Rivian confirms R2 electric SUV pricing, availability

Rivian, known for its rugged trucks, revealed the final and arguably most important details about its R2. The new model is a smaller and more affordable sibling to Rivian's original vehicles. Unfortunately, if you want to be the first to own one, you will have to pay for the top-of-the-line version first, putting the "affordability" into a bit of perspective. The very first R2 models hitting the road will cost $57,990 in the US, and come packed with more power than most people will ever need for a shopping trip.

This first version out of the factory gates is called the R2 Performance. It comes with two motors and all-wheel drive that delivers a massive 656 hp (489 kW) and 608 lb-ft of torque. Courtesy of that much power, this SUV can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds - faster than many sports cars. To keep it going, Rivian tucked an 87.9 kWh battery pack under the floor, giving the new family member a range of about 330 miles on a full charge. If the battery gets low, a fast charger can take it from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes.

But Rivian designed the R2 to handle more than paved streets - it sits 9.6 inches off the ground, which helps it clear rocks or deep snow. The vehicle also has eight different driving modes. These modes help the car adjust to sand, snow, or even a "Rally" setting for dirt roads. It rolls on 32-inch tires and 19-inch wheels. The R2 looks tough, but it is actually quite light for its size - it weighs nearly 2,000 lb less than the company's larger R1S model.

The launch model comes in a color called Esker Silver, and it features bright yellow accents on the brake parts and the badges. One of the coolest features is the rear window, which can roll all the way down into the liftgate, making it easy to carry long items like surfboards. On the inside, the R2 has plenty of room. Passengers in the back get over 3.3 ft of legroom, and of course, there is a lot of storage space. The rear trunk holds 28.7 ft³, but if you fold the seats down, that grows to 79.4 ft³. There is even a small 5.2 ft³ trunk in the front where an engine would normally be.

The new Rivian R2

Inside the cabin, Rivian kept things modern and simple. There are two glove boxes for storage and a panoramic glass roof that lets in plenty of light. The steering wheel has large scroll wheels that provide "haptic" feedback, which feels like a little vibration when you use them. You can even use your phone as a digital key. If you are camping, the charging port has two 120V outlets to power your gear.

If the $57,990 price tag feels a bit high, Rivian says cheaper versions are coming later. By the end of this year, a "Premium" model will arrive for $53,990. It has a bit less power at 450 hp (356 kW) but still travels 330 miles on a charge. It takes a second longer to reach 62 mph, doing it in 4.6 seconds. This version loses a few of the driving modes and has slightly smaller wheels, but it keeps the comfortable interior with heated and cooled seats.

The interior of the new Rivian R2

In early 2027, an even more affordable version called the Standard Long Range will show up. This one will start at $48,490. It only has one motor in the back, delivering 350 hp (261 kW). Because it is lighter and less powerful, it can actually go a bit further, reaching about 345 miles on a charge. But to save money, Rivian took out some of the luxury features. This model won't have the drop-down rear window, the fancy tow hooks, or the flashlight hidden in the door. It also has a simpler five-speaker sound system instead of the nine-speaker setup found in the more expensive versions.

For those who are patient, the most affordable R2 will arrive in late 2027. Rivian promises this entry-level model will cost around $45,000. We do not know everything about it yet, but the company says it will be able to travel at least 275 miles before needing a plug. This model will be a big deal for the brand, as it brings their technology to a much lower price point than ever before. All R2 models will use the NACS charging port, which is the same style used by Tesla, making it easy to find a place to power up.

The new Rivian R2

Finally, after a long teaser campaign, the cheapest Rivian is here. "Cheapest" doesn't necessarily make it affordable, but the R2 certainly is a great option and a decent step in the right direction. Let's see if the company can scale up the production without any major hiccups and deliver on its promises. A $100 deposit is all it takes to secure one of the first R2 units, and it already looks like the new model is flying off the shelves with people lining up to get their hands on one.

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