10 Biggest News Stories of the Week: Rivian R2 Electrifies, GMC Sierra 1500 Fuels Interest
Upstart luxury electric-vehicle maker Rivan’s all-new mid-size SUV is called the R2, but it’s shaping up to be second to none. That’s judging by Cars.com reviewer Aaron Bragman’s first drive in the 2027 R2, which not only matches the quality of its full-size predecessor, the R1S, but in many cases surpasses it. You can read all about it in our most popular news article of the past week, chronicling Bragman’s assessment of his R2 seat time.
Related: 10 Biggest News Stories of the Month: Honda CR-V Takes Not-So-Safe Lead Over Kia Telluride
The R2 bears a notable physical resemblance to its big bro while managing to cut its own stylistic path, most remarkably in its power rear windshield that lowers into the liftgate. Meanwhile, despite smaller dimensions, the R2’s cabin comfort is excellent — with the second row managing to be even more comfortable than that of the R1, genuinely accommodating three passengers across without the middle occupant having to straddle a hump. Driver-friendly ergonomic improvements to infotainment usability build upon real-world learnings from R1 owners, and the automaker’s proprietary interface might make you forgive the absence of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring. The R2’s drive feel is quick and confident, but it still wields heft despite being lighter. The ride is on the firm side but still quiet and refined. Moderate off-road capability puts it ahead of many competitors, while its higher-performance offerings fall short of the bar set by the R1. Overall, the R2 provides a no-compromise experience that its good-at-this-but-not-at-that rivals have yet to match — boasting technology, comfort, luxury, performance, ruggedness and everyday usability.
For our full first take on the 2027 Rivian R2 — including a small handful of things Bragman didn’t much care for, plus its relatively palatable price — follow the link below to the No. 1 news story on this week’s countdown of most read articles.
Also popular this week is our interrogation of the issue of whether it’s worth it to pony up an extra $795 for the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter powertrain available on the luxurious Denali trim of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The diesel setup, making 205 horsepower at a price of $73,485, loses out in horsies to both the standard 5.3-liter V-8 ($72,690, 355 hp) and 6.2-liter V-8 ($75,380, 420 hp) — but it more than makes up for it with 495 pounds-feet of torque and estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg compared with the 5.3-liter’s 383 pounds-feet and 16 mpg, and the 6.2-liter’s 460 pounds-feet and 16 mpg. Meanwhile, the diesel Denali’s five-year estimated fuel costs of $15,960 for 4×2 and $16,625 for 4×4 are thousands cheaper across the board — offsetting both the purchase-price premium and the cost of ownership over time.
For our full explainer of why you should splurge on the diesel engine in the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, follow the link below to the No. 2 news story of the week.
Beyond all that, we’ve got headlines on the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Grand Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas, Dodge Durango, Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Equinox — so don’t stop reading till the digits double. Here are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:
1. 2027 Rivian R2 First Drive: Time to Trade in Your Tesla
2. Should You Splurge for the Diesel Engine in a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?
3. See Every Photo We Took of the 2026 Honda CR-V’s Interior
4. Hyundai Palisade Vs. Toyota Grand Highlander: Which Hybrid 3-Row SUV Gets the Best MPG?
5. What’s the Redesigned 2027 Volkswagen Atlas’ MPG?
6. How Much Is the 2027 Dodge Durango?
7. See Every Photo We Took of the 2026 Toyota RAV4’s Interior
8. See Every Photo We Took of the 2027 Rivian R2’s Interior
9. How Much Is the 2027 Chevrolet Equinox?
10. 2026 Hyundai Palisade Vs. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: What’s the Best $60,000 Hybrid 3-Row SUV?
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
