Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, I’m reacting to the first round of Rivian R2 "hands-on" videos that just dropped. As an owner of both a Gen 2 R1S and Model Y Juniper, I was looking for technical deep dives but found that many of these videos feel more like influencer content for new buyers rather than comprehensive creator reviews. I’m sharing my honest, unfiltered thoughts—questions and all—about whether the R2 really lives up to the hype for existing Rivian enthusiasts.
I dive into the specific details that caught my eye, like the new scroll wheels on the steering wheel that actually push back when you reach the end of a menu, and the massive UI overhaul powered by Unreal Engine 5.5. I also tackle some of the R2 design choices: the switch to a unibody construction and losing features from R1.
One of my biggest concerns is the charging performance—Rivian is targeting a 10 to 80% charge in 30 minutes, which sounds fine on paper but might hide ongoing issues with battery thermal management that I’ve experienced first-hand in the desert heat. Whether you're considering trading in your Model Y or you're an R1 owner curious about the "trickle-down" features, I'm breaking down things influencers missed.
Thank you for watching! If you liked the video, please Like and Subscribe!
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCxxfYRicpclvAjAveEgraYw/join
⭐️If you are planning to buy a Tesla, please use my referral link
https://my.linkpod.site/tesla
⭐️Rivian Referral is here.
SHERWIN1705934
https://my.linkpod.site/rivian
In this video, I’m reacting to the first round of Rivian R2 "hands-on" videos that just dropped. As an owner of both a Gen 2 R1S and Model Y Juniper, I was looking for technical deep dives but found that many of these videos feel more like influencer content for new buyers rather than comprehensive creator reviews. I’m sharing my honest, unfiltered thoughts—questions and all—about whether the R2 really lives up to the hype for existing Rivian enthusiasts.
I dive into the specific details that caught my eye, like the new scroll wheels on the steering wheel that actually push back when you reach the end of a menu, and the massive UI overhaul powered by Unreal Engine 5.5. I also tackle some of the R2 design choices: the switch to a unibody construction and losing features from R1.
One of my biggest concerns is the charging performance—Rivian is targeting a 10 to 80% charge in 30 minutes, which sounds fine on paper but might hide ongoing issues with battery thermal management that I’ve experienced first-hand in the desert heat. Whether you're considering trading in your Model Y or you're an R1 owner curious about the "trickle-down" features, I'm breaking down things influencers missed.
Thank you for watching! If you liked the video, please Like and Subscribe!
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCxxfYRicpclvAjAveEgraYw/join
⭐️If you are planning to buy a Tesla, please use my referral link
https://my.linkpod.site/tesla
⭐️Rivian Referral is here.
SHERWIN1705934
https://my.linkpod.site/rivian
