Rivian R2 Test Drive: 10 Ideas to Tempt Even More Tesla Drivers

I finally got to test drive the new Rivian R2! Here's what the demo drive was like, some close-up details other reviews have overlooked, and my 10-items of relatively low-cost improvements that could tempt even more Tesla drivers to make the switch. Rivian likely has a hit on their hands with the new R2 EV. This is by far the most significant new EV launch this year, and strong sales & delivery numbers will be great for Rivian, and for the overall health of the US EV industry. It's likely the R2 will need to be proven profitable before any such engineering changes become viable, which is why its really just a wish list. My test drive experience was quite good — it bodes well. Others are likely to feel much the same after their test drive too, something highly recommended for any car buyer for seat position, visibility, comfort, etc. Sign-ups for R2 test drives that might be near you are at https://rivian.com/demo-drive . ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro at the Rivian store in The Westchester (Mall), White Plains NY 00:39 R2 close-up details others have overlooked including trailer hitch diaper (after the 1/4 turn counter-clockwise of the retaining clips, simply pull gently straight back, note the robust tabs can handle the stress of any bending) 11:08 My R2 test drive 36:38 Last looks inside the showroom and sound check 37:09 10 ideas to tempt even more Tesla drivers Here's my admittedly biased list of fairly low-cost improvements that could help the Rivian R2 be even more appealing to road-tripping cross-shoppers like me, especially those who regularly transport aging adults in the second row of seats, especially given the arrival of the new, 3 row Tesla YL. For the rear seat passengers: 1. Ability to adjust their own temperature and seat cooling* *R2's rear seats are currently heated only, which is adjustable by the rear seat passenger 2. Manual seat recline 3. Additional vents in B-pillars 4. Grab handles For all passengers: 5. An even longer range version (I often do road trips 110 miles each way, in winter) 6. Larger center screen 7. Better sound system with more bass / improved subwoofer power 8. Removable & easy to stow rear parcel shelf 9. Continual injury reduction & accident avoidance improvements 10. Superior ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) improvements on highway As a frequent long-distance road-tripper, my use case these past 7.5 years of EV ownership is admittedly a bit unusual, but I love driving my 2018 Tesla Model 3, and replacing it some day will be challenging. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has stated that faster charging and longer range could be in the cards for the R2. I'm hopeful that Rivian can implement competitive driver assistance technology soon, at a level similar to the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) of my older Tesla (HW3/AI3). That feature alone would win over many more cross-shoppers. To be even more competitive, eyes-off driver assist with lidar (and hopefully automated camera cleaning) would really move the needle for many more Rivian-curious Tesla owners. Which of these 10 would matter most to you? Let me know in the comments. More details in my article at: https://TinkerTry.com/rivian-r2-video #RivianR2 #Rivian #EV