Rivian R2 EV Tested on Utah Mountain Trails

A Rivian engineer told a test driver to ignore the usual slow-and-smooth off-roading advice and go faster. The driver subsequently pushed the new R2 electric vehicle to over 50 mph on dirt trails in Utah's Wasatch Mountain State Park.

On the Trail in Rally Mode

The drive began on pavement from Park City before transitioning to twisting roads and then off-road terrain. Engaging Rally Mode, the vehicle remained flat and composed over ruts, its low-slung battery acting as ballast. Despite this capability, Rivian acknowledges that most owners of its prior R1 model used their capable off-roaders primarily for mundane tasks like trips to Costco. Consequently, the R2 omits traditional interior grab handles for rough trails, suggesting occupants instead hold the door bolsters.

Lead engineer Max Koff stated the design philosophy aims to prevent the driver from sensing internal corporate politics from the driver's seat. The magazine's report highlights the coordinated effort behind features like the rear door's full drop-down window glass, a rarity in automotive design.

Tech and Automated Driving

The vehicle's computing power is a central feature. Rivian's hands-free driver-assistance system is described as holding a lane calmly, without nervous corrections. The company promises point-to-point, hands-free navigation via a future update, allowing drivers to input a destination and let the car handle the journey.

A voice assistant named Rivian Assistant is also slated for release, managing cabin functions like climate and navigation. The tester proposed a more advanced version for off-roading-a digital spotter to coach drivers on technical lines-but found the idea less compelling after time on the trail. The report concludes that the commute can be for the computer, but the trail should remain a human-driven experience.

Specifications and Pricing

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe contends the electric vehicle market suffers from a lack of compelling choice, not a lack of desire. The R2 is positioned as that compelling product. The magazine provides details on the initial trim levels and their capabilities.

All variants offer over 9.6 inches of ground clearance and approximately 90 cubic feet of cargo space, with a cabin long enough for two adults to sleep using a car mattress. The Performance model's acceleration is noted to outpace a base Porsche 911 Carrera off the line.

The Off-Road Experience

During the test, the vehicle navigated a creek and climbed into a lush canyon of aspen and fir. The regenerative braking system managed descents without the need for dedicated hill-descent controls, using cameras to show obstacles under the wheels. A single physical button allows all five windows to be lowered simultaneously, letting in the canyon air. The report ends by advocating for using the vehicle beyond paved roads, to places where the map detail fades and the only guidance is an internal voice urging more speed.