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Driven Car Reviews


The New York Times automotive contributor Tom Voelk looks at all things automotive. Driven is the first podcast to ever win an Emmy Award. That and nearly unanimous 5 star reviews are a good sign this is worth your time. Subscribe today!

Jul 9, 2026

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.