2027 Rivian R2 First Drive Review: 656 HP, Off-Road Ready, and Half the Price?MotorTrendMotorTrend

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2027 Rivian R2 First Drive Review: 656 HP, Off-Road Ready, and Half the Price?

Rivian’s newest SUV is smaller, lighter, and far more affordable — but does it still feel like a Rivian? We take an early first drive of the Rivian R2 prototype, putting it through its paces on California highways and rough off-road terrain near Rivian’s headquarters in Irvine. With 656 horsepower, a new AWD setup, and a unibody construction, the R2 promises the same adventure-ready DNA as the R1 in a more accessible package. We dig into how Rivian cut weight and cost, how the suspension and drive modes behave on road, and whether the R2 still delivers the off-road capability Rivian is known for.

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