Rivian R2 initial drive: A mid-sized electric vehicle disruptor exceeding expectations for its price point.

      Rivian has officially introduced the R2, a smaller and more affordable two-row electric SUV. Despite being priced lower, the company has not compromised on quality. Instead, many cost reductions appear to have come from more efficient engineering.

      This efficiency is evident in aspects like the vehicle's wiring, which has eliminated around two miles of cable compared to the R1 model. Additionally, many of the R2's systems and chipsets have been streamlined.

      Dave McQuilling / Digital Trends

      The R2 is priced between $44,990 and $57,990, making it one of the more budget-friendly electric SUVs available. While the sub-$45,000 option won’t be available until 2027, even the higher-end models seem to be more competitively priced compared to similar offerings from BMW and Lucid.

      On paper, the R2 appears impressive. But how does it perform in real life? I recently had the opportunity to test drive the vehicle in Utah, and here’s what I discovered about the Rivian R2.

      The R2 boasts an attractive design

      If you haven’t been living under a rock lately, you might have heard about the controversy surrounding the Ferrari Luce, particularly regarding its aesthetic choices, which prioritize aerodynamics above all else.

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      Aerodynamic efficiency is crucial for electric vehicles, enhancing performance while increasing range. However, Rivian seems willing to sacrifice a bit of range for the sake of aesthetics with the R2. This decision is justified, as the additional few miles of range likely aren't worth compromising the vehicle’s appealing appearance.

      Instead, the R2 presents itself as a classic two-row SUV. It has a boxy, commanding stance and looks impressive, making it a vehicle you’d be proud to drive. Additionally, it still offers an estimated range of 345 miles on certain trims.

      How is the Rivian R2’s driving experience?

      Dave McQuilling / Digital Trends

      Rivian has entirely redesigned the chassis, batteries, and motors for the R2, resulting in a lighter, more efficient vehicle. With the top-tier “performance” trim, it features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers 656 horsepower and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Is it the fastest electric SUV ever made? No, but the difference may not be noticeable in real-world driving conditions.

      During the road test segment of the initial drive event, I took the R2 along some winding mountain roads—routes where a mistake could send you tumbling hundreds of feet down the cliffs. Given the terrain, I wasn’t about to push the limits too hard.

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      I found the R2 felt stable at speeds significantly above those recommended for such roads. I even easily exceeded 100 mph on some of the straighter stretches.

      In terms of performance, the ride quality was impressive. There was minimal body roll, even in some of the sharper curves. However, the regenerative braking and acceleration could be quite aggressive, which, when combined with spirited driving, might lead to car sickness, especially on those twisting mountain roads.

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      The R2 excels in off-road performance

      Given its all-electric powertrain, absence of a locking differential, and considerable weight, it might be easy to dismiss the R2 as an off-road vehicle. Yet, whether navigating a rocky trail or maneuvering through muddy ruts, the vehicle performs surprisingly well.

      During my drive, I successfully took the R2 along sections of the trail I hadn’t expected it to conquer. Of course, it wasn’t without challenges; the open differential sometimes necessitated a reevaluation of my chosen path, but ultimately, the R2 managed to navigate through.

      Dave McQuilling / Digital Trends

      Concerns regarding the battery pack’s durability were alleviated as it proved more than capable of withstanding the occasional bump. My years of off-road experience taught me to avoid larger rocks, but it was reassuring to know I could drive over obstacles without worrying about damaging crucial components. With 9.6 inches of ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 25° and 26°, respectively, contacting rocks or rough terrain typically isn’t an issue.

      The interior maintains a luxurious feel

      When a manufacturer aims to reduce costs, the interior often suffers the most. Specifications typically dominate discussions, making it difficult to convey the sensation of a seat cover or the quality of a dashboard through numbers alone.

      However, Rivian has managed to keep the interior quality intact in the R2. While the seats are referred to as “pleather”, they are made from the same high-quality synthetic leather found in the R1S and R1T, indicating that this isn’t merely a cost-saving measure.

      Throughout the interior, there’s a noticeable absence of low-quality plastic. You’ll find plenty of wood accents, delightful textures, and no piano black surfaces—which puts it ahead