2026 Rivian R2 Revealed as a Smaller EV SUV That Will Start at $45,000
Rivian has revealed a new SUV—and the start of a second EV model line—with the R2, unveiled in California today, joining the R1S and R1T.
It's about the same size as compact luxury SUVs such as the Porsche Macan and the BMW X3 and will come with a choice of three motor configurations and two battery sizes.
The R2 is expected to start at around $45,000 and is promised for mid-2026; the company is taking deposits now.
Following up on the success of its R1 line of electric trucks and SUVs, Rivian has unveiled its second model line, the R2. Aimed at helping the California electric vehicle startup become more of a mainstream carmaker, the R2 is a relatively compact SUV and, with a starting price under $50,000, an affordable one.
With a length of 185.6 inches, a width of 75.0 inches, and a height of 66.9 inches, the R2 is about the same size as the Porsche Macan, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. In other words, it lands right in the meat of the luxury-crossover market. According to a spokesperson, unlike its older sibling, the R1S—which is 15.4 inches longer, 7.0 inches wider, and 10.1 inches higher—it is sized for overseas export as well. As a Rivian spokesperson put it, "It's friendly enough that the Europeans aren't scared of it."
Despite its slightly diminished scale, when compared to its big sister the R2 is almost exactly the size of a classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer, known back in the day as a FSJ—Full Size Jeep. In fact, it looks very much like an R1S that someone pinched down on a screen, including its cute Pixar-like eyes, which are still pill shaped but less narrow.
Reflecting Rivian's focus on off-road prowess, the all-wheel-drive R2 has nearly 10 inches of ground clearance, higher than any of its competitors. It is expected to be sure-footed whether on tarmac or some natural surface. But the vehicle's ride will be focused more on on-road comfort and commuting than its R1 truck and SUV siblings.
On release, the R2 will be available in three drivetrain configurations: a single motor driving the rear wheels; a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with one motor at each end; and a tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup, with two motors driving the rear wheels and one driving the front. There will also be two different battery packs.
The larger of these packs, combined with the single motor, will provide more than 300 miles of range, Rivian said. The sportiest application, with three motors and all-wheel drive, will accelerate to 60 mph in under three seconds. Meanwhile, although specifics were not immediately available, its battery will be capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes, and range is promised to exceed 300 miles for all setups and motor layouts.
Roomy Inside and Out
The R2 will seat five people, with room for all their gear, both in the cargo area behind the seats and in a sizable frunk. Overcompensating for an annoying absence of interior cubbies in the R1 models, the R2 will feature not one but two gloveboxes. Like an old-school American land yacht, the rear windows behind the C-pillar as well as the rear glass will vent via a power operated switch, in case any of the five occupants needs a little fresh air. The rear glass also powers down.
If any, but probably not all, of those occupants want to sleep in the car, both rows of seats fold flat. For those that want to sleep on the car, a new accessory—the Rivian Treehouse—is available from the factory. It's a rooftop tent and comes complete with a heated mattress, integrated lighting system, and movie screen. Perfect for al fresco screenings of Maximum Overdrive, Joy Ride, Duel, or any other movie co-starring trucks or SUVs. A compact travel kitchen and a two-bike rack are among the other sporty accessories R2 buyers may purchase, whether they already have an adventurous lifestyle or intend to look like they do.
Something R2 buyers might use frequently is the suite of 11 cameras and five radar sensors positioned around the vehicle to help them see any of the few vehicles on the road that are not hulking SUVs. (The R2’s weight was not announced; the R1S weighs around 7000 pounds, so we’re guessing around three tons.) OTA updates will allow the onboard advanced driver assistance systems to regularly update their functionality. Upgrades on other features will be updatable in the same way. A Rivian spokesperson said that customers look forward to these consistent improvements, like little gifts.
Will There Be an R2T?
Speaking of gifts, there was a rumor swirling around that the R2 platform would, like its predecessor, also spawn a truck. A Rivian spokesperson told us there was no plan for that at this time. "Just an SUV for now." But the R2 will feature a host of new exterior and interior colors, some of which will also become available on the R1 models at its next refresh.
Finally, there's tech. The R2 has much the same small IP screen/giant everything else screen interface as the R1. On the new SUV, though, it is supplemented with a new steering wheel that has physical dials.
Consumers can reserve their R2 by placing a $100 deposit, starting now. Initial deliveries are expected to occur in the first half of 2026, but forgive us if we point out that EV startups often push these deadlines back.
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