I Went Looking for the Rivian R2's Weak Spot | 2027 Performance AWD Review

656 horsepower, roughly 5,000 pounds, all season tires, and a regenerative braking setup that prefers to handle most of the stopping on your behalf. Buried in that lineup is the clue that identifies the 2027 Rivian R2 Performance. To find it, I took it up a California ridge road and then back down the freeway after dark, continuing until it revealed itself. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 The 656 horsepower premise 00:23 Dual-motor powertrain, torque split, and one pedal calibration 03:19 Handling dynamics: steering turn in, blended braking, and coil suspension 06:38 Cockpit ergonomics: halo controls, driver assist, and material choices 09:48 Cargo packaging and rear drop glass practicality 10:29 Real world owner intel: seat ventilation, phone key, and hood latch quirks 12:25 Final driving dynamics verdict: chassis tuning vs. interior compromises 2025 Rivian R1S Tri: The 850HP Family SUV That Defies Physics https://youtu.be/lnGwV3UJlzo This review covers the 2027 Rivian R2 Performance AWD, Rivian’s new midsize electric SUV in its 656 hp, 609 pound feet dual motor configuration, as tested at $60,485 with destination included. Rivian lists 0 to 60 mph at 3.6 seconds and 50 to 70 mph at 1.55 seconds on 21 inch wheels, paired with an 88 kWh battery and an EPA range estimate of 330 miles. I discuss the front-to-rear torque split and the point at which the front motor disengages, one pedal driving with maximum regenerative braking, the coil spring suspension and semi active dampers that take the place of the R1S's air springs, steering behavior and cornering balance on all season tires, the haptic halo wheels, Rivian's hands free driver assist in daylight and after dark, what it’s like without Apple CarPlay, interior colors such as Coastal Cloud, and owner reports on seat ventilation, the phone key, the frunk, and drive mode memory. If you are comparing it with a Tesla Model Y Performance, Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, or a Rivian R1S, this is a driver-focused look at where the R2 Performance fits. Reviews for drivers, from drivers. Shop the merch: https://brian-makse-shop.fourthwall.com/ ——————————————————————— // MY AMAZON STORE with my favorite things for drivers https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4cc174af (this is an affiliate link) /// MERCH Pick up some sweet merch in our store! https://brian-makse-shop.fourthwall.com/ /// SUBSCRIBE Subscribe NOW to Brian Makse's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=brianmakse /// SOCIAL Instagram: http://Instagram.com/BrianMakse X: http://X.com/BrianMakse Facebook: http://Facebook.com/BrianMakseOfficial Spotify: https://sptfy.com/brianmakse Link In My Bio: https://makse.com/linkinbio/ /// MORE About Brian: http://makse.com/about /// THE PODCAST I'M LISTENING TO Real AF With Andy Frisella https://andyfrisella.com/blogs/realaf-podcast /// THE MUSIC I'M LISTENING TO Adam Miller https://www.youtube.com/AdamMillerGuitar Be sure to let us know what you think about this video and smash the subscribe button if you haven’t already! Test vehicles are provided by the respective manufacturers for review purposes, unless otherwise noted, and all opinions are our own. Music © 2026 Russell Soares (russellsoares.com), used with permission, all rights reserved. #RivianR2 #RivianR22027 #ElectricSUV #RivianR2Performance #EVReview #ModelY #CarReview #brianmakse