Rivian began customer deliveries of its new R2 electric SUV in June. This vehicle, a 2027 model year offering, is the company's first volume vehicle aimed at the mainstream market. The Dual Motor Launch Edition is priced at $59.485, while the single-motor Standard version will launch in 2027 for $44.990.
The R2 is significantly more compact than the three-row R1S. While the R1S is 200 inches long, the R2 is 185.9 inches—about 15 inches shorter. Despite this, the width and height remain similarly limited, resulting in a vehicle similar in size to the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4. Design details such as the extra legroom in the second row and fully opening windows compensate for the costs associated with the simpler interior design.
The Launch Edition R2, featuring a second line of engines, will come with a dual motor producing 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque. With an 88 kWh battery pack, it offers a range of 330 miles. The Standard Long Range model, supported by a single motor configuration of 350 horsepower, will offer a range of 345 miles—expected to launch in mid-2027. Fast charging capacity is designed at 230 kilowatts; an 80 percent charge can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
Apologetic off-road skills
Despite its simpler design, the R2 offers serious off-road performance. With 9.6 inches of ground clearance, a 25-degree approach angle, and a 26-degree departure angle, it's capable of handling topography similar to the Jeep Wrangler. The dual-motor configuration features separate motors for each axle, but unlike the R1's four-motor setup, it uses an open differential. This is compensated for by quick braking on the slipped wheels. The Performance trim with adaptive dampers adjusts stiffness according to the driving mode selection.
Rivian emphasizes that the R2 prioritizes a human-like driving experience. The Universal Hands-Free (UHF) system allows for directionless driving on the auto, but there are still issues with city driving—over-the-air updates are needed for the vehicle to automatically stop at traffic lights and stop signs. The Autonomy Plus feature, offering point-to-point driving capabilities, will arrive by the end of 2026. It will be available as a one-time payment of $2.500 or a monthly subscription model of $49.99.
Rivian has achieved significant weight and cost savings in the R2's main hull architecture. Moving from the first R1 model to the R2, the copper harness was reduced by 2.3 miles, the number of connection points decreased by 60 percent, and a total weight reduction of 44 pounds was achieved. The new OS 2.0 software was also designed in line with this simplification.
