The Tesla Model Y has become an insanely popular electric SUV despite being very bad at it. Last year, it solidified its position as the world’s best-selling electric vehicle by passing the 1 million sales milestone, including 357,528 units sold in the United States in 2025. It remains the United States’ top EV and I personally can’t understand why.
However, I don’t think you can truly reason with Tesla owners. No amount of horrific politics, lawsuits, or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigations will deter them from Tesla’s screen-filled lineup. I’m completely okay with that, but I can’t help but point out that there are better options if you want an electric SUV that’s actually an SUV — and it costs much less.
Tesla Model Y vs. Rivian R2: Range and driving experience
Rivian will fully introduce the R2 on March 12th, but we do know a few key details: the first is that it will be priced starting at $45,000. This puts it well below the Tesla Model Y Long Range’s $48,000 starting price. As you can expect from this price difference, the Tesla Model Y does have a slight edge on the R2 in this category, although it’s not by much.
The R2 will have an 87.4kWh battery that charges from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes, offering 300-plus miles on a full charge. With 656 horsepower, the R2 has a 0-60 of 3.6 seconds (and under 3 seconds for the predicted tri-motor powertrain option).
Meanwhile, the 81 kWh battery on the Tesla Model Y Long Range charges from 10% to 80% in 27 minutes, giving you 327 miles on a full charge. It’s a little better than the R2 if you care about numbers rather than the actual driving experience. The Model Y has about 425 hp and reaches 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, or 3.3 seconds in the Performance.
And honestly, that slight difference in 0-60 matters. The Model Y sorta ditches the whole “big SUV” thing in hopes of seeming sportier to EV buyers, but the R2 has it beat in that category too. Wrote MotorTrend: “On a first-time test drive, the Model Y’s instant acceleration and sharp steering might come across as exciting. To an EV rookie, the absence of engine noise and vibration could make the cabin seem placid.
“But the trope that the Model Y is sporty, luxurious, or both needs to end. Its driving experience is taxing and unrelaxing.”
While the Tesla Model Y is making commuting feel like a drag, the R2 is more focused on off-road capabilities, similar to the R1. It has 9.8 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain drive modes, and an exterior shape meant for adventuring, whether it’s a forest trail, snow, or sand. It’s not going to be the best electric SUV for commuting either, but at least it can do what it says.
Tesla Model Y vs. Rivian R2: Interior and cargo space
As expressed earlier, the Tesla Model Y is sort of embarrassed to admit it’s an SUV. To keep up with its “sporty” narrative, the Model Y feels a bit more like an exaggerated hatchback focused more on efficiency and performance than interior space. However, if you are shopping for an electric SUV, you probably want that space.
The Rivian R2 is a full-on SUV with a large, boxy design. Three inches taller than the Model Y, the R2 offers a lot of room for the driver and passengers alike. It also has dual gloveboxes, door-card storage spaces, and even front and rear seats that fold completely flat. As you may have expected, the R2 has way more storage space than the Tesla Model Y, including a larger frunk, larger rear cargo space, and larger under-floor sub-trunk (if it shares similar sizing to the R1).
The Tesla Model Y has a bit of an edge when it comes to its massive screens, if you like that kinda thing. Some believe, however, that the huge touchscreen has become a bit ridiculous. MotorTrend continued: “Tesla’s hallmark monolithic center screen constantly demands attention away from the road. Simply checking speed in the upper left corner was annoying, but how adjusting the air temperature or media settings need long glances and precise taps makes focused driving harder.
“This setup proves why people want real buttons back.”
The R2 is a bit more minimal, with a driver’s display, a central screen, and big haptic scroll wheels for those that don’t want to scroll through menus. While the R2 interior (if similar to the R1) doesn’t exude luxury, it has a modern minimalist look and is comfortable enough for long drives. The Model Y is a bit more futuristic and packed with more features, but the build is a bit cheaper.
It’s still early days to completely compare the two electric SUVs, but when it comes to what SUV owners usually want — range, comfort, capable performance, storage, and room — the Rivian R2 comes out on top, and even saves you a few thousand bucks in the process.
