The first reviews of Rivian's upcoming R2 electric SUV are glowing, with prominent YouTuber Doug DeMuro calling it awesome and MKBHD positioning it as Rivian's answer to the Tesla Model Y. The ,000 electric vehicle represents Rivian's attempt to break into the mass market with a more affordable offering.

Journalists and content creators who got hands-on time with pre-production versions praise the vehicle's off-roading capabilities and overall design. JerryRigEverything took it off-roading and came away impressed with its rugged performance. However, some reviewers noted frustrating software choices that Rivian will need to address before the official launch.

The R2 is crucial for Rivian's future. The company cannot afford another misstep after the difficult launch of previous models. At ,000, the R2 represents a significant price reduction from Rivian's earlier vehicles while maintaining the brand's reputation for adventure-ready electric vehicles.

The electric SUV market is increasingly crowded, with competition from Tesla, Ford, Hyundai, and others. Rivian's success with the R2 could establish it as a major player in the mainstream EV market rather than just a niche luxury brand.