The Rivian R2 Is Here!

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It’s been a long wait, but Rivian’s more mass-market, midsize R2 SUV is now finding its way to customers. Rivian began “public customer deliveries” of the R2 yesterday. In terms of “private” deliveries to Rivian staff and insiders, those began in April.

“Also beginning today, Rivian is extending invitations to order for existing R2 reservation holders on a rolling basis,” Rivian added.

Th R2 isn’t truly a mass-market vehicle (that’ll be the R3), as it still costs at least $44,990 on the low end (deliveries of which begin next summer). However, it’s significantly cheaper, and just a bit smaller, than the Rivian R1.

Rivian R2 Delivery Timeline

Rivian is starting off with the top-of-the-line trim of the R2, only delivering the R2 Performance with Launch Package initially. It will then step down through the trims gradually until it gets to those summer 2027 deliveries of the base $44,990 R2. This allows the company to earn back its massive investments as quickly as possible in an important march toward profitability. Here’s how Rivian summarizes the coming vehicle trim delivery order and timeline:

“The first vehicle available to order is R2 Performance with Launch Package starting at $57,990⁴. This comes with Autonomy+ included³ featuring Universal Hands-Free assisted driving across 3.5 million miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada. Performance with Launch Package will also offer:

• • Dual-motor all-wheel drive producing 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque

  • 0–60 mph in as quick as 3.6 seconds²

  • An EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles²

  • Semi-active suspension (unique to Performance trim)

  • Exclusive option of Launch Green exterior color (paid upgrade)

  • Special Rivian Green anodized key fob

  • Tow Package with an integrated 2-inch hitch receiver and 4,400 pounds of towing capacity

“R2 Premium trim will arrive in late 2026 starting at $53,990⁴. R2 Standard trim begins in early 2027 with RWD Long Range starting at $48,490⁴. An additional R2 Standard version will arrive in Summer 2027 starting at $44,990⁴. If a customer prefers to wait for a future R2 version, they will be notified as they become available to order. Once an order is confirmed, customers can take delivery within 2–6 weeks.”

Rivian R2 Ordering Process

People familiar with how Tesla has rolled out new models will find the Rivian process extremely similar. Those who are new to directly buying new models from automakers, well, this is fun, so enjoy the process. Here’s more information from Rivian itself: “Beginning today, R2 reservation holders will start to receive an invitation to configure and order in rolling batches. Customers will receive their invitation based on a variety of factors, the primary factors being when the reservation was made and their delivery location. Current Rivian owners will receive accelerated delivery timing, balanced alongside deliveries to non-owners to keep the line moving for everyone. Customers with a lease that ends soon can enter expiring lease information in their Rivian account, and that information will be considered where possible.

“Once a customer receives an invitation, they will be able to select their trim, color, wheels and interior and confirm their order through their Rivian account. By the end of June, all reservation holders will receive an estimate of when they can expect their order invitation.”

Rivian R2 Development

The R2 was announced more than two years ago, in March 7, 2024. The Rivian team has been feverishly developing and refining it since then.

“Following its unveiling, R2 entered an intensive multi-year development and validation program. Across the program, every R2 in Rivian’s development fleet accumulated tens of thousands of miles from coast to coast. Engineering teams validated R2 in temperatures and conditions from scorching deserts to frozen tundras, ranging from -45°F (-43°C) to 122°F (50°C) across extremely challenging terrains.

“R2 is built on an all-new mid-size platform engineered for a more accessible price point without compromising on capability. At nearly 2,000 lbs lighter than R1 and sitting on a shorter 115.6-inch wheelbase, R2 is responsive and maneuverable in urban environments while retaining Rivian’s off-road DNA, with 9.6 inches of class-leading ground clearance, a 25° approach angle and a 26° departure angle.

“Thoughtfully designed, R2 features a spacious interior with 40.9 inches of front headroom, 40.4 inches of rear legroom, and a 40/20/40 folding rear seat for hauling long items like skis or lumber. With 90.1 cubic feet of total storage (with seats folded down) spanning from front trunk to the rear cargo area, passengers can pack up to five large suitcases, three backpacks, a stroller and more.”

Rivian is known now for its super high-quality, premium design. If there’s been one notable criticism of the company, it’s been that it spends too much time and money making things perfect — or much nicer than others in the industry are making them. So, I expect the R2 will be of superb quality and feel. As far as the vehicle size and specs, the R1 was huge and the R2 is still plenty big for a normal family’s needs. (I’m still more interested in the smaller R3, but the R2 has to succeed first for the R3 to get to this stage.)

The Tech in the R2

As far as how much tech is packed into the R2, here’s what Rivian has to share:

“R2 marks an evolution in software-defined vehicles, built to evolve, pairing an AI-ready architecture with 5G connectivity, the most powerful infotainment compute in a consumer vehicle in North America, and tactile haptic controls. Its multi-modal perception stack with 11 HDR cameras totaling 65MP and a five-radar system sets a new bar for sensory fidelity. This foundation powers an expanding suite of driver assistance and active safety features designed for a drive that feels as advanced as it operates, and a vehicle that gets smarter with every over-the-air update.

• Autonomy Platform: Every R2 Performance with Launch Package includes Autonomy+ ($2,500 value). This means R2 with Launch Package will receive future features added to the Autonomy+ platform at no extra cost. For all other trims, Autonomy+ hardware comes standard with an included 60-day trial, after which the service is optional at $49.99/month or a $2,500 one-time fee. This system brings L2+ hands-free assisted driving to 3.5 million miles of roads across the U.S. and Canada via Universal Hands-Free, with a limited rollout of Point-to-Point driving coming to R2 and R1 Gen 2 fleet later this year, followed by widespread rollout in 2027.

• AI Powerhouse: R2 is outfitted with 200 sparse TOPS of edge AI compute dedicated to the in-cabin experience. This includes enabling the Rivian Assistant (launching on R2 later this summer) Rivian’s in-vehicle voice assistant that understands you, your vehicle and your context—to smoothly run complex tasks locally on the edge, even if the vehicle is offline.

• Haptic Halo Wheels: At the center of the R2 driving experience is a redesigned steering wheel featuring haptic ‘halo’ dials. These dynamic and context-aware controls—capable of scrolling, pushing, pulling and tilting—provide distinct physical responses for multiple functions, bridging the gap between digital software and tactile hardware to keep the driver’s focus on the horizon. Both the physical wheels and underlying haptic technology were designed in-house.

• Dual Digital Displays: R2 offers flexibility and control with two displays—a driver display in front of the steering wheel for more utility on the road, and the center display for a deeper dive into navigation and infotainment.

• Software Updates: Rivian builds vertically-integrated hardware and software, enabling your vehicle to gain meaningful updates via software right from your driveway. R2 evolves this vertically integrated approach with a new, streamlined electrical architecture that delivers more capability with less complexity, providing ample headroom for the future.”

Looks promising. I’m excited. What can the R2 achieve?

Rivian R2 Production Capacity — Now & Later

The R2 is being produced at Rivian’s factory in Normal, Illinois. Once production is up to scale, Rivian should have a production capacity of about 155,000 R2 units a year, as part of a total plant capacity of 215,000 vehicles. However, the company is also building a factory in Stanton Springs, Georgia. Rivian expects that facility will be able to produce up to 300,000 more R2 SUVs a year when ready — 2028 or later.

So, that’s the news on the Rivian R2 for now. Who’s getting one?