Rivian‘s R2 made its media debut Tuesday, with automotive reviewers getting their first opportunity to drive a prototype of the company’s most important vehicle yet.
The smaller, more affordable electric SUV will have a starting price of nearly half of the R1 lineup the Irvine-headquartered brand had until now.
Doug DeMuro, whose YouTube channel has more than 5 million subscribers, was among the first to test the dual-motor prototype, which Rivian said is close to what the launch trim will be.
The vehicle packs 656 horsepower, 609 lb-ft of torque, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
Rivian estimates range at more than 300 miles from an 87.4 kWh battery pack, with 10% to 80% charging in approximately 30 minutes.
Prototypes
The vehicles tested were pre-production prototypes wrapped in a distinctive silver-and-orange livery to distinguish them from final production units.
Rivian has not yet announced full pricing, colors, or option packages, with that information expected in March ahead of spring deliveries.
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration will launch first, with Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe confirming in November that the dual motor configuration will be available at the start.
As reported earlier on Tuesday, Barclays still sees Rivian’s 2026 deliveries below 2023 and 2024 levels despite the R2 launch.
Smaller, Lighter, Cheaper
At 186 inches in length, the R2 is about 15 inches shorter than Rivian‘s existing R1S SUV and roughly 2,000 pounds lighter. The two-row SUV slots between the Tesla Model Y and Honda CR-V in size.
The base price is expected to start around $45,000, compared to just under $80,000 for the R1S.
DeMuro noted he “very strongly suspects” the high-performance dual-motor configuration tested will cost significantly more than the base price, likely as part of a launch edition.
“Think of it as the R1 introduced Rivian to the world, and now the R2 vastly expands Rivian availability to many more people,” DeMuro said the brand’s officials told him.
He praised Rivian‘s existing R1S and R1T models. “The R1, very cool. I have been very supportive of R1. It was my car of the year, both as an SUV and as a truck in the respective years,” he said.
Design
DeMuro said Rivian told him the R2’s boxy styling was intentional, noting the company believes “all of the midsize and electric SUV competition sort of looks the same” with “the same sort of teardrop shape.”
The R2 is meant to be “an antidote for all that,” retaining the “Rivian muscular, boxy, aggressive design” from the R1 models “just now brought to kind of a different market segment.”
Roll-Down Rear Window
As confirmed earlier this week, the R2 features a power-operated rear window that rolls down independently of the tailgate — a first for Rivian.
Tapping three small lines on the exterior activates the window, allowing owners to toss in gear without opening the full tailgate.
A button in the overhead console also controls the feature while driving. A separate “5X” switch rolls down all five windows simultaneously — the four door windows plus the rear glass.
The design required relocating the rear wiper to a holder below the window, with a drain that channels water out beneath the taillight, according to the reviewer.
Interior
DeMuro described the interior as “pretty impressive,” noting the materials and design successfully mimic the more expensive R1S despite the lower price point.
Storage solutions include two glove boxes — one traditional and one in the center — plus pull-out cup holders and a drawer-style compartment sized specifically for a tissue box, which DeMuro said came from customer feedback.
The steering wheel features two vertically mounted discs that control volume, gauge cluster displays, and — notably — climate settings.
“Finally, climate controls on the steering wheel,” DeMuro said. “I’ve been asking automakers to do this for years.”
A blind-spot camera displays in the gauge cluster when the turn signal is activated, similar to systems in Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Surprisingly Spacious
Despite its compact footprint, the R2 offers what DeMuro called a “shockingly large” rear seat.
He noted that at 6 feet 4 inches tall, he had ample space for knees, head, and legs, with no central floor hump obstructing the middle seat.
The cargo area is similarly generous, with underfloor storage, side compartments, and household-style power outlets. With the rear seats folded, Rivian said the cargo area can accommodate a 95th-percentile male lying flat.
Unibody Construction
Unlike the body-on-frame R1S, the R2 uses unibody construction — a significant engineering change that contributes to its lower weight and cost.
The R2 also lacks the R1’s adjustable air suspension, instead using conventional coil springs.
However, Rivian said the vehicle retains active suspension dampers that adjust based on driving conditions.
Ground clearance measures 9.7 inches, compared to 6.6 inches for the Tesla Model Y.
Accessories
Rivian will offer an extensive accessories lineup.
The list includes a mattress for sleeping in the cargo area, a rooftop tent with integrated climate vents and USB-C ports, a projection screen for outdoor movie viewing, and a power adapter that plugs into the charge port to provide household outlets.
