R2 vs R1S Quad - Test Drive Comparison

[tpberding]

Yesterday I had an R2 for a 30-minute test drive. I own an R1S, so the controls were familiar. They handed me the fob, showed me the route, and gave me the car. I drove to the Rivian space in my R1, so it was an opportunity to make an immediate comparison between the two models. The R2 is impressive. Acceleration very close to my R1 quad. Felt lighter and handled tighter than my R1. Really great in the corners, actually closer to our Macan. Road feel was about equal to the R1 once I set the R2 suspension settings to match. Despite numerous adjustments, the driver's seat felt stiffer and less comfortable overall than my R1. That could be because the R2 is new and my R1 is three years old. Dunno. Getting back in our R1 after the test run, I immediately noticed the 2000-pound difference. While less weight and the new suspension on the R2 make handling quicker, the R1 just feels solid and very composed, more confident even. Hard to explain, but I want to test the R2 on the highway when that's available in a month or two. Everything considered, the R2 would make a great addition to our R1, but not necessarily a substitute for it.

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[runwithscissors]

For a bigger guy the R2 seats seemed harder and narrow compared to my R1. Not a fan of the black interior at all, so boring. I have reservations but unlikely to use them and will wait for Gen 3 R1.

 

[TexasBob]

For a bigger guy the R2 seats seemed harder and narrow compared to my R1. Not a fan of the black interior at all, so boring. I have reservations but unlikely to use them and will wait for Gen 3 R1.

Sales guy on my test drive hinted at updated R1 in Jan with the new autonomy package. That will tempt me. A two row R1S would tempt me a lot.

 

[savethemanual]

Sales guy on my test drive hinted at updated R1 in Jan with the new autonomy package. That will tempt me. A two row R1S would tempt me a lot.

Heck yes, if they could move the second row back a little and remove third it would be perfect! I highly doubt that would ever happen though.

 

[iansriv]

A two row R1S would tempt me a lot.

Just noticed, I've had one of these for the last 2.5 years because I folded the 3rd row down and never used them again.

 

[TexasBob]

Just noticed, I've had one of these for the last 2.5 years because I folded the 3rd row down and never used them again.

Cute but no. A two row would allow for more rear leg room, more storage in back, and no need to drag around another 100,lbs of dead weight. Just like, oh I don't know, the original R1S many of us reserved before they cancelled the two row variant.

 

[Great Gatsby]

While I think a lot of us are replacing our R1 vehicles with an R2, I do not think these were meant to be cross shopped, per se. The R1 was the only option for a while. Those of us who do not need a bigger vehicle are much more drawn to the R2 for just that - size.

Likewise, if you want a luxury vehicle and need the size, there is no reason to look at the R2. The R1 is the better vehicle for those people while the R2 is better for those who don't need something big or prefer something more nimble. And that is exactly the differences between them.

The R2 is smaller, better on road, more athletic and has the latest tech because, well, it's the new one. The R1S is bigger, can seat more people, can do better off road via air suspension and drives like a truck because it literally shares its body with one. Not a con IMO if I am driving a big vehicle, I prefer this.

But spot on nevertheless. Just wanted to add my opinion as to why these differences exist and agree with your overall conclusion. I sold my R1 in preparation to getting the R2 because we are DINKs with a dog and no family nearby. It was overkill and I prefer to drive a smaller vehicle as I do tend to whip it around corners and loved the roll down rear window for the pup. If I had a bigger family, I likely would have skipped the R2 altogether.

 

[iansriv]

Cute but no. A two row would allow for more rear leg room, more storage in back, and no need to drag around another 100,lbs of dead weight. Just like, oh I don't know, the original R1S many of us reserved before they cancelled the two row variant.

Agree. I did reserve that one. Where did the guy that was removing the 3rd row go? Wonder if his wife caught on?

 

[TexasBob]

Agree. I did reserve that one. Where did the guy that was removing the 3rd row go? Wonder if his wife caught on?

I know, right?!

 

[cthelan]

Own an R1S and have an R2 on the way for July delivery. Did demo drive for R2 today and had similar thoughts. Drove an hour in our R1 to do the demo. Immediately felt the weight difference and general heft and clunky feel of R1 compared to R2. R2 feels really polished and refined. Insanely quiet and smooth all around. We were already committed to getting rid of the R1 (due to LFP battery issues), but after the drive, we’re feeling great about the decision. Much better all around vehicle compared to R1S with minimal feature loss.

Rivian has a hit on their hands in R2. They will sell a TON of these things!

 

[Redline]

Sales guy on my test drive hinted at updated R1 in Jan with the new autonomy package. That will tempt me. A two row R1S would tempt me a lot.

Just give me captain chairs!

 

[ribuck97]

I did the same thing but went Tesla Model3 DM AWD -> R2 21” -> R1S Tri -> TM3…. And then with the wife her Volvo XC60 PHEV -> R2 20” -> XC60.

First drive my back hurt after 30 minutes. R2 felt as responsive as my TM3. Hoped in R1 and it felt like a sluggish luxury cruiser. I felt like I could drive the R1S all day. I can’t in my TM3… I certainly couldn’t in the R2. With the 20” it improved a lot.

With that said, the R2 is amazing… not sure my old back could take it with the 21”, seats, and firm/moderate suspension… perhaps soft is the choice. Not sure my wallet wants to spend the extra $40k for highly complex suspension.

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