Electric vehicle sales overall may have slowed slightly in recent years, but demand is still strong for market leaders like the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, both making the top 10 best-sellers list in 2025. For 2026, the Model Y has shown a 9 percent increase in sales over the first six months as consumers keep flocking to this impressive mid-size SUV.
Rivian is a far smaller player in the EV market, and it entered the mid-size EV SUV segment for the first time this year with its fresh new R2. Could this new model be the challenger to topple Tesla’s dominance? It certainly has all the right ingredients to make it a viable alternative to the Model Y, and one of the most important factors for consumers is how much space you get for your money.
We decided to match these two mid-size SUV competitors up to see which one is bigger, and therefore better. Obviously we also factored in pricing, performance and claimed range figures, too.
Rivian R2
Rivian
Rivian
Rivian
- Model Years: 2026
- Base MSRP: $57,990 (Performance)
| Rivian Model | Standard RWD | Premium AWD | Performance AWD |
| Motors | Single AC motor | Dual AC motors | Dual AC motors |
| Power | 350 hp | 450 hp | 656 hp |
| Battery Size | 88 kWh est | 88 kWh est | 88 kWh |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 seconds | 4.6 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
| Claimed Range | 275 miles (RWD) | 330 miles (AWD) | 330 miles (AWD) |
| Base Price | $44,990 (2027) | $53,990 (late 2026) | $57,990 (now) |
The Rivian R2 brings the automaker’s rugged design aesthetic and signature styling to the more affordable mid-size SUV package. While the R1S is a full-size 7-seat SUV that starts at over $83,000 in base trim. The R2 is positioned at a far more accessible price point, and while the first model is the priciest Performance trim, the Premium and Standard offerings are waiting in the wings. The Standard model will cost $44,990 before taxes when it arrives in 2027, and this should be a closer match to the lower-specced Model Y trims.
For now, sales have been slow thanks to its newness and the sole model being the priciest one, but Rivian predicts that over 20,000 units should find homes by the end of the year. Hopefully the expanded 2027 range will see that figure grow exponentially in the future. The R2 is geared to be a more rugged and off-road capable offering than the Model Y, and the drop-down rear liftgate glass is a great feature that highlights its adventurous lifestyle aspirations.
Tesla Model Y
Tesla
Tesla
- Model Years: 2020–Present (Refreshed for 2026)
- Base MSRP: $37,990
| Tesla Model | Base RWD/AWD | Premium RWD/AWD | Premium L AWD | Performance |
| Motor | Single AC motor (RWD) Dual AC motors (AWD) | Single AC motor (RWD) Dual AC motors (AWD) | Dual AC motors | Dual AC motors |
| Power | 300 hp est | 326 hp (RWD) est  375 hp (AWD) est | 397 hp est | 510 hp est |
| Battery Size | 80 kWh est | 80 kWh est | 80 kWh est | 81 kWh est |
| 0-60 mph | 6.8 seconds (RWD) 4.6 seconds (AWD) | 5.4 seconds (RWD) 4.6 seconds (AWD) | 4.4 seconds | 3.3 seconds |
| Claimed Range | 321 miles (RWD) 294 miles (AWD) | 357 miles RWD) 327 miles (AWD) | 325 miles | 306 miles |
| Base Price | $37,990 (RWD) $39,990 (AWD) | $46,380 (RWD) $50,630 (AWD) | $61,380 | $57,490 |
The Model Y is the undisputed sales leader in the mid-size SUV segment, having peaked in 2024 with over 400,000 units sold, it remains the best-selling EV in the US, and has been comprehensively updated for 2026. Â A renamed entry-level Base RWD trim offers even more value than before, and there are several trims to pick from that cater to most needs.
Aside from the sleeker, more aerodynamic exterior, the interior has a more premium feeling cabin with better materials and an 8.0-inch rear-seat passenger display on all but the base trim. All controls still mostly rely on the massive central touchscreen, but Tesla’s system is mostly intuitive after some acclimatization. It has a spacious and practical interior, but is it large than the R2? Let’s compare.
Rivian R2 vs Tesla Model Y Size
| Model | Rivian R2 | Tesla Model Y |
| Length | 185.9 in | 188.7 in |
| Width (excluding mirrors) | 75.0 in | 75.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 115.6 in | 113.8 in |
| Height | 66.9 in | 63.8 in |
| Passenger Volume | 110 cu ft (57F/53R) | 105 cu ft (56F/49R) |
| Cargo Space | 28.7 cu ft behind 2nd row / 79.4 cu ft max (plus 5.2 cu ft frunk) | 30.2 cu ft behind 2nd row / 76.2 cu ft max (plus 4.0 cu ft frunk) |
| Ground Clearance | 9.6 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Max Passengers | 5 | 5 (7 optional) |
| Headroom | 40.9 inches (front)/40.4 inches (rear) | 41.0 inches (front)/39.4 inches (rear) |
| Legroom | 41.4 inches (front)/40.4 inches (rear) | 41.8 inches (front)/40.5 inches (rear) |
When it comes to overall dimensions, the Rivian R2 is slightly shorter than the Model Y yet has a longer wheelbase which translates into a tad more passenger room. The cargo area behind the second row in the Model Y is more generous than the R2 by 1.5 cubic feet, but the R2 has more space with the second row folded down, and its frunk is marginally larger as well. That said, both vehicles will comfortably seat five adults and a fair amount of luggage.
The differences here are small, but the Rivian’s off-road aspirations are evident in its shorter overhangs (hence the longer wheelbase on a shorter body), and its 9.6-inch ride height which comprehensively trounces the Model Y’s 6.4 inches. The Rivian is also taller, benefiting rear headroom, but the Model Y isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet and it’s the only one that can be had as a seven-seater.
Rivian
Rivian
Rivian
The Rivian R2 is better suited to off-roading than the road-biased Model Y, but both cater to the adventurous sorts by offering several additional external storage and lifestyle options. Tesla sells a sleek roof rack, rear towbar hitch rack and even a camping air mattress.
The Rivian can be had with an array of aftermarket roof racks, and bike mounts, and the opening rear glass window makes loading bulky items much easier. Both the Tesla and the Rivian can be optioned with a tow hitch.
Tesla
Tesla
Choosing between these two comes down to what you need from your mid-size SUV. The Model Y is the value leader, offering plenty of passenger and cargo space, and superior range and performance in the lower trims. It is best suited for on-road use and can be had with a seven-seat layout if you need it.
The Rivian R2 offers slightly more interior space as well as more storage room, and the higher roof line makes it feel a bit roomier. The real decider is whether you want to head off-road regularly or not. If you do it may be worth waiting for the more affordable R2 trims, if not, the updated Model Y is better than ever.
About the author
John Tallodi
Senior Editor