Electric Crossover Comparison: How The Rivian R2 Stacks Up Against The Tesla Model Y (2024)

The Rivian R2 debuted earlier this month, and it has the near-impossible task of going up against the best-selling vehicle in the world, the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla will likely retain this crown for the next two financial years, as production of the R2 will only start in 2027. This is one deadline Rivian can't afford to miss because it's currently losing money on every R1T and R1S sold. The latter models also retail for way beyond the average price of a new car in the USA, while the R2 will come in beneath the near $50,000 figure. It also introduced the R3, which will be even more of a mass-market model.

As we know from Tesla's experience, introducing a smaller, more affordable model is the key to sales dominance, but hat puts additional pressure on the automaker's sophom*ore album. So to see where it stands in relation to the car it needs to beat, we decided to take a closer look at both cars based on the information and figures Rivian has confirmed so far, which is a lot.

Design And Dimensions: Same Size, Different DNA

The R2 and Model Y are part of a larger range with design DNA pretty much set in stone. A heavily facelifted Model Y is expected next year and will likely receive the same changes as the Tesla Model 3 'Highland.' From a design perspective, it will always be immediately recognizable as a Tesla. The same goes for R2, which is effectively an R1S downsized by roughly 30%. It has the same face and rear end as the larger SUV, which has been largely well received as a solid piece of automotive design. That said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and we're far more interested in the confirmed dimensions.

Both cars ride on a basic EV skateboard with the batteries housed within the wheelbase below the floor. Nearly every EV maker has adopted this layout, as it results in a lower center of gravity, a flat floor with loads of interior space, and a trunk at the front and rear. The Tesla Model Y uses the same setup but takes the practicality a step further by giving customers the option of adding a third row of seats in the Model Y Long Range. These seats are only suitable for short distances, but it's nice to know that they're there, should you need them.

Instead of adding a third row, Rivian went for maximum comfort. The rear seats have 40.3 inches of legroom and 40.5 inches of headroom, which is at least on par with the Model Y. The latter has 40.5 inches of rear legroom and 39.4 inches of headroom. Both models have more room in the second row than a traditional luxury SUV like the BMW X5.

The Rivian R2 and Tesla Model Y are extremely close when it comes to overall size and space, but it's clear from the figures that one is more adventurous than the other.

Rivian Had Adventure Pumping Through Its Veins

To be fair, Tesla has never marketed its Model Y as an off-roader, though the press pack does include some interesting images of a Model Y bashing around in the sand. It's hardly surprising, as the Model Y only has 6.6 inches of ground clearance and a Track Mode.

In contrast, the R2 has 9.8 inches of ground clearance, which is more than a non-Rubicon Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Rivian did not publish approach, breakover, and departure angle figures, but if you look at the R2's short overhangs, it's fairly clear that you'll be able to go much further off-road in it than a Model Y. RIvian also has a penchant for adventure, and the R1S has more ground clearance than any other SUV on the market. The R2 won't get the trick air suspension, but it won't stray from a proven formula, either.

Rivian said that the R2 would inherit driving modes from its bigger brother and that these modes would be updated over time. Rivian unveiled a new Sand Mode for the R1T and R1S earlier this year, and it must be working on a Rally Mode for the R3X.

For Rivian, the future of off-roading is undoubtedly electric. Looking at the images, the R2 is also wearing a 32-inch tire on a 20-inch rim. The press release makes it clear that specifications might change on the final production vehicle, and we don't doubt that it will launch with a tire and rim setup that will result in the maximum estimated range figure. Still, these images make it clear that you can fit such tires to an R2 and take it off-road. In addition to the above, the R2 will also be equipped with 11 cameras and five radar sensors, which will help the driver with visibility.

Rivian has slowly been building its profile as an off-road brand. Last year, it won the Rebelle Rally, and it's constantly filing patents for new off-road-related gadgets. And let's not forget about the Adventure Network, which is a series of off-the-grid charging stations. Rivian wants its customers to enjoy the great outdoors, which gives it a unique selling point over Tesla.

Powertrains And Charging: Both Cars Are Powered By Tesla

The Tesla Model Y is available in single and dual-motor formats. The base Model Y has a single 295 horsepower and 309 lb-ft electric motor mounted on the rear axle, powered by a 60 kWh battery. The Long Range has a 425 hp and 475 lb-ft dual-motor setup connected to an 81 kWh battery. The Performance uses the same setup as the Long Range, but the power is increased to 455 hp and 487 lb-ft, good for a 0-60 mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds.

For many years, Tesla has been the leader when it comes to range and charging. The RWD model is good for 242 to 260 miles (depending on wheel size), while the Long Range can go between 292 and 310 miles. The performance model sacrifices some range but can still do 279 miles. There are many ways to charge a Tesla, but if you use DC fast charging, you'll get roughly 200 miles every 15 minutes. A full charge typically takes 25 to 30 minutes.

While a home charger is the ultimate solution, Tesla's Supercharger network is arguably Elon Musk's most brilliant move in the company's history. It has forced every other automaker in the EV space to conform to a uniform standard.

• 

  2024 Tesla Model Y RWD

  Drivetrain

  Rear-Wheel Drive

  Horsepower

  295 hp

  Torque

  309 lb-ft

  Battery Size

  60 kWh

• 

  2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD

  Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Horsepower

  425 hp

  Torque

  475 lb-ft

  Battery Size

  81 kWh

• 

  2024 Tesla Model Y Performance AWD

  Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Horsepower

  455 hp

  Torque

  487 lb-ft

  Battery Size

  81 kWh

Rivian did not provide specific information, but we know the R2 will be available in single-motor rear-wheel drive, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and tri-motor formats. The fastest model will get from rest to 60 mph in three seconds. We don't expect the same 800-hp plus output from the quad-motor R1S but rather an improvement in the battery department. Rivian stated that two battery packs will be available and will use an all-new 4695 cell with improved energy density. The larger battery pack will aim for a range of 300 miles, which puts it in the same ballpark as the Model Y.

The R2 will launch with an NACS (Tesla) connector as standard, mounted at the rear of the vehicle. It will have access to the Supercharger network and can charge from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. Basically, you get the best benefit of owning a Tesla without owning a Tesla.

Pricing And Verdict: Tesla Has The Upper Hand

Rivian promised a starting point of $45,000, but a lot can happen in two years. The R2 will be made in the USA, but the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credit is only applicable if the minerals for the battery pack are sourced from the USA and whether the pack itself is built here. Rivian currently sources battery cells from South Korea, but these cells are put together in a battery pack in the USA. If Rivian sticks with this business model, it would only qualify for a $3,500 tax credit. That means all models would cost above $40,000, which means the base R2 would compete directly with a top-spec Model Y.

Naturally, a lot could happen between now and 2027. Rivian can build a battery plant, which would benefit both the R2 and R3. We already know Americans love Rivian, but Tesla has excellent retention rates, and it can change the prices of its cars on a whim due to its unique manufacturing methods. And that's before you factor in the election later this year, which may turn the EV segment on its head.

Whichever way you look at it, the R2 is a pivotal car for Rivian. Tesla has already proven that if you build a good product, people will buy it. If the R2 can live up to everything the American automaker has promised, we see no reason why it wouldn't be able to eat into the Model Y's market share.