Tesla FSD v14 1-HOUR+ Live Test & Rivian R2 First Drive Impressions

In this special live-drive episode of The InEVitable, Ed Loh takes MotorTrend Technical Director Frank Markus on a real-world test of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Version 14.2.2.3 in a Model Y — while diving deep into Frank’s first-drive impressions of the highly anticipated Rivian R2.

This episode kicks off a new MotorTrend series on semi-autonomous driving systems, comparing Tesla’s camera-only approach against upcoming competitors from Mercedes-Benz and Rivian.

Topics covered include:

Tesla FSD v14 real-world freeway and city performance

Mad Max mode, lane changes, and aggressive California traffic

Rivian R2 pricing, specs, suspension tech, and autonomy roadmap

Level 2 vs Level 3 autonomy explained

Vision-only vs radar/LiDAR debate

Autonomy in harsh winter conditions

The future of hands-free and eyes-off driving

Does Tesla’s data flywheel give it an insurmountable lead?
Is Rivian’s R2 the true Model Y competitor?
And what happens when autonomy reaches Level 3?

Watch (or listen) as the system handles freeways, city streets, four-way stops — and almost parks itself.

Timestamps

0:00 – Welcome to The Inevitable
1:13 – Frank Markus joins the drive
2:35 – Engaging Tesla FSD v14.2.2.3
4:08 – Frank’s history with Tesla Autopilot
5:53 – Tesla’s camera-only hardware explained
15:13 – Arrival at John Wayne Airport test loop
15:25 – Using Grok voice navigation
18:05 – Rivian R2 first-drive impressions
21:19 – Rivian’s autonomy roadmap (Hands-Free → Level 3)
23:50 – Tesla’s “Mad Max” mode & speed behavior
28:08 – Manual overrides and stop sign behavior
32:00 – R2 off-road performance & suspension breakdown
37:26 – Coastal drive to Laguna Beach
43:18 – Four-way stop takeover moment
49:12 – Data flywheel: Tesla vs Rivian vs legacy OEMs
58:32 – Driver monitoring system tested live
01:03:55 – The “Resume” cruise control debate
01:09:28 – Is Tesla years ahead of competitors?
01:12:42 – Final verdict + Michigan winter test plans
01:17:19 – Supercharger parking fail & wrap-up

MotorTrend is the ultimate destination for gearheads looking for the latest automotive research and news.

Find the right car, truck or suv for you.
➡️: https://www.motortrend.com/car-finder


Follow MotorTrend for the latest!

MotorTrend News: https://www.motortrend.com
Facebook: / motortrend
Instagram: / motortrend
Twitter(X): / motortrend
TikTok: / motortrend

MotorTrend preferred music partner: Universal Production Music

MotorTrend is a fully owned subsidiary of Hearst Communications Inc.