The 2026 Rivian R2 Is A Suitable Adventure SUV Replacement To A Tesla Model Y

[@theredline]

Happy almost Friday everyone! Our last video from our trip to NYC this week from the auto show and it was such a treat to finally see the upcoming Rivian R2 in person. This car has significant importance for Rivian because when it goes on sale in about 18-24 months, it could become for Rivian, what the Model 3 did for Tesla back in 2018. Let us know below if you are one of the 70,000+ people who put down a $100 reservation for this car!

[@IronBurden]

I have it reserved. But the Toyota 4runner and Landcruiser can both take my business if this doesn't pan out. Stiff competition but I love the products that Rivian are putting out. I'm rooting for them, more competition is always better.

[@Paul-cj1wb]

Perhaps a rival to the Y, but is Rivian going to be around for long after that? Is it trying to fail on purpose, or is their leadership and engineers this poor and with zero foresight? Case and point, while other manufacturers have said they're changing their charging port location to be able to to charge on the V3's on the largest network on the planet without an adapter or extension, Rivian not only got it wrong the first time around with their port on the left front, but now they're doubling down and placing the port on the right rear. Out of the 2 wrong locations out of 4, they got it wrong both times. How is that possible? Like it or not, there are more V3 stalls/dispensers out there than ALL other stalls/dispensers combined. In fact, more than 4 times more than all other Fast DC charging ports combined. And they're going to be the vast majority for many, many years to come. So unless you want to restrict your options to only 25% of the charging options out there without having to carry around an extension that can be lost or stolen, or taking two spots, you place the charging port on the correct location. If you're a company trying to survive with your stock down over 90% after being the most highly funded startup in American history, you need every last sale you can get. Restricting the charging options of your prospective customers to only 25% is not the way to do it. For that, why bother to even go with a NACS port if you can't use it without an extension? What's the difference in that or using an adapter?

[@tiffanygottlieb2590]

thats pretty cloor by the way

[@tiffanygottlieb2590]

thats need so you know how log you us habe that

[@glenn1196]

no rav 4 refresh?

[@kybruce1]

Great design, think they will sell lots of these. Just hope Rivian can hang on until they can start delivering these

[@Smileydudekxy]

I think they’re here to stay ! Amazon is big daddy

[@stockpicksbytim1228]

They still have billions on their balance sheet

[@kybruce1]

@@stockpicksbytim1228 Yes but 4th q 2023 lost $1.5 billion. Will their cash currently last another 2+ years if they keep losing at that rate?

[@4literv6]

@@stockpicksbytim1228 burned up over $19,000,000,000 per forbes from 2019-2023. Rj publicly said the GA plant alone would need between 10-15billion to build out&ramp production. Let's see if after this month long plant shut down in April for rivian. They can come out the other end with better production efficiency, a cheaper model line-up and hit profitability as rj is promising for q4 2024. 🤔

[@Neji055]

Well they are opening a giant service center on my ups route. Think they are doing alright.

[@toddbroeker8683]

I’ve been watching and loving your reviews for years and this just became my favorite! I’ve been so excited about the R2, since RJ’s launch event, when I immediately reserved one after it rolled onto the theater floor. I then cancelled my Ocean reservation later that week, and am now really glad I did. What I loved about this video is how thorough you were, especially since they let you get inside and actually touch everything, enabling you to give the most comprehensive feedback of anyone else posting videos. You even covered the flip out shelf in the lift gate! I think only 1 or 2 others I watch have pointed that out, but you actually showed how it works! The only thing you missed, other than not showing the flashlight and mini charger/hand warmer in the front doors, were the fog lights. You said they’re missing, but they’re just lower than the R1S. You can see them under the black part of the front bumper in your shots. Other than that, thanks for one of the best reviews, as always!

[@alphatarawally3683]

Been a model Y fan for years but damn if this has the same presence as the R1 I’m definitely buying , The R1 is just freaking sexy

[@ABowlofWeetabix]

This might be the only close up look of the tent I have seen... looks amazing, thanks for sharing.

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

Same, it would be awesome to see a tent set up video. I’m curious to see how it all folds out.

[@Model3P]

I never thought I'd ever think about buying an suv, but i love this. I really hope this comes to production

[@FeLiX13sLaVe]

Please. I want Rivian to survive. I don't want it to die like Fisker.

[@davidmccarthy6061]

Rivian has much better odds.

[@Fdjt4ever]

Henry fisker is a great designer but is clueless about actually running a company. 🤦‍♂️

[@FeLiX13sLaVe]

@@Fdjt4ever is he a great designer? I have never liked any of his designs. Always seem off. I think he's a great con man. His resume isn't even that impressive if you dig into it.

[@vnashi]

@@davidmccarthy6061 The stock price is not optimistic. I don’t know if it can survive until 2026.

[@justinleu6809]

Fisker isn’t dead, the ocean looks awesome

[@Candisias]

You know Sof is a great reviewer because all that noise never once distracted him while he did his intro, which is why he is the ONLY reviewer I will watch when it comes to new vehicles. One of the most professional car reviewers on YT.

[@Badgerpat83]

The opening walkup video shot was a thing of beauty. Such a high-quality video.

[@harris7963]

Finally the first real contender to the Tesla Model Y

[@singingLeaf123]

Fisker ocean?

[@henrylee8510]

Fisker ocean has so many bad reviews. Fisker may not be around much longer Will Rivian?

[@ph00ny1]

@@singingLeaf123 Probably out of business soon. Currently doing fire sale on 2023 models

[@waled121]

@@singingLeaf123Lmao Fisker??? Have you used Google anytime in the past week and looked up Fisker. That company is in shambles. Please go look at the Subreddit also. It’s not a contender to the Tesla MY

[@itsTheGshow]

Nah, Y still better.

[@mh0Ang95]

The tent looks real nice and great quality with cool features too

[@Uzo89]

I have never seen Sofyan get caught off guard lol. You did a great job as usual. Great to see Tom Moloughney in the background.

[@johnnylight0]

The R2 definitely shot up to the top of my "Maybe I can afford it one day" list

[@markplott4820]

the go buy the KANDI K32 4x4 off road $27,000

[@dillonh321]

@@markplott4820 We don’t get those in the US.

[@teddysdadcory]

I want one just so I can wrap it like R2-D2

[@darrinv6798]

My thoughts were License Plate ARTOO

[@pjs5908]

Fog lights are still there, on the outside of the tow hooks. Slim lights.. you can see them in the vid

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

They’re also the turn signals since the front DRLs don’t integrate with turn signals like the R1 models.

[@jeffs6090]

I like seeing this with the NACS port already on it. However, it would be better for it to be on the rear driver's side for the Tesla SCs (or front passenger side). The ports can literally go anywhere on an EV. Why make things more difficult in the short term. Yes, V4 SC will have longer cables and be posted in the center of the parking spot, but they won't be widespread for quite a while. I'm excited for this R2 though. It very well may be my first EV!

[@Neck328i]

Im glad some EVs have a bit of personality rather than just a bunch of bubbles roaming highways.

[@johntrussell7228]

I love seeing videos about cars that are not going on sale for almost 2 years

[@Maxhazards]

After watching hours of other KZbinrs reviews and first look. This is the only one anyone should ever watch. Aside from the 1 on 1 MKBHD had with RJ. But once again your first look and impression video takes the crown. Always look forward to your videos. Keep it up!

[@theredline]

Such high praise! Thank you so much for the kind words, we try to bring you guys the best and most detailed content because that’s what you all expect and we must deliver :)

[@eddster9720]

I love this vehicle. By the time it releases it’ll have to compete with the new Model Y and also whatever the competition comes out with, like potentially the Kia EV5. I just hope that Rivian can hang on until then. My fear is that this vehicle is competitive if released today, but may not be competitive by the time it’s released.

[@4literv6]

Well brutal truths are just that, brutal. This compares fine to a 2020 model Y awd lr and it's gonna be a 2026/27 ev. Let that sink in. 😀

[@eddster9720]

@@4literv6 couldn’t have said it better myself. Especially considering that the R2 is already using dated design language since it’s just a small R1S. It’s reminding me of the Model S/X and its dated design language, the difference being that the S/X are not volume sellers unlike how the R2 is supposed to be for Rivian. I sure hope Rivian pulls through, competition helps all consumers.

[@r5LgxTbQ]

very excited for this one, got my reservation in before it even rolled out on stage at the launch event.

[@isabelrippy8620]

We got our R1S in March, the first EV in the family, and we absolutely love it! We put in the reservation for the R2 and can't wait!

[@jonathanrodriguez6376]

The Rivian R2 actually looks stunning to look at it first glance. But that tent so something else.💯🙌🏻💯🙌🏻

[@DandCentertainment]

Love it, hopefully Rivian makes it.

[@diegoil2669]

Outstanding design, it has a refreshing look to it and new to the industry, awesome review!

[@Gabecmc]

These first looks are some of my favorite videos of yours

[@JohnDoe-mx3rr]

I like the review and I am in the market for one but that release date is way to far for me.

[@czaranthonysambas1456]

WoW!!! I might finally consider buying an electric car with this one

[@murrynathan]

Can’t believe they let you open the glove box!

[@Clickbait540]

Boom.

[@JZirn]

I have one on preorder and I’m excited for it. Your video really gives a good perspective of its size. In the promo photos it looks much larger.

[@theredline]

We thought the same thing when we saw it in person finally! Glad our video helped you see the size difference more clearly ☺️

[@alktrio06]

With the opening of the supercharger network, this is a game changer! I have a model y and am curious about trunk space. Is it bigger or smaller than the Y?

[@theredline]

Definitely looks larger than a Y for trunk space. The boxy shape certainly helps with that.

[@CrazyGreek80]

Did they ever address the vampire drain issue?

[@dhollenbach]

I put in a reservation recently. Currently have a 2020 Model 3. Won't be shocked if I don't get delivery until 2027, but that's ok. Looks like an awesome vehicle!

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

I drive a Model Y at work and while it’s a nice vehicle I’d much prefer a Rivian. This R2 looks perfectly designed in both exterior and interior.

[@slighwentwalking2024]

I had only seen their truck. That looks quite impressive.

[@JROGERS1432]

This is honestly the only new EV I’m excited about.

[@brianboru1975]

We have a reservation in on an R2 but my main concern is service. We are a one car family and have driven electric for nearly six years. Our first EV was a Kia Niro and local service was mediocre at best. Our current EV is a 2022 Tesla Model 3 and I am spoiled rotten by the incredible service we get from our local Tesla service center in Cathedral City, CA. So, not having a Rivian service center nearby is something we are going to have to look at seriously come 2026. Currently, the nearest Rivian service center is 2-3 hours away (depending upon traffic) in Costa Mesa, CA. From what I can see, there are only two service centers in S. CA and I checked Rivian's map for future service centers and don't see any that will be available any closer to Palm Springs, CA in the near future. I know a great deal of service can be accomplished OTA but there are times we have had to take our EVs in for service and not having a local service center and having to drive three hours and staying at a hotel overnight isn't something I would relish doing.

[@mikeshafer]

Fantastic video. I love my R1S and look forward to my R2 someday. I just wish they would bring back Compass Yellow! But otherwise the R2 is going to be a winner. I just hope Rivian survives long enough to get this to market !

[@rcsc824sc8]

I'm glad I return myvtesla Y in 2026. Just in time for this 💯

[@DeathandCo]

Glad they let you open the tailgate. Thought it was odd they didn’t let you, especially after I’ve seen other various videos at that same location giving a walk around and they allowed it for others

[@InvestWithFFI]

Phenomenal review! Very minor, but I don’t like that you cannot passcode lock at least one of the glove compartments and that the fog lights have been removed. Other than those small gripes, I love it and will strongly consider replacing my Model Y with this.

[@witsendcottage595]

Love the doggy window!

[@ShaneTheGeek]

Really excited about the R2 I will likely get the Standard+ with dual motors as the value sweet spot. That will make the vehicle more off road capable, add power and range without crazy additional cost. The tent feature is really cool but what I appreciate the most the is usable cargo space with the seats in the upright position. Love the fact that it will have NACS port from the get go and the price is really nice. As long as this car can qualify for federal tax credits I think this will be a very nice first EV! Just saw the teardown video of Rivian's own in house designed electric motor, inverter and gear train. Happy to see that they own the design for their drive train, over the air updates are working, love the design language and color choices vs Tesla. I hope that Rivian keeps the Forest Green color option and Green/Wood interior option for the R2 like they have with the current R1T.

[@liveride2178]

Look nice, I’m glad that they update the charging port which now allow to charge at Tesla charging station without need the adapter but why did they put it on the right side instead on putting it on the left side which make it little difficult at Tesla charging station.

[@FeLiX13sLaVe]

Land Rover probably screaming in the mirror wondering why they didn't produce this as a Discovery EV.

[@Marvelous_M]

😂😂😂 tbh i see the inspiration

[@Effervescent_Smegma]

Do you trust a Land Rover EV? They can't even make reliable ice vehicles.

[@squishy6553]

It’s a real bummer to hear the air suspension is gone. It’s understandable for cost savings but it’s not that expensive especially since they have a platform for it already. When off roading or camping, that suspension really is luxury and an advantage. Especially since they are introducing a new RTT. It’s weird they won’t have the auto leveling feature. No more air compressor either, that’s another thing to pack when you need to air down or inflate a paddle board or kayak. I would honestly have traded the steering wheel dials and the reclining front seats as they don’t take away from the car, and put that money into the suspension. Even the pop out quart windows. I’m still excited for it, and can’t wait to get my hands on in 2 years lol

[@ckleung7]

Need a R2-D2 white and blue model. All the Star Wars nerds including myself would want one

[@Woodcote]

I’d be happy to consider it as second vehicle to my Tesla 😜 First though they need to survive long enough to make it in meaningful numbers, and we’ll need to see price a specs at that time. What I really want is an R3X! 😮

[@RLTtizME]

The resale value on both of your cars combined would be $30,000.

[@doc2w534]

Putting the charge port on the passenger rear may make Tesla SC use difficult since those stalls are for rear driver’s side charge port access. Wouldn’t you have to have a space between since the Tesla cords aren’t long and can’t reach around the other side of the vehicle?

[@tonyn3227]

its a long time still 2026 , we'll see if it comes out at all.

[@mikedee42]

This will sell well. Love it.

[@hskrgrad]

Have liked the R1S since it was released but can't justify spending that much on a vehicle. Might consider this one though when it makes it to production. I like the design language much better than most other EV's on the market including Tesla. Gotta get Apple car play and Android auto in there though. As tied as people are to their phones that integration is just too important for any automakers that want to be taken seriously from a technology standpoint.

[@Ianmundo]

the R2 doesn’t have any trick suspension so I question what capabilities it has over a Model Y

[@chaoLirath]

Love your reviews! Great work and you got me excited for the rivian R2.

[@mikeshinzo]

So much better than Tesla Y 😂, I am gonna book it!!❤

[@harrisonthorburn7415]

This is what a company unencumbered by a "that's how we've always done it" attitude can accomplish. They set out to make the best electric SUVs and trucks and I honestly feel like they made the best SUVs and trucks period. Exceptional attention to detail and a very Toyota approach to constant improvement. When our vehicle kicks-it, I think a Rivian will likely be its replacement.

[@mg5454]

Rivian needs to make the rear seats have the option to recline slightly just as the Jeep Grand Cherokee does. Sitting up that straight for long rides is really rough...

[@henrylee8510]

RJ is a true car lover and with a PhD from MIT to boot Unlike Elon who is a tech guy and visionary who isn't a car guy. You can see the end result in Teslas vs Rivians.

[@thrash123ful]

Hopefully it has a better ride quality then the R1S as far as suspension and wind noise.

[@wadafruit]

Extremely well thought out vehicle. If this comes out, this will sell real well. This is coming from someone that drives a Model Y. Berri No-ICE.

[@legeno.]

I will definitely buy it when it is released.

[@Artur-sw8er]

Interior is my type. Except I'm not a fan of big consoles dividing the driver and the passenger. Wish the console was removable.

[@eddieg6436]

Even the R2 is too big!! VERY excited for the R3!! 👍

[@Jojoba-wz6ri]

Happy that this is on my shortlist

[@RLTtizME]

The resale value will make you vomit.

[@Jojoba-wz6ri]

@@RLTtizME that’s really fair tbh.

[@dgalvan42]

To be honest, the latest FSD update makes it hard to move on to something like this. Looks appealing though.

[@stephentsai]

Thanks for sharing a view of the tent!

[@stevelouie5928]

I wish the r3 looked exactly like this vs a tall hatchback. Better yet, make a 2 door like the Defender 90.

[@craig8638]

The rear window on my 91 Suburban rolls down. 😊

[@LionessDiva]

Is that a "Brown" color R1T in the background?

[@JKtech3D]

Not a fan of charging port placement. It should have been either back driver side or front passenger side for easy supercharger access.

[@KhrissyDaDon]

Gotta give it up to Sofyan, he’s gonna make the impossible, possible!

[@johndinsdale1707]

I am really interested in your thoughts on the Osborne effect of an EV with a $25k discount with better batteries than the R1S. If Rivian has a COGS of $125k per vehicle and needs to scale this year?

[@matthewpan2380]

been driving MY for a while, I really want this to be alive. This seems to have better interior and higher ground clearance compare to MY (hopefully softer suspension 😂) But, not sure about the accessibility on the Tesla supercharging network and the truth mileage with this boxes design.

[@rohanm54]

I don’t think its a tri motor. It’s a dual motor in the video. At 11:09 in the video you can see there are only 2 motor temps, so that car probably only has 2 motors. Also on the graphic you can clearly see 2 motors, not 3.

[@futurecop3100]

I wish the other people would just give you 10 minutes alone to film your video

[@MrH786]

Love the interior of the Rivians. I wish Tesla would look like this.

[@RoxUnlimited]

That looks super clean!

[@kevinchan1408]

For me, it's a huge miss that Rivian does not support apple car play or android auto. Do they have plans to support the two most popular car OS?

[@desigrizzly]

they need to put that charger port on drivers side. Else its a headache for everyone to charge at tesla supercharger

[@gianlucaalessia5538]

Wish they'd just make a 5 seat r1s. I want the height, size and air suspension, just not as long

[@dquarks]

Looks better than a Y to my eyes 👀. 😊

[@jasons7044]

21" AT Good Year tires??. Must be custom. Would love to get those on my R1T.

[@Ceh000]

Did you say the drive mode selector is a thumb scoll on the steering wheel.... 😳

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Wondering about glare from the sun on that unshielded driver info display?

[@MuniTechnology]

If this had a large sunroof like the Fisker Ocean, I would have a tough time hating EVs moving forward.

[@keithrodes1591]

That tent is so cool!!!

[@jeraldb2868]

I was really looking forward to the R2, but after seeing both up close and personal a couple of weeks at the Rivian HQ, it’s the R3 I actually want! My new hot hatch 😎

[@jinxxy06]

I will be ready to trade my Y for this!

[@joehelblanca9770]

Another potential Model Y rival / killer....that hasn't even made it to production yet lol. Model Y is still tops....still outsells the Mach E, Ev6 / Ioniq 5, Fisker Ocean (which barely made it to production) as long as the Saudis keep throwing money at Rivian then they still have a chance. R2 is a nice looking SUV I wish them luck :)

[@PsychicMedium4747]

All those people are rude..like they cannot stop talking until you're done recording. Terrible manners...

[@Japplesnap]

Sorry, but the R1S is not a fullsize SUV. Its squarely in the midsize category. Its about the size of a Grand Cherokee L, but a little shorter actually.... The R2 is a compact SUV.

[@therodfather916]

I don't know much about Rivian. Forty caught my attention, wonder if its built better than the Tesla. .

[@renkaison]

Pre-ordered one, looks fantastic. I really want to see what other colors they will be launching with.

[@DavidCallMusic]

A bit of [hopefully constructive and respectful] criticism: I'd rather watch a longer video with a verbal pace that's allows more room to breathe (and for us to digest the message) than this one. It felt like the host was trying to cram in as much info into as short a time as possible, and barely took a breath between thoughts. May just be personal preference, but this felt a little overwhelming simply because of the pace. Overall, though, love how much was covered here and can't wait to get the email one day that my number in line has come up :) Cheers.

[@jh98730]

Rivian needs to move the charge port to the driver rear or passenger front for ease of charging at Tesla Superchargers!

[@marclemar]

OK everyone keeps comparing it to a Tesla model Y. And that’s great for people who like Tesla model y. However I wish someone would give a comparison to an actual SUV so I can get an idea of how big or smallest thing is. Is it jeep grand Cherokee is the size of a Kia Sorrento? What actual SUV would you compare to when it comes to size

[@theredline]

It’s about the same size as a Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Honda CR-V as well.

[@anngo4140]

I hope this car succeeds

[@shubhamsharma2635]

I was waiting for the solid sounding thud 😅

[@stephaneviola4764]

Considering that it will be using the Tesla superchargers, why not put the charger on the driver side??? Unless the superchargers change their ways, putting the charger on the passenger side will create issues when charging.

[@AubreyBeauford]

Congrats on your perilous run