Rivian R2 uses up to 26% more energy than Model Y in real-world test

Out of Spec Reviews put a Rivian R2 Performance and a Tesla Model Y Performance on the same roads on the same afternoon. The R2 used 18% to 26% more energy at every single speed they tested.

That’s awkward, because the two SUVs carry identical EPA efficiency ratings, and Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has been telling media the R2 matches the Model Y.

What the EPA numbers say

We covered the ratings when they landed in May: the R2 Performance matches the Model Y on EPA efficiency at 105 MPGe combined and 32 kWh per 100 miles. The R2 wins the city cycle 114 to 111. The Model Y wins the highway cycle 100 to 96. And the R2 goes further on a charge, 330 miles against 306.

For a vehicle that weighs roughly 800 lbs more and has the aerodynamic profile of a shoebox, that’s a real engineering achievement.