We Go Hands On With The Rivian R2

Walk around with us as we check out the R2 with Rivian ahead of the New York Auto Show.
It's hard to overstate the importance of the R2 to Rivian's ambitions. With a starting price of $45,000, over 300 miles of range, and an updated UI, Rivian hopes the R2 will transform the brand from a scrappy startup to an industry mainstay. How does Rivian's EV for the masses stack up? Join Editor-in-Chief Patrick George as we find out.
Read the full article here: insideevs.com/reviews/714331/...
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - Pricing
00:49 - Exterior Design
01:18 - New Rivian Platform
02:32 - NACS Charging
03:17 - The Treehouse
3:57 - New UI Walkthrough
06:43 - Interior
8:57 - Conclusion

[@InsideEVsUS]

Read the full article here: kzbin.info?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTZvQWdCNExrVVlwTmdMdllqSW1qdG5zZ3ZVUXxBQ3Jtc0tuSDZHOFlCb2JoLXJZQXc1VUI3Sl9PbWZwaDNaandUZksxOEp5Z2tLZUd4WjB2Z3NISE5Wc29NMDFzQ0hXY1lNcDZmRDVhSm83cnpsYlh1ZEY0SjJvSk1sSDFrSUNFeFRwOEJxaEdHTXdyNVVjMWdUNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Finsideevs.com%2Freviews%2F714331%2Frivian-r2-live-new-york%2F%3Fadv%3D0&v=GmlG4yI3gO8

[@user-ko9ql5bm9v]

I don't own or planning to buy a Tesla but your statement of Tesla interior feeling cheap is more of an opinion. My friends who own Tesla's seem to love them and I've been in Tesla's as a passenger and Tesla's feel pretty luxurious and clutter free. Minimalistic doesn't mean cheap. But I do see the design language is different between both companies. There are a lot of things I don't like about Teslas but there are a ton of things I do like about them. The center screen on R2 looks super laggy and I'm sure R2 won't be anywhere close to a Tesla for features like autopilot but I wish they ramp-up by the time of release. I did in fact reserve an R2 that I'm planning to buy. I like boxy stuff... Sorry Tesla! I only wish R2 had the tech stack that Tesla's had. Fingers crossed.

[@johna4387]

That ending was an amazingly clever pun. "I'm excited to see where this is going... and I think a lot of people R2"

[@InsideEVsUS]

😎

[@ColdFlame53]

Really loving all these camping hybrids. Things just make sense

[@InsideEVsUS]

They're cool!

[@urbanstrencan]

Rivian R2 and especially R3 are the best new EVs to come out this year. Can't wait to get them here in Europe 😍🌍🌍

[@Anon_Tsking]

Definitely agree 👍 Compared to model y the r2 is so much better in build quality, reliability, performance practicality. Can't wait to get my hands on one 🙌

[@jm100368]

You know the r2 doesn't come out till sometime 2026 and the R3 has no date right?

[@ryanr482]

Now the question is do you buy a 3 year old used R1 or an R2 for a similar price

[@royboypey]

Do you need 3 rows or 2, that should answer it

[@zkistler]

Used R1s won't be nearly as cheap for a while

[@4literv6]

@@zkistler uh might want to verify that, I've seen a few near me in ATL for near 60k already. And Alex on autos who is dialed into ev stuff. Claims the r2s could hit 70k in tri motor trim with large pack, the base 270 mile rwd no options version is the bragged about 45k unit. Other's have said they expect the mid trim larger pack r2s to be 55-60k+depending on the options. Assuming rivian even survives to launch it in 2+more years?

[@ryanr482]

@@zkistler if we’ve learned anything in the last 5 years, depreciation is hard to predict. A loaded R2 could be 55k plus. R1s could hit that in 2025

[@andreasl4507]

Ugly head lights🤣🤣

[@daem3n]

Got my order in. Please hurry Rivian!

[@ericwitter6170]

I am accumlating RIVN stock and continue to load up at today's prices. When these ship and the stock reflects it, I'll sell a portion to pay for my R2 order.

[@Oscar_Robertson]

😁👍

[@TheJPinder]

same. I'm in for aroun 600 at $9 ish

[@toddbroeker8683]

The front seats also fold flat, making more room for an air mattress. Lots of great features you didn’t cover, but love the dive into the UI system! I reserved one as soon as RJ rolled it out during the launch event and I can’t wait for it to come out!

[@InsideEVsUS]

Great catch, when we were on site Rivian mentioned they do *not* fold flat otherwise we would have included - either way we apologize for the error!

[@TrailTape]

@@InsideEVsUS In the unveiling event they made a big point to specifically mention and show that the first row seats both fold flat. It's a huge feature.

[@JarredSutherland]

Looking forward to picking one of these up.

[@andreasl4507]

😂😂😂😂 ugly

[@elijahye7049]

I am really excited for this car!!!!

[@true-liberal2002]

i want that tree house tent now!

[@rohanm54]

RJ and Frank, please provide some RWD trims at launch. I really cannot afford anything more than 45k and I am not waiting for R3. I am a 2021 & 2023 R1T quad owner through my parents (who have an EEAP vehicle as well). I am 23 year old college graduate that is currently employed by Rivian and living at home temporarily. My configuration will be RWD. I understand that the more expensive ones (Dual + Tri) need to be prioritized for profit reasons. But RWD will be easier/quicker to manufacture. Also a lot of the markets that you will be successful in (especially in the beginning) are warm/non snow states. Those regions will be configuring RWD more and if the goal is to get as many in the market as possible, then maybe RWD should also get some prioritization too.

[@brooklyn560]

Really hope the company survives and the r2 is a success

[@Mr.Ro8ot]

@INSIDEEVs Do happen to know if the front seats are cooling seats?

[@gchetail]

Really need to have ventilated seats!

[@user-rh6ji1ot8q]

Hi. How tall are you? Just trying to figure out the size of the R2? When you sit in the front seat, does it feel higher than the Tesla Model Y?

[@Molishious]

Nice to get a little more info than previous videos I’ve seen. I’m looking to buy in 25 and want something that’s had some time on the market. So I’m probably going for an Ioniq 5. I do like the more SUV character of this and it’s the right size I think.

[@andreasl4507]

Gqay

[@InsideEVsUS]

Glad we could help out!

[@krugerdave]

Nice to see the boss-man in front of the camera again! I miss the podcast 😉

[@InsideEVsUS]

What did you miss about it? We're considering bringing it back 🤔.

[@krugerdave]

@@InsideEVsUS great to hear! Off the top: I was a longtime viewer and initially went over to Batteries Included when those guys left, but I often watched the IEVs podcast later and finally decided that it was the more interesting product. I liked the consistency of the hosts, whereas the competition seems to have problems getting the gang together reliably (and I've seen other people grumbling about certain hosts being MIA again). I also liked the more international (at least as far as the western world is concerned) perspective, and the British sense of humour is always welcome 😁 Gender parity was also nice to see, especially in this space. The hosting was also a bit more polished and the format a bit tighter; when you guys wrapped up I often still wanted a bit more, whereas the competition sometimes leaves me wondering when they'll wrap up. Finally, you all had the benefit of not having to plug your own channels constantly; the Inside EVs podcast was actually about (Inside) EVs, not about four other channels. I really appreciate the BI-guys' expertise, varied perspectives and different interests (and especially Martyn's rants), but ultimately I'd still give the edge to you all. But most important: I think the real downfall of your show was trying to compete in the same timeslot. I know you guys want to have a weekend too, but make it a Sunday show and I think you'd be off to the races 👍 Side note: I recommended your podcast to my brother, who is very interested in EVs, and he liked what he was hearing, but he tuned in basically just in time for you to announce that it was the last episode 🤦 So anyway, a bit long-winded there, but I hope there's something you can use in future product planning.

[@CarGuy11]

Does it have a power open & close rear tailgate?

[@SimplyCali619]

This will be a great upgrade from my R4P to full EV. In 2 years i think ill be more committed to full EV

[@venessasandoval9758]

Amazing. Love it. 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡💫🧡🧡🧡

[@cypvh74]

I kind of don’t get the car top campers. If you want to go anywhere away from camp, you gotta break it down each time?

[@braedansings3042]

you didn’t mention that the front seats also fold down flat

[@InsideEVsUS]

We addressed that in another comment above, thank you!

[@mykeljewell]

😮 he said the thing 9:40

[@GreenMountain565]

Looks great. However like they did with the R1 launch and many others they state 45k yet when it actually comes out it will be 65-70k or the base model one will be impossible to get. I have no faith in these prices when these auto makers make the announcements for vehicles that will come out in 2-3 years.

[@235nick1]

Will there be an R3 review?

[@memonahmed6698]

How can I order

[@jmel1746]

Its tough to address this SUV when you realize it is a concept and while looking very much mass-production ready, its about 2+ years from production intent. I will concede that this model sits in the wheelhouse of a large demographic who buys SUVs, yet these $40-45k prices so loosely shared are for a 2WD, small battery version. In 2026, we may see the Cybertruck Effect wherein that price has bloated to $55k with the dual and tri-motor versions owning a rather hefty MSRP In the $70,000s. Its nice to see where Rivian is heading, I believe when the stock price is flattening and funding for a future factory in Georgia has dried up, causing construction to halt, a natural move is to cart out concepts of product several years down the road in attempts to pump up excitement. We have to take this statement that the R2 is the first example of a NACS receptacle inbuilt from the factory other than Tesla with a truckfull of salt,, because we must remember that this is a one-off, hand-built showcar whose mass production is 2 1/2 to 3 years away. Surely, Ford, Hyundai Group, gm, Volkswagen and others will have NACS-equipped cars in showrooms by 2025.

[@gery4870]

2:45 How is gonna be placed the CCS (for EU) conector in that little place ?

[@InsideEVsUS]

The R2 we were filming is still in prototype, so we don't know yet unfortunately!

[@gery4870]

@@InsideEVsUS Thanks so much !

[@Oscar_Robertson]

I will live in one of these

[@netsiteing]

Bring it down under please. Australia needs these EVs

[@Sednarb91]

Charge port needs to be on the drivers side to use the Tesla supercharger network without ticking off Tesla drivers by taking 2 spots to charge.

[@Therestof]

Does Rivian offer its own insurance like Tesla?

[@Neji055]

That tent lol

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Looks nice.....But I'm still waiting for an all electric forester.......Same price as ice.....$35K.....Paul

[@raulingaverage]

0 -> 3 seconds 60mph and mentioning kids in the same sentence is peak Pedestrian Safety issues.

[@Starlord238]

What the hell are u talking about 🤦‍♂️

[@afropiccaso]

those two mickey mouse style lights on the front look funny to me lol. other than that its a nice looking vehicle.

[@barbthompson2374]

Tow capacity?

[@cypvh74]

Yes.

[@diamondjazz2000]

And a lot of people R2. I see what you did there, lol

[@InsideEVsUS]

😉

[@scottturner3982]

I missed the start is this in NYC?

[@jambot1]

Not live, just fresh - just 10 minutes long

[@InsideEVsUS]

Yes, the Rivian store in Manhattan!

[@toddbroeker8683]

They’re 21” wheels, not 20”, as your graphic showed.

[@Phamtom009]

Rivian gets some bad press with Repairibility. I feel like they missed a good opportunity to address it directly with a new platform.

[@dubudub876]

REDLINE REVIEWS SPOTTED

[@Rx100Vx]

45k is a very good starting price for these.

[@4literv6]

Rwd no options smaller pack with est 270miles of range is the click bait 45k r2. Mkbd verified this with rj btw on his review video. So worse deal than a current available today model Y. Should be interesting to see if rivian survives to launch this in 2026. 🤔

[@Rx100Vx]

@@4literv6 yeah , but see I like other flavors of ice cream than just vanilla. So why should there not be more options for consumers to choose from . More choice is good . If we are serious about people switching from ICE to EV, then this is needed. There is more than enough room for both to exist and thrive.

[@FriedChairs]

@@Rx100Vx This is true. I’m a Tesla fanboy I guess but I’m getting to a point where I hope Rivian survives because I think they can make good vehicles and they make some smart design choices. That UI interface is sophisticated and looked silky smooth like Tesla’s UI. I’m not sure if they really have a solid strategy to make a profit on a $45k SUV so we’ll have to see.

[@Rx100Vx]

@@FriedChairs 45k will be starting price . So there will be other higher priced variants.it’s up to the consumer to choose and pay . Also 45k is before the 7500k tax rebate. They for sure will make money not just on car sales but they also have level 3 autonomy and other services planned. They have mentioned use of 4695 battery pack. They will build them initially in current factory. So they will survive and thrive . And if Tesla “fanboys” are smart they will realize that more Rivians only helps Tesla ( supercharger revenue) and Electric future , especially when legacy auto is moving to Hybrids.

[@slipstreamvids7422]

A long range Model Y is $49,000 tax and title, so I don’t see a great deal of difficulty meetingbthat price point

[@jm100368]

aptera has a tesla plug

[@by9917]

So if the R2 won't be on sale until 2026, how is it the first non-Tesla production car with a NACS port?

[@4literv6]

It won't be by any measure. Let's see if rivian even survives to launch it?

[@Molishious]

I was going to point that out as well, but you beat me to the punch. It was an odd thing to say.

[@InsideEVsUS]

We should clarify - the first non-Tesla car we've seen in person with a NACS port, not necessarily the first one on the road.

[@StormyDog]

@@InsideEVsUS Unfortunately they put the port in the wrong place. Hope they change it.

[@royboypey]

@@StormyDog Streetside charging, can't have it in the front because some models will only have motors in the back so it needs to be in the back

[@wydryfly]

R2 looks more polished and sorted. Give me 450 mile range and 10 min charge time and I'll be first in line.

[@davidcorbett644]

Does anyone else see Baymax?

[@Travellereleven]

2027 for Europe is too far away. We want it earlier!!!! 😊

[@thegreytrol2980]

You need tv comercials

[@crAZNimal]

he's right about the model y/model 3 , its built cheap . Its like an over priced honda civic built . interior and ride quality is like a honda civic

[@abcthegreat1]

“Going concern” isn’t what you think it means

[@garycarter5641]

2, 4, 6, 12. Come on what are you trying to say that 12 people fit in a R2?

[@jm100368]

I just cant do 2 years of these reviews before this thing comes out. lets not talk about it till 2 months before its delivered ok?

[@bruintoo]

It's cool but availability is WAY too far off. Need a replacement EV in 2025 not 2026/2027.

[@Crawfish411-Vlog]

no way this will start at $45K

[@MajorMinorGolf]

Why would the charging port be on the back right side WITH NACS. The whole point is adapting to the larger Tesla network. Please change before delivery 🙏

[@royboypey]

Streetside charging, can't have it in the front because some models will only have motors in the back so it needs to be in the back

[@TheReal_JG]

​@royboypey if it's intended for streetside parking, then the charger location should be in the front passenger side for easier access to Tesla chargers.

[@approots]

Some Tesla Superchargers have stalls on both ends to solve this issue. Hopefully becomes more common.

[@wilber8260]

The latest version of supercharger has longer cords for theis reason. i suspect they will retrofit older superchargers as well.

[@Typomancer]

Do Tesla people not just back in their cars into parking spots? Is the length of the charger cable on these superchargers the problem? I have seen this concern written multiple times and I still don’t understand… just back into a spot in front a charger and this port will be in the same area as if you pulled in with a car that has the port in the front, right?

[@michaelkim3432]

Currently Rivian loses about $40K per vehicle it sells. If they can't make money on a $90K car, how are they going to make money on a $50K car? Rivian has some existential obstacles it needs to overcome before the R2 (and the R3) can become reality.

[@wilber8260]

It's called mass production.

[@ed8018]

They have their challenges but if they get this to market they will be fine.

[@Chowchillah]

🤦

[@DrEarbuds]

I Don't think Rivian should e called a start up anymore .

[@Wendy-nm9zw]

Still looks like two Ford Edsel coming at you , we all know what happened too them

[@Starlord238]

Rivian ❤

[@DaGoat97]

1 of the most important ev ever? Wtf Rivian rider lol w/o Model S/3/Y we wouldn't even be talking evs

[@sierra3daction]

Someone’s getting charged 40k from Rivian to fix the rear for a small bumper to bumper accident 😂 no thanks

[@kenhiett5266]

I really like what Rivian is doing with this R2, but the most important EV ever? That's just silly. We get it, you don't like Elon because of his outspoken views. Those extreme positions nearly everyone agreed on until recently...lol.

[@semi484]

Am I the ONLY ONE here wondering why the hell the NAC port is intentionally on the wrong side...like they want to intentionally take 2 stalls and cause chaos. Lol wtf??? Whyyyyyyy

[@cypvh74]

Poor station design is not Rivian’s problem.

[@semi484]

​@@cypvh74 Stations work great I use them everyday buddy. It was designed as intended.

[@joer4367]

That's what I was wondering.

[@thedownwardmachine]

I’m a hard no on Rivian until they get their repair costs under control. Even if it never gets hit, the insurance costs will kill TCO

[@seganintendo6578]

I will wait and this car will be worth 30K at the best.

[@jambot1]

Thanks for the Tesla snark. You little EV poser! 😋

[@ferdiemazon3627]

Aptera will have the NACS port before the R2 comes out.

[@tattooedyogi]

Ahh already delayed. I thought they were going to start delivery in 2025 (isn't that what they said in the announcement?)

[@andreasl4507]

Just to get orders in 😂shit company

[@sedo5505]

RJ said first half of 2026

[@tattooedyogi]

@@sedo5505 Ahh I thought they said 2026, which in the car would essentially means end of 2025!

[@sayulitalyfe5299]

I heard from Ms bloom whom works for rivian, that the company is going to fold by the end of the year. Buyer beware.

[@luckylenny]

Rivian's R2 gameplan is preposterous. The R2 is tentatively planned for Jun '26. For Rivian, this could really mean Jun '36. Rivian is tracking to declare bankruptcy sometime in '24 or '25 at the latest; depending if Rivian can raise more funds or not. By selling the R1S for $90k, Rivian is losing $1.5 bill/qtr. By selling the slightly smaller R2 for $45k, Rivian's losses will probably double. In the meantime, good luck trying to find buyers of the R1S for $90k; when similar vehicle is coming out for $45k. In summary, very unlikely Rivian will ever sell even one R2. Very likely Rivian enters bankruptcy in '24 or '25 at the latest

[@NateBraska]

Pfft that's crazy. Why are you even here? Just to type all of that?

[@ed8018]

Haha ya chill out. It's just a cool upcoming EV people like.

[@Studio3nyc]

this is just a guy who short the stock making a comment, a lot of people expect to make a lot of money if Rivian fail, best of luck Rivian

[@ElectricBrian]

I would rather have the R3, which should come out in 2025.

[@andreasl4507]

Ugly

[@almckimmey8898]

Based on current business reports-this will be the Rivian Unicorn...never to be seen in the real world...so sad...

[@jeffbob1776]

What do they say

[@Effervescent_Smegma]

Oh great. More minimalist trash.

[@weiy3955]

Way too overpriced is the problem. This thing fully loaded should be under $40k. Please produce EVs for the mass market instead of being an expensive toy.

[@wilber8260]

You are showing your ignorance of the cheap fuel costs of EVs and cheap maintenance. and also ignoring the numerous advantages of an EV over a fossil fuel vehicle.

[@ed8018]

Ya the average price is a new car in the US is like $47K. This R2 is priced for the mass market. $45K is a lot of money. But I'll be snapping one up as soon as it's available.

[@Chris-bg8mk]

This guy seems pretty clueless

[@AaronCrawford]

Tesla looks more futuristic. Rivian looks gawdy

[@matthaze7906]

Solar punk vs cyber punk aesthetic. Personal cyber punk seems like a nightmarish but many seem to want that future.

[@the_locke_]

The Cybertruck looks like it was "designed" by a 12 year old using Microsoft Paint. If that's your vision of the "future", more power to ya (I guess).

[@AaronCrawford]

@@the_locke_ not really

[@ed8018]

Teslas look like bubble cars. The Cybertruck looks like my dishwasher.

[@the_locke_]

@@ed8018 Yep, they basically stole the design from the VW Beetle and tried to call it "futuristic". I sincerely hope your dishwasher isn't that ugly... haha

[@andreasl4507]

Ugly headlights!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wilber8260]

Bee-Ewe-Tea-Foal Headlights!

[@Oscar_Robertson]

Give it time you will love it

[@thomasfreeman2159]

Cartoon Anime like headlights big turn off for me...

[@didierpuzenat7280]

7:25 Sorry, not a Tesla fan, but a Tesla owner, and my car does not look "cheap". The UI of the Revian is quite a copy of Tesla UI including the two wheels on the steering wheel (have you ever drive a Tesla ???). So sure, Rivian added a not so useful second screen, a flash light in the door, a second glove box, (...) but the announced price in 2 years is higher than the price of a model 3 nowadays. In 2 years models 3 and Y will be even cheaper, may have steer by wire, V2L & V2H integrated with Tesla energy ecosystem, a starlink option, etc. So I sincerely hope Rivian will survive because we need to move away from ICE cars very fast, but please don't explain us that this car is better than a model 3 or Y because it has a screen behind the steering wheel. The harsh reality is the R2 does not exist, you are just looking at a prototype in a show room ; and even the R1 does not exist anymore as a car you can order.

[@anhh599]

Lets be honest here. The automotive industry had perfected the driving experience with its analog interface over a century and Tesla came along and ruined it. Screen in the middle. Nothing for speedo. Look at everything to change settings. It's distracting and it's evident just by how bad Tesla drivers are. You should know. Watch a Tesla driver parallel park. Genuinely the most embarrassing thing. Hopefully FSD patches that too, so they no longer have to put their skills on display and take 5 minutes to park in a 220 inch space...

[@StormyDog]

@@anhh599 "Lets be honest here." You should try that instead of posting garbage.

[@ed8018]

Honestly I think my Tesla screen has been great. It's responsive and clean. But the Rivian UI looks better. I'm looking forward to using it when it comes out.

[@cypvh74]

Also a tesla owner. The interiors are cheap AF looking.

[@didierpuzenat7280]

@@cypvh74 So why buying one ?

[@shirleytwsw]

Rivian will be out of business in two years sorry 😢

[@Oscar_Robertson]

Really 😮

[@user-bt1nc7hs7c]

Orrible car

[@badbitch2110]

still way too expensive