2027 R2 Performance vs. 2026 Model Y Performance - highway efficiency test (Out of Spec comparison)

[shandering]

An aero wheel cover might very well improve efficiency quite a bit.. those wheels have so many nooks and crannies and gaps, the cavitation of air coming off them at speed must look like the first spring release of the Colorado! (Well, at least 25 years ago)

I believe with tesla the aero cover efficiency difference is not big, It's around 3%

At high speed it helps but at low speed it does not. For tesla, a couple pieces of plastic is a cheaper way to get more range than putting in more battery

The real difference is you get a little less wheel noise

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[DuoRivian]

I think the point of video was to show the fallacy of the EPA ratings and what RJ stated himself in past about R2 efficiency...it being at or above Model Y Perf. Even city driving simulation it wasn't close.

EPA needs one standardized EV range test.

Rivian chose this specific EPA cycle - they could have gone with the more realistic cycle but instead chose the more flattering one. That is disappointing.

 

[rvnxyz001]

As a person who has never owned an EV, the R2 be my first. I'm viewing this purchase as being an early adopter. There are always some risks being an EA and that is a factor in making a purchase. That said, there is no such thing as a perfect vehicle, ICE or EV.

If you do find a vehicle that checks off the 8 concerns, please let me know. Also, what is available today that is better than the R2?

Same here. I’m looking for my first EV now because it’s time to replace my ICE vehicle. I mostly drive around the city, with occasional long trips, so range isn’t important most of the time, but it really matters when I need it.

Almost all EVs feel compromised compared with similarly priced ICE vehicles. They are either too small, too expensive, or have limited range. The Model Y and Rivian R2 seem like the only good options for me.

I’m considering the Tesla because it’s more efficient and appears to have better range, especially the Premium RWD. It should also get CarPlay soon, and the laminated rear glass probably makes it quieter for rear passengers. But I don’t actually like the car. I would buy it like an appliance.

The Rivian feels much more appealing to me. I really believed Rivian’s promise that the R2 would have efficiency similar to the Model Y, and that was when I started seriously considering it. If its real-world range is significantly worse than advertised and requires an extra charging stop, that would be a major disappointment.

I prefer almost everything else about it: no plastic wheel covers, an OEM spare tire, and better ground clearance, so I might even take it to my favorite trailheads that require a few miles of off-road driving. I also have a Rivian service center within a few minutes’ walking distance, but I don’t have the time or energy to go there even once, no matter how nice they are.

As for reliability, I hoped Rivian had already learned how to manufacture vehicles properly and that, because the R2 is so important to the company’s survival, they would prioritize quality control. But from what I can already see, they seem to be struggling with it again. Even Toyota had major problems with its first-year models, causing its reliability ratings to drop, and it took several years to polish those new products.

 

[tivoboy]

I believe with tesla the aero cover efficiency difference is not big, It's around 3%

At high speed it helps but at low speed it does not. For tesla, a couple pieces of plastic is a cheaper way to get more range than putting in more battery

The real difference is you get a little less wheel noise

I think with the 18” original aero wheels it was more like 8%

update: I guess various testing put it between 3.5-5%.

 

[thrillseeker1234]

R2 is also about 540 lbs heavier than the MYP, pair it with the boxy design..I just don't think it's ever going to be as efficient as MYP.

 

[savethemanual]

Rivian chose this specific EPA cycle - they could have gone with the more realistic cycle but instead chose the more flattering one. That is disappointing.

Why does the EPA even give OEM's a choice? The general public has no idea there's different pathways. Unfortunately, the marketing division of most companies has a lot of say in stuff like this...I'm sure they were pushing for the more flattering numbers.

 

[DuoRivian]

Why does the EPA even give OEM's a choice? The general public has no idea there's different pathways. Unfortunately, the marketing division of most companies has a lot of say in stuff like this...I'm sure they were pushing for the more flattering numbers.

Completely agree - one consistent test procedure makes sense.

 

[NinjaWrap]

It should also get CarPlay soon

I don’t know where you heard that but don’t buy based on that. I can’t imagine Tesla ever giving in on CarPlay.

 

[rvnxyz001]

I don’t know where you heard that but don’t buy based on that. I can’t imagine Tesla ever giving in on CarPlay.

Yeah, you don't buy based on this because it used to be normal things like a radio, but some people make decisions not to buy due to its absence.


CarPlay support wasn't officially confirmed, but it may potentially happen.

https://www.reuters.com/business/au...ay-its-evs-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-11-13/


https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/15/tesla-carplay-apple-maps-support-delay/

 

[Rivian R2D2]

Again owned three EV, two being Tesla’s no matter how comfortable you are the trip computer always lies. Charged up to 220, got on the highway, drove 153 miles I was puckering watching the miles shear off about 2/3 into my trip.

At the SC destination only had 7-10 miles left when I arrived at the SC station.

Computer doesn’t know wind, hills, traffic or the weight you are carrying!

Plan accordingly when EVing.

 

[hammick]

Again owned three EV, two being Tesla’s no matter how comfortable you are the trip computer always lies. Charged up to 220, got on the highway, drove 153 miles I was puckering watching the miles shear off about 2/3 into my trip.

At the SC destination only had 7-10 miles left when I arrived at the SC station.

Computer doesn’t know wind, hills, traffic or the weight you are carrying!

Plan accordingly when EVing.

The NAV takes all that into account. The GOM does not.

 

[SANZC02]

Why does the EPA even give OEM's a choice? The general public has no idea there's different pathways. Unfortunately, the marketing division of most companies has a lot of say in stuff like this...I'm sure they were pushing for the more flattering numbers.

With the R2 will have to see in reality what it is in normal driving. My R1S has always been closer to EPA numbers than my Model S. We just picked up the R2 so I’ll reserve judgement on it until we get some real miles in it.

There is no EPA test doing sustained 80 mph highway driving. I do not do constant 80 on my trips even on the roads with 80mph posted. On those I max at 78 as higher than that is a huge hit. On the other roads I tend to do posted +3mph. My R1S pretty consistent on long trips getting 2.25 miles per kWh. I’m ok with that, if the R2 gets 2.8 on highway trips I’ll be ok with that as well, anything higher is just a bonus.

 

[DKM_R1S]

I one of those exceptions as I will be taking it shortly after pickup on a LONG roadtrip. Also taking it to remote trailheads, offroad (within reason of course!) and even having an iKamper on the roof which will reduce efficiency. I should probably record it given the thirst for information and to quell the concerns people have about various aspects of range and efficiency.

I had a roof top tent and storage gear on top of my R1S from almost day one, so I’ve never realized the efficiency of the standard vehicle. So, I have to charge a little more often. Not a big deal. My efficiency ranges from 1.5 to 1.8 mi/kWh on road trips. I’ll be very curious what you get with the R2 and your iKamper.

 

[CrazyOne]

Again owned three EV, two being Tesla’s no matter how comfortable you are the trip computer always lies. Charged up to 220, got on the highway, drove 153 miles I was puckering watching the miles shear off about 2/3 into my trip.

At the SC destination only had 7-10 miles left when I arrived at the SC station.

Computer doesn’t know wind, hills, traffic or the weight you are carrying!

Plan accordingly when EVing.

Not saying Rivian is special, but Rivian onboard nav absolutely knows hills. Try setting nav to the bottom of a mountain and it will predict that range will be added and it's pretty accurate.

 

[Indy avocado]

I think the point of video was to show the fallacy of the EPA ratings and what RJ stated himself in past about R2 efficiency...it being at or above Model Y Perf. Even city driving simulation it wasn't close.

EPA needs one standardized EV range test.

I totally agree it would be useful, but at what speed? What elevation? What temperature? What wind conditions? No one combination will be representative of most peoples use cases.

Some calculated example points from the R2 EPA filings below.

Just between 100F and 72F there's a 22 mile range difference. And a 22mi difference between sea level and Denver. Slowing 10mph from 70 to 60 gains 58mi.

Speed (mph)	Elevation (ft)	Temperature (ºF)	Wind @ angle (mph)	Range (mi)
60	0	72	0	324
70	0	72	0	266
80	0	72	0	220
70	5000	72	0	288
70	5000	72	15 @ 90º	281
70	0	72	15 @ 90º	259
70	0	72	15 @ 180º	210
70	0	32	0	244
70	0	100	0	262

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