Rivian revealed its new R2 electrical SUV, the smaller and extra reasonably priced follow-up to the R1S, throughout a livestream occasion Thursday morning. The R2 would be the North American EV builder’s third mannequin when it arrives in early 2026, beginning at an estimated MSRP of simply $45,000.
The R2 seems to be so much like its older and bigger siblings, the R1T electrical pickup and R1S sport utility car, however a lot smaller. Its general size of 185.6 inches from bumper-to-bumper is round 15 inches shorter than R1S, however its wheelbase (115.6 inches) loses solely 5.5 inches, retaining the SUV’s planted stance intact. The brand new child’s entrance and rear characteristic the model’s acquainted full-width mild bar motif with Rivian’s signature pill-shaped headlamps main the best way. Beneath the floor, the R2’s new platform is constructed round a brand new battery pack comprised of redesigned cylindrical cells of a bigger diameter than these discovered within the R1s.
Watch this: Rivian R2, R3 and R3X Reveal Occasion: Every thing Introduced in 8 Minutes
Becoming a member of options acquainted to the R1 collection — like the massive frunk storage bin and the flashlight that shops and prices within the door — R2 introduces distinctive bits like energy retracting rear glass and power-opening port glass behind the C-pillars. The R2 additionally options twin glove compartments — a bizarre omission from the R1 fashions — and fold-flat seats on each rows to accommodate the loading of lengthy objects or enclosed tenting with an air mattress. Tucked into the roofline is a hidden spoiler. Even the minimize line of the hood opening has been designed with European pedestrian security in thoughts, hinting on the automaker’s world ambition for the smaller R2.
The R2 is not only a smaller R1S; it additionally includes a new platform and battery design.
R2 will likely be accessible in single, twin and tri-motor configurations, all of which ought to attain over 300 miles of estimated vary. The quickest, triple-motor config (one for the entrance axle and two for the rear) claims sub 3-second 0-60 mph dash.
Behind the charging door, which has been relocated to the rear of the SUV on the passenger aspect, you may discover a NACS port. All of Rivian’s vans and SUVs will acquire compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger community later this month, however the R2 would be the first from the model to characteristic native, adapter-free connectivity with NACS stations. In the meantime, Rivian will proceed increasing its Rivian Journey Community of charging stations, which are typically situated in additional outdoorsy areas, to round 600 areas by the point R2 arrives and can start opening its chargers to EVs from different automakers quickly.
Rivian’s infotainment makes use of steering wheel controls for a number of features, so the automaker ensured that the R2’s thumb wheels are large and daring.
Rivian tells me that the R2 platform is constructed with autonomy in thoughts, coming outfitted with 11 sensing cameras, 5 radar sensors and concentrating on Degree 3 (hands-off, eyes-off) freeway autonomy in some unspecified time in the future through the car’s lifetime. That mentioned, the SUV ought to nonetheless be succesful off-road and on trails, fulfilling Rivian’s promise of being an “journey car.”
The Rivian R2 shared the stage with the shock debuts of Rivian’s much more compact R3 and R3X. Preorders for the R2 are open now with an estimated beginning worth of $45,000. Whether or not that worth contains vacation spot prices or if the SUV will qualify for any EV tax incentives stays to be seen. The Rivian R2 will likely be constructed at Rivian’s Regular, Illinois, facility with the primary examples slated to succeed in reservation holders within the first half of 2026.
