Rivian R2 First Drive: 656 HP, Off-Road Ready, and Half the Price?

Rivian R2: On-Road Performance and Handling

• 🚀 The Rivian R2 prototype delivers impressive acceleration with 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque in its launch AWD configuration.
• 💡 Cornering is described as relatively flat with a natural, supple roll, and the steering is precise with no need for correction.
• ✅ Even under hard acceleration in turns, there is no torque steer, which is notable given the significant power output.
• 🚗 The R2 utilizes BFG Goodrich Trail Terrain TA off-road tires, which perform remarkably well on pavement with minimal noise until the limit is reached.

Engineering and Cost Reduction

• 🛠️ The R2 achieves a lower price point by omitting some features of the R1, such as the fancy suspension struts with air springs.
• 🔋 It features a unibody construction on a structural battery, significantly reducing mass compared to the R1's body-on-frame design, resulting in a curb weight of around 5,000 lbs.
• ⚙️ While it retains semi-active damping, it uses a single valve for both Johnson and rebound, unlike the R1's dual-valve system.

Drive Modes and Suspension

• 🚦 The R2 offers multiple drive modes, including All-Purpose with three levels of ride quality (Modern, softer, and firmer) and Sport mode, which defaults to firm but also has a softer option.
• ⛰️ In off-road mode, the suspension can be set to firm for high-speed impacts or soft for general trail driving, akin to a "Raptor mode."
• ⚡ The suspension is designed to handle bumps and swells, with the softest setting allowing for a bit more float and less rebound control.

Off-Road Capability and Features

• 🏞️ The R2 boasts approach and departure angles similar to a non-lifted R1, with over 9 inches of ground clearance.
• 🛡️ The bottom of the battery tray is hardened to withstand strikes off-road.
• 🔌 While hill descent control is not yet active, the one-pedal drive offers similar functionality. The vehicle relies on traction control to manage spinning wheels, which proved highly effective in testing.
• 📸 High-resolution cameras are integrated for off-road visibility, and an "invisible hood" feature is planned for post-launch.

Adventure and Accessories

• 🏕️ Rivian is developing its own rooftop foldout tent and mattresses designed to fit the R2's interior, which offers sleeping space for two when seats are folded flat.
• 🍳 A compact, foldable slide-out kitchen unit with an induction cooktop that powers from the car's port will be available.
• 🔗 The R2 shares the same roof bar mounts and system as the R1, ensuring compatibility with R1 accessories.

Final Verdict

• ✅ The Rivian R2 is deemed worth significantly more than half the price of an R1, offering terrific off-road chops and a very comfortable on-road experience.
• 🌟 It delivers the signature supple on-road yet capable off-road feel that Rivian is known for.
• 🗓️ The R2 is set to go on sale later this spring, with pricing for the launch model expected to be more than $45,000.