Rivian R2 Up Close: Fan Service
Hikers, bikers, skiers and surfers, say howdy to your new favorite electric vehicle. The all-new Rivian R2 is the second distinct product from the popular EV automaker, and as the second-largest (or smallest) vehicle in the lineup, it’ll likely be the second-most affordable Rivian when deliveries start in earnest. We got some quality pokin’-around time at the SUV’s debut, and here’s what stuck out.
Related: Rivian Reveals Smaller R2, R3 All-Electric Crossovers
A Mid-Size Version of the R1S
Both in photos and in person, the R2 absolutely presents as a scaled-down R1S. That’s by design, of course; Rivian looks to capitalize on the (presumably) large pool of would-be customers who can’t stretch to the R1S’ nearly $75,000 starting price but want something a little bigger and a little more rugged than the also-new R3 crossover. The automaker confirmed a starting price of $45,000 when deliveries begin in the first half of 2026, but it did qualify that said figure was an estimate. We’ll see if traditional price hikes come into effect closer to its full production launch.
Despite sharing visual proportions and powertrain configurations with the larger R1 series, Rivian referenced the mid-size platform underpinning the R2 and R3 as all-new. The new platform incorporates either of two new batteries filled with an array of larger cells, and buyers will have their choice of single-motor rear-wheel-drive or two- or three-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains. With the tri-motor configuration, the biggest battery will offer an anticipated range of over 300 miles and a 0-60 mph time in less than three seconds, according to Rivian. No word yet on battery capacity, though.
So, it’s got all the “go” hardware to match its larger siblings, backed by a stylistic presence shared with the R1S, with the familiar upright surfaces and signature “H” pattern headlight fascia. Good luck figuring out if that’s an R2 or R1S in your rearview mirror, though, as both SUVs are remarkably similar from a direct front- and front-three-quarter view.
The hard side view is where the R2 pulls away. Rivian says the R2 is down 5.5 inches in wheelbase compared with the R1S, and a proportionally shorter rear overhang lends a slightly truncated look to the new SUV. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, and we suspect some customers will even prefer the stubby rear end to the wagon-esque profile of the R1S. It’s not just our imagination, either: Compared with the bigger SUV, the R2 is 15.2 inches shorter in length, 6.8 inches narrower and 10.4 inches shorter in height.
Rivian presented the debut R2 in what we suspect to be an off-road trim, wearing 20-inch flat-blade wheels wrapped in chunky 32-inch all-terrain tires. Certain configurations of the R2 will likely offer most if not all terrain modes and off-road hardware available on the R1S, though the smaller size also cuts the ground clearance, now down to a (still-impressive) 9.8 inches.
Regardless of trim level, each R2 is chock-full of little features that will have outdoorsy types feeling froggy. The large rear liftgate window rolls down a la Toyota 4Runner for quick storage access, ventilation or as a pass-through for longer items like surfboards, lumber and larger-than-life-size cutouts of Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe. The side panel windows are neat, too: In the safari spirit, both sides power-pop out for fresh air.
Trick Features Inside
That’s particularly handy for in-car camping, something the R2 will excel at thanks to fold-flat back and front rows. Still too cramped? The popular roof ports appear here, allowing for easy roof tent installation.
Regardless of where you camp, not one but two glove boxes fill in for the R1 platform’s complete lack thereof. And when night falls on your campground, make sure you toggle the R2’s neato camp mode for the large center display that changes contrast to a red-dominant overlay. Other trick features include a deployable drink shelf when the liftgate window is down and a cargo floor storage compartment cover that slides out as a table or ledge.
Looking over the R2’s cabin, there are no downmarket material differences we noticed compared to the more expensive R1. That means the suite of fabric, salvaged wood, and soft-touch plastic trim returns, as does the general shape and layout of the dash. Aside from some REI-grade speckled plastic on the seatbacks, the biggest visual difference is found on the new steering wheel, where a pair of arrestingly large scroll wheels replace the R1’s tiny interface scrollers.
It’s too early to call it a sales success, but we have a hard time imagining this bit of Rivian fan service will be anything but. Stay tuned for our first drive as we inch closer to its full launch.
More From Cars.com:
- 2023 Rivian R1S Review: Upstart’s Second Model Is Actually the Better One
- Rivian Expands Leasing Program to R1S SUV
- Rivian Improves R1S Crash Test Performance, Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Honors
- 2023 Rivian R1T Review: Not the Biggest Luxury Electric Truck, But Maybe the Best
- Rivian Joins Ford, GM in Providing Access to Tesla Superchargers
Related Video:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
