R2 rear suspension has "incredible ride quality and handling" says RJ Scaring with preview photos

[ATLRivvy]

I drove next to one yesterday, and it wasn’t as big as I expected.
(That’s what she said)

There are a couple in my neighborhood (Atlanta) and they still seem enormous to me, especially for a 2-row vehicle.

American cars in general have just gotten so big that even the objectively enormous ones start to feel normal.

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[kurtlikevonnegut]

There are a couple in my neighborhood (Atlanta) and they still seem enormous to me, especially for a 2-row vehicle.

American cars in general have just gotten so big that even the objectively enormous ones start to feel normal.

After nearly 3 years with an R1T I look forward to a narrower track and shorter wheelbase. Every time I drive a rental and it's a midsize SUV I am in awe at how relatively easy it is to park and maneuver.

Give me 80% of the R1 capability in a smaller package and it'll feel just as engaging to drive if not moreso just due to wheelbase and weight.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

R2 is nearly identical in size to the current generation BMW X3. This was verified the day of R2 concept reveal and release of dimensions.

I am a strong proponent of keeping things simple (within reason) to get more life out of a product. I have seen adjustable suspension crap out after a few years on the road on BMW and MB products and that does not sit well with me. Rivian can and should make R2 a compliant ride for both on road and off road use cases without using adjustable suspension.

There are two kinds of adjustable. Height, ground clearance. And ride quality, compression and rebound dampening. The R1 has both (and sacrifices a bit of ride quality at either height extremes). The R2 has the latter. Yes, with good engineering, testing and tuning, damping rates of the adjustable shocks can be calibrated to smooth out the ride in just about any surface condition.

 

[narmstrong79]

Stop edging me RJ, just release the damn configurator I want to know price.

Launch Edition $65K ?

 

[RivnSoon]

Every modern cayenne and macan, including the e-macan utilizes some of these. No doubt BMW and Mercedes do as well

Can't speak for other brands but BMW stopped using stamped steel suspension components in their 3 series (their cheapest car) in 1999 with the introduction of the e46...

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Can't speak for other brands but BMW stopped using stamped steel suspension components in their 3 series (their cheapest car) in 1999 with the introduction of the e46...

Doesn't mean BMW doesn't use it at all anymore. See X1 suspension control arms. Stamped and welded.

 

[SANZC02]

Stop edging me RJ, just release the damn configurator I want to know price.

Launch Edition $65K ?

My guess on price is just under 70k out the door in CA, high taxes and registration here at around 10%.

I put 65k in a 2 year CD when I placed my reservation. It matures at just over 71k in February 2026 hoping that actually covers mine.

 

[Throwdown]

Can't speak for other brands but BMW stopped using stamped steel suspension components in their 3 series (their cheapest car) in 1999 with the introduction of the e46...

We get them traded in regularly, as well as mercedes, so I'll have to look, I can tell you without a doubt porsche still uses them on cars that cost in excess of $100k.

 

[AfroRick]

I am fine with my R1S suspension. If it's going to be better than that, my interest is piqued.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I am fine with my R1S suspension. If it's going to be better than that, my interest is piqued.

It won’t ride/handle better. It will be more reliable and less expensive to replace.

 

[narmstrong79]

My guess on price is just under 70k out the door in CA, high taxes and registration here at around 10%.

I put 65k in a 2 year CD when I placed my reservation. It matures at just over 71k in February 2026 hoping that actually covers mine.

$70k is about what I paid for my R1S, I don't think I could give that up for an R2, at similar price.

Who knows we'll see, luckily my trade in is currently still close to what I paid.

 

[captainjp]

Brother, I don't know what you are driving but my R1T is freaking amazing at handling on and off road. I have never owned a vehicle this nice before. I still find it hard to believe that this is a new car company's first effort. I hope you have a better experience in your next vehicle purchase. The R1s are definitely too expensive for anyone not thrilled with the purchase and performance.

Likewise

 

[captainjp]

There are a couple in my neighborhood (Atlanta) and they still seem enormous to me, especially for a 2-row vehicle.

American cars in general have just gotten so big that even the objectively enormous ones start to feel normal.

Agreed, but considering how big the H2/3 are, I was expecting a monstrosity.

 

[christinaf]

 

[SANZC02]

$70k is about what I paid for my R1S, I don't think I could give that up for an R2, at similar price.

Who knows we'll see, luckily my trade in is currently still close to what I paid.

I still feel like I stole my R1S, it’s sticker was 79k and paid 88.7k out the door.

I’m thinking the R2 will be ~20k less than that but personally I do not think it is fair to compare the R2 price in 2026 to an R1 price originally set in 2021 that Rivian honored for reservation holders.

At 70k out the door the R2 would still be less than I paid for my Model S in 2016.

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