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.

 

[Pablo]

$100 to reserve. @buster just wire me the $. Thanks.

 

[buster]

 

[E365]

Early charging test. For fastest speed, make sure you skip Tesla Superchargers and pick 400kW/600A stations, like IONNA, Walmart, BP Pulse, Mercedes HPCN, etc. (But skip the 375A NACS connector on Walmart’s ABB A400
units)

Rivian R2 will request 600A from the charger but Tesla Superchargers will only output 500A max to non-Tesla EVs.

 

[E365]

Spoiler: Range Spoiler

263 miles with all-terrain tires and lots of elevation change in Colorado

Tom Mologhney at State of Charge just did a 70-MPH range test.

 

[buster]

Tom Mologhney at State of Charge just did a 70-MPH range test.

I just watched this. Pretty good. 260 miles on a 75% charge at 70mph going through big elevation changes.

 

[alarmguy]

..

 

[alarmguy]

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.

Actually, nowadays, all Apple iphones can now communicate via satellite in an emergency and non emergencies as well.
I think Samsung might be the same but I only know Apple

 

[alarmguy]

The thread is 8 pages long so I’m not sure if I’m missing something here.
So this Rivian2 that got all the attention at $45,000 actually has a starting price of $60,000

What am I missing here?

 

[RhondaHonda]

..

Are you sure you weren’t looking at the R1?

 

[alarmguy]

Are you sure you weren’t looking at the R1?

Yeah, I was. I didn’t realize the thread was eight pages long, but if you look at my post #151 above the base price roughly $60,000 not 45,000

The website does say a standard version is coming in the spring of 2027 at the price of 45,000.

That would be a great deal if it happens. But we always talk like this and then things don’t materialize.
https://rivian.com/configurations/builder/r2

You can bet it’s not going to have 600+ horsepower, but honestly who cares?
It’s also not available with a tow package
And it will only have a 275 advertised mile range as of this point

However, I would still find it exciting if they come out with a vehicle for 45,000

 

[Pablo]

I just thought it weren’t out yet

But yeah price promises are just that

 

[UncleDave]

The thread is 8 pages long so I’m not sure if I’m missing something here.
So this Rivian2 that got all the attention at $45,000 actually has a starting price of $60,000

What am I missing here?

View attachment 346284

Somewhere in that mess of mails they will show you the different versions they intend to introduce.
58K is the top of the line performance version with something like 600 ponies.

They are shipping the most expensive one first and will then follow with the cheaper versions.

 

[UncleDave]

The local Rivian Service center is impressive. Note - Local for me is 45 min away.

The r2 seems a very nice rig. Not a master of anything but a great blend of capability in a ride.

"A jack of all trades and master of none, is of often times better than a master of one."

 

[Legs4Arms]

The local Rivian Service center is impressive. Note - Local for me is 45 min away.

The r2 seems a very nice rig. Not a master of anything but a great blend of capability in a ride.

"A jack of all trades and master of none, is of often times better than a master of one."

View attachment 346411View attachment 346412

Why is the floor so clean

 

[UncleDave]

Why is the floor so clean

Where are the guys, peeps, techs, mechs.....?