Rivian has officially unveiled its highly anticipated R2 electric SUV, showcasing several unexpected features that had not been previously disclosed despite some leaks leading up to the event.
Ahead of the unveiling, details about the R2 had emerged through leaks, including a potential range of up to 330 miles, a starting price of $45,000, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds, and an anticipated release in 2026. However, the actual event revealed several surprises and updates to these leaked specifications.
The design of the R2, which had been partially revealed in leaked images, closely resembles Rivian’s existing R1S model, which has been a top-selling vehicle in its price range in the United States. The R2 maintains Rivian’s signature vertical headlights, a distinctive design element that sets it apart from competitors.
One notable new exterior feature is a roll-down rear window, which allows for easier loading of larger items into the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the rear quarter windows can be opened at an angle to improve aerodynamic performance.
Inside the R2, there are several interesting features, including two gloveboxes and a redesigned interior that maximizes storage space. The removal of speakers from the doors creates even more room for storage, a practical choice that aligns with Rivian’s emphasis on utility and functionality.
During the unveiling event, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe announced the availability of a flashlight, a signature feature of Rivian vehicles, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The cockpit of the R2 retains the familiar user interface of the R1S but introduces a new steering wheel with integrated haptic control dials, providing a modern and intuitive driving experience. Despite some perceived downgrades in interior luxury compared to the R1S, the overall design remains sharp and functional.
Rivian also showcased the R2’s versatile seating options, with both front and rear seats capable of folding completely flat, offering ample cargo space when needed.
One of the standout announcements from Rivian is the impressive range of over 300 miles (483 km) for all variants of the R2, including the single motor rear-wheel drive (RWD), dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD), and tri-motor AWD configurations. This range comfortably surpasses the previously leaked figure of “up to 330 miles,” showcasing Rivian’s commitment to delivering top-notch performance.
In addition to its impressive range, the tri-motor version of the R2 is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds, putting it in the realm of supercar performance. This level of acceleration, combined with the SUV’s spacious interior and cargo capacity, is sure to appeal to a wide range of consumers.
The dimensions of the R2 also draw comparisons to the Tesla Model Y, one of the best-selling vehicles globally. This similarity in size suggests that Rivian is targeting a similar market segment as Tesla, aiming to compete directly with the popular electric SUV.
Rivian’s commitment to innovation is further highlighted by the announcement of hands-free and attention-free autonomous driving on highways for the R2, which would make the vehicle a level 3 self-driving car. While Rivian did not provide a timeline for the rollout of this feature, the company did unveil its planned hardware suite, indicating that it is a key focus for future development.
The R2 is built on a new vehicle platform powered by Rivian’s innovative 4695 battery cell format, which is 15 mm taller than Tesla’s widely used 4680 cell. This larger cell size could offer improved energy density and performance, potentially giving the R2 an edge in terms of efficiency and range.
Despite earlier leaks suggesting a starting price of $47,000, Rivian surprised attendees by announcing a starting price of $45,000 for the R2. This aggressive pricing, combined with the vehicle’s impressive specs, positions the R2 as a strong competitor in the electric SUV market, including against the Tesla Model Y.
Rivian plans to bring the R2 to market in the first half of 2026, with production set to begin at its existing factory in Normal, Illinois. The company’s CEO, RJ, also confirmed that the Georgia factory is still in the plans, indicating Rivian’s commitment to expanding its production capacity in the future.
