Rivian is gearing up to challenge Tesla with its R2, a smaller and more affordable SUV set to compete directly with the popular Model Y.
Both vehicles will enter the fiercely competitive mass-market electric SUV segment, boasting similar starting prices around $45,000 and impressive battery ranges of around 300 miles.
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However, the Model Y poses a formidable challenge to Rivian’s R2. Tesla’s mass-market SUV has been a major success since its 2020 launch, with the Model Y and its sibling, the Model 3, leading the company’s global sales last year with 1.7 million deliveries.
Scheduled to debut in 2026, the R2’s arrival comes at a crucial juncture for Rivian. The company has faced challenges with the launch of its R1 products, and a tougher economic climate has led to several rounds of layoffs over the past year.
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Here’s how Rivian’s R2 stacks up against its main competitor, the Tesla Model Y. In terms of design, the R2 adopts a boxier look reminiscent of its larger R1 predecessor. This stands in contrast to Tesla’s more rounded, bubble-shaped silhouette, as Rivian aims to capture the essence of a traditional, rugged SUV with a commanding presence.
Rivian has always targeted a distinct customer base from Tesla, focusing on adventure-oriented vehicles for outdoor enthusiasts. In contrast, Tesla appeals more to tech-savvy buyers interested in self-driving and software advancements.
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Interior-wise, both vehicles feature large, tablet-like screens for controls. The R2 boasts a 15.6-inch touchscreen, slightly larger than the Model Y’s 15-inch display. Notably, every seat in the R2 can fold down, offering ample cargo space or a comfortable in-vehicle camping experience.
While Rivian has yet to disclose the R2’s interior dimensions, it’s expected to provide more space than the Model Y. The Tesla SUV offers 30 cubic feet of storage with the back row up, expanding to 72 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
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In the realm of storage, both vehicles feature a front trunk, or “frunk,” for added cargo space. The Model Y’s frunk offers 4.1 cubic feet of storage, while Rivian’s R1 models feature roomier frunks at 11 cubic feet, though specific dimensions for the R2’s frunk have not been released yet.
