2026 Rivian R2 First Review

[buster]

I know we've discussed vehicles, but I'm wondering, do you drive 4wd trails that need 4wd, maybe locking diffs, etc.? Anywhere east of the Mississippi, you're not far from civilization, rarely if ever without cell service, and there's not many places to get off the beaten track, that isn't private property. So do you really need great 4wd trail capability, or is it more just liking the idea of having the ability? That's fine of course, but if you never will use the capability, maybe that changes your priorities.

Those are good points. I often lose cell phone reception even in just the Pine Barrens. There are areas you absolutely 100% need 4wd. The Colorado in 2wd even with AT tires will get stuck in loose sand/dirty quickly. There are also always ruts and rocks on trails. Lot of areas to easily get stuck even with good 4wd systems.

With that said though, no I don't do any serious off-roading. I know people out west think east coast is a joke and they're kinda right. No MOAB out here LOL. The full time system used in the 4Runner is most ideal for bad weather. I like having it but I wouldn't say it's definitely not necessary per se. I could get by with a decent AWD system. But what I've found since having the Colorado is having a true 4wd system and proper suspension/clearance just makes it so much easier. You don't have to rely on momentum and can just casually crawl over things. No drama and no trail damage.

 

[02SE]

Those are good points. I often lose cell phone reception even in just the Pine Barrens. There are areas you absolutely 100% need 4wd. The Colorado in 2wd even with AT tires will get stuck in loose sand/dirty quickly. There are also always ruts and rocks on trails. Lot of areas to easily get stuck even with good 4wd systems.

With that said though, no I don't do any serious off-roading. I know people out west think east coast is a joke and they're kinda right. No MOAB out here LOL. The full time system used in the 4Runner is most ideal for bad weather. I like having it but I wouldn't say it's definitely not necessary per se. I could get by with a decent AWD system. But what I've found since having the Colorado is having a true 4wd system and proper suspension/clearance just makes it so much easier. You don't have to rely on momentum and can just casually crawl over things. No drama and no trail damage.

We're familiar with the east coast, in fact we've been along the eastern US for several weeks now. Now down in Tennessee. My comment was not intended as any kind of disrespect, I just know the reality of the east coast compared to the western US. Population density is much higher, you're really never far from civilization. Very little in the way of public land in comparison. It just is what it is.

If you need or want a certain level of 4wd ability, that's your business.

 

[buster]

We're familiar with the east coast, in fact we've been along the eastern US for several weeks now. Now down in Tennessee. My comment was not intended as any kind of disrespect, I just know the reality of the east coast compared to the western US. Population density is much higher, you're really never far from civilization. Very little in the way of public land in comparison. It just is what it is.

If you need or want a certain level of 4wd ability, that's your business.

Oh I didn't take it that way at all. I completely agree.