Video summary

I Tried The Rivian R2. Here’s Why I’m not Buying it

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product Reviewed

Rivian R2 — an all-electric SUV starting at ~$48,000, positioned as a competitor to the Tesla Model Y.

Key Features Mentioned

Pricing / Value

  • Marketed as the “most affordable Rivian yet” at ~$48k
  • Compared with Model Y (~$40k) as the cheaper option

Autonomous Driving / “Full Self-Driving”

  • Lidar-equipped, framed as an advantage over systems like Waymo
  • Rivian’s branding term: “universal hands-free”
  • Currently limited: works mainly on freeways
  • Struggled with a sharp/complex turn; the reviewer suggested Tesla likely could handle it
  • An update is planned by the end of the year to expand capability
  • Uses 11 cameras, not only for autonomy but also for:
    • Parking assistance
    • Off-road assistance
  • Long-term hope: Rivian could eventually surpass Tesla thanks to lidar, but not yet (as of this review)

Design & Interior

  • Feels more “exciting” and more traditional SUV-like than Model Y
  • Visually similar to Rivian R1S (most people likely won’t notice differences)
  • Roomier interior than Model Y, especially more headroom in the second row
  • Trunk/cargo: “good size,” but the trunk opening felt smaller than expected (the reviewer hit their head)
  • Rear roll-down window feature praised

Controls / UI & Tech

  • Two displays:
    • One above the steering wheel
    • A 15-inch screen to the right
  • Interface praised as clean and intuitive, comparable to Tesla
  • Steering wheel has physical controls (buttons/knobs) for items like:
    • Temperature
    • Volume
    • (avoids touchscreen use for these functions)
  • Future potential: an AI assistant (example given: “Hey Rivian, what’s the temperature outside?”)
  • Entertainment/apps mentioned:
    • YouTube
    • Apple Music
    • Pet mode
  • Reviewer impressions: the software feels smooth and “like an iPhone,” contrasted with “clunky” legacy-brand systems

Driving Feel

  • EV characteristics described as:
    • Instant acceleration
    • Super fast
    • Quick response
  • Regenerative braking settings can be adjusted

Off-Road Capability

  • Demonstrated on:
    • Rocky terrain
    • Creeks
    • Angled surfaces (about ~20° tilt mentioned)
  • Reviewer (new to off-roading) felt not anxious, believing the car handled obstacles without feeling like it would get stuck
  • The screen provides off-road stats (e.g., angle) and camera views for tricky obstacles
  • Off-road capability is framed as a core Rivian strength for adventure and camping

Camping Accessory

  • Rooftop camping accessory called “Treehouse”
  • Includes:
    • Fan
    • Reading light
    • USB-C ports
    • Mattress option
  • Reviewer said it avoids the claustrophobic feel they experienced in a Tesla Model X camping scenario
  • Privacy screen can be used for projecting a movie at night

Pros Highlighted

  • Looks and interior feel more stylish/exciting than Model Y; more SUV-like
  • More room and headroom than Model Y (especially second row)
  • Clean, intuitive software/UI, comparable to Tesla (“iPhone-like” feel)
  • Steering-wheel controls reduce touchscreen distraction
  • Strong off-road ability even for a beginner, aided by helpful cameras + angle stats
  • Camping-focused ecosystem, including the Treehouse accessory
  • Lidar-based autonomy could become a long-term advantage over Tesla once software matures

Cons / Disappointments

  • Autonomous driving not as capable as Tesla’s yet
    • “Universal hands-free” works mostly on freeways
    • Could not confidently handle a sharp curve/turn; required takeover
    • Reviewer felt disappointed due to higher expectations
  • Smaller-than-expected trunk opening (reviewer hit their head)
  • Not an immediate buy for reasons related to timing and personal priorities (not purely product quality)

User Experience / Impressions

The reviewer wouldn’t buy mainly because:

  1. They don’t need a new car yet (their Tesla is 6 years old)
  2. They value sustainability, viewing early EV purchases as wasteful due to battery/resource impacts
  3. They want to wait until Rivian autonomy improves, believing it will be better by the time they’re ready

They still express genuine interest, saying the R2 could be great in the near future.

Comparisons Made

Rivian R2 vs Tesla Model Y

  • Price: R2 ~$48k vs Model Y ~$40k
  • Feel: R2 feels like a traditional, bigger SUV; Model Y feels too similar to Model 3
  • Autonomy: Tesla full self-driving described as more advanced right now; Rivian’s universal hands-free is behind, though expected to improve
  • Interface/experience: both praised; R2 described as comparable

Rivian R2 vs Tesla Model X (Camping Comparison)

  • Model X described as claustrophobic in the reviewer’s camping experience

Numerical / Ratings Mentioned

  • Starting price: ~$48,000
  • Model Y comparison price: ~$40,000
  • Off-road tilt angle mentioned: ~20°
  • Hypothetical battery-range trigger (not an R2 spec): would consider an order if Tesla could only do ~120 miles/day
  • Autonomy update timeframe: “by the end of the year” (no numeric rating)

Overall Verdict (Based on the Video)

  • Impression: The Rivian R2 is impressive and promising, especially for:
    • Design
    • Software experience
    • Off-roading
    • Long-term autonomy potential from lidar
  • Recommendation: Not recommended as a buy today for this reviewer, mainly because:
    • Autonomous driving isn’t as capable as Tesla’s yet
    • The reviewer doesn’t need to replace their current Tesla
  • They would consider it later once autonomy improves and/or when they’re ready for a new car.

Speakers / Views

  • One main speaker/reviewer appears in the subtitles.
  • No clearly distinct additional speakers are identified, aside from references to driving scenarios and friends.

Original video