How the Rivian R2 Compares to the Model Y in Efficiency

Official window-sticker metrics show the Rivian R2 Performance tying Tesla’s Model Y Performance on combined EPA efficiency at 105 MPGe and 32 kWh per 100 miles. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has said the R2 matches the Model Y in energy consumption.

Laboratory EPA cycles, however, don’t always mirror everyday driving. A real-world comparison reported by Electrek and conducted by Out of Spec Reviews pitted both performance SUVs on the same routes. In those side-by-side runs, the R2 used between 18% and 26% more energy at every tested speed.

As Rivian R2 customer deliveries officially began last month, these on-road findings underscore the difference between EPA procedures and day-to-day driving.

Comparing On-Paper Specifications

The R2 is Rivian’s first mass-market entry, directly targeting the Model Y (see a full comparison of the Model Y and R2). It rides on a heavier chassis and has a boxier, utility-oriented profile than Tesla’s more aerodynamic crossover. The R2 Performance acts as Rivian’s flagship trim, positioned against Tesla’s Model Y Performance, with R2 Premium and R2 Standard to follow for lower price points.

Feature	Rivian R2 Performance	2026 Tesla Model Y Performance
Starting Price	$57,990	$57,990
Drivetrain	Dual-Motor AWD	Dual-Motor AWD
Range (EPA-est.)	330 miles	306 miles
Horsepower	656 hp	510 hp
Torque	609 lb-ft	513 lb-ft (estimated)
0–60 mph	3.6 sec	3.3 sec
Ground Clearance	9.6 in	6.0 in
Payload	1,168 lb	1,124 lb
Towing Capacity	4,400 lb	3,500 lb
Battery Size	87.9 kWh	81 kWh

Real-World Efficiency Head-to-Head

Test prep aimed to minimize variables: tires at 42 PSI cold, climate at 68°F on auto, two occupants per vehicle, dimmed screens, and no phone charging. The R2 ran in Conserve mode while the Model Y ran in Chill mode. Lead positions were swapped on out-and-back highway loops to avoid drafting advantages.

Speed / Test Scenario	Rivian R2 Efficiency	R2 Energy Consumption vs. Model Y
50 mph	4.00 mi/kWh	18.4% more energy used
60 mph	3.15 mi/kWh	26.0% more energy used
70 mph (I-95 Traffic)	3.06 mi/kWh	20.0% more energy used
80 mph	2.46 mi/kWh	26.5% more energy used
City Simulation (20 min)	1.9 kWh consumed	18.8% more energy used

Even in the city-focused scenario meant to leverage Rivian’s front-motor mechanical decoupling, the Model Y used 1.6 kWh over 20 minutes compared to 1.9 kWh for the R2. Watch Out of Spec Reviews’ full efficiency test below:

Charging Speeds and Highway Cruising

Charging is where the R2 Performance claws back time. In a 15-minute 10% charge test, it held 600 amps to a 32% state of charge, peaked around 229 kW, and added 48.3 kWh.

Out of Spec Reviews also ran its “10% Challenge,” charging each vehicle from 10% for exactly 15 minutes and then cruising at 80 mph until returning to 10%. The R2 Performance achieved 2.2 mi/kWh at 80 mph and covered 92.8 miles before reaching 10% again.

By comparison, the Model Y Performance went 103 miles at 3.3 mi/kWh on less total added energy. While the R2 pulls higher power at the plug, Tesla’s sleeker shape and lower mass preserve an edge in highway efficiency. See the “10% Challenge” here: