R2 Off-Road Ability Test Video -- Great Size, Limited Flex

[VSG]

I'm surprised to see the low ground clearance and lack of articulation. A good opportunity for aftermarket enhancements.

What do you mean by "low ground clearance"? The R2 has one of the highest ground clearances of any stock vehicle, outside of "Rubicon" packages and vehicles like Jeeps which are designed primarily for off-road (with some on-road ability as a practical compromise ). Likewise for articulation.

I always compare the R2 to my Gen3 4Runner, since they're very similar (much more so than any of the vehicles that people normally compare the R2 to). The R2 has the same ground clearance and about the same articulation as the Gen 3 4Runner. No one has ever called the Gen 3 4Runner "bad" for off-roading, and it could be made "great" with aftermarket mods.

The R2, being brand-new, doesn't have any aftermarket yet, and it remains to be see how much the suspension can be modified. But you have to remember that, unlike Jeep, the R2 is NOT intended to be an off-road vehicle - the more extreme the mod, the less likely it's possible on an R2. The R2 was built and marketed as an "adventure" vehicle, and Rivian has been clear that while they believe it is more capable off road than almost any stock vehicle available, that is not its primary purpose.

It's really only the internet narrative that is portraying these as off-roader wanna bees. As many people have said, the vast majority will never take these "off road". However that is not why people buy vehicles like this - they want (or simply just appreciate) the high ground clearance so they don't scrape their front bumper on the curb in parking lot, or on those speed bumps, or lose their muffler when they miss the curb cut. They want the elevated seating position for visibility, they want to be able to get into the vehicle without crouching down like they're sitting down on the floor. They want the space for tall or long cargo, even if they don't need it that often, and they want to know that they *can* take it camping, or to a national park, or to drive down those dirt/gravel roads to get to the trail or the point of interest, and not get stuck on the bad road - something few people would consider doing with a sedan. Getting these advantages usually requires giving up the things that people have to live with day-to-day, like quietness, high-speed handling, gas mileage, etc. Jeeps and 4Runners suck if you're taking long road trips. Sedans suck if on anything other than smooth flat open pavement. But the R2 handles both extremes well.

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[Zorg]

Did some off-roading with other Rivian and there was an R2 in the group. Seemed to do just fine.

 

[Doogl]

Im buying the R2 because my current EV can't get over an obstacle as small as a 6 inch rock or ledge which you'll find on Colorado's many dirt trails/roads.

I think the R2 will be fine for my needs. It isn't priced like an R1 and so won't perform like one. I refuse to buy a gas vehicle, so there really aren't other options with similar capability in this category right now.

 

[gecko10x]

Im buying the R2 because my current EV can't get over an obstacle as small as a 6 inch rock or ledge which you'll find on Colorado's many dirt trails/roads.

I think the R2 will be fine for my needs. It isn't priced like an R1 and so won't perform like one. I refuse to buy a gas vehicle, so there really aren't other options with similar capability in this category right now.

Exactly this.
Need something more practical than my TM3 that we can actually confidently take to a remote trailhead or camping. ICE vehicle is out. Wife's TMY has already been taken in some sketchy places and the suspension is absolutely awful on dirt roads. R2 is basically the only option available that fits my needs.

 

[Holler Wanderer]

Im buying the R2 because my current EV can't get over an obstacle as small as a 6 inch rock or ledge which you'll find on Colorado's many dirt trails/roads.

I think the R2 will be fine for my needs. It isn't priced like an R1 and so won't perform like one. I refuse to buy a gas vehicle, so there really aren't other options with similar capability in this category right now.

This is why I bought a used R1S (my i4 cannot go to trailheads lol).

 

[Pablolibre]

All it really needs to do is be on par with the Subaru Wilderness/BS Badlands, etc., and I think it will be just fine. It's probably better in stock form than most of the "off road" trim crossovers out there.

The traction control isn't close to Subaru levels. Hopefully Rivian will fix that soon with an OTA. Where I'm from we call that driving on a dirt road- not light off-roading. And seriously who would ever bother with reducing air pressure or need someone to accompany them on that dirt road?

 

[mkennedy009]

When you look how the suspension is set up, especially the 5 link. We are going to need some really smart people to figure out how to make more travel. Just from looking at the existing set up, not seeing any way to add droop. I am not an engineer. I have owned jeeps.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

When you look how the suspension is set up, especially the 5 link. We are going to need some really smart people to figure out how to make more travel. Just from looking at the existing set up, not seeing any way to add droop. I am not an engineer. I have owned jeeps.

Sway bar disconnects. But more droop is mostly not needed with better traction from better off-pavement tires. Though Rivian calls the tire option “all terrain”, these BFGs are most definitely not ATs. BFG itself doesn’t even market it as such. IMO Rivian has created confusion with their dumbed-down naming of tire options.

These are soft roader CUV/SUV tires in the all weather category. Similar to the Goodyear Territory AT (which Goodyear chose to market as an AT, but Rivian calls “all season”). These tires, and tires in this category, are good enough for mild off-pavement use. But will struggle for grip in situations where true ATs would simply shrug off—self-evident in video.

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