Will The R2 Be The Hit Rivian Needs? w/ Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained

Rivian's R2 is poised to be the electric crossover that finally makes the company viable, according to Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained and Inside EVs hosts Tim Levin and Mac Hogan. After driving the R2, Fenske was surprised to find himself genuinely wanting to own it—a rare reaction for a media drive—praising its practicality, refined ride, and thoughtful simplification of the R1S’s over-engineered systems. The R2 trades the R1S’s complex hydraulic anti-roll suspension for a more reliable, coil-spring setup with adaptive dampers, resulting in a car that’s both capable off-road and enjoyable on pavement. While the R2 isn’t perfect—software quirks with the haptic steering wheel and lingering usability issues remain—it represents a major leap in cohesiveness and user experience. In contrast, Fenske’s experience with the Lucid Air was marred by persistent software bugs, including unresponsive door handles, profile recognition failures, and even a dangerous roll mode glitch. Despite Lucid’s engineering excellence, its software instability and unclear brand positioning threaten its long-term survival. The episode argues that Rivian’s success hinges on reliability and scaling production, while Lucid must solve its software and identity crises. Meanwhile, Toyota’s chairman Akio’s nostalgic defense of gas engines earns a 'minus,' while Mexico’s government-backed EV startup Olinia, with its $8,600 Uno, earns a 'plus' as a bold bet on local manufacturing in a protectionist world.