Rivian has officially started public customer deliveries of the highly anticipated R2, marking a major milestone for the American EV maker as it expands beyond its premium R1 lineup.
Production of the midsize electric SUV is already underway at Rivian’s manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, where employees began taking delivery of early vehicles in April. The company is now extending purchase invitations to reservation holders in phases, opening the next chapter for a model designed to bring Rivian’s technology, performance, and adventure-focused character to a broader audience.
Originally unveiled in March 2024 in Laguna Beach, California, the R2 arrives after nearly two years of development, testing, and validation across some of North America’s most demanding environments.
Rivian R2 Launches With Performance Model First
The first version available to customers is the R2 Performance with Launch Package, which starts at $57,990. Additional variants will follow over the next two years, including the R2 Premium trim in late 2026 and more affordable Standard models beginning in 2027.
According to Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe, the R2 represents years of work by the company’s engineering and design teams and reflects Rivian’s goal of delivering a capable electric SUV at a more accessible price point.
Built on a New Platform
The R2 rides on an entirely new midsize vehicle platform developed specifically to reduce costs while maintaining the capability Rivian customers expect.
Compared with the larger R1S and R1T, the R2 is nearly 2,000 pounds lighter and features a shorter 115.6-inch wheelbase, making it more maneuverable in urban environments. Despite its smaller footprint, it retains strong off-road credentials with 9.6 inches of ground clearance, a 25-degree approach angle, and a 26-degree departure angle.
Inside, the SUV offers generous passenger space with 40.9 inches of front headroom and 40.4 inches of rear legroom. A versatile 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat helps accommodate longer cargo, while total storage volume reaches 90.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Up to 330 Miles of Range
The launch model combines strong performance with competitive driving range.
Key specifications include:
– Dual-motor all-wheel drive
– 656 horsepower
– 609 lb-ft of torque
– 0-60 mph in as little as 3.6 seconds
– EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles
– Semi-active suspension exclusive to the Performance trim
– Integrated tow package with 4,400 pounds of towing capacity
– Exclusive Launch Green exterior color option
The vehicle also includes Rivian’s Autonomy+ package at no additional charge, a feature normally valued at $2,500.
Order Invitations Rolling Out Now
Reservation holders will receive ordering invitations in batches, with priority influenced primarily by reservation date and delivery location.
Existing Rivian owners will receive accelerated access while the company balances deliveries between current customers and new buyers. Customers with leases nearing expiration can also provide lease information through their Rivian accounts for consideration during scheduling.
Once invited, customers can configure their vehicle by selecting trim level, paint color, wheels, and interior options. Rivian expects all reservation holders to receive an estimated invitation timeline by the end of June.
After confirming an order, delivery is expected within two to six weeks.
More Affordable R2 Variants Are Coming
Following the launch edition, Rivian plans to broaden the lineup with lower-priced versions.
The R2 Premium trim is scheduled to arrive in late 2026 with pricing starting at $53,990.
The first Standard trim model will launch in early 2027, featuring rear-wheel drive and a long-range battery with a starting price of $48,490. A second Standard variant is expected in summer 2027, lowering the entry point to $44,990.
Software-Defined From the Ground Up
Like Rivian’s current vehicles, the R2 is designed as a software-defined vehicle capable of receiving regular over-the-air updates that add features and improve functionality over time.
The SUV is built around an AI-ready architecture featuring 5G connectivity, advanced onboard computing power, and a comprehensive sensor suite that includes 11 HDR cameras totaling 65 megapixels and five radar units.
Autonomy+ Driver Assistance
Autonomy+ enables hands-free assisted driving on approximately 3.5 million miles of roads across the United States and Canada through Rivian’s Universal Hands-Free system.
Future software updates are expected to introduce additional autonomous driving capabilities, including Point-to-Point driving, which is scheduled for a limited rollout later this year before broader availability in 2027.
Rivian Assistant
The R2 will also debut Rivian Assistant, the company’s new AI-powered voice assistant. Powered by 200 sparse TOPS of edge AI computing capability, the system is designed to process complex requests locally within the vehicle, even when internet connectivity is unavailable.
New Haptic Controls
A redesigned steering wheel introduces Rivian’s new “halo” haptic control dials. These multifunction controls can scroll, push, pull, and tilt, providing tactile feedback while reducing driver distraction.
The cabin also features dual digital displays, with a dedicated driver display positioned behind the steering wheel and a larger central touchscreen handling navigation, media, and vehicle functions.
Built in America
The R2 is assembled on a dedicated production line at Rivian’s Normal, Illinois facility, where the company also builds the R1S SUV and R1T pickup.
The program supports thousands of manufacturing jobs in Central Illinois and serves as a key part of Rivian’s long-term growth strategy.
Looking ahead, Rivian is constructing a second manufacturing plant in Stanton Springs, Georgia. The facility is expected to begin vehicle production in late 2028 and will add up to 300,000 units of annual manufacturing capacity during its initial phase. The plant is planned to support future R2 production, Rivian’s upcoming robotaxi platform, and additional vehicle programs.
The Bottom Line
The start of customer deliveries marks one of the most important moments in Rivian’s history. With pricing that undercuts the larger R1 models, up to 330 miles of range, strong performance, and a technology-rich platform, the R2 is positioned to become Rivian’s first true mass-market electric vehicle and a serious contender in the rapidly growing midsize electric SUV segment.
[source: Rivian]
