Two years after unveiling its affordable next-generation EV design, Rivian has disclosed the pricing, colors, and performance specs for its R2 SUV. As is often the case with new car releases, it’s not straightforward.
Rivian’s attempt to offer a more budget-friendly EV, accessible to a wider market, will be priced between $45,000 and $57,990, depending on performance and various interior and exterior options.
Rivian plans to offer multiple versions of its R2 mid-sized SUV. The first version, launching in spring (likely June 2026), will be the costliest. The R2 Performance with the Launch Package, a dual-motor all-wheel drive EV with an EPA estimated range of up to 330 miles, starts at $57,990. Later, Rivian will sell a performance trim without the launch edition label, though pricing details are not yet available.
Production and deliveries of a premium R2 version, also a dual-motor AWD SUV but with less horsepower and the same 330-mile range, will begin in late 2026 at $53,990.
Rivian will then introduce two standard R2 versions, differing mainly in battery range. The “long range” standard R2, entering production in early 2027, offers a 345-mile range starting at $48,490. A cheaper $45,000 version with a 275-mile estimated range will be produced in late 2027.
The production of the $45,000 version is not confirmed and will likely depend on the success of the initial rollout of more expensive versions.
Standard features include Rivian’s new mid-sized platform with in-house developed motors, an 87.9 kilowatt-hour battery pack, and a native North American Charging Standard port. The battery ranges are similar across R2 trims, except for the cheapest version.
Performance specs vary significantly. The performance launch edition is the fastest, offering 656 horsepower, 609-pound feet of torque, and a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.6 seconds. The premium trim, also a dual-motor AWD, offers 450 horsepower, 537 lb-ft of torque, and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds.
The standard long-range version is rear-wheel drive, offering 350 horsepower, 355 lb-ft of torque, and a 345-mile range. It has a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds.
The Rivian R2 SUV is a crucial vehicle for the automaker, with high sales goals set for this year. It needs to attract consumers without a prohibitive price. Rivian targets a sweet spot above $50,000, though the average new car buyer spent $49,191 in January, according to Kelly Blue Book. The R2 is just above that average price before any optional additions.
There are numerous opportunities for buyers to add custom features, increasing the price. Each version of the EV includes a standard Esker Silver color. Additional colors, like the special “launch green,” cost extra. Three new colors are being introduced: Esker Silver, metallic blue called Catalina Cove, and metallic grey called Half Moon Grey, along with existing colors.
Premium and performance launch edition models come with extra features, including a 9-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 12-way adjustable seats, and birch wood interior accents. A torch flashlight is integrated into the driver door.
All new R2s have standard advanced driver assistance features, with more options available. Rivian Autonomy+, enabling hands-free highway driving, is a one-time $2,500 fee or $49.99 per month, included in the performance launch edition.
Starting in late 2026, R2 vehicles will include hardware supporting higher levels of automated driving, described as “personal L4,” where the vehicle can drive autonomously in specific environments. The third-generation “autonomy computer” (ACM3) that processes 5 billion pixels per second, along with a lidar sensor, will be available in the Rivian R2 at that time.
This hardware will not be in the performance launch edition available in spring. Analyst Dan Levy noted that tech-focused buyers might wait for the Gen 3 hardware R2 rather than purchasing the initial R2 with Gen 2 autonomy. This more advanced R2 will probably be more expensive, potentially driving consumers towards the cheaper versions.