Rivian R2: price, range and which version to buy
The Rivian R2 is a smaller, cheaper Rivian with up to 656 hp and 330 miles of range. Here are the verified prices and specs by trim.
The Rivian R2 is a midsize electric SUV that starts at $48,490 for the Standard model and reaches $57,990 for the Performance Launch Package. The top version has 656 hp, a claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and an EPA-rated range of 330 miles.
Rivian built its name on the R1S and R1T, which are excellent but priced like luxury cars. The R2 is the company’s attempt to sell to a lot more people, and given how much the company has riding on it, it is probably the most important vehicle Rivian will launch this decade.
Key specs
| Engine | Dual electric motors, all-wheel drive (Performance Launch Package) |
|---|---|
| Power | 656 hp, 609 lb-ft, claimed |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6 seconds, claimed |
| Price (US$) | $57,990 Performance Launch Package; $53,990 Premium; $48,490 Standard (excluding destination) |
| On sale | Deliveries began June 9, 2026; Standard model due in the first half of 2027 |
Figures are Rivian’s, except range, which is the EPA rating Rivian quotes for the Performance Launch Package. Rivian has not listed a top speed in its announcement, so that row is left out.
Quick facts
- The EPA rates the Performance Launch Package at 330 miles of range.
- The Premium model makes 450 hp and the Standard model 350 hp, according to Rivian.
- Rivian rates the R2 to tow up to 4,400 lb.
- The R2 has a built-in NACS charging port for Tesla Superchargers.
- Ground clearance is listed at 9.6 inches.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It costs far less than an R1S while keeping the Rivian design and off-road focus.
- The Performance Launch Package is properly quick.
- A 330-mile EPA range is strong for the class.
- The NACS port makes fast charging easier on road trips.
Cons
- The cheapest Standard model is not due until 2027.
- At $57,990, the launch version costs more than the headline price suggests.
- Rivian is a young company, so long-term reliability is less proven.
Why it matters
Electric SUVs below $50,000 have been dominated by Tesla’s Model Y. The R2 is one of the most credible challengers so far, with a strong brand, a distinctive design and real off-road ability. It also matters for Rivian’s finances, because the company needs a high-volume product to become profitable.
For enthusiasts, the R2 shows how quick everyday EVs have become. A 656-hp family SUV with a 3.6-second 0-60 mph claim would have been absurd a decade ago. It is now a trim level, not a special edition, and it costs about as much as a well-equipped Kia Telluride.
Who it is for
The R2 suits families who want an EV with real off-road ability and a design that does not look like every other crossover. It is smaller than the R1S, so it is easier to park and to use in the city, but it still has the ground clearance and towing capacity for weekend trips.
Buyers who want the most range for the money should compare it with the Tesla Model Y and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which can be cheaper. Buyers who want performance will find the Performance Launch Package hard to beat at its price. For most people, the Premium model looks like the sweet spot, with plenty of power and a lower price than the launch version.
How to photograph the R2
The R2 has Rivian’s oval headlights and a short, upright body, which suit a head-on or front three-quarter shot from a slightly low angle. Outdoors, a trail or gravel road gives better context than a parking lot, and a 24mm to 35mm lens includes the scenery without bending the body.
Light-colored paint on a bright day can lose detail, so expose for the highlights and lift the shadows later. For a moving shot on a dirt road, a shutter speed around 1/60s keeps the wheels blurred while the car stays sharp. The guide to photographing fast-moving subjects covers panning technique.
Verdict
The R2 is the Rivian most people have been waiting for. The Performance Launch Package is quick and long-legged, and the cheaper versions should bring the brand into reach of a much larger audience.
The smart choice is probably the Premium or the Standard model once it arrives. The launch version is for buyers who want to be first and fastest, and are happy to pay for both.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Rivian R2 cost?
Rivian lists the R2 Performance Launch Package at $57,990, the Premium at $53,990 and the Standard at $48,490, excluding destination. The Performance Launch Package was the first version to be delivered. Rivian says the Standard model will follow in the first half of 2027, so the cheapest R2 is not on the road yet.
What is the Rivian R2 range?
The EPA rates the R2 Performance Launch Package at 330 miles. Range for the other trims may differ depending on motors and wheels. Real-world range depends on speed, temperature and terrain, so highway driving in cold weather will reduce it, as with any electric vehicle.
How fast is the Rivian R2?
Rivian claims 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds for the dual-motor Performance Launch Package, which makes 656 hp and 609 lb-ft. The Premium model makes 450 hp and the Standard 350 hp, so they will be slower. Independent test figures were not part of the sources checked for this article.
Can the Rivian R2 use Tesla Superchargers?
Yes. The R2 has a built-in NACS charging port, which is the standard used by Tesla Superchargers. That means R2 owners do not need an adapter to use compatible Supercharger stations. Charging speed and cost will depend on the station and the battery’s state of charge.
