A recent highway range test showed the Tesla Model Y exceeding its EPA rating while the Rivian R2 fell short of its higher advertised figure. The side-by-side evaluation was conducted by Out of Spec Reviews at a steady 70 mph.
The test compared dual-motor performance versions of both vehicles under identical conditions. The 2027 Rivian R2 achieved 253 miles against its 330-mile EPA rating. The Tesla Model Y reached 310.1 miles, surpassing its 306-mile rating.
Efficiency differences proved decisive. The Model Y used 82.2 kWh for 3.77 miles per kWh. The R2 consumed 89.3 kWh at 2.83 miles per kWh despite its larger battery.
Rivian reviewed the data and logs from the test vehicle without raising disputes. The results also showed the smaller R2 trailing its larger R1S sibling in real-world distance covered.
The testers attributed the gap partly to differing EPA test procedures chosen by each automaker. Real-world range for the R2 may drop further at higher speeds or in cold weather.