Rivian unveils R2, a lower‑cost SUV with rugged performance
Posted by Talbot Payne on March 16, 2026

Rivian, Rivian
Rivian Jr. is finally here.
Rivian Automotive Inc. introduced its entry-level, battery-powered R2 SUV this week aimed at the volume compact SUV segment. Prices range from $46,495 for the Standard rear-wheel-drive model to $59,485 for the high-performance, all-wheel-drive Launch edition that will be first to arrive this spring.
The R2, previewed at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, follows the midsize R1T pickup and R1S SUV that established the Silicon-Valley-based startup as the Tesla of off-road EV makers.
True to its parent, R2 comes with signature vertical headlights, screen-centric interior, face-flattening acceleration, and plenty of ground clearance to go off-road. Like Tesla with the best-selling Model Y compact SUV before it, Rivian hope the R2 will open the luxury EV-maker to a broader sales base just as the Model Y/3 expanded the Model S/X DNA to more buyers last decade.


