Happy almost Friday everyone! Our last video from our trip to NYC this week from the auto show and it was such a treat to finally see the upcoming Rivian R2 in person. This car has significant importance for Rivian because when it goes on sale in about 18-24 months, it could become for Rivian, what the Model 3 did for Tesla back in 2018. Let us know below if you are one of the 70,000+ people who put down a $100 reservation for this car!
I have it reserved. But the Toyota 4runner and Landcruiser can both take my business if this doesn't pan out. Stiff competition but I love the products that Rivian are putting out. I'm rooting for them, more competition is always better.
Perhaps a rival to the Y, but is Rivian going to be around for long after that? Is it trying to fail on purpose, or is their leadership and engineers this poor and with zero foresight? Case and point, while other manufacturers have said they're changing their charging port location to be able to to charge on the V3's on the largest network on the planet without an adapter or extension, Rivian not only got it wrong the first time around with their port on the left front, but now they're doubling down and placing the port on the right rear. Out of the 2 wrong locations out of 4, they got it wrong both times. How is that possible? Like it or not, there are more V3 stalls/dispensers out there than ALL other stalls/dispensers combined. In fact, more than 4 times more than all other Fast DC charging ports combined. And they're going to be the vast majority for many, many years to come. So unless you want to restrict your options to only 25% of the charging options out there without having to carry around an extension that can be lost or stolen, or taking two spots, you place the charging port on the correct location. If you're a company trying to survive with your stock down over 90% after being the most highly funded startup in American history, you need every last sale you can get. Restricting the charging options of your prospective customers to only 25% is not the way to do it. For that, why bother to even go with a NACS port if you can't use it without an extension? What's the difference in that or using an adapter?
I’ve been watching and loving your reviews for years and this just became my favorite! I’ve been so excited about the R2, since RJ’s launch event, when I immediately reserved one after it rolled onto the theater floor. I then cancelled my Ocean reservation later that week, and am now really glad I did. What I loved about this video is how thorough you were, especially since they let you get inside and actually touch everything, enabling you to give the most comprehensive feedback of anyone else posting videos. You even covered the flip out shelf in the lift gate! I think only 1 or 2 others I watch have pointed that out, but you actually showed how it works! The only thing you missed, other than not showing the flashlight and mini charger/hand warmer in the front doors, were the fog lights. You said they’re missing, but they’re just lower than the R1S. You can see them under the black part of the front bumper in your shots. Other than that, thanks for one of the best reviews, as always!
@@stockpicksbytim1228 burned up over $19,000,000,000 per forbes from 2019-2023. Rj publicly said the GA plant alone would need between 10-15billion to build out&ramp production. Let's see if after this month long plant shut down in April for rivian. They can come out the other end with better production efficiency, a cheaper model line-up and hit profitability as rj is promising for q4 2024. 🤔
@@Notoproject2025 is he a great designer? I have never liked any of his designs. Always seem off. I think he's a great con man. His resume isn't even that impressive if you dig into it.
@@singingLeaf123Lmao Fisker??? Have you used Google anytime in the past week and looked up Fisker. That company is in shambles. Please go look at the Subreddit also. It’s not a contender to the Tesla MY
After watching hours of other RU-vidrs reviews and first look. This is the only one anyone should ever watch. Aside from the 1 on 1 MKBHD had with RJ. But once again your first look and impression video takes the crown. Always look forward to your videos. Keep it up!
Such high praise! Thank you so much for the kind words, we try to bring you guys the best and most detailed content because that’s what you all expect and we must deliver :)
I like seeing this with the NACS port already on it. However, it would be better for it to be on the rear driver's side for the Tesla SCs (or front passenger side). The ports can literally go anywhere on an EV. Why make things more difficult in the short term. Yes, V4 SC will have longer cables and be posted in the center of the parking spot, but they won't be widespread for quite a while. I'm excited for this R2 though. It very well may be my first EV!
OK finally thank you so much. I’ve been waiting for this review from you because you’re one of the only auto reviews that I watched! And I was so surprised that you weren’t at the reveal.
I love this vehicle. By the time it releases it’ll have to compete with the new Model Y and also whatever the competition comes out with, like potentially the Kia EV5. I just hope that Rivian can hang on until then. My fear is that this vehicle is competitive if released today, but may not be competitive by the time it’s released.
@@4literv6 couldn’t have said it better myself. Especially considering that the R2 is already using dated design language since it’s just a small R1S. It’s reminding me of the Model S/X and its dated design language, the difference being that the S/X are not volume sellers unlike how the R2 is supposed to be for Rivian. I sure hope Rivian pulls through, competition helps all consumers.
I put in a reservation recently. Currently have a 2020 Model 3. Won't be shocked if I don't get delivery until 2027, but that's ok. Looks like an awesome vehicle!
This is what a company unencumbered by a "that's how we've always done it" attitude can accomplish. They set out to make the best electric SUVs and trucks and I honestly feel like they made the best SUVs and trucks period. Exceptional attention to detail and a very Toyota approach to constant improvement. When our vehicle kicks-it, I think a Rivian will likely be its replacement.
With the opening of the supercharger network, this is a game changer! I have a model y and am curious about trunk space. Is it bigger or smaller than the Y?
Another potential Model Y rival / killer....that hasn't even made it to production yet lol. Model Y is still tops....still outsells the Mach E, Ev6 / Ioniq 5, Fisker Ocean (which barely made it to production) as long as the Saudis keep throwing money at Rivian then they still have a chance. R2 is a nice looking SUV I wish them luck :)
I’d be happy to consider it as second vehicle to my Tesla 😜 First though they need to survive long enough to make it in meaningful numbers, and we’ll need to see price a specs at that time. What I really want is an R3X! 😮
Really excited about the R2 I will likely get the Standard+ with dual motors as the value sweet spot. That will make the vehicle more off road capable, add power and range without crazy additional cost. The tent feature is really cool but what I appreciate the most the is usable cargo space with the seats in the upright position. Love the fact that it will have NACS port from the get go and the price is really nice. As long as this car can qualify for federal tax credits I think this will be a very nice first EV! Just saw the teardown video of Rivian's own in house designed electric motor, inverter and gear train. Happy to see that they own the design for their drive train, over the air updates are working, love the design language and color choices vs Tesla. I hope that Rivian keeps the Forest Green color option and Green/Wood interior option for the R2 like they have with the current R1T.
OK everyone keeps comparing it to a Tesla model Y. And that’s great for people who like Tesla model y. However I wish someone would give a comparison to an actual SUV so I can get an idea of how big or smallest thing is. Is it jeep grand Cherokee is the size of a Kia Sorrento? What actual SUV would you compare to when it comes to size
Phenomenal review! Very minor, but I don’t like that you cannot passcode lock at least one of the glove compartments and that the fog lights have been removed. Other than those small gripes, I love it and will strongly consider replacing my Model Y with this.
Glad they let you open the tailgate. Thought it was odd they didn’t let you, especially after I’ve seen other various videos at that same location giving a walk around and they allowed it for others
Look nice, I’m glad that they update the charging port which now allow to charge at Tesla charging station without need the adapter but why did they put it on the right side instead on putting it on the left side which make it little difficult at Tesla charging station.
RJ is a true car lover and with a PhD from MIT to boot Unlike Elon who is a tech guy and visionary who isn't a car guy. You can see the end result in Teslas vs Rivians.
Putting the charge port on the passenger rear may make Tesla SC use difficult since those stalls are for rear driver’s side charge port access. Wouldn’t you have to have a space between since the Tesla cords aren’t long and can’t reach around the other side of the vehicle?
We have a reservation in on an R2 but my main concern is service. We are a one car family and have driven electric for nearly six years. Our first EV was a Kia Niro and local service was mediocre at best. Our current EV is a 2022 Tesla Model 3 and I am spoiled rotten by the incredible service we get from our local Tesla service center in Cathedral City, CA. So, not having a Rivian service center nearby is something we are going to have to look at seriously come 2026. Currently, the nearest Rivian service center is 2-3 hours away (depending upon traffic) in Costa Mesa, CA. From what I can see, there are only two service centers in S. CA and I checked Rivian's map for future service centers and don't see any that will be available any closer to Palm Springs, CA in the near future. I know a great deal of service can be accomplished OTA but there are times we have had to take our EVs in for service and not having a local service center and having to drive three hours and staying at a hotel overnight isn't something I would relish doing.
It’s a real bummer to hear the air suspension is gone. It’s understandable for cost savings but it’s not that expensive especially since they have a platform for it already. When off roading or camping, that suspension really is luxury and an advantage. Especially since they are introducing a new RTT. It’s weird they won’t have the auto leveling feature. No more air compressor either, that’s another thing to pack when you need to air down or inflate a paddle board or kayak. I would honestly have traded the steering wheel dials and the reclining front seats as they don’t take away from the car, and put that money into the suspension. Even the pop out quart windows. I’m still excited for it, and can’t wait to get my hands on in 2 years lol
Rivian needs to make the rear seats have the option to recline slightly just as the Jeep Grand Cherokee does. Sitting up that straight for long rides is really rough...
I don’t think its a tri motor. It’s a dual motor in the video. At 11:09 in the video you can see there are only 2 motor temps, so that car probably only has 2 motors. Also on the graphic you can clearly see 2 motors, not 3.
I am really interested in your thoughts on the Osborne effect of an EV with a $25k discount with better batteries than the R1S. If Rivian has a COGS of $125k per vehicle and needs to scale this year?
been driving MY for a while, I really want this to be alive. This seems to have better interior and higher ground clearance compare to MY (hopefully softer suspension 😂) But, not sure about the accessibility on the Tesla supercharging network and the truth mileage with this boxes design.
These cars are highly-priced, but Rivian definitely provides more value for money than Tesla. You would think with Tesla's "minimalist style", it would be cheaper, but no it isn't.
What is the point of announcing any vehicle this far in advance? EV technology and prices are moving fast so there is no way to know what these things will be by the first production unit and the competition will also be way different than they are now.
Their stock wasn't doing too well. Have to make some promises to the investors. Looks like the R2 is very far along already so I'm sure the delays with the Georgia plant really pushed back the timeline they were hoping for. Initially (2021) they wanted to start construction in 2022 and start producing vehicles there by 2024 but they have barely even started on it as of now.
You would think Rivian would give Soyfan a couple mins alone with the car to give his review considering how large his channel is instead of making him mix in with a bunch of randoms in the showroom 🤷🏻♂️
I was really looking forward to the R2, but after seeing both up close and personal a couple of weeks at the Rivian HQ, it’s the R3 I actually want! My new hot hatch 😎
Considering that it will be using the Tesla superchargers, why not put the charger on the driver side??? Unless the superchargers change their ways, putting the charger on the passenger side will create issues when charging.
