Rivian has completed deliveries of the R2 electric SUV two years after its announcement. The move marks a new chapter for the company: As Tesla did with the Model 3, it is moving beyond the luxury EV market to a much wider audience.
The first shipping model $57,990 R2 Performance with Launch Package. It uses the same 656-horsepower twin-engine system, all-wheel drive and 335 mile EPA range like the regular Performance trim, but includes lifetime access to Rivian’s Autonomy+ driver assistance features, optional green with matching key fob, and a tow kit.
Early deliveries occur when Rivian opens orders to reservation holders. Existing owners will get an “accelerated delivery time”, although the company still promises a “balanced” approach that gives first-time buyers a reasonable opportunity. Orders arrive in two to six weeks.
The mid-range $53,990 R2 Premium will offer 450HP, AWD and comparable range when it arrives in late 2026. The ‘entry’ $48,490 R2 Standard will be available in the first half of 2027 with 350bhp, rear-wheel drive and an estimated range34. Rivian is still committed to releasing a $45,000 model with “275+” miles of range, but hasn’t narrowed down the details.
Why is Rivian R2 so important?
The company needs a mass-market EV
To date, Rivian has only offered the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, both of which start at $70,000 and can easily be configured for over $100,000. Although they were generally well-received, they were never small-volume cars that would have made Rivia profitable on their own.
While the R2 isn’t as relatively inexpensive as the Model 3 that debuted in 2017, it could potentially reach more people. The Rivian now competes with a mix of conventional SUVs and EVs like the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC (both gas and electric). It expects to deliver at least R20,000 by the end of 2026, which could help stave off years of losses.
This can compensate for the effect of a tough US EV market. The expiration of a $7,500 federal tax credit in early 2026 has led to a drop in electric vehicle sales. The Rivian didn’t suffer, but it sold just 10,000 EVs in its entire lineup, catering to buyers who could easily handle full price. R2 reaches customers who may still have a lot of money to spend, but want to spend more.
Delivery of R3 is expected in the near future
Deliveries also underpin Rivia’s long-term plans. It expects to ship a cheaper hatchback style R3 crossover Late 2027 or early 2028.
If R2 is a hit, there could be more interest and an even bigger market for R3. Rivian isn’t entirely dependent on R2 (its software and services team made a gross profit for the year thanks to VW), but there’s no doubt it needs success to stay on track.
Source: Rivian
