Rivian R2 and the Tesla Model Y received identical scores of 8.2 out of 10 after weeks of back-to-back testing of both SUVs, Edmunds said on Thursday.
A score of 8.2 translates to “Excellent” in the publication’s rating system, placing the latest model from the Irvine-based EV maker on equal footing with the best-selling EV worldwide.
Edmunds had previously published separate reviews and tests of the specs on both vehicles, before combining its findings into a single head-to-head comparison.
“At the end of the day, we gave the new Rivian R2 a score of 8.2, which translates to Excellent — in other words, the exact same score we give the current Model Y,” Edmunds wrote.
According to the publication, “the biggest discrepancy between the Rivian and the Tesla was the efficiency score, and here at Edmunds, we weight it slightly heavier when comparing EVs.”
Performance Trims
Only one R2 configuration is currently available to buyers: the Performance with Launch Package, priced at $57,990 before the $1,495 destination fee.
Tesla‘s closest equivalent, the Model Y Performance, starts at $57,490. A gap of just $500 separates the two vehicles at the top of their respective lineups.
However, Edmunds tested the regular trim of the Model Y.
Rivian‘s dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain produces 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque, launching the R2 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
Edmunds confirmed a 3.7-second run in track testing, within a tenth of Rivian‘s claim.
At the quarter mile, the R2 posted a trap speed of 128.1 mph — roughly 6 mph faster than both the Model Y Performance and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Tesla‘s Performance trim edges the R2 off the line with a claimed 3.3-second 0-60 time, though the automaker no longer publishes official horsepower figures.
Where Tesla gains in initial acceleration, Rivian compensates with sustained speed at higher velocities and a towing capacity of 4,400 pounds versus the Model Y’s 3,500 pounds.
Efficiency and Range Split the Verdict
Efficiency proved the decisive differentiator.
Edmunds‘ EV Range Test returned 327 miles from the Model Y’s 82-kWh battery, matching its EPA estimate exactly.
The R2 Performance managed 304 miles from a larger 88-kWh pack, falling 26 miles short of its 330-mile EPA rating — an 7.9% shortfall.
Edmunds observed consumption of 33.6 kWh per 100 miles for the R2, above its EPA rating of 32 kWh per 100 miles.
The publication attributed much of the Model Y’s advantage to Tesla‘s aerodynamic exterior, compared to the R2’s boxier shape.
Charging speed also favoured the incumbent: Tesla claims the Model Y can add between 144 and 182 miles of range in 15 minutes of Supercharging under optimal conditions.
Rivian‘s R2 charges from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes.
Both vehicles use the NACS connector, giving the R2 access to Tesla‘s Supercharger network.
Edmunds also flagged Tesla‘s (Supervised) Full Self-Driving system as a meaningful edge, noting the Model Y “easily remains centered in the lane, keeps up with surrounding traffic, changes lanes when necessary, and even finds a parking place at the final destination.”
Rivian‘s Autonomy+ driver-assistance suite ships with the Launch Package but does not yet match Tesla‘s system in scope.
Interior and Practicality
Edmunds highlighted clear differences between the two cabins.
Rivian retains a dedicated gauge cluster, pairs open-pore wood trim with premium-feeling fabrics, and packs in dual gloveboxes, a pop-out centre armrest drawer, and two tiers of door storage.
Edmunds said the R2 has “wonderfully playful graphics and a personality the Tesla’s system cannot match.”
Tesla‘s latest refresh improved build quality and materials over previous model years, but Edmunds noted the interior “still looks a bit unfinished with just the one screen and no physical buttons.”
Neither vehicle offers Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a deliberate choice. Rivian charges more for connected services than Tesla‘s $10-per-month or $100-per-year subscription.
US Lineup and Pricing
Tesla currently sells six Model Y trims in the United States.
Pricing spans from $39,990 for the Model Y RWD with 321 miles of EPA range to $57,490 for the Performance with 306 miles.
Between those sit the AWD at $41,990 and 294 miles, the Premium RWD at $44,990 and 357 miles, and the Premium AWD at $48,990 and 327 miles.
Additionally, customers can now purchase the Launch Edition Model Y L, a six-seater that debuted in China a year ago, for $61,490 — also a part of the Premium lineup.
Rivian‘s R2 lineup will expand in phases from late 2026.
A Premium trim with 450 horsepower and 330 miles of EPA range arrives in late 2026 at $53,990.
A Standard Long Range rear-wheel-drive variant rated at 345 miles follows in the first half of 2027 at $48,490.
Rivian has committed to a base Standard trim starting around $45,000 with 275-plus miles of estimated range in late 2027, though the timeline for that configuration remains uncertain.
Broader Competition
Mid-size electric SUV competition extends well beyond the R2 and Model Y.
Ford‘s Mustang Mach-E, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Chevrolet Equinox EV all target overlapping segments of the price range.
Edmunds‘ data showed the R2 catching or surpassing several of those rivals at the quarter mile despite conceding the initial sprint.
The publication concluded that buyers prioritizing “range and efficiency” should choose the Model Y, while those seeking something “more rugged, more traditionally SUV in shape, and a bit more premium” should consider the R2.
Rivian began customer production at its Normal, Illinois plant on April 22, with orders to invite and deliveries going out on June 9.
The company has guided to delivering between 20,000 and 25,000 R2 units by the end of the year.
