Episode
2027 Rivian R2 Performance First Drive- When Smaller is a Big Deal.
- Podcast
- Driven Car Reviews
- Published
- Jul 9, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 803
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://drivencarreviews.libsyn.com/rivian-r2-test-drive
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Summary
The wait is finally over. The all-new 2027 Rivian R2 is one of the most anticipated electric vehicles on the market, and I got behind the wheel of the flagship Dual Motor Performance model during a test drive in Bellevue, Washington. This is not my normal video review. It's a consumer test drive much like you would take, only a lot more cameras stuck all around the vehicle. In this first-drive review, Rivian's Dan Lake walks us through the new R2 before I hit the road for a real-world drive and share my impressions. I'll also cover pricing, range, charging, cargo space, interior features, off-road capability, and what separates R2 from its larger sibling, the R1S. The R2 Performance packs 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque, offers an EPA-estimated 330 miles of range, and starts in the high-$50,000 range. Rivian hopes this smaller, more affordable SUV will bring the brand to a much larger audience.