Rivian’s iconic Gear Guard Gary, is more than just a playful mascot – he’s there to keep a watchful eye over your Rivian and the stuff inside. Born from the desire to combine security with a sense of fun, Gear Guard Gary (GGG) has become a symbol of Rivian’s security feature — Gear Guard.
Gary is a lovable and friendly Yeti decked out in a headband, puffy jacket, and boots. When Gear Guard is active on your Rivian, you’ll see his friendly face pop up on the main screen, letting you know he’s keeping a vigilant eye over your vehicle.
For Quad-Max models, Gary makes an even bigger statement. He’s featured as a badge on the rear of the tailgate, proudly marking your vehicle as a flagship model.
But how did Gary come to life? Was he a spontaneous idea, or does he have a deeper backstory? Grab your gear and join us as we venture into the origins of this lovable Yeti.
Rivian
The Creator of Gear Guard Gary
Zachariah Ohora is the artist behind Gary, who created the character specifically for Rivian. Zachariah is an illustrator and filmmaker and is currently working on a children’s cartoon that is similar in style to Gear Guard Gary. While Gary hasn’t made an appearance in any episodes yet, his character aligns with Ohora’s ongoing projects, and one of his popular series, Carl the Collector, is currently airing on PBS Kids in both the United States and Canada.
Gary also stars in his own adorable stop-motion film created by Foster Huntington, which premiered at the South Coast Theatre in Laguna Beach. Rivian restored this historic California venue, transforming it into a space for independent films, art workshops, and beach excursions.
The stop-motion film itself is a delightful story. It features an R1T stopping at a small gas station and cafe, where the driver and passenger step out to grab some supplies for the road. With Gear Guard active, he secures his gear in the truck bed using the Gear Guard Security Cable.
The plot takes a turn when a masked robber shows up, only for Gary to greet him with a hug and a friendly wave. When the driver and passenger return, everything is just as they left it, and their adventure continues without a hitch.
Gary’s charm and friendly demeanor shine through as he’s portrayed as a happy companion, always keeping your belongings safe while enjoying the adventure right alongside you.
Gary’s Origin
Rivian’s focus on user experience is where Gary, the lovable Gear Guard character, was born. While Rivian officially refers to him simply as “Gear Guard,” the Rivian community has affectionately named him Gary and the name has stuck.
Gary came into being as part of the playful and fun nature of the Gear Guard system. Initially, Rivian wasn’t sure what form he would take — whether he would be an amorphous blob, have horns, or stretch out with long arms.
Ultimately, Gary represents the unique qualities of the Gear Guard system. He’s smart, non-aggressive, and provides a sense of deterrence. The system is designed to protect both your Rivian and your belongings, all while staying true to Rivian’s adventurous spirit. When Gear Guard is active, Gary appears on the screen, monitoring the surroundings with his camera. When it’s off, he takes a little nap on the screen instead.
Gary’s main purpose is to bring a smile to people’s faces, especially kids. Rivian’s goal is to offer peace of mind — allowing people to enjoy nature and their adventures without worrying about their gear back in the truck.
Gear Guard Gary Easter Egg
If you lock the rear screen in the vehicle, Gary can be summoned by simply tapping on the screen. It’s a simple easter egg, but it’s worth seeing. He’s friendly, cute, and happy to entertain little ones on the rear screen while the screen is off-limits.
Gary Plush
If you’re craving even more Gear Guard Gary, Rivian has you covered with an adorable plush. These plushies are quite popular and often sell out, so be sure to snag one before they’re gone.
The plushie measures about 14” in length and 8” in width with his arms by his sides. He’s dressed in his signature outfit, complete with a headband, jacket, shorts, and boots. While the shorts are removable, the jacket is stitched in place but can be easily removed by undoing the stitching. The headband and boots are not removable.
Rivian has paid close attention to detail, even adding the Rivian logo on the chest of his red fall jacket.
The Gary Plush is well designed and super tough! Maybe not dog-chew-toy-tough, but tough enough for your kids.
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Rivian is teaming up with one of the biggest names in science education to make electric vehicles a lot less mysterious for the next generation. The American automaker has announced an exclusive, "multi-phase partnership" with CrunchLabs, the STEM-focused company founded by former NASA engineer and YouTube star Mark Rober.
The collaboration aims to take a deep dive into the engineering that makes Rivian’s vehicles tick. Rober, who reaches over 500 million viewers monthly, will be creating original content that breaks down Rivian’s EV technology, manufacturing, and safety features in his signature high-energy, accessible style.
Engineering for the Next Generation
CrunchLabs has quickly become a household name for families through its subscription-based "Build Boxes" and "Creative Kits." These kits are designed for kids ages 6 to 13+ and encourage them to "think like engineers" by building hands-on projects. For older teens and adults, the company even offers "Hack Packs" that dive into coding and robotics.
By partnering with Rober, Rivian is essentially positioning itself as the "cool" brand for future engineers. Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe noted that the goal is to show off the creativity behind their products while inspiring young leaders. "As we prepare to introduce new vehicles like R2 we want to peel back the curtain on technology that makes these experiences possible," Scaringe said in the official press release.
Mark Rober echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the partnership is about helping people see how high-level engineering improves their lives. "Rivian is building technology that deserves to be understood," Rober added.
What to Expect This Year
The partnership officially kicks off at SXSW in Austin on March 13. Scaringe and Rober will host a featured session at Rivian’s "Electric Roadhouse," which will include one of Rober’s famous live scientific demonstrations.
Beyond digital content and creator-produced videos, the collaboration will move into the real world this summer. Rivian plans to host nationwide, family-focused "activations" across its retail spaces. This could be a massive win for Rivian’s brand awareness, especially as it prepares for the highly anticipated launch of the R2 SUV.
A Brand Built on Feedback
Rivian has already shown that it values community input and "real-world" testing. For instance, the company recently revamped its 'Kneel Mode' in the recent 2026.03 update. Those changes were actually inspired by feedback from tech YouTuber Zack Nelson (JerryRigEverything) and his partner Cambry, highlighting how much Rivian pays attention to the tech community.
By making Rivian the "exclusive automotive partner" for CrunchLabs, the brand is securing a long-term connection with a massive, tech-savvy audience. It’s a smart move that turns complex electrical architecture into something a 10-year-old can be excited about — and potentially work on one day.
Since its launch, the Tesla Model Y has been the undisputed king of the midsize electric SUV segment - eventually becoming the best-selling car in the world. However, Rivian is finally aiming directly at Tesla’s crown. The upcoming 2026 Rivian R2 scales down the rugged, adventurous DNA of the R1 into a smaller, more affordable package designed for the mass market.
With Tesla having rolled out the refreshed Model Y last year and Rivian gearing up for R2 production, prospective buyers in the midsize SUV market are facing a difficult choice. Here is a definitive, spec-by-spec breakdown of how the highly anticipated R2 stacks up against the reigning champion.
Pricing & Trims
Price is the most important battleground for this segment. Tesla has heavily optimized its manufacturing process, and economies of scale work in its favor to let it offer an incredibly competitive starting price.
Rivian is aiming to eventually match that accessibility, but the initial Launch Edition models will be pricier off the bat. The single-motor model, aimed at the $45,000 price point, is expected to follow sometime in 2027.
Both vehicles are manufactured in the United States for American buyers - the Model Y in Texas, and the R2 is slated for Illinois. That means both vehicles should qualify for any state-level incentives in place.
For Canadian buyers, the Model Y will be imported from Germany or China, depending on the variant. Due to the pricing of both vehicles, neither will fall into the bracket for the new Canadian ZEV rebate, but they should meet requirements for certain provincial rebates.
Variant
Rivian R2 (Estimated) (USD)
Tesla Model Y (2026) (USD)
Starting Price (Base)
~$45,000 (Single-Motor RWD)
$39,990 (Standard RWD)
Long Range Price
~$55,000 (Dual-Motor AWD)
$48,990 (Premium AWD)
Performance Price
~$60,000+ (Tri-Motor AWD)
$57,490 (Performance AWD)
Dimensions
While they compete in the same midsize SUV segment, the design philosophies between the R2 and Model Y are wildly different. The Model Y is essentially a raised hatchback heavily optimized for efficiency and performance, while the R2 is a traditional, boxy SUV focused on internal storage space.
Surprisingly, the R2 is actually three inches shorter in overall length than the Model Y, making it easier to parallel park and drive in urban areas - but it does come in three inches taller, giving it a bit more presence on the road.
Dimension
Rivian R2
Tesla Model Y
Length
185.6 inches
188.6 inches
Width (w/o mirrors)
75.0 inches
75.6 inches
Height
66.9 inches
64.0 inches
Ground Clearance
9.8 inches
6.6 inches
Wheelbase
115.6 inches
113.8 inches
Performance, Battery, & Range
With Rivian using structural battery packs on the R2 and Tesla intending to bring them back with a 4680-variant Model Y, as well as native NACS, the battery and charging experience seems extremely similar - especially since both vehicles do 10-80% in approximately 30 minutes.
The Model Y remains the king of efficiency, squeezing massive range out of its motors, while Rivian is bringing quite a bit of extra horsepower to the equation - a difference in design and intent.
Specification
Rivian R2 (Dual-Motor Launch Edition)
Tesla Model Y (Long Range AWD)
0–60 mph
3.6 seconds (Tri-motor expected <3.0s)
4.6 seconds (Performance: 3.3s)
Estimated Range
300+ miles
327 miles
Power Output
656 hp / 609 lb-ft
~425 hp / 475 lb-ft
Battery Tech
87.4 kWh (4695 Cells)
81 kWh (2170 Cells)
Charge Port
NACS
NACS
DC Fast Charging
10% to 80% in ~30 minutes
10% to 80% in ~27 minutes
With Rivian fully adopting NACS, it can charge at any V3 or V4 Supercharger site without an adapter, just like a Model Y. This is a big win for 3rd-party vehicles, as that means they don’t have to hope that unreliable third-party networks like Electrify America are functional and available.
Interior Features & Utility
This is where the user experience diverges the most, away from the exterior looks.
Tesla’s most recent refresh of the 2026 Model Y refined the minimalist cabin, bringing back turn signal stalks and adding acoustic glass, customizable ambient lighting, a new, larger QHD touchscreen, and an 8-inch rear screen for back-seat passengers. Most controls are through the screen, simply and easily accessible in 1-2 taps.
Rivian’s R2, on the other hand, takes a more narrow approach to minimalism - it retains a dedicated driver’s display alongside the central screen, along with massive haptic scroll wheels to allow drivers to flick through the menus without needing to touch the screen.
The R2 also brings a lot of big interior features to its internal space - including dual gloveboxes, extensive door-card space for storage, and a drop-down rear hatch glass. It also has fold-flat seats not just in the rear, but also in the front, if you want to get a level sleeping surface.
Storage Space
While both vehicles are mid-size SUVs, the R2 is definitely the winner in terms of available interior cargo capacity, both in the frunk and cargo space in the back.
Storage Metric
Rivian R2 (Estimated)
Tesla Model Y (5-Seat)
Front Trunk (Frunk)
~5.0+ cu ft
4.1 cu ft
Rear Cargo (Behind 2nd Row)
~33.0 cu ft
30.2 cu ft
Max Cargo (Seats Folded)
TBD (Expect 80+ cu ft)
76.2 cu ft
Under-Floor Sub-Trunk
~4.6 cu ft
2.7 cu ft
Seat Folding Capability
1st & 2nd Rows Fold Flat
2nd Row Folds Flat
On-Road Dynamics vs Off-Road Capability
The vehicle you choose heavily depends on where you want to drive.
The Model Y is strictly a street vehicle, with just 6.6 inches of stock ground clearance. It is designed for efficiency, cornering stability, and highway cruising. The new adaptive suspension is a vast improvement for rider comfort, making it a stellar commuter or road-tripper. If you choose the Model Y Performance, it is an even slimmer 6 inches, but with even tighter handling controls for track days.
The R2, on the other hand, leans heavily into the same off-road pedigree of the R1. It boasts a massive 9.8 inches of ground clearance, dedicated all-terrain drive modes, and a flat underbody designed to take a few hits. The R2 is designed to easily tackle forest trails, deep snow, and beach sand by giving up some aerodynamic efficiency on the highway and streets to ensure you can adventure in one vehicle.
Today’s Autonomy vs. Tomorrow’s Promise
On the autonomy front, there is only one real winner - Tesla. FSD today can get you from point A to point B without intervention in most average road conditions - evidenced by the recent coast-to-coast FSD trip that lasted nearly 13,000 miles without a single human takeover.
FSD includes city streets, highways, rural roads, unmarked gravel paths, and everything in between - and is now exceptionally capable. With Unsupervised FSD potentially around the corner, it is a fantastic choice; however, it is now available only as a subscription.
Rivian, on the other hand, is forging its own path. Initial R2 deliveries will be capable of some level of autonomy, with today’s Driver+ highway assist available immediately. However, Rivian intends to introduce a forward-facing LiDAR into future R2 builds that will not be retrofittable, leaving us at an impasse as to what exactly their path to autonomy looks like.
RJ has committed Rivian to achieving L4 autonomy in the future, but with training, data, compute, and many other limitations, it could be years before they get anywhere close to today’s FSD performance.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model Y and the Rivian R2 are both compelling options in the extremely competitive mid-size SUV segment - especially as EVs. They both offer some of the best batteries, motors, and software you can get in a car today, and you can’t really go wrong selecting either one.
If you want to road trip and commute, the Model Y is the ideal option, especially with FSD being able to keep you safe and reduce your driving fatigue.
On the other hand, if adventure is in your blood, the R2 will likely speak to you - especially with the upcoming Treehouse Tent.
If you’re waiting to see which vehicle is right for you, go try out a Model Y today. Then, once the R2 launches, visit a Rivian Space and get a hands-on experience, and see which you like more.
![Rivian 'Max Power' Simpsons Easter Egg [VIDEO]](https://www.rivianwave.com/img/paths/storage/rivian-reference/max-power-easter-egg-2.jpg/79787b66f4314fb5c00baeedffe59646/max-power-easter-egg-2.jpg)
