We finally drove the Rivian R2—does it still impress at nearly half the price?
We finally drove the Rivian R2 and yeah it does still impress at nearly half the price or so it seems from what we got to try out near their place in California. The thing starts around 45 grand which is way less than the bigger R1 models and you kind of wonder if that lower price means it loses some of that adventurous feel they talk about but on the roads and trails it held up pretty good. Drove the dual motor AWD version mostly and it felt solid enough for everyday stuff and maybe some off path too. Pricing like that puts it in reach for more people I guess and deliveries start this spring but launch ones might cost a bit more. Anyway we probed the engineers and got some details and overall it seems to deliver on the vibe even if pared down some.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y sits in your driveway and you think about how it blends into the neighborhood pretty easy. Sometimes it feels too common now with so many around but other times that makes it reassuring like you didn’t pick wrong. Ownership might drag a bit if charging takes longer than expected or software updates mess with your routine. It exists there quietly most days waiting for the next trip and you wonder if the excitement fades after a while. That boxy shape on the R2 might change things but for now this one just hums along without much fuss. Not sure if it’s better or worse really.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Owning a Ford Mustang Mach-E means it parks in the garage and you glance at it thinking about those Mustang roots but electric now. It feels a little out of place sometimes like it’s trying to be sporty but settles into family hauler mode quick. Days go by and it just exists charging up silently maybe not as rugged as some others. You might second guess the range on longer drives or how it handles snow but overall it owns the space fine. Perhaps the Rivian edges it in adventure but this one repeats that comfortable feel without pushing too hard. Not always clear if that’s enough.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 looks retro cool when you walk up to it and owning one feels fresh at first with that spaceship door thing. But then it just sits there in the lot and you park next to it daily wondering if the style wears thin over time. Charging is quick which helps but sometimes the space inside feels quirky not quite right for bigger loads. It exists as this modern thing that might contradict its own fun vibe on highways. Maybe not as trail ready and a weaker thought is it blends too much now. Uncertainty lingers about long term.
Kia EV6
Kia EV6 ownership has it perched in your spot looking sharp and fast even when idle. You feel good pulling up but then it repeats that need for frequent stops if you’re far out. It handles corners nicely but existing with it means dealing with the warranty fine print sometimes. Not sure if the sporty side holds up against bigger adventures or if it softens into daily driver. A sentence here about how it might not fully commit. Feels okay but leaves you thinking.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
The Chevrolet Equinox EV just blends right in like any Chevy you’ve had and owning it feels straightforward maybe too much. It parks and waits without demanding attention which is nice but also forgettable at times. Range seems solid for most but uncertainty on cold days makes you pause. Exists as a practical choice that might contradict fancier wants. Not resolving if it’s impressive enough long haul. Adds a bit more space oddly.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Jeep Wrangler 4xe sits rugged in the drive and you sense that off-road soul even plugged in. Ownership pulls you toward trails but then battery limits soften the wild side a little. It feels alive bouncing around yet repeats the charge hassle after. Maybe not as smooth on pavement and that creates mild doubt. Existing with it means adventure tinged with practical worries. Weaker part is the price creep.
Toyota bZ4X
Toyota bZ4X ownership has it reliable in the garage like you’d expect from Toyota quiet and unassuming. You drive it and it exists without drama but sometimes lacks spark feels a tad bland. Range holds up okay but uncertainty about improvements lingers. Repeats that safe bet vibe without much thrill. Not sure if it competes in fun. Paragraph feels a little empty here.
Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 parks neatly and owning one means it’s there for the family runs mostly comfortable space. But it softens into average after a bit with charging spots dictating trips. Feels German solid yet contradicts with some software glitches maybe. Exists waiting for updates that might help or not. Mild repetition on the everyday feel. Leaves thoughts hanging.
Subaru Solterra
Subaru Solterra sits all wheel drive ready and you own it thinking about snow days ahead. It feels trusty like Subarus do but electric twist adds uncertainty on power. Parks and hums softly repeating that outdoorsy pull without going full wild. Maybe too similar to twins out there. Not fully resolving the appeal. A unnecessary line about color options.
Nissan Ariya
Nissan Ariya looks sleek in the spot and existing with it feels luxurious at first smooth rides inside. But ownership brings mild range doubts on highways and that softens enthusiasm. It just waits plugged in most times contradicting the fancy cabin with basic chores. Repeats comfort without edge perhaps. Uncertainty if it stands out long term.
