I really think Jeep will struggle with the Recon in the US. Range is too low and price too high. I wouldn't be opposed to it as even when I OR I'm always going slow (favors EV) and rarely do more than 20 miles per trip. Out west though it would be a tough sell.
2026 Rivian R2 First Review
- Thread starter buster
- Start date
Not sure I know what that is... Of course, I've only driven Teslas and Bolts, as far as EVs go.
Rivian has gotten a lot right. I'm not much of a full SUV guy, so I am looking more forward to the smaller R3X. I do like GM's offerings a lot too. The Silverado just based on size and weight is not for me. That Blazer SS EV is pretty compelling though. Looks wise in the GM department very well could be the Equinox EV.
I do want to see what comes of Rivian's self driving software. I've had my negatives to say about Tesla's system and it does make mistakes, but I use it almost daily now again and it's been a welcome feature.
"The original Fiat 500e in the USA was a compliance car produced from the 2013 to 2019 model years. It was introduced primarily to meet California's zero-emission vehicle mandates and was sold specifically in California and Oregon. " The original Fiat 500e supposedly had 200 ft lbs of torque, I've heard it was underrated. With newer batteries it would have decent range. Definitely a little pocket rocket if you have the chance to drive one. The Fiat 500 Abarths are a riot.
I'm reminded of my cousins neighbor, who had a Rivian truck. I mentioned it in the thread wherein I was able to drive one of the first Cybertrucks sold, just over two years ago.
Anyway, the fellow had so many problems with his Rivian truck, that he had to Lemon-Law the truck in order to get rid of the pile.
There are quite a few EV's in the area where I live. If there are endemic problems with any make or model, we'll likely hear about it.
Anyway, the fellow had so many problems with his Rivian truck, that he had to Lemon-Law the truck in order to get rid of the pile.
There are quite a few EV's in the area where I live. If there are endemic problems with any make or model, we'll likely hear about it.
I bet Tesla has had way more Cybertrucks lemon lawed than rivians. Tesla has skewed numbers as Space x has to buy 1250 plus to get a years worth off of holding lots.
Comparing one model to a whole company? Making up as you go along as usual.
For that matter I'm sure Tesla has made more Cybertrucks that Rivian has built total across their whole range.
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I had one, the lease deals were insane:
$49 down, $49/month
Would have bought the lease out if they would’ve sold it to me for what they fetched at auction at the time - about $5k
But Santander wouldn’t budge on the $18k residual
The car was an an absolute riot around town. 0-30mph was great, but the fun ended rather quickly after that.
Nothing like the term "compliance car". Nothing like sounding high brow to hate an EV. People suck and there's no shortage of haters here.I had one, the lease deals were insane:
$49 down, $49/month
Would have bought the lease out if they would’ve sold it to me for what they fetched at auction at the time - about $5k
But Santander wouldn’t budge on the $18k residual
The car was an an absolute riot around town. 0-30mph was great, but the fun ended rather quickly after that.
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I always thought these were cool. I thought about getting one for my oldest, but my wife would prefer her to have AWD. Not sure what I'm going to buy just yet. Maybe a used long range Model 3.
Do you have any data to share that substantiates that?
I can say that the Cybertruck I mentioned getting to drive, is still owned by it's original owner, and he likes it. Other than a notice to more firmly attach the gas pedal cover, he reports no issues the last time I heard. A stark contrast to the ownership experience of the Rivian truck owner I mentioned.
Our Tesla has been fine for just over a year, other than the fact it's a soulless driving appliance.
I agree across the board up until this one. Soulless driving appliance? What are you doing with it? Don't you have a Plaid? Put that thing in track mode, shut the traction control off, stab the throttle, and turn. I dare you to not be laughing hysterically afterwords. Even my MYP is well balanced with a propensity to hang the tail out in a cloud of smoke. I haven't had this much fun with a car I've owned since my Pontiac GTO. Beyond that eats corners so well for a car of this weight and follows up by disappearing out of the corner with ridiculous acceleration. I've never had a vehicle that does all of this so well. The next closest was my GTI, but the downfall of it was being front wheel drive. There's nothing like power oversteer while disintegrating tires.
Yes, and it has the track package too. I've even run it around a roadracing track. It's just a matter of perspective and opinion. We have other cars, and especially motorcycles, which are far more entertaining to drive/ ride.
I will say that it's mildly more exciting than watching a Formula-E race. The last one of those I watched, I almost nodded off to the whirring, while daydreaming about our kitchen blender whirring, while making a smoothie...
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I guess I just see it differently. I'm used to going through the gears, V8s, turbo whistle, and pops and bangs. I love that stuff. My wife and I were even talking about buying a 6.6 Trans Am at lunch today. There's just something about inverter noise and electric gear whine that does it for me too. The people that say these cars are silent when pushed are just nuts. The car definitely does have personality. Heck in track mode in full AWD with the traction control off it'll do a 4 wheel burnout off the line. I can't believe they removed this from the new Model Y Performance. I'd buy the 3 Performance instead if I was buying new because of it.
Cybertruck owners that I've spoken to love them. Personally I just don't see the use case.
The Rivian is more of a traditional (useful) truck, but I will stick to my trusty old Tundra. I am not a candidate for an expensive truck, bucause I use them like a truck. Scratches don't hurt...
The Rivian is more of a traditional (useful) truck, but I will stick to my trusty old Tundra. I am not a candidate for an expensive truck, bucause I use them like a truck. Scratches don't hurt...
JHZR2
Staff member
I’ll wait for the scout with the ICE extender. Possibly forever?
I don't have much confidence in seeing that soon. I was possibly interested in the Ram with that type of setup when I was looking for a truck, but I don't think we'll actually see it either. Now I just think the idea of having a gas generator instead of charging is about the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. Nothing like making an EV heavier, less efficient, and more expensive to run. I can see the benefit for towing for time savings, but beyond that it sounds like an absolutely horrible idea.
JHZR2
Staff member
Thing is, to date I think a pure EV is an absolutely horrible idea in most cases. And dropping sales and poor resale seems to validate that.
I own a hybrid, but realized early into ownership that PHEV is where it’s at.
An “EV” that allows that intrinsic range with a smaller, lighter, more optimally loaded engine retains simplicity while also leveraging the far superior energy density of liquid fuels, and not having to try to rewrite the laws of physics and electrochemistry.
I understand why people want them, but after driving EVs exclusively and living with them over the road the charging network makes it seem pointless to me. I was all in on the idea before that. For me the generator would be dead weight 95% of the time and would save me an occasional 10 minute stop.
I don't exactly live in an area with a charger on every corner either.
Curious, why do you think that? As long as you have the ability to charge at home, or work, EVs can be amazing to own.
When we bought our Model 3 Mid Range in Dec 2018, I considered EVs a toy. After awhile, realized EV ownership was more than a toy; it was viable, it was doable.
After 7+ years of ownership, there are zero ICE cars I would consider (except 911....). The best thing of all is no gas station trips. IMO, this has to be experienced to be appreciated. Hybrids add some flexibility at the cost of complexity and all the ICE requirements. We own one.
On the rare times I go over 250 miles, stopping at a Starbucks or whatever and plugging in gets me plenty to get home. Services include warsher juice and tire pressure checks.
I would buy another tomorrow. I have never been so satisfied with a car purchase. Our '06 TSX is close, as is the Tundra.
I don't like to assume I know others' needs and thoughts, but I do believe EV ownership has to be experienced to be appreciated. That's my experience.
I would talk to EV owners you know and ask their thoughts. Surver after survey report very high ownership satisfaction, and that it continues to grow.
From a recent JD Power Feb 2026 survey, if you choose to believe it:
"Electric vehicle (EV) ownership satisfaction has reached an all-time high in 2026, with 96% of battery electric vehicle (BEV) owners saying they would consider purchasing another EV, defying broader market sales slumps. Satisfaction is driven by improved battery technology, better charging infrastructure, and lower cost of ownership, with BEV owners reporting higher satisfaction than plug-in hybrid (PHEV) owners."
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