R2 walkthrough review by Doug DeMuro

[Riviot]

I bet they have the emergency release (probably have to)

I wonder if it'll be like the Gen2 front seat (obvious handle) or backseat (hidden)? I fear for Florida Women everywhere if it's the latter.

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[MountainBikeDude]

Funny, as this video was the first Rivian YouTube app video I watched. Nothing new, but I do appreciate the views it's generated. Definitely spreading the word.

 

[Erik+]

When they showed the efficiency graph, the y-scale was 0-6, with the x-axis, or target efficiency at 3. Notably different than the 2 we have now, that everyone seems to moan about.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

I've never heard of this guy but Google must know how much I like Rivian stuff, so it sent me a notification to check out the video, LOL. Well done. He's earned himself a new subscriber. I also noticed the efficiency graph said "last 30 minutes" instead of 15. Hopefully we'll get that "Energy 2.0" app soon in the new year.

 

[KBabione]

I fear for Florida Women everywhere if it's the latter.

Reminds me of a joke...

A Rivian owner was using his ICE vehicle to drive a Cybertruck owner home after his CT broke down. When they arrived at the CT's house, the Rivian owner got out and realized he locked his keys in the car. It took them an hour to get the CT owner out...

 

[SASSquatch]

? !!!

 

[kurtlikevonnegut]

We're less than 18 months out from first anticipated deliveries at this point, so I'm hopeful that we'll start to get some details on the different trims, range, and pricing.

One thing I will be particularly interested in is whether there is more involved in the "off road" package than in the R1 since the R2 won't have the adaptable suspension. I'd love to see options for the dual motor to have factory suspension upgrades beyond the base level that will probably be mostly tuned for road use.

 

[NY_Rob]

^ I'm sure this will earn me plenty of downvotes, but with it's low ground clearance the R2 seems more suited as a mall-crawler than an "off-road" vehicle. And, a sub $50K SUV mall-crawler that will work for 99.99% of car buyers is just what Rivian needs to stay afloat IMO.

 

[Yossarian]

^ I'm sure this will earn me plenty of downvotes, but with it's low ground clearance the R2 seems more suited as a mall-crawler than an "off-road" vehicle. And, a sub $50K SUV mall-crawler that will work for 99.99% of car buyers is just what Rivian needs to stay afloat IMO.

I largely agree with this, but assuming reasonable ground clearance, the R2 should be more than a mere mall-crawler, and suitable for the same outdoor activities as something like a Forester is. Certainly it's true that most SUVs never see anything but pavement, but more than few navigate more tame dirt and gravel surfaces in the pursuit of outdoor activities. The R2 looks like it should be more than capable in this space.

The R2 looks like it will be a great vehicle, with broad appeal, and under normal conditions, I'd expect it to sell well. I don't think that next few years will be anything approaching normal, and expect rough sledding for EV's generally, and particularly for those vehicles that compete directly with offerings from Tesla.

 

[SANZC02]

^ I'm sure this will earn me plenty of downvotes, but with it's low ground clearance the R2 seems more suited as a mall-crawler than an "off-road" vehicle. And, a sub $50K SUV mall-crawler that will work for 99.99% of car buyers is just what Rivian needs to stay afloat IMO.

If the height is going to be what the demo vehicle is (and listed on the Rivian Website) you are not going rock crawling but overland stuff will be cake. It sits a tad higher than a Jeep Grand Cherokee with almost the same wheelbase. should be great for most peoples off pavement use. My Grand Cherokee worked great off pavement even without raising the standard height.

 

[kurtlikevonnegut]

^ I'm sure this will earn me plenty of downvotes, but with it's low ground clearance the R2 seems more suited as a mall-crawler than an "off-road" vehicle. And, a sub $50K SUV mall-crawler that will work for 99.99% of car buyers is just what Rivian needs to stay afloat IMO.

Current clearance is good but not great, and I agree with your assumption that this will be primarily a pavement princess, but that's why it would be nice to have that as a factory option.

That said, I assume a much more simple suspension will be far easier to modify with aftermarket parts for those that wish to do so.

 

[JasonK]

^ I'm sure this will earn me plenty of downvotes, but with it's low ground clearance the R2 seems more suited as a mall-crawler than an "off-road" vehicle. And, a sub $50K SUV mall-crawler that will work for 99.99% of car buyers is just what Rivian needs to stay afloat IMO.

It actually has pretty good ground clearance for a SUV this size. It has more ground clearance than a stock F150 and standard jeep Wrangler or Jeep Grand Cherokee. I am sure it is not meant to be an hardcore offroad vehicle. But I am sure you eventually could put a lift on it if you wanted to take it into the real rough stuff.

 

[ThirteenElectrics]

I find it hilarious that Doug, who is 6'3", absolutely will not be caught dead standing close to this car at his full height. He is always sitting on a comically small stool.. This car might appeal to people 5' 8" and shorter. The shrinky-dink miniaturization of the R1 to the R2, without changing any proportions, doesn't work for taller people. Even for short people, I'm not convinced. Short people want to be tall on the road, and get good visibility. This is the main reason sedans are dying.

 

[NY_Rob]

It actually has pretty good ground clearance for a SUV this size.

Does it? Cause it looks pretty low here? Off the top of my head, I think our 2015 Honda Pilot has better ground clearance. Keep in mind the vehicle in this photo is empty and sitting on concrete. Now load 3 adults in it with some gear and put in on dirt to see the real working ground clearance.

FWIW- I have a day one R2 reservation like many here and I think it would work great for my needs (assuming they rate it for 5,000lb towing), but I would really have to think twice before taking this vehicle "off road". Too much pretty plastic trim close to the ground to get damaged $$$.

 

[iansriv]

It actually has pretty good ground clearance for a SUV this size. It has more ground clearance than a stock F150 and standard jeep Wrangler or Jeep Grand Cherokee. I am sure it is not meant to be an hardcore offroad vehicle. But I am sure you eventually could put a lift on it if you wanted to take it into the real rough stuff.

I would have loved the same set up on the R1-no air suspension.

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