Rivian R2 EV SUV Nears Production: Affordable Price, Familiar Design, and New Adventure Features

Rivian is charging ahead with its next big launch—the Rivian R2, a five-seat electric SUV designed to bring the brand’s adventure-driven ethos to a broader audience. With a much more accessible starting price of around €38,400, the R2 could shake up the EV market when it officially arrives in 2026.

At first glance, the Rivian R2 mirrors its larger sibling, the R1S, with its friendly upright design and signature vertical “stadium” headlights. While some may see this as a lack of innovation, others will appreciate the continuity in design. Rivian isn’t reinventing the wheel—but it is adding clever new features.

One standout addition is the powered rear window that drops into the tailgate, making it easier to haul long items like surfboards. Pop-out rear quarter windows improve airflow, while the large front trunk (“frunk”) adds practical storage space. Inside, dual glove boxes and a built-in flashlight in the driver’s door show that Rivian’s quirky, functional character remains intact.

The R2 is built on an all-new EV platform, utilizing 4695-format cylindrical battery cells to deliver over 483 km (300 miles) of range. Buyers will have options including a single-motor RWD, dual-motor AWD, and a high-performance tri-motor variant capable of 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in under 3 seconds.

Charging is via the NACS (Tesla) port, with Rivian targeting 10% to 80% charging in under 30 minutes on a DC fast charger.

To reach the target price, Rivian has opted for more rugged and utilitarian cabin materials, but has retained the essentials for outdoor enthusiasts. Notably, the seats fold flat to convert the entire cabin into a camping-ready sleeping platform.

Currently, pre-production units are being built on a pilot assembly line in California. Rivian’s teams from the main Illinois factory are training on the R2 while testing units undergo extreme weather, durability, and software validation trials.

With mass production targeted for 2026, the big question remains: Can Rivian’s familiar design and lower price tag make a splash in an increasingly crowded EV market?