Rivian R2
Two years ago, Rivian introduced the R2 electric crossover concept at a time when the company was facing major financial challenges, reporting losses of $5.43 billion in 2023. The more affordable, entry-level R2 was designed to help the young automaker recover financially and compete directly with the highly popular Tesla Model Y. Since then, Rivian has gained significant support from Volkswagen. With financial backing from the German automaker, Rivian reported its first-ever annual profit of $144 million last year. Now, aiming to build on that success, the company has officially revealed the production-ready Rivian R2 in the United States.
EXTERIOR
The exterior design of the R2 closely resembles a smaller version of the larger R1S SUV. It maintains Rivian’s signature styling, including angular body lines and distinctive lighting with rounded headlights connected by a horizontal light bar. However, the R2 is significantly more compact than the R1S. The new crossover measures 4,715 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,699 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,935 mm. It also offers strong off-road capability with 244 mm of ground clearance, a 25-degree approach angle, and a 27-degree departure angle. Despite its rugged design, the vehicle weighs about 2,300 kg, making it 906 kg lighter than its larger sibling. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 21 inches, while tire diameter can reach up to 32 inches.
INTERIOR
Inside, the five-seat cabin follows a minimalist design philosophy. The dashboard features only two digital screens and eliminates traditional analog buttons. The interior also includes two glove compartments, with the second one folding down from the center console. All seats can fold flat to create a sleeping surface. Higher trims add premium features such as heated seats and steering wheel, power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, a nine-speaker sound system, and wood interior trim. Cargo capacity reaches 813 liters, expanding to 2,248 liters when the rear seats are folded. Additionally, a 147-liter storage compartment is located under the hood.
The Rivian R2 is built on a new electric platform that uses coil-spring suspension with MacPherson struts at the front. This differs from Rivian’s earlier models, which feature air suspension and a double-wishbone front setup. The platform is also equipped with a modern battery pack made up of cylindrical cells measuring 46 mm in diameter and 95 mm in height, designed to improve energy efficiency and performance.
POWERTRAIN
The first version to launch will be the high-performance Rivian R2 Performance, which features dual-motor all-wheel drive producing 665 horsepower and 825 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Powered by an 87.9 kWh battery, it offers a driving range of up to 531 km based on the EPA testing cycle. Fast charging from 10% to 80% takes approximately 29 minutes. This version also includes adaptive suspension, eight driving modes, and a maximum towing capacity of 1,996 kg.
Below it sits the R2 Premium trim, which also features dual-motor all-wheel drive but with reduced output of 456 horsepower and 727 Nm of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and offers five driving modes. Despite the lower power, its driving range remains the same at 531 km.
Further down the lineup is the R2 Standard Long Range model. This version comes with rear-wheel drive as standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an option. Its single electric motor produces 355 horsepower and 481 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It also delivers the longest range in the lineup at 555 km.
PRICE
The entry-level Rivian R2 Standard Short Range remains partially undisclosed. It is expected to start at $45,000 and offer a driving range of 443 km, indicating a smaller battery pack. According to Rivian’s rollout plan, the top-tier R2 Performance will arrive first this spring with a starting price of around $58,000. The R2 Premium, priced at $54,000, will follow later this year. The Standard Long Range model is expected in the following year at $48,500, while the base Standard Short Range version will reach the market by late next year.
For comparison, the larger Rivian R1 SUV currently starts at $77,000.
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