The Rivian R2 has garnered significant attention recently following its unveiling and release of detailed information regarding its performance specifications. The starting price of $45,000 for the electric SUV has positioned it as a competitive alternative to other vehicles in the electric SUV market, particularly against the Tesla Model Y. This pricing strategy is significant in attracting a broader consumer base looking for accessible electric vehicle options.
CNBC provided an exclusive early look at the R2, featuring insights from Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe. Such high-profile coverage from reputable sources typically generates considerable interest, leading to an increase in search inquiries as potential buyers and enthusiasts seek more information about the vehicle’s features and availability.
Additionally, Electrek reported on the performance specs of the R2 prototypes, highlighting Rivian’s intent to compete directly with established electric vehicle models. The release of this technical data provides potential customers with reasons to consider the R2 over other options, sparking further interest and driving search volumes as individuals look for comparisons and detailed specifications to inform their purchasing decisions.
Watch the Moment
Internet Reacts
A
The embargo has lifted. Release the hounds.
R
E
“The R2 feels like it was designed by people who were genuinely trying to have fun, rather than meticulously craft an interior that mimics a Scandinavian prison from the future.” lol
B
https://preview.redd.it/qk3acldd7oig1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=d08d0d11e3f1c5d84b95ec3fbbd0456f9c4da6c9 They’re listening…
R
lol that’s pretty good
B
As a Volvo driver and love of Scandinavian design the interior of the ex60 is so cold and cheep looking
O
They had me at “an overpowered Toyota 4Runner”, because that’s what I currently drive. I am damned excited about getting my hands on an R2. The little kid in me is giddy.
M
I’m a really tall man, if I can sit comfortably in this car I’m getting one.
J
I’m a very short man. If you can sit comfortably in this car I’m getting one.
G
I’m a average size man. If you can sit comfortably in this car I’m getting one.
I
i’m also an average size man. i will not be getting one because i still can’t afford a $55,000 car.
T
I’m a slightly above average size man. I had much higher hopes for the economy when I preordered than I do right now.
C
I’m not even a man, and I’m getting one.
R
…maybe..maybe we can both fit in it 
S
I’m an an average sized man and if I can comfortably reach the foot rest then I’m getting one.
S
Doug DeMuro is 6’4″ and in his review there is plenty of headroom to spare.
M
For a lot of cars, it’s more about the legroom and thigh support from extenders then headroom.
S
That’s fair. I’m like 5’10” so it’s not a problem I personally am familiar with.
C
Same, as a car enthusiast I decided that’s as tall as I wanted to be at around 11. This allows me to fit into older cars. Not always comfortable, but I can still enjoy the experience. What blows my mind is the lack of legroom in the giant American cars of the late 70s early 80s.
L
Unless you’re long in the torso lol. I look out the top of the windshield in many vehicles and I’m only 6’4
F
/Cries in long torso. Height debates always kill me. Oh sure some guy is 6’4″ and fits fine with his 34″ in seam. I’m over here at 6’1″ and 30″ inseam and hair is constantly rubbing against the cab of my car. The one R1T I sat in gives me hope that the R2 should be fine. They could shift the batteries around a bit on the shorter chassis raising it the floor, but I’m hoping we’re good.
A
That’s when you just employee that gangster angle on the seat haha. That’s what I have to do.
V
Doug sat comfortably in the back seat with a little room to spare between his legs and the front seat.
I
Same! 6’7” here!
M
6′ 6″! Tall people unite!
Z
6’8″! But with the R1S I doubt really need to get this.
M
I always wanted a R1, but couldn’t justify the price. Once they announced the R2 all those years ago I thought that’ll be the car for me as long as I fit (and not having carplay is manageable)
A
Nice same.
T
Go sit in an R1. If you fit? You fit.
T
Same, I’ve got a model 3 right now and I look like I am trying to be a gangster with how far sit back in the vehicle. If this checks all the boxes I’ll be getting this over a BMW iX3.
A
Same bro. Shoutout Jeremy Clarkson for his years of testing for us, and now Jack from Everything Electric. 😂
D
Same. That moonroof should help a lot in gaining head room, so 🤞
A
How tall are you?
M
6’6″. I’m assuming I’ll fit decently. I drive an outback now and it’s okay. Worse case I’ll buy a thigh extender for better leg support, which is actually where the issues are. When you’re too tall for the car your leg can’t rest on the seat and is always “propped up” on the gas.
_
Go check out Doug Demuro’s review. He’s 6’4” so it’ll provide a decent reference. Not that you’ll spend a ton of time in the back seats, but he specifically calls out having an unbelievable amount of room in the second row, so at the very least it sounds like theres plenty of room to move the front seats back without bashing knees.
J
can you dunk?
S
Nice impressions. Not much on real specs though. The slow drip continues. 10-80% in 30 minutes is new. Not industry leading but a match for the Model Y despite being likely a larger battery capacity. Edit: Per JerryRigEverything’s video the rear door mechanical release is still a pull cable hidden behind a cover. Come on Rivian, door handles shouldn’t be complicated.
D
I wonder if these first gen 4695 LG battery cells from Korea are worse than the ones that will be coming from their new Arizona plant, or if they’re pretty much exactly the same.
N
This is a good question; if I hazard to guess.. the Arizona plant batteries are likely to be worse since sourcing and production started much later. I’d imagine that the launch edition and higher trims will use the LG batteries since those have been in the works for a while. And the base $45k model coming later in the year would use the batteries from Arizona plant as that scales up. There’s probably some cost savings factor with the domestic plant that avoids tariffs, and probably was designed to take advantage of the (now gone) $7500 credits which would have required domestic supply to qualify. I also have a hard time believing a newer domestic plant would have better tech than LG so soon
F
> 10-80% in 30 minutes is new. Not industry leading but a match for the Model Y despite being likely a larger battery capacity. Even if they didn’t bump the 400V architecture, I was really hoping they’d improve battery cooling. 200kW max would be okay if it could maintain it all the way from 5% to 85%. Which just needs more cooling.
S
Today is the day of rinse and repeat the same regurgitated information that we basically already know. YouTubers and journalists/bots alike will all have to same script. Can only pray we get at least one person that can independently think and create “original” content.
T
This is why I was sad that Out of Spec wasn’t invited to this! Instead you have Jerry “Clickbait” Rigs (Zack) and Marques “I don’t know anything about cars and don’t care to learn” Brownlee. Both big traffic accounts, but they could have given us at least one nerd. See also legacy media like Motor Trend (where they guy got some basic facts wrong). Doug got close to being informative, but he’s more about quirks and features than technology, though he gave solid driving impressions.
K
Out of specs would just say the same stuff, but make it into a 47 minute video
R
Doug L. is always solid though. His video was pretty good – did a spec breakdown, etc. He mentioned all the quirks which were pretty honest.
T
Yeah by far my favorite of all of the videos that came out! The Car and Driver article was well done as well. The Inside EVs article was the only one that gave away the launch spec battery as being 87.4 kwh, so kudos to them for that.
V
That’s my issue I want someone who will go off script and tell us the truth and not what the company wants us to hear.
E
That’s never going to happen during these first look events. All the talking points are curated by the manufacturer and if someone goes off script other manufacturers will be less likely to invite them to their events. The funniest part of the EX60 videos that were released last month was that almost every presenter mentioned that you could tell where the frunk latch was because the Volvo logo pointed to it. We’re going to have to wait until press cars are given to reviewers for a week for their real impressions.
V
Oh, I know how it works I just want a real review of the car. It’s sad we might have to wait for that to happen when someone actually gets the car. It’s all about keeping the shareholders happy
T
Doug gave as thorough a review as he usually gives to cars. Only Out of Spec will give us all the deep nerd details and testing.
P
It really feels like this car is going to be a home run. I’m excited to start seeing them on the road and hopefully do a demo drive
Additional Sources:
CNBC – Get the first look at the R2, Rivian’s $45,000 SUV. CEO RJ Scaringe gave CNBC an early peek
