Meet Karen.
She’s the VP of the Emerald City Rivian Club and a passionate R1T owner since 2024.¹ As a Rivian lover and off-road maniac, she was eager to see how R2 would carry on the adventurous spirit of her R1T. We checked in with her after 2,000 miles to see how it’s been going.
Here’s what she had to say in her own words.
Photos courtesy of Karen Whitworth and Nathan Bushey.
“I’ve been blown away by how powerful and fun R2 is to drive. It’s completely taken over as our preferred daily driver, from errands and airport runs, to things a bit more adventurous.”
Karen’s R2 configuration
Launch Edition Catalina Cove Black Crater interior 20" Black Sand All-Terrain wheels and tires
What got you interested in R2?
After falling in love with my R1T and the Rivian brand, we were sold on my next vehicle being another Rivian. No other vehicle has felt like home like this. It's pretty special. So when the big announcement happened back in March of '24, I was beyond excited and immediately put my name down for R2.
How is R2 performing on the road as a daily driver?
Coming into R2 ownership from an R1T I adore, I honestly wasn’t sure how it would stack up in day to day use. It had big shoes to fill, not only as the new kid on the block, but also in specs. This R2 is a dual motor, my R1T is a Gen1 Quad with all the bells and whistles of its time. I just assumed it would feel less-than. Boy was I wrong!
Have you taken any off-road trips yet?
Yes! It's been a blast taking R2 off the pavement. The smaller footprint and lighter weight help it navigate certain trails and terrain in ways my R1T would struggle with. Now, don't get me wrong, R1T has its own flexes (that ground clearance and gear tunnel!) but it's just not as nimble or light on its feet as R2. And one of the places this difference is shining brightest for me right now is the dunes.
Last week I was able to head to the dunes with friends and experience that first hand. It was neat to see how the different drive modes compared to R1T and test how the different settings responded to the terrain. It didn't take long to find my favorite combo: Rally mode, stability off, ride feel firm with tires deflated to 30psi. During the time at the dunes I couldn't shake how R2 was absolutely commanding the sand. It was incredible! I didn't want the day to end.
Are there any specific features or capabilities that stand out to you for a midsize vehicle?
I'm also thrilled that R2 can power up to 1900W through the AC outlet. This is a good jump up from R1 and really comes in handy while camping or using the vehicle to help with various efforts around our local community by powering equipment, charging devices, warming food, etc.
The hotspot in the R2 is [also] incredibly helpful in improving my ability to access to this info in areas with poor wireless signal.
So, what’s it like owning R2?
Since delivery [2,000 miles in] we've been finding all kinds of excuses to go on fun drives for things like a slice of pie, or a sunset on a mountaintop, as well as longer excursions, like a trek to the dunes for a day of playing in the sand.
I've been blown away by how powerful and fun R2 is to drive. It's completely taken over as our preferred daily driver, from errands and airport runs, to things a bit more adventurous.
The Emerald City Rivian Club is an independent organization organized by Rivian's community, and is not affiliated with Rivian Automotive, LLC, or any of its subsidiaries. Any statements made or opinions expressed by the Club's members are their own.
