Highway Range Test! BMW iX3 vs. Rivian R2 vs. Model Y L vs. Lexus RZ

Summary

Out of Spec Testing compared the BMW iX3, Rivian R2 Performance, Tesla Model Y L, and Lexus RZ 450e in a side-by-side highway range test. Each vehicle started at 100% charge and drove at a GPS-verified 70 mph until it could no longer maintain that speed. The team used factory-recommended cold tire pressures, efficient climate settings, and repeated route loops to reduce the effects of wind and elevation.

Conditions were cool—roughly 49–55°F—with some wind. The cars also had larger-than-optimal wheels or tires for range: notably, the R2 had 20-inch all-terrain tires, and the Lexus had 20-inch wheels. Results should therefore be read as a comparison under the same conditions, not as each car’s best-case range.

Reported results

Vehicle Highway distance reported Efficiency reported Key context BMW iX3 339.7 miles About 3.0 mi/kWh Largest battery; used 112.7 kWh. It was the range leader despite being less efficient than expected. Tesla Model Y L About 280 miles, according to the team’s GPS-corrected assessment About 3.6 mi/kWh Most efficient vehicle. The displayed range was optimistic; the team noted the odometer and range figures needed GPS correction. Rivian R2 Performance About 212–213 miles About 2.45 mi/kWh Tested on all-terrain tires rather than road tires; its state-of-charge display appeared to fall nonlinearly. Lexus RZ 450e 189 miles About 2.8 mi/kWh Used less than 70 kWh before it could no longer maintain 70 mph.

The transcript contains some inconsistent interim distance readings, particularly for the Model Y L. The figures above follow the team’s closing assessment rather than every on-road update.

Vehicle observations

• BMW iX3: Its 112-kWh-class usable battery made it the clear range winner. The team found its efficiency respectable but not remarkable for the size of its battery. The car displayed low-range warnings and a “turtle” power-limitation mode near depletion.
• Tesla Model Y L: Its efficiency was the standout, helping it achieve substantial range from a smaller battery. The six-seat layout was noted as a family-use advantage. The team also said its displayed range was optimistic compared with GPS-based distance.
• Rivian R2 Performance: The test used off-road tires, which likely hurt highway range; the team expected road-oriented tires to do somewhat better. Even allowing for that, they judged the R2 less suited to long, fast highway trips than its competitors, while still liking the vehicle overall.
• Lexus RZ 450e: The tester praised its comfortable cabin and capable lane-keeping assist for steady highway driving. Criticisms included an outdated-feeling infotainment interface and a lack of EV-specific route planning. The tester also found the range warnings and related controls frustrating.

The team emphasized that highway range is only one part of a vehicle’s usefulness: drivers who mostly charge at home or drive shorter trips may weigh it less heavily. They also cautioned that higher speeds, colder weather, and winter tires would reduce range further.

Test and charging notes

The vehicles were charged to full before departure. When a public fast-charging station was unavailable or problematic, the team used a mobile DC charger mounted on a support vehicle to charge vehicles at the roadside after the range runs. The Lexus had a charging-power issue during preparation, and the team retried it on another charger.

Main speakers and sources: Out of Spec Testing’s host and test team, including Kyle and the other drivers and commentators identified in the subtitles as Alex/Alejandro and Tim. The Rivian R2 was loaned by Gary Bush.