Photo Credit: YouTubeAfter seven days and several hundred miles behind the wheel, one family's week-one review suggests the Rivian R2 could be the kind of electric vehicle many families have been waiting for: roomy enough for daily life, quick enough to feel exciting, and rugged enough to stand apart from the sea of lookalike crossovers — even if the software still needs work.Here's what to knowIn a week-one ownership review posted on YouTube, content creator EVentureFamily used the Rivian R2 the way many parents actually would — for a long road trip, camp drop-offs, a Costco restock, and carrying sports gear for three kids.What resonated most with them was that the R2 still felt unmistakably like a Rivian despite being positioned as a more accessible model. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe dad of the family said, "I think my absolute favorite thing about this is just how much of a Rivian it is," but he also singled out the downside: "My biggest gripe I'd say is just that the software isn't fully there yet."He said the software issues were mainly from it still getting updates and missing some expected features, like Rivian Assistant, and indicated that he expected all or most gripes would be resolved over time with further updates.They kept pointing to the same strengths from the first week: a spacious second row, comfortable seats, quick acceleration, smooth regenerative braking, and plenty of room for cargo. The reviewer said he drove "almost 24 hours" and 860 miles comfortably, while his spouse said the R2 handled a full-family Costco restock with "no issue."Users seemed to agree with that assessment. One said: "The R2 felt solid, it soaked up the pavement bumps, and it was quick."More backgroundThe R2 is expected to be an important model for shoppers who want to go electric without stepping up to a larger, more expensive SUV.AdvertisementAdvertisementFrom the family's experience, Rivian seems to have hit a practical middle ground. They highlighted the generous rear-seat legroom, a rear glass panel that drops for longer items, cargo space for three hockey bags plus sticks, and a 40/20/40 split rear seat that looked especially useful for ski trips.The R2 appears to preserve many of the everyday benefits that make EVs appealing in the first place. Electric vehicles can help drivers save money on fuel and cut routine maintenance costs because they do not require oil changes and generally have fewer moving parts than gas-powered vehicles.That early review did come with one recurring caution. In a vehicle where so many key functions run through the screen, unfinished software and missing digital features can matter even if they are not outright deal-breakers.What can be done?For shoppers comparing the R2 with other midsize SUVs, cargo flexibility, rear-seat room, charging access, and driver-assist software may end up making a bigger difference over time than a slight spec-sheet edge.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you're buying an electric vehicle, it also helps to plan your charging setup early. Charging an EV at home often costs less than using public chargers, though basic Level 1 charging tends to be slow.That's where Qmerit can help: It provides free, instant installation estimates for faster Level 2 home charger installations.One viewer of the YouTube video said, "Really helpful information, great discussion of likes and dislikes, and it's great to see you have had such a good start with your R2."Another commented, "Both your perspectives and the family use cases parallel ours, with ski and sports for the kids."AdvertisementAdvertisementGet TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
+67 others
