First Drive: The 2027 Rivian R2 entirely changes the EV game

But subtle smoothing elements—notably the horizontal headlight line, raked windshield, and camouflaged rear spoiler—all help the boxy design achieve a surprisingly slippery 0.3 coefficient of drag. Combined with an 88 kWh battery, the best EPA-estimated range reaches up to 345 miles (555 km) for the eventual single-motor RWD Long Range model, which will hit the market in early 2027. In Utah, every R2 arrived in Launch Edition spec, which means 330 miles (531 km) of range despite dual motors and a beefy 656 horsepower (482 kW) and 609 lb-ft of torque (826 Nm). These respectable, if not spectacular, targets helped Rivian save on battery costs and weight. The Launch Edition R2s in Utah employed a duo of “Maximus” permanent-magnet radial-flux motors—critically, not shared with the R1—that use a side-mounted inverter, direct oil cooling, and a single-piece rotor and input gear. The front motor gets a full disconnect for highway efficiency, another contrast with the R1, which attempted to maximize range by effectively switching to front-wheel-drive in moments of low demand. Hopping between three different R2s over the course of the day prevented a real chance to test range estimates other than by rough math, and the onboard readout varied widely from 2.0 mi/kWh (3.2 km/kWh) while pushing hard to well over double that at lower speeds. Determining real-world efficiency will have to wait for a full review. Simply put, the little R2 absolutely rips. The trade-off, as expected, comes in the form of reduced capability while off-roading, namely in wheel travel. Rivian reps declined to confirm or deny a more hardcore variant that may or may not employ a disconnecting front sway bar, but in the meantime, the R1 definitely takes the off-roading cake—but only in terms of all-out capability. The R2 rides smoother and softer without the adjustable ride height and individual corner control. And even if that 9.6 inches (244 mm) of ground clearance to match a Jeep does come courtesy of independent four-wheel suspension rather than a solid rear axle, the R2’s short overhangs translate to relatively solid approach and departure angles of 25 and 26 degrees. Any touch of the brake pedal adds friction brakes, regardless of drive mode, because Rivian blends regen and friction braking. But the R2 also introduces true hydraulic brake-by-wire versus the R1’s electrically boosted hydraulic system that physically links the pedal to the pads at all times.