Green Car Journal has named the Rivian R2 as its 2026 Electric Green Car of the Year, highlighting the model’s positioning in the growing electric vehicle segment.
The award is part of the publication’s 2026 Green Car Awards program, which evaluates vehicles based on environmental performance, technology and sustainability. Other winners this year include models from Lexus, Jeep, Ford Motor and Bintelli.
The Rivian R2, developed by Rivian Automotive, is a compact electric SUV aimed at a broader customer base. Pricing ranges from $45,000 to $57,990, with a maximum estimated range of up to 340 miles depending on the variant.
The first version to launch will be the R2 Performance with Launch Package, priced at $57,990, with U.S. deliveries expected in spring 2026. Additional variants include all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive configurations, with some versions scheduled for release later in 2026 or 2027.
Other award recipients include the Lexus ES, which received Premium Green Car of the Year following the introduction of its first battery-electric variants, offering up to 307 miles of range. The Jeep Cherokee was named Green 4×4 of the Year, featuring a hybrid powertrain with a combined fuel economy of 37 mpg and a total range of 500 miles.
Ford’s E-Transit was recognized as Commercial Green Car of the Year, reflecting its role in electric fleet applications, while the Bintelli Beyond received Neighborhood Green Car of the Year for low-speed electric mobility.
The recognition comes as Rivian continues to expand its product lineup and scale production. The company recently reported first-quarter deliveries of 10,365 vehicles, exceeding analyst expectations, and maintained its full-year delivery forecast of 62,000 to 67,000 units.
Rivian said the R2 has been engineered for higher-volume production, with manufacturing capacity expected to reach up to 155,000 units annually as the company targets a broader segment of the electric vehicle market.