After a long wait, Rivian has finally unveiled its highly anticipated R2 crossover model. Smaller in size and price than the R1S, this is seen as an important product for Rivian to boost sales with a projected starting price of $45,000.
Although $2,000 more than the Tesla Model Y, the Rivian R2 is much cheaper than the current R1S model, which has a price starting at $74,900. It is also much smaller with a length of only 4,715 mm (285 mm shorter than the R1S).
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe promises that the R2 model with the highest-performance 3-motor variant will be capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds, faster than the current Model Y Performance edition.
In addition to the 3-motor variant, Rivian will also offer a 2-motor version, a 4-wheel drive option, or a rear-wheel drive option with 1 motor. With any version, the range of the car is over 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge, more impressive than the 260 miles (418 km) of the Model Y.
Rivian says that the impressive operating range of the R2 is thanks to its new battery system, which uses 4,695 cylindrical cells. The battery pack is integrated into the vehicle as a structural component rather than being completely separate, helping to improve overall efficiency.
The R2 will also come standard with NASC charging, similar to the Tesla type, but Rivian promises that a CCS charging adapter will also be included with the car. With a fast DC charging station, the car can charge from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
The R2 also represents a step forward for Rivian in terms of its advanced driver assistance system. The car is equipped with 11 cameras, 5 radar sensors, and Rivian’s CEO claims that drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel and eyes off the road, indicating that this will be a level 3 autonomous driving system similar to Mercedes’ DrivePilot.
Rivian has not revealed the exact size of the screen in the car, but it can be seen that the car is equipped with a fairly large display. With the R2, the focus is on creating a spacious and open cabin. This is supported by a panoramic sunroof, even the rear windshield can be rolled down. This not only helps to create a more spacious interior but also provides the opportunity to transport long items such as surfboards.
The front and second-row seats can also be folded flat, allowing for “camping” in the car. The CEO of the company also revealed a range of accessories for the car such as roof tent, camping stove, etc.
The company has started taking orders for the Rivian R2 right now (in the US) and deliveries will begin in the second half of 2026. However, whether the starting price of $45,000 will be maintained until then remains a question.
