Rivian R2 Arrives as an Electric SUV Option That Doesn't Break the Bank

Interesting numbers

The R2 has 90.1 cubic feet of total storage. This includes the "frunk," which is not a Bootsy Collins song.

It's the front trunk — as there's no engine in the front of the vehicle. There's also a 40/20/40 folding rear seat, 40.4 inches of rear legroom, and 40.9 inches of headroom for your supervisors or foreman over 6 feet.

Towing capacity for the R2 will be 4,400 pounds with the optional Tow Package.

Specifically, the R2 Performance with Launch Package model out now (starting in the high $50K range) has an estimated range of 275 miles and delivers 350 horsepower.

Versions to come

Starting at low $50K range and available late this year, the Premium model has trim that is elevated inside and out. Featuring a dual-motor AWD setup that produces 450 horsepower and 537 lb.-ft. of torque, it will have a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles.

The R2 Standard will be available Starting in the high $40K range. This variant delivers 350 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds and boasts a Rivian-estimated range of up to 345 miles.

Dimensions, tech goodies

The R2 out now is nearly 2,000 lbs lighter than the R1 and sits on a shorter wheelbase (115.6 inches). Rivian says it retains the company's off-road DNA:

• Stance: Features 9.6 inches of ground clearance, a 25-degree approach angle, and a 26-degree departure angle.

• Dynamic Drive:  R2 achieves a planted, connected-to-the-road feel through a low center of gravity enabled by its structural battery pack. This foundation is enhanced by a semi-active suspension (unique to Performance trim) that delivers handling and precision across both on- and off-road terrain.

Know before you buy: Our 2026 pickup truck report

As a "software-defined vehicle," an AI-ready architecture pairs 5G-connected, offline-capable processing with tactile, haptic hardware. Built on a multimodal perception stack — featuring 11 HDR cameras with a combined 65MP and a sophisticated five-radar system — the R2 delivers a leap in hardware fidelity.

This foundation powers an expanding suite of driver assistance and active safety features:

• Rivian Autonomy ($49.99/month or $2,500/one-time) hardware is built into all R2 trims and service is optional across the lineup. Every Rivian comes standard with a system that continuously evolves with each software update, getting smarter right from your driveway, and foundational active safety and driver assistance features. All new R2 deliveries include a 60-day trial of Autonomy+.

• AI Powerhouse: R2 is outfitted with 200 sparse TOPS of edge AI compute dedicated to the in-cabin experience. This includes enabling the forthcoming Rivian Assistant — Rivian’s in-vehicle voice assistant that understands you, your vehicle, and your context—to smoothly run complex tasks locally on the edge, even if the vehicle is offline.

• Haptic Halo Wheels: At the center of the R2 driving experience is a redesigned steering wheel featuring haptic "halo" dials. These dynamic and context-aware controls — capable of scrolling, pushing, pulling, and tilting—provide distinct physical responses for multiple functions, bridging the gap between digital software and tactile hardware to keep the driver’s focus on the horizon. Both the physical wheels and underlying haptic technology were designed in-house.

• Dual Digital Displays: R2 offers flexibility and control with two displays — a driver display in front of the steering wheel for more utility on the road, and the center display for a deeper dive into features.

That...is a lot. But we can dream can't we? 

One thing is for sure, the prices for electric vehicles are going down, and each planned version of the R2 will be less expensive than its predecessor, an interesting pricing strategy.