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Rivian has unveiled what might be the most important addition to its lineup, the long-anticipated R2 crossover. Measuring in at 185.6 inches long, this sits below the existing R1T and R1S, offering a much more accessible entry point to the EV startup's lineup. And with a starting price of around $45,000, the R2 should give Rivian a healthy sales boost when it hits public roads in the first half of 2026.
When the R2 does reach customers, it will be aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y. While it is slightly more expensive than the Tesla, the R2 is a refreshing departure from the pricey R1T and R1S, which both start upwards of $70,000.
The R2 will eventually offer three powertrain configurations, starting with the most powerful tri-motor version, which will be capable of reaching 60 mph in "well under three seconds," according to Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe. There will also be dual-motor all-wheel drive and single-motor rear-wheel drive variants in the future.
Rivian promises that all R2 models will deliver over 300 miles of range, regardless of how many motors are powering the wheels. That means the R2 will definitely surpass the Tesla Model Y's 260-mile range estimate in short-range form, though it remains to be seen whether the longest-range R2 will beat the long-range Y's 310-mile rating. These noteworthy range estimates are due in part to Rivian's latest battery pack, which consists of 4,695 cylindrical battery cells that are larger in size than those found in the R1T and R1S.
When it comes time to hook up the R2 to a DC fast charger, the crossover's battery level will be capable of rising from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. Rivian will equip all R2 crossovers with a Tesla NACS charging port, following suit with many other EV makers. But for cases where a NACS-style charger is not available, the crossover will still come with a CCS adapter.
Compared to Rivian's R1-based models, the R2 brings notable improvements to its driver-assistance features. The electric crossover is decked out with eleven cameras and five radar sensors, making for a system that will allow drivers to not only take their hands off the wheel, but also their eyes off the road. This would indicate a Level 3 autonomous system, though Rivian hasn't confirmed anything yet.
Stepping back to take a quick glance at the R2, it is essentially a shrunken R1S. There are some small differences, sure, but this should not be mistaken for anything other than a Rivian.
Inside, there are more noticeable changes, starting with a redesigned steering wheel that includes a pair of scroll wheels. Rivian says it has listened to customers' gripes about its R1 vehicles, and one of them was the lack of physical controls. These new scroll wheels on the steering wheel have dynamic haptic feedback, and can perform tasks with either clicks or scrolls.
Behind the steering wheel there sits a small digital instrument cluster, while a wide touchscreen display takes center stage on the dashboard and houses the main infotainment system. On the far passenger side, Rivian has implemented not one but two gloveboxes––another result of customer feedback. There is also a portable flashlight tucked into the driver's side door––a feature that carries over from the R1 models––along with a handy USB-C charger that remains juiced up within the passenger side front door and doubles as a hand warmer at the push of a button.
Behind the front seats, Rivian made sure to create a roomy atmosphere with a large panoramic sunroof, along with fold-open rear quarter windows and a Toyota 4Runner-style rear windshield that can sink completely down into the tailgate. In addition, both the front and second row seats can fold flat into the floor, and additional cargo can be swallowed by the front trunk.
Much like the larger R1T and R1S, the R2 will eventually become available with accessories such as a camping kitchen package and a roof-mounted tent. These will be plugged in and fueled by the crossover's rear power sockets.
Order books for the R2 are open as we speak, though deliveries won't begin until the first half of 2026, after production kicks off at Rivian's factory in Normal, Illinois. Here's to hoping the brand sticks to its $45,000 promise during that two-year wait.
Image Credits: Rivian
Revealed
Mar 18, 2024
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Rivian R2 Debuts With Over 300 Miles Of Range, Will Start At $45,000
The long-anticipated R2 is smaller and more affordable than the R1S.
Rivian has unveiled what might be the most important addition to its lineup, the long-anticipated R2 crossover. Measuring in at 185.6 inches long, this sits below the existing R1T and R1S, offering a much more accessible entry point to the EV startup's lineup. And with a starting price of around $45,000, the R2 should give Rivian a healthy sales boost when it hits public roads in the first half of 2026.
When the R2 does reach customers, it will be aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y. While it is slightly more expensive than the Tesla, the R2 is a refreshing departure from the pricey R1T and R1S, which both start upwards of $70,000.
The R2 will eventually offer three powertrain configurations, starting with the most powerful tri-motor version, which will be capable of reaching 60 mph in "well under three seconds," according to Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe. There will also be dual-motor all-wheel drive and single-motor rear-wheel drive variants in the future.
Rivian promises that all R2 models will deliver over 300 miles of range, regardless of how many motors are powering the wheels. That means the R2 will definitely surpass the Tesla Model Y's 260-mile range estimate in short-range form, though it remains to be seen whether the longest-range R2 will beat the long-range Y's 310-mile rating. These noteworthy range estimates are due in part to Rivian's latest battery pack, which consists of 4,695 cylindrical battery cells that are larger in size than those found in the R1T and R1S.
When it comes time to hook up the R2 to a DC fast charger, the crossover's battery level will be capable of rising from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. Rivian will equip all R2 crossovers with a Tesla NACS charging port, following suit with many other EV makers. But for cases where a NACS-style charger is not available, the crossover will still come with a CCS adapter.
Compared to Rivian's R1-based models, the R2 brings notable improvements to its driver-assistance features. The electric crossover is decked out with eleven cameras and five radar sensors, making for a system that will allow drivers to not only take their hands off the wheel, but also their eyes off the road. This would indicate a Level 3 autonomous system, though Rivian hasn't confirmed anything yet.
Stepping back to take a quick glance at the R2, it is essentially a shrunken R1S. There are some small differences, sure, but this should not be mistaken for anything other than a Rivian.
Inside, there are more noticeable changes, starting with a redesigned steering wheel that includes a pair of scroll wheels. Rivian says it has listened to customers' gripes about its R1 vehicles, and one of them was the lack of physical controls. These new scroll wheels on the steering wheel have dynamic haptic feedback, and can perform tasks with either clicks or scrolls.
Behind the steering wheel there sits a small digital instrument cluster, while a wide touchscreen display takes center stage on the dashboard and houses the main infotainment system. On the far passenger side, Rivian has implemented not one but two gloveboxes––another result of customer feedback. There is also a portable flashlight tucked into the driver's side door––a feature that carries over from the R1 models––along with a handy USB-C charger that remains juiced up within the passenger side front door and doubles as a hand warmer at the push of a button.
Behind the front seats, Rivian made sure to create a roomy atmosphere with a large panoramic sunroof, along with fold-open rear quarter windows and a Toyota 4Runner-style rear windshield that can sink completely down into the tailgate. In addition, both the front and second row seats can fold flat into the floor, and additional cargo can be swallowed by the front trunk.
Much like the larger R1T and R1S, the R2 will eventually become available with accessories such as a camping kitchen package and a roof-mounted tent. These will be plugged in and fueled by the crossover's rear power sockets.
Order books for the R2 are open as we speak, though deliveries won't begin until the first half of 2026, after production kicks off at Rivian's factory in Normal, Illinois. Here's to hoping the brand sticks to its $45,000 promise during that two-year wait.
Image Credits: Rivian
