Automotive reviewer Doug DeMuro said he has seen the upcoming Rivian R2’s pricing ahead of its March 12 reveal and described it as “quite compelling,” adding that the knowledge made him even more positive about the vehicle.
The YouTuber’s review of the mid-size SUV has surpassed one million views after just five days.
“I am even more positive about this car now than I was when I was doing the video,” DeMuro said on a newly released podcast episode.
“Between when I recorded the video and now I have seen pricing, which is not revealed, you’re not allowed to disclose pricing. It could be a billion dollars, however, it isn’t. And it’s actually quite compelling,” he added.
Rivian has previously said the R2 will start at $45,000 for the base trim, though the company has not confirmed whether that version will be available before the year end.
Last week, talking with CNBC, the company’s founder and CEO RJ Scaringe said the $45,000 version will come “shortly thereafter.”
Full pricing, options, and specifications will be announced on March 12.
DeMuro, whose YouTube channel has more than 5 million subscribers, was among the invited media to review the R2 prototype earlier this month.
The Best EV
DeMuro offered his strongest endorsement yet of the mid-size SUV, calling it “probably the best EV I’ve ever been around.”
“This is a fantastic car, especially for the price point,” he said. “I truly think one of the very best EVs.”
He compared the R2 favorably to early Tesla vehicles, saying it evokes the same sense of excitement.
“The Teslas, when they first came out, were also unbelievable cars. But this reminds me of that,” he stated. “This is like a Tesla, but without the kind of weenie, just played out styling.”
Despite lacking the R1’s air suspension, DeMuro said the R2’s smaller size and unibody construction actually result in better driving dynamics.
“By virtue of being a smaller and unibody vehicle, in my opinion, it drives just as well if not better,” the YouTuber noted.
Model Y Competitor
DeMuro suggested the R2 could challenge Tesla‘s dominance in the mid-size EV segment, noting that the Model Y is currently the best-selling car in the world.
“How is this not a Model Y, but better?” he asked. “Explain that.”
He predicted the R2 would sell “to regular people in massive numbers,” contrasting it with the upcoming R3, which he said appeals more to enthusiasts.
“Imagine a 4Runner, except like in the modern era. Better ride, similar off-road capabilities, much more power, better technology,” DeMuro said.
He added that he “can’t imagine they don’t sell a zillion of these.”
R1 Cannibalization
DeMuro raised concerns about potential cannibalization of Rivian’s existing R1 lineup, noting that the R2 and R1 are visually similar despite significant size differences.
“I don’t think that the R1 is visually distinct enough, or distinct enough in other ways,” he said. “I don’t think people are going to say, I want an R1 for the clout, because I don’t think, honestly, there’s going to be significant additional clout.”
Unlike the R1 models, the R2 will be sold internationally.
Rivian‘s website currently lists dedicated pages for 18 European countries, though the company recently removed its 2027 launch target for the region.
The company is scheduled to begin R2 deliveries in the second quarter of 2026.
As reported by EV earlier this month, a showroom staff member of the sole Pennsylvania store told a customer that Rivian plans to begin deliveries in mid-April.
