Rivian R2 vs. Tesla Model Y: The Start-Up Goes Against the Sales Champ

• What's new: The R2 is the newest SUV from Rivian, starting around $45,000.
• Why they matter: Tesla’s Model Y is currently the best-selling EV in the country, but Rivian is coming for that top spot.
• Edmunds says: The Tesla is a more efficient EV, but the Rivian is more rugged with a better interior. Which one's best depends on exactly what you expect from your SUV — read on to figure out what each does best.

The R2 was able to drive 304 miles on a single charge in our Edmunds EV Range Test. We like any vehicle that can break the 300-mile threshold, but the EPA says it should go for 330 miles before needing a charge. Now, Rivian says the rear-wheel-drive long-range model will get 345 miles, and we'll definitely be testing that claim once we get our hands on it. It's worth noting that, despite the inclusion of a Tesla-style NACS port, charging is on the slow side. You’ll go from a 10% to 80% state of charge in the 88-kWh battery pack in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions. 

Old formula, fresh face

This latest generation of the Model Y sees some welcome improvements, none more so than the interior. While it might be sparse and lacking a gauge cluster, the materials are better than in years past, and build quality takes a leap forward as well. It still looks a bit unfinished with just the one screen and no physical buttons, but it's definitely a step up from the first year of the Model Y.

Like the R2, the Model Y does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and if you want the AI assistant, streaming audio and the pet mode, you'll need to pay for a subscription. However, at $10 per month or $100 per year, it's less than what Rivian charges. Keep in mind that all functions are controlled from the screen, and it can be a bit overwhelming at first. The feeling does subside after a while, but switching between drive, park and reverse through the screen never feels quite right.

EV route planning is pretty simple using the native navigation system. In theory, you could have an adapter that works with a CCS plug to charge at other locations like Electrify America, but the native nav only routes you to Tesla's charging stations.  

There isn't quite as much cargo space in the Model Y as in the Rivian, to say nothing of being able to sleep in the back. However, the rear seats can fold flat at the touch of a button, located either in the cargo space itself or on the screen up front. There aren't any outlets in the back, and the Model Y can only tow 3,500 pounds, compared to the R2's rating of 4,400 pounds. 

Go farther, charge quicker

Perhaps the biggest reason to buy a Model Y over the R2 is its efficiency. In the Edmunds EV Range Test, we matched the EPA estimate of 327 miles of range out of its 82-kWh battery. Yep, the Model Y gets more range with a smaller battery than the R2 — you can thank its very slippery exterior for a lot of that. Plus, Tesla says that in optimal conditions, you can gain anywhere from 144 miles to 182 miles of range in 15 minutes of supercharging. Not too shabby.

All that goodness is before we mention Tesla's (Supervised) Full Self-Driving system. It's great, and Rivian won't have anything like it on the road until later this year. Remember, you still have to pay attention and be ready to take over at any time, but the Model Y easily remains centered in the lane, keeps up with surrounding traffic, changes lanes when necessary, and even finds a parking place at the final destination. 

Verdict: It's hard to go wrong

At the end of the day, we gave the new Rivian R2 a score of 8.2, which translates to Excellent — in other words, the exact same score we give the current Model Y. The biggest discrepancy between the Rivian and the Tesla was the efficiency score, and here at Edmunds, we weight it slightly heavier when comparing EVs. 

If range and efficiency are the most important factors for you as an EV owner, then the Tesla Model Y is the small SUV for you. However, if you want something that's a bit more rugged, more traditionally SUV in shape, and feels a bit more premium, get to the Rivian website and order yourself an R2. Either way, you're getting one heck of an EV.