Rivian launched its R1T and R1S electric vehicles to strong acclaim, building a loyal customer base drawn to their adventurous character and distinctive design. As early halo products from the Normal, Illinois factory, those models carried premium pricing that remains in place today. The brand now introduces its more accessible R2 lineup.

The Details

Deliveries of the R2 SUV begin this month, though initial allocations focus on higher-priced versions before lower-cost trims reach buyers.

The opening model is the $59,485 R2 Performance, equipped with dual electric motors that generate 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque for a manufacturer-estimated 3.6-second run to 60 mph. An 88-kWh battery supports up to 330 miles of EPA range, with a 230-kilowatt peak DC fast-charging speed and NACS charging port. Standard features include a semi-active coil-spring suspension, yellow brake calipers, 12-way power front seats, a nine-speaker sound system, and a powered drop-down liftgate window.

The Launch package includes a lifetime Autonomy+ subscription, a special anodized key fob, a Tow package rated for 4400 pounds, and exclusive Launch Green paint. The paint and key fob remain Launch exclusives, while other items can be selected separately.

Later this year the $55,485 R2 Premium arrives with dual motors rated at 450 horsepower and 537 pound-feet, extending the 60-mph time to 4.6 seconds while retaining the 330-mile range. Certain drive modes are omitted, yet the 12-way seats, power rear glass, and nine-speaker audio carry over. Autonomy+ and the Tow package stay available as options.

The $49,985 R2 Standard reaches showrooms in 2027 with a single rear motor producing 350 horsepower and 355 pound-feet, delivering a 5.9-second 60-mph sprint and an estimated 345-mile range. One drive mode, four speakers, and the power rear glass are removed, though the towing package remains optional and all-wheel drive can be added to match Premium output levels.

A lower-priced R2 Standard variant with a smaller battery pack and roughly 275 miles of range is planned at a starting price of $46,485. Rear-wheel drive and 350 horsepower persist, with further specifications expected closer to the summer 2027 launch.

Autonomy+ provides hands-free driving assistance comparable to current GM Super Cruise functionality. All new R2 models include a 60-day trial, Launch Editions receive lifetime access, and other buyers may subscribe for $50 monthly or purchase outright for $2500. A point-to-point version similar to certain competing systems is under development.

R2 on the Road

Testing focused on the R2 Performance Launch Edition around Park City, Utah. The vehicle carries the visual appeal of the larger R1S in a more compact package. The power rear glass with integrated wiper, housed in a heated compartment within the liftgate, stands out as a practical touch.

Interiors will feel familiar to Rivian owners, though wood trim receives slightly less emphasis. Second-row space comfortably accommodates adults, and the upright glass plus panoramic roof create an open cabin with strong outward visibility. A shade for the glass roof is absent. Door speakers were relocated to the center console to free space for large bottles in the front pockets, and audio quality remained unaffected at high volumes.

The updated infotainment interface responds quickly and includes several native apps. The compact digital cluster displays multiple data points while highlighting key information. Steering-wheel thumbwheels offer rotation, push-pull, and tilt functions that become intuitive after brief use, though the push-pull action requires noticeable effort. Physical controls receive continued refinement.

Power delivery feels progressive rather than abrupt, providing strong initial acceleration without overwhelming occupants. Three regen levels are offered, with the strongest setting proving most useful during everyday driving. All modes maintain smooth operation when inputs remain measured.

The tested vehicle wore Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires that delivered quiet operation on smooth pavement, with minor roar appearing on coarser surfaces. Paired with the coil-spring suspension, the setup produced a composed ride. Sport mode kept body motions in check through corners, allowing the R2 to handle winding roads capably for an SUV without claiming sports-car credentials.

R2 in the Dirt

Roughly 90 minutes of light-to-moderate off-road driving was also completed. Vehicles for this portion used all-terrain tires lowered to 25 psi, the minimum recommended pressure. The standard all-season tires would face higher risk on sharp rocks, and a spare tire remains an optional item stored beneath a false trunk floor.

In All-Terrain mode the R2 navigated a rocky, sandy mountain route with stream crossings. Steady throttle and regen inputs allowed obstacle negotiation without harsh suspension contacts. With roughly 40 percent of Rivian owners venturing off pavement, the demonstrated capability addresses the majority of expected use cases despite modest wheel articulation.

Hill-descent control is not included, yet the system maintained 2-to-4-mph speeds on steep dirt declines through calibrated liftoff regen blended with friction braking, requiring minimal driver input.

Adventures Ahead

Though it shares styling cues with its larger sibling, the R2 stands as a distinct, well-rounded electric SUV positioned to challenge the Tesla Model Y in the mid-size segment and potentially attract some luxury buyers. It arrived just after this year's C/D EV of the Year evaluation yet will be considered for the 10Best selection this fall.

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Specifications

Specifications

2027 Rivian R2
Vehicle Type: rear- or front- and rear-motor, rear- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base: Standard RWD, $49,985; Premium AWD, $55,485; Performance AWD, $59,485

POWERTRAIN (RWD)
Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Combined Power: 350 hp
Combined Torque: 355 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 88 kWh
Peak Charge Rate, AC/DC: 11.5/230 kW
Transmission: direct-drive

POWERTRAIN (AWD)
Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Combined Power: 450 or 656 hp
Combined Torque: 537 or 609 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 88 kWh
Peak Charge Rate, AC/DC: 11.5/230 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 115.6 in
Length: 185.9 in
Width: 75.0 in
Height: 66.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 57/53 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 79/29 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4700-4850 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 3.6-5.9 sec
100 mph: 9.7-12.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.3-15.0 sec
Top Speed: 110 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Range: 307-345 mi

Cars are Andrew Krok's passion, along with boysenberry. After earning an English degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2009, Andrew began with freelance magazine work and now brings a decade of full-time review experience. A Chicago native, he has lived in Detroit since 2015 and may one day complete his engineering studies.