While the bequest automakers are finally pumping out satisfying electric vehicles , the young kids on the block are still arguably a little ahead of the bend . Tesla was first to the concept of an really utile and powerful EV , since then , others have popped up — and there ’s perhaps no ripe example than Rivian .

The Rivian R1S and R1 T were the ship’s company ’s first entries into the electric car world , but it has some arguably more exciting vehicles follow up . Its next major liberation , for example , will come in the form ofthe Rivian R2 , a mid - size electric SUV that will contend directly with the revamp and redesign tesla Model Y , codenamed the Model Y Juniper .

base on what we know about the Rivian R2 andthe Tesla Model Y Juniper , is one of these vehicles better than the other ? We put the two EVs head to head .

Design

The overall designs of the Tesla Model Y and the Rivian R2 are radically different , and it all starts with the size of it of the cars .

The Tesla Model Y is n’t quite an S.U.V. — despite what some branding might have you think . It ’s more of a crossover , with a hatchback torso and a tall roofline . The Model Y Juniper ditches the trenchant tip newspaper headline in favour of a three - part light Browning automatic rifle on the front , echoed by a light ginmill on the butt as the rear lamp .

The Rivian R2 is also pretty stylish — and unlike the Model Y , itisan SUV . It has a blockier , boxier intention , insure that it has a little more space on the interior . The Model Y looks like a Tesla , and the R2 looks like a Rivian . It offers the same oval headlights on thefront as the R1Sand R1 T , with a long light bar that extends across the hind end . It ’s also a well - looking vehicle and a lilliputian more rugged - looking than the Model Y.

We ’re not going to reason that the Model Y or R2 is better - depend than the other . The fact is that the aim are quite unlike , so you ’ll have to decide for yourself which you choose .

Winner : Tie

Interior and tech

The interiors of the cars are pretty different , too . The Model Y is built to offer a minimalistic and stripped - back looking at and feel , and it achieves that . The elevator car has a stark interior , with a relatively orotund infotainment display at the front . In its base form , the Model Y has two row of seats , however while the old - generationModel Yhad an option for a third row of hind end , a three - row option has n’t been released for the Model Y Juniper just yet . We expect it will be later this year .

The Rivian R2 has more space on the interior , but unfortunately you ca n’t bring a third wrangle of seats . Rivian does allow driver to take advantage of that space in other way though . For example , you’re able to close up down both the second and first row of seats , meaning there ’s enough room for an breeze mattress , making it consummate for camping . The interior of the R2 is also a slight more rugged than that of the Model Y , and it also offers a expectant infotainment display at the front , mate with a second video display for instrument monitoring , unlike the Model Y.

Neither the R2 nor the Model Y supporttech like CarPlayor Android Auto , but they both have right design software and infotainment systems . They also both put up some self - driving features . By nonpayment , the Tesla Model Y has Tesla Autopilot , which include adaptive cruise command and lane - centering . Like other Tesla cars , drivers can devote to raise to Enhanced Autopilot , or the poorly titled “ Full Self - Driving capacity . ” The Rivian R2 provide a rooms of 11 tv camera and five radar sensor to support an enhanced self - driving system that Rivian read will enable hands - free and eyes - off - the - road self - push back tech on main road .

Interior design is subjective too though . Do you prefer the minimalistic look or a more broken frame ?

Performance

The R2 and the Model Y are both high - performing vehicles . That said , there are some matter we do n’t yet know about the carrying into action for the Model Y Juniper . That ’s because of the fact that the rearward - bike ride version of the updated vehicle is currently only available in China and Australia , where acceleration is grass from 0 - 100 kilometer per time of day rather of 0 - 60 miles per hour . The phone number are close , but wo n’t be precisely the same as in the U.S. That ’s not to refer the fact that there ’s no poser y Juniper Performance yet , though we expect one will finally come out .

The RWD Model Y Juniper useable in China can speed from 0 to 100 kilometer / h in 5.9 seconds . The exceptional Launch Edition New Model Y , which is an AWD Model Y Juniper being sold in the U.S. , can found from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds .

The Rivian R2will be middling tight , too , though there ’s also a lot we do n’t know about its performance . Rivian has announced it wo n’t be shipping until 2026 , and we do n’t know what the different trim and models will extend in terms of carrying into action . We do get laid that the Rivian R2 will be available in exclusive - motor , dual - motor , and tri - exemplary form , with the tri - motive model dumbfound from 0 to 60 miles per 60 minutes in “ less than 3 seconds . ”

That is for the top - performance model — so we ’ll have to wait and see how the down in the mouth - end models perform . But , given the fact that we have no item about a performance variant of the Model Y Juniper , the Rivian bring the win here … for now .

succeeder : Rivian R2

Range and charging

Range is an significant factor to look at , and both the Tesla Model Y and the Rivian R2 at least have options for becoming range .

This is also an orbit of confusion for the Model Y Juniper , however . The RWD Model Y Juniper uncommitted in China propose 593 klick of reach , which equates to 368 miles . However , the CLTC , which tests reach in China , is usually more lenient than the EPA in the U.S. — so it ’s likely the RWD Model Y Juniper will have a lower rated compass once it ’s released here . The all - cycle ride Model Y here in the U.S. has a range of 320 miles .   TheModel Ycan charge at up to 250 kilowatts at a compatible Tesla Supercharger .

Of course , we do n’t fuck the range of all the R2 models just yet . We do have it away that the R2 will be “ over 300 miles ” in range , but that seems to be for the larger battery mannequin . The base R2 may be a short humble .

The charge amphetamine on the R2 is carry to be similar to the R1S , which sits in at around 220kW. Hopefully , Rivian will step up file speed a minuscule by 2026 , though we ’ll have to wait and see . Both the Model Y and the R2 will offera North American Charging Standard ( NACS ) charging embrasure .

Frankly , we do n’t know enough to really present a success in this class . It ’s a tie .

Pricing and availability

While the Tesla Model Y in general has been available for some fourth dimension , the refreshed Model Y Juniper is new — and currently , you may only order the particular Launch Edition New Model Y that be $ 59,990 . Even if you order it , you wo n’t get it until at least March .

The pricing and availability of the R2 is a petty less unclouded . Rivian says that the R2 will be useable in the “ first one-half of 2026 ” with a starting price of $ 45,000 , but we ’ll have to see if that remain the case as we get closer to the release day of the month . Rivian claims the vehicle will also qualify for the full $ 7,500 federal EV tax credit , however it stay to be seen if the deferred payment will even be usable in 2026 , give the current disposal ’s position on it . you’re able to “ reserve ” an R2 right now , which basically just take paying a refundable $ 100 depository to get your place in contrast .

Neither of these two vehicle is widely available , but while the Rivian R2 will supposedly be gaudy than the current Model Y Juniper in the U.S. , the Model Y Juniper is at leastaboutto ship . It gets the win here .

Winner : Tesla Model Y

Overall winner: Tie

The Tesla Model Y and Rivian R2 are fairly different vehicle . The Model Y is a crossover , while the R2 is an SUV . The R2 is rugged and handsome , while the Model Y is a minuscule more silken and curving . And , of class , the Model Y Juniper is presently seethe out , while the R2 will start shipping in 2026 .