easier. I'm sure the R2 is lower, but it'd be good to know what it is in comparison to something like the Model Y or other popular crossovers. I'm guessing it's going to be a few inches higher.

Do you actually own an R1? If so, have you tried to activate "kneel mode"? Short of that, you can just hit "sport mode" set to the lowest suspension setting as you are pulling up to a stop or after you stop (as I have been doing for my Dog who is getting older and my in-laws and folks).

 

[captainjp]

First looks at the Rivian R2 next to Tesla Model Y for size / shape comparison.

So much nicer than the Magic Mouse on wheels…

 

[drivetorun]

I asked my SC before installing them. You could consider that. Cheers.

Yeah, the problem is the SC policy can change at any time (just look at what Rivian did re: tow policy).

Again, if they were factory/"dealer" installed, then I'm better protected against the whims of SC/Rivian management.

 

[jprev]

Because our R1S is so high up my wife and I had trouble getting in. Since Rivian doesn't offer running board we purchased retractable ones from Hansshow.

How did you handle the installation? Do they impact service in any way?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Photos in perspective are misleading. Not just because it's in perspective but also because of the distortion inherent in the camera's lens. From previously released dimensions (of the concept car), we know it is almost identical to current generation BMW X3 (no, not the new Nue Klasse iX3). So knowing that you can use a site like carsized.com to size the two cars up.

https://www.carsized.com/en-us/cars/compare/tesla-model-y-2025-suv-vs-bmw-x3-2024-suv-m/

 

[tivoboy]

I have tremendous respect for the Model Y and I understand its appeal to a large portion of car buyers but I have never understood why it is considered an SUV.

Seeing it side by side with the R2 really reinforces that confusion for me. Tall, roomy sedan, sure. But an SUV?

Anxious to see some R2's in the wild.

I think it might have to do with the EV rebate legislation in the USA where SUV allowed a higher price point to qualify for the full rebate than a sedan did... that was certainly the case by the time the new IRA bill went into effect.

 

[NeverFollow]

Great photo and it tells you why the R2 is soooo much more interesting than the Y.

It's like comparing the shape of a Prius and a Discovery.

Boths have their design purpose
representing opposite design philosophies where form follows function
making their shapes direct reflections of their intended, contrasting uses.

One was designed for maximum fuel efficiency and low drag.
The other was designed for versatility, off-road capability, and utility.

 

[Budman]

Photos in perspective are misleading. Not just because it's in perspective but also because of the distortion inherent in the camera's lens. From previously released dimensions (of the concept car), we know it is almost identical to current generation BMW X3 (no, not the new Nue Klasse iX3). So knowing that you can use a site like carsized.com to size the two cars up.

https://www.carsized.com/en-us/cars/compare/tesla-model-y-2025-suv-vs-bmw-x3-2024-suv-m/

At first glance those two vehicles look similar in the carsize image but the shape difference at the nose and tail are pretty darn important for usable storage space. Useable, accessible cargo storage space is a big point in the R2s favor.

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