A Premature Reveal
Rivian is gearing up to launch the R2, a smaller, more affordable electric SUV aimed at buyers who found the R1T and R1S out of reach. The R2 keeps Rivian’s outdoorsy vibe but targets a price that could finally put the brand within reach for more people.
But the run-up to launch didn’t go as planned. Tech site Ars Technica accidentally posted details a day early, and even though the article was pulled, the internet does what it does best: it remembers. That means we now have a surprisingly deep look at the R2’s specs and pricing before Rivian could make it official.
Rivian
Lineup Tops at $57,990
Rivian Forums quickly picked up the leaked info, with one user piecing together specs and features from what was briefly online.
Leading the lineup is the R2 Performance or Launch Edition, starting at $57,990 before delivery. It packs an 87.9-kWh battery for an estimated 330 miles of range, and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 29 minutes. Power numbers are strong: 656 hp and 609 lb-ft of torque.
As expected, the top-spec Performance trim gets all the bells and whistles, including 21-inch wheels, matrix LED headlights, and both heated and ventilated front seats, plus heated rear seats. Size-wise, it’s a midsize SUV: 185.9 inches long, 78.1 wide, and 66.9 tall, riding on a 115.6-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 9.6 inches, and it can tow up to 4,400 pounds.
Next down is the R2 Premium, due later in 2026 at $53,990. Power drops to 450 hp and 537 lb-ft, and it skips features like semi-active suspension and some drive modes, including Rally, Soft Sand, and Launch Mode.
The Single Motor RWD version lands next year at $48,490. It makes 350 hp and 355 lb-ft, still uses the 87.9-kWh battery, and aims for 345 miles of range. Features are pared back: 19-inch wheels, black interior, only heated front seats, and a basic five-speaker audio system. This trim also loses the all-terrain drive mode and the drop-down rear glass window.
Rivian
The Most Affordable Rivian R2
The real headline is the projected entry price. The R2 Standard, due in late 2027, could start at around $45,000 with a smaller battery and about 265 miles of range. That’s still higher than what many EV shoppers are hoping for, but it does put some distance between the R2 and Rivian’s bigger, pricier models.
Another leak also revealed the paint color options, which include Half Moon Grey, Glacier White, Borealis, Launch Green, Midnight, Forest Green, Esker Silver, and Catalina Cove.
We won’t have to wait long for answers. Rivian will officially unveil the R2 at SXSW on March 12, 2026, where we’ll see which of these leaked details actually make it to production.
Rivian
Â
