It looks like drivers’ fears have come true: the Rivian R2 is arriving with a higher price point than previously promised. But that’s not totally a bad thing.<\/p>\n
Rivian previously stated that the long-awaited R2 would have a base price of $45,000, which appeared to be its main selling point against the Tesla Model Y<\/a>. However, sharp-eyed car enthusiasts noticed earlier this month \u2014 a few days ahead of the official R2 reveal \u2014\u00a0 that Rivian had taken that $45,000 starting price down from its website<\/a>. At that point, many in the EV community assumed that Rivian was pulling a fast one like its competitor, Tesla, who has promised lower prices for its models in the past just to release them at a higher price while promising the initial price later on.<\/p>\n And wouldn’t you know: Rivian is attempting to emulate Tesla in more ways than one.<\/p>\n On March 12th, Rivian officially revealed the R2<\/a>, its smaller, more affordable model. It will arrive this spring with a $57,990 Performance Launch model. That’s over $10,000 more than the originally promised price point. But don’t worry, Rivian will offer the $45,000 base model at a later time.<\/p>\n While it’s not the promised release price, the Rivian R2 still seems very promising. And if you’re willing to wait for the Standard RWD’s release late 2027, you’re still getting a great deal for an electric SUV in this category. The R2 is essentially an R1S without the third row of seats, offering plenty of off-road capability and cabin comfort.<\/p>\n The Performance trim, the first to be released, will offer a wide range of driving modes, including Snow, All-Terrain, Rally, Soft Sand, and Sport. It also has 9.8 inches of ground clearance, semi-active suspension, and all-season tires. The R2 has the looks to match its performance, essentially looking like a boxy, minimalist Subaru with wide, glowing eyes. And with Rivian claiming<\/a> it can “tackle rough terrain comfortably,” maybe it deserves the “EV version of the Outback” award more than the Trailseeker<\/a>.<\/p>\n For those who want an R2 for their weekend adventures, it doesn’t skimp on space despite losing a row. Its total enclosed storage is 90.1 cubic feet: you get 28.7 cubic feet of rear cargo room, increased to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. It also has a frunk that’s more spacious than over EVs (and you don’t have to pay extra for it<\/a>). With 40.4 inches of legroom and 40.4 inches of headroom, it offers a very spacious interior that can fit all your camping gear and make for a comfortable road trip.<\/p>\n Range anxiety won’t be a problem off-road, with the R2 Performance Launch model expected to deliver 330 miles. This makes it competitive with the Tesla Model Y, whose own Performance variant gets 306 miles.<\/p>\n There is also plenty of tech and features that make the R2 worth the launch price. Those who purchase the Performance Launch model will get Lifetime Autonomy+, an upcoming advanced driver-assistance system that can help you plan trips and offers hands-free driving, a tow package with 4,400 pounds of towing capacity, and the option to get it in Launch Green \u2014 although this option costs more. If you care about exclusive colors<\/a>, however, it could be worth it.<\/p>\n Inside the cabin, Rivian has introduced new haptic halo dials on its steering wheel, “capable of scrolling, pushing, pulling, and tilting” to provide a physical feel alongside its plentiful digital software and screen. Along with new exterior colors, the interior features a new, upgraded feel with birch wood accents in its Black Crater Signature color, “inspired by the dynamic dark tones of volcanic rock.”\u00a0You get heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a torch flashlight in the driver’s door. Dynamic Adventure Lighting and its extensive audio setup (nine speakers, two midwoofers, two subwoofers) will help set the mood on your trip.<\/p>\n Here are the released details for the four announced trims we’re getting for the R2:<\/p>\nThe Rivian R2 is $57,990 at launch, but EV fans may be tempted<\/h2>\n
Rivian R2 spec sheet<\/h2>\n
\n\n
\n Trim<\/strong><\/td>\n Powertrain<\/strong><\/td>\n Battery Capacity<\/strong><\/td>\n Power<\/strong><\/td>\n Torque<\/strong><\/td>\n 0-60 MPH<\/strong><\/td>\n Range<\/strong><\/td>\n Starting MSRP<\/strong><\/td>\n Release<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Performance<\/strong><\/td>\n Dual-Motor AWD<\/td>\n 87.9 kWh<\/td>\n 656 hp<\/td>\n 609 lb-ft<\/td>\n 3.6 sec<\/td>\n 330 miles (EPA est.)<\/td>\n $57,990 (Launch Package)<\/td>\n Spring 2026
\n(MY2027)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n Premium<\/strong><\/td>\n Dual-Motor AWD<\/td>\n 87.9 kWh<\/td>\n 450 hp<\/td>\n 537 lb-ft<\/td>\n 4.6 sec<\/td>\n 330 miles (EPA est.)<\/td>\n $53,990<\/td>\n Late 2026
\n(MY2027)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n Standard (Long Range)<\/strong><\/td>\n RWD Long Range<\/td>\n 87.9 kWh<\/td>\n 350 hp<\/td>\n 355 lb-ft<\/td>\n 5.9 sec<\/td>\n 345 miles
\n(Rivian est.)<\/td>\n$48,490<\/td>\n Early 2027
\n(MY2028)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n Standard<\/strong><\/td>\n RWD<\/td>\n TBD<\/td>\n 350 hp<\/td>\n 355 lb-ft<\/td>\n 5.9 sec<\/td>\n 275+ miles
\n(Rivian est.)<\/td>\n$45,000<\/td>\n Late 2027
\n(MY2028)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n