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After a lengthy teaser campaign, Rivian unveiled the highly-anticipated Rivian R2 compact SUV today at an event in Laguna Beach, CA.
The 5-seat Rivian R2 will start at $45,000 and is significantly smaller than the Rivian R1S SUV currently on sale, with the R2 being roughly 15 inches shorter, at 185.6 inches. Nearly all the Rivian R2’s measurements compare favorably to its direct competition, like the Tesla Model Y, with a 75-inch width, 66.9 inches of height, and a generous 9.8 inches of ground clearance.
The Rivian R2 will be able to travel more than 300 miles on a charge. The R2 will also have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network of DC fast chargers by the time it hits the streets.
From a performance standpoint, the Rivian R2 is certainly no slouch. High-performance versions of the R2 will be capable of 0-60 in under 3 seconds, besting what the Tesla Model Y Performance is currently capable of.
The exterior stays true to the design trends started by the larger Rivian R1S. At the front, the Rivian R2 is easily identifiable as a member of the Rivian family with a full-width lightbar and a set of ovular headlights Rivian calls “stadium” lights. Large wheels nicely fill out the Rivian R2’s wheel wells and look appropriately sporty, rugged, and upscale at the same time. At the back, we find more R1S similarities, such as a thick lightbar and “Rivian” written across the hatch in raised letters.
Inside, is much the same story as the exterior, with an R1S-inspired interior featuring a large central touchscreen infotainment system, impressive detailing, including large roller wheels on the steering wheel, and interesting colors. Notably, it also features a digital display in front of the driver, something many other brands are leaving out of their less expensive models. The Rivian R2 will also feature a power roll-down rear window and pop-out rear side windows for maximum ventilation…and yes, the Rivian Torch door-mounted flashlight is present here as well.
Rivian also managed to surprise everyone by showing the even smaller Rivian R3 5-seat compact SUV. Rivian kept the timeline for the R3 vague, simply saying that the R3 would arrive after the R2 and not mentioning anything about price or performance beyond the fact that it too would be capable of 300 miles or more on a charge. While the Rivian R3 features the now familiar Rivian face, its side profile is unique and even feels a bit retro. The rear features a striking, uninterrupted, full-width lightbar. Rivian also showed the Rivian R3X, an off-road performance version of the standard R3. The R3 also features an interior much like the other Rivians, with dual displays and a high level of attention to detail.
Rivian will produce the R2 at a new factory currently under construction in Georgia. This factory is due to come online sometime in early 2026, with deliveries of the Rivian R2 starting soon after that. Critically, this means the Rivian R2 should qualify for the $7,500 federal EV incentive when it does go on sale. Potential buyers can put down a fully refundable $100 deposit today on Rivian’s site.
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