Rivian is actively introducing a more cost-effective model aimed at competing against a wide range of rivals, from the Tesla Model Y to the Chevrolet Blazer EV.
On Thursday, the Rivian R2 was unveiled two years ahead of its production. When the R2S enters production in Normal, Illinois, it will be priced at $45,000 with a range up to 330 miles.
Visually, the Rivian R2 resembles a shrunken version of the large three-row R1S SUV. It features a wheelbase of 115.6 inches and an overall length of 185.6 inches, making it 5.5 inches shorter in wheelbase and 15.2 inches shorter overall than its R1S sibling. This results in the R2 having a wheelbase that is 1.8 inches longer than the Tesla Model Y, yet it is 1.4 inches shorter overall.
Standing at 66.9 inches tall, the R2S is 10.4 inches shorter than the R1S. While it forgoes the larger SUV’s split-tailgate design, it includes front-hinged pop-out rear windows and a roll-down tailgate window similar to the Toyota 4Runner.
Rivian R2S
The Rivian R2 is a five-seat, two-row SUV that will not feature a small third-row seat like the Model Y, but both the first and second rows fold completely flat. Rivian has designed a large frunk that can accommodate the SUV’s bike mounting system when not in use. According to Rivian, this bike mounting system can snap into a rear accessory port without tools. A vast array of accessories is expected to accompany the R2 in 2026.
The R2 will be built on a Rivian skateboard chassis and will include a battery pack made of 4695-style cells, and one, two, or three electric motors. Rivian claims the R2 will accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds.
Rivian R2
Although the R2 lacks the off-road capability of its larger counterpart, it achieves a maximum ground clearance of up to 9.8 inches, allowing for a 25-degree approach angle and a 27-degree departure angle with available 32-inch all-terrain tires.
Rivian R2
Inside, the Rivian R2 features a digital gauge cluster, a large touchscreen, and sustainable materials, including birch wood trim and recycled ocean plastics.
Every R2 will be capable of charging at Tesla Supercharging stations thanks to a standard NACS charge port. Rivian stated that the R2S will also support high-speed charging via CCS, likely through an adapter. Unlike the R1, which has its charging port located on the driver-side front corner, the R2 has its charging port on the rear passenger-side fender.
