Watch out, Tesla – the early Rivian R2 verdicts suggest it's going to be a serious Model Y rival

• The early reviews are in for Rivian's upcoming R2
• Reactions from journalists, YouTubers and influencers have been positive
• The R2 is claimed to be priced to take on Tesla's Model Y

Some of the world’s top digital media were recently handed the keys to Rivian’s prototype R2 electric SUV. According to these early reports, this key Model Y rival is arguably better looking, more capable and more desirable than Tesla’s best-selling electric vehicle… conclusions, we are sure, that Elon Musk is not too happy about.

To recap, the Rivian R2 is essentially a scaled-down version of the ground-breaking R1S SUV, which took an innovative spin on software and compute power from the very beginning of its journey. That was a move that has since seen the Volkswagen Group hand over vast sums of money to ensure it can get in on the action.

While the official specifications are yet to be released by the Californian automaker, these early drives give us a good look at the key numbers. Top Gear reports that it weighs 2,250kg and has a lower center of gravity when compared to the R1. It's also 22 per cent stiffer, which should do wonders for driving dynamics.

There’s also the fact that it is targeting an EPA range of 300 miles, with Electrek claiming it has a battery size of 87.4kWh – although this is likely a useable figure, as Top Gear says gross capacity is more like 90kWh.

In terms of charging speeds, it eschews the new industry standard 800V architecture that allows for the fastest top up speeds for a more budget-friendly 400V system. Again, Top Gear says this is 450V, so there is still some confusion.

This would allow charging from 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes from a 200kW station and Rivian has confirmed that the R2 features vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, so it is possible to power or charge larger electronic devices from the vehicle’s battery pack.

Despite its chunky off-roader styling, its measures up at around the same size as a Tesla Model Y and, because this vehicle is also being sold in Europe, its exterior design has been fashioned in a way that it meets stricter crash regulations in other markets.

YouTuber Zack Nelson, AKA JerryRigEverything, described his off-roading experience in the R2 prototype as if a "Tesla and a Jeep had a baby" in reference to its capabilities and the almost silent nature of its smooth powertrain.

The majority of the early reviewers also seemed pleased with the overall fit and finish of the interior, including the fact that Rivian has added a number of convenience features, such as a power opening front trunk, or frunk, as well as the trademark flashlight hidden in the driver’s door, so adventurous types can light the way when hitting the trails.

Early thoughts: monster specs, tempting price

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Like the specs and official model line-up, Rivian is keeping the exact pricing of its upcoming electric SUV closely guarded, but many of the influencers, YouTubers and journalists that were offered the opportunity to drive the early prototype made reference to it costing “half the price” of an R1.

The company itself has said it hopes the upcoming EV can start at around $45,000 (or around £33,000 / AU$63,000), while delivering the sort of range and performance that can happily compete with Tesla’s best-selling Model Y.

Twin motors powered these camouflaged pre-production R2s, delivering 656bhp and a claimed 0-60 mph acceleration figure of 3.6 seconds, which is on par with Tesla’s Performance trim cars and likely priced to be very competitive, too.

But unlike Musk’s offering, the R2 also delivers the promise of true, truck-like off-road capabilities, which really speaks to a huge swathe of buyers in North America.

2026 Rivian R2 First Review: Affordable, Practical, Awesome! - YouTube

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This fact, plus its handsome looks, practicality, comfort, driving dynamics and digital offering led journalist and YouTube personality Doug DeMuro to conclude that the R2 is “quite possibly the best all-round electric vehicle I have driven” in his video.

DeMuro placed it in second place in his table of key rivals, which included Rivian’s own R1S (number one), the 2025 Porsche Macan Turbo EV (third) and Tesla’s Model Y Performance, which sat in sixth place.

With Tesla’s grip on the EV market slipping every day, news that a positively-reviewed and relatively wallet-friendly electric truck is soon to go on sale will likely add to the pressure mounting on Musk.

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