The first version of the Rivian R2 medium SUV won’t hit the budget-friendly target originally declared, but a wider range of models is still on the way.
Electric Cars
US electric-vehicle maker Rivian moves one step closer to having a US-market rival for the popular Tesla Model Y.
After launching with the R1T full-sized pick-up truck and following with the R1S large SUV, Rivian is set to introduce a volume-selling medium SUV called the Rivan R2.
From launch, the R2 will come in a high-spec Performance grade, with pricing starting from $US57,990 ($AU81,950).
The launch price sits far above Rivian’s stated goal of offering a $US45,000 model ($AU63,590), but cheaper R2 Premium and R2 Standard variants are set to join the R2 Performance later in 2026.
The Rivian R2 Performance features a dual-motor powertrain rated at 489kW and 826Nm combined, with a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) claim of 3.6 seconds and an EPA range estimate of 530km from a single charge.
Battery capacity has not yet been officially disclosed, but US media suggests an 87.9kWh unit.
Despite the performance potential, the quickest R2 model also boasts a 1995kg tow rating and 244mm of ground clearance.
Other Rivian R2 Performance equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, semi-active suspension, and a premium 975-watt 13-speaker sound system.
Rivian will offer ‘Autonomy+’ driver assistance with hands-free driving capability on pre-mapped routes covering over 560,000km of roads in the USA and Canada.
Access is available for a one-off fee of $US2500 ($AU3530) or by subscription for $US49.99 ($AU70.62) per month.
Early adopters who snap up one of the Launch Package versions of the Rivian R2 Performance will get lifetime access to Autonomy+ for no extra charge.
Later in 2026, the R2 Premium will start from $US53,990 ($AU76,260) while the entry-level R2 Standard will be priced from $US48,490 ($AU68,530).
The R2 Premium will retain a dual-motor drivetrain, with lower 365kW and 728Nm outputs.
Range matches the Performance at 530km, but acceleration is slightly slower at 4.6 seconds for the 0-97km/h sprint.
The R2 Standard Long Range switches to a single-motor powertrain, powering the rear wheels, with a longer 555km range.
The R2 Standard has a 261kW/481Nm motor, with a claimed 0-97km/h time of 5.9 seconds.
A cheaper R2 Standard with 443km of range, moving closer to Rivian’s $US45,000 ($AU63,550) price target, will follow at a later date.
In the USA, the cheapest version of the Tesla Model Y starts from $US39,990 ($AU56,450).
The R2 Standard still retains a high level of equipment with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, powered front seats with 12-way driver and 8-way passenger adjustment, and seven-speaker audio.
The R2 Standard Long Range can be optioned with the 365kW/728Nm dual-motor drivetrain from the Premium, too.
The Premium adds 12-way power adjustment for both front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, birch wood interior accents, a power-retractable rear windscreen, and matrix LED headlights.
The R2 Performance keeps similar equipment but adds a more powerful drivetrain, semi-active suspension, yellow brake calipers, and integrated tow hooks, plus 21-inch alloy wheels.
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Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
