Rivian R2 Specs Surface Ahead of March 7 Reveal

Chris Teague
by Chris Teague

Upstart automaker Rivian has had its ups and downs, but buyers have pretty consistently rated it highly for satisfaction. Though the company’s first two vehicles, the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, are expensive, high-end EVs, Rivian has announced smaller models riding on a new R2 platform. The first, a lower-cost electric SUV, is expected to be revealed on March 7, but we’re getting a sneak peek at the specs and pricing thanks to the internet sleuths on X/Twitter.


User Chris Hilbert dug around on Rivian’s website and found source code for the R2’s model page. He notes that the R2 will go on sale in 2026 with a range of 330 miles. Pricing will start at $47,000, though models with the 300-plus-mile range will likely cost more. Like its larger siblings, the R2 will deliver blistering acceleration, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of three seconds. The new SUV will be considerably smaller than the R1S, though Rivian’s official teasers show a vehicle that looks quite a bit like its larger counterpart.


Rivian has since updated the site to remove access, but the official reveal is just a day away. In the meantime, it will be interesting to observe Rivian’s fortunes as it prepares for the new model. The company cut 10 percent of its salaried workforce last month and said that interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty had forced its hand.


While cheaper Rivian EVs are certainly welcome, the company has continued racking up losses, raising questions about its long-term viability. Competitor Fisker may need to lean on Nissan for financial support, though Rivian has fleet sales and other investors to help its cause. That said, 2026 is a long time from now, and the auto industry sometimes moves rapidly, so there are no guarantees things will go smoothly.


[Image: Rivian via X]


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Chris Teague
Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

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  • SCE to AUX SCE to AUX on Mar 06, 2024

    Rivian is steadily closing the gap on its losses (unlike other startups), but they'll probably need a shot of cash to turn the corner.


    They might be a 15-year-old startup, but at least they're not run by amateurs or mental cases.


    I think the R1 has enough credibility to ease acceptance of the R2.

  • Aleh Vera Aleh Vera on Mar 06, 2024

    the whole pay more for more miles is a stoopid game....i just want awd with 400-600 miles and i will jump in AND with fast charging from 5% left to 100 in under 20 minutes

  • Lorenzo This car would have sold better if there was a kit to put fiberglass toast slices on the roof.
  • Lorenzo The Malibu is close to what the 1955 Bel Air was, but 6 inches shorter in height, and 3 inches shorter in wheelbase, the former making it much more difficult to get into or out of. Grandma has to sit in front (groan) and she'll still have trouble getting in and out.The '55s had long options lists, but didn't include a 91 cubic inch four with a turbo, or a continuously variable transmission. Metal and decent fabric were replaced by cheap plastic too. The 1955 price was $1765 base, or $20,600 adjusted for inflation, but could be optioned up to $3,000 +/-, or $36,000, so in the same ballpark.The fuel economy, handling, and reliability are improved, but that's about it. Other than the fact that it means one fewer sedan available, there's no reason to be sorry it's being discontinued. Put the 1955 body on it and it'll sell like hotcakes, though.
  • Calrson Fan We are already seeing multiple manufacturers steering away from EVs to Hybrids & PHEVs. Suspect the market will follow. Battery tech isn't anywhere close to where it needs to be for EV's to replace ICE's. Neither is the electrical grid or charging infrastructure. PHEV's still have the drawback that if you can't charge at home your not a potential customer. I've heard stories of people with Volts that never charge them but that's a unique kind of stupidity. If you can't or don't want to charge your PHEV then just get a hybrid.
  • AZFelix The last time I missed the Malibu was when one swerved into my lane and I had to brake hard to avoid a collision. 1 out of 5⭐️. Do not recommend.
  • 2ACL I won't miss it; it was decent at launch, but in addition to the bad packaging, GM did little to keep it relevant in the segment. I'd prefer that another domestic automaker doesn't just give up on the mainstream sedan, but unlike some of Ford's swan songs, the Malibu made an indifferent case for why they should live.
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