After weeks of teasers, questionable spy photographs, and leaked specs, the cat is lastly out of the bag. The Rivian R2 all-electric SUV has been formally revealed yesterday.
It is the California-based firm’s third passenger EV after the R1S and R1T, nevertheless it’s not the final mannequin scheduled to enter manufacturing. That title will go to the R3 and R3X compact crossovers which made a shock look throughout yesterday’s occasion.
The R2 will go into manufacturing in 2026 at Rivian’s first manufacturing unit in Regular, Illinois, the identical facility that at present builds the R1S SUV, R1T pickup, and Electrical Industrial Van (ECV). This can enable the corporate to get issues working easily till its second manufacturing unit that is at present being inbuilt Georgia can decide up the slack and assemble each the R2 and R3.
The smaller R2 has the potential to show Rivian from a distinct segment automaker right into a quantity producer due to its mid-size form, compelling vary, and worth. Which is why we thought it will be a good suggestion to match it to its rivals.
With this being mentioned, it is value mentioning that there are nonetheless quite a lot of unknowns in regards to the R2, just like the battery measurement, charging speeds, most pace, and whether or not or not it has vehicle-to-load (V2L).
However the fundamental stuff is there: bodily measurement, vary, options, and beginning worth. So let’s have a look at the way it stacks up in opposition to well-known names just like the Tesla Mannequin Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Chevrolet Blazer EV, in addition to some internal-combustion fashions just like the four-door Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
We threw these final two into the combination as a result of Rivian has at all times taken delight in the truth that it makes journey automobiles, and we expect {that a} purchaser who’s taking a look at an off-road-oriented car just like the Bronco or Wrangler would possibly make the leap to all-electric if the proper automotive comes round.
Dimensions and different measurements
In accordance with Rivian, the R2 is 185.6 inches lengthy, 75 in broad, 66.9 in tall, and has a wheelbase of 115.6 in. In consequence, it is very related in measurement to the Tesla Mannequin Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E, whereas the Chevrolet Blazer EV stands out of the bunch as being the biggest.
The R2 is the one EV from the checklist beneath that has its method and departure angles clearly said by its producer, with a 25-degree method angle and a 27-degree departure angle. These aren’t nice when in comparison with the combustion-powered Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, that are related in measurement however have higher method and departure angles.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
182.5 in 74.4 in 63 in 118.1 in 6.1 in N/A N/A 4,023 – 4,718 lbs Ford Mustang Mach-E 185.6 in 74.1 in 64 in 117.5 in 5.8 in N/A N/A 4,609 – 5,018 lbs Chevrolet Blazer EV 192.2 in 78 in 65 in 121.8 in 7.65 in N/A N/A 5,337 – 5,591 lbs Ford Bronco 4-door 189.4 in 75.9 in 73 in 116.1 in 8.3 – 11.5 in 35.5° – 43.2° 29.7° – 37° 4,466 – 5,109 lbs Jeep Wrangler Limitless 188.4 in 73.9 in 73.6 in 118.4 in 9.7 – 10.8 in 41.4° – 43.9° 36.1° – 37° 5,675 – 6,400 lbs
Battery, vary, and charging speeds
Throughout yesterday’s launch occasion, Rivian solely talked about that the utmost driving vary of the R2 will probably be over 300 miles on a full cost, leaving out particulars like the dimensions of the battery and how briskly will probably be able to charging.
However, we all know that the R2 has the so-called North American Charging Normal (NACS) charging connector put in from the manufacturing unit, which means it will possibly use the Tesla Supercharger community with out utilizing an adapter.
11 Photographs
Moreover, the utmost vary of the R2 places it roughly in the identical league as all the opposite mid-size electrical crossovers available on the market right this moment. That mentioned, all the longest-range variations of its opponents supply extra vary, not less than in principle.
Furthermore, it is value mentioning that issues would possibly change with the competitors till 2026 when the R2 will go into manufacturing. The Ioniq 5 not too long ago acquired a facelift abroad that introduced an even bigger battery for the most costly trim ranges, and the Mannequin Y is in for an replace much like that utilized to the Mannequin 3.
Efficiency
As with the opposite specs, Rivian was coy about sharing the efficiency numbers of the R2, with the one official particulars being that the R1S’s smaller brother will probably be out there with both a single-, dual-, or triple-motor setup and that will probably be in a position to speed up from zero to 60 miles per hour in beneath 3 seconds when geared up with essentially the most highly effective drivetrain.
Within the acceleration division, the Rivian R2 is the quickest out of the group beneath and it is also the one mannequin within the checklist that will probably be out there with a tri-motor setup.
Worth (vacation spot cost and potential tax credit not included)
Rivian mentioned that the R2 will begin at round $45,000 with deliveries anticipated to start within the first half of 2026. We do not understand how a lot the posher variations will value, however so far as the entry worth is worried, the R2 is dearer than all of its electrical rivals, besides the Chevrolet Blazer EV, which is the biggest of the group.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe talked about throughout an interview final month that the R2 could also be eligible for the $7,500 tax credit score, which is able to successfully decrease the beginning worth to beneath $40,000.
At present, the Mannequin Y and Blazer EV are the one fashions from the checklist beneath which can be eligible for the $7,500 EV tax credit score when buying. Furthermore, Normal Motors mentioned that it will pay the identical amount of cash out of pocket to prospects of Blazer EV items that did not qualify for the tax credit score.
Options
The Rivian R2 will function common coil and spring suspension, not like the larger R1S which comes with air suspension as commonplace. The R2 has two screens inside, one performing as a digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and one other internet hosting the infotainment system. We do not understand how massive they’re but.
Rivian’s smaller SUV additionally has two glove packing containers built-in beneath the dashboard and a slide-out tray within the entrance heart console. The signature flashlight hidden within the driver’s door that debuted with the R1T pickup is current on the R2, too.
The smaller sibling to the R1S has a entrance trunk, however we do not understand how massive it’s. Furthermore, it has pop-out rear quarter home windows, a roll-down liftgate window, and all of the seats can fold flat, together with the 2 entrance ones. There are additionally built-in accent mounts within the rear of the car which might accommodate a motorbike mount or a storage field with out utilizing any instruments.
Talking of equipment, Rivian is engaged on a bunch of add-ons for the R2, together with a revamped camp kitchen that matches within the aforementioned cargo field, a rooftop tent, and a motorbike mount that may match two bikes.
Rivian mentioned the R2 could have 11 cameras and 5 radars, however we do not understand how superior the security help methods will probably be.
Tesla has its so-called Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) methods that may allow hands-free driving on highways and metropolis streets. Chevrolet has GM’s Tremendous Cruise superior driving-assistant system (ADAS) that permits hands-free driving on lots of of 1000’s of freeway miles in the USA and Canada, and Hyundai has a bunch of driving assistants that allow Stage 2-driving, like Lane Preserving Help and Freeway Driving Help.
Ford’s BlueCruise ADAS is much like GM’s Tremendous Cruise and operates on 97% of controlled-access highways throughout the U.S. and Canada.
We’ll know extra in regards to the Rivian R2 as the corporate will get nearer to the beginning of producing. Till then, tell us within the feedback what you concentrate on Rivian’s mid-size all-electric SUV.