Rivian has started deliveries of the R2 electric SUV over two years after its announcement. The move marks a new chapter for the company: like Tesla did with the Model 3, it’s moving from the luxury EV market to a considerably wider audience.
The first shipping model is the $57,990 R2 Performance with Launch Package. It offers the same 656HP dual-motor system, all-wheel drive, and 335 miles of EPA range as the regular Performance trim, but includes lifetime access to Rivian’s Autonomy+ driver assistance features, an optional green color with a matching key fob, and a towing kit.
The early deliveries come as Rivian opens orders to reservation holders. Existing owners will get “accelerated delivery timing,” although the company promises a “balanced” approach that still gives first-time buyers a reasonable opportunity. Orders arrive within two to six weeks.
A mid-tier $53,990 R2 Premium will tout 450HP, AWD, and comparable range when it arrives in late 2026. The ‘entry’ $48,490 R2 Standard is due in the first half of 2027 with 350HP, rear-wheel drive, and an estimated 345-mile range. Rivian is still committed to releasing a $45,000 model with “275+” miles of range, but hasn’t narrowed down details.
Why the Rivian R2 so important
The company needs a mass-market EV
To date, Rivian has only offered the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, both of which start over $70,000 and can easily be configured over $100,000. While they’ve generally been well-received, they’ve been small volume cars that were never going to make Rivian profitable by themselves.
The R2 potentially reaches many more people, even if it’s not as relatively inexpensive as the Model 3 was when it debuted in 2017. Rivian is now competing against a mix of conventional SUVs and EVs like the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC (both gas and electric). It expects to deliver at least 20,000 R2s by the end of 2026, which could help stem years of losses.
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This might also offset the impact of a tough U.S. EV market. The end to the $7,500 federal tax credit led to a plunge in electric car sales in early 2026. Rivian wasn’t hurt, but it only sold roughly 10,000 EVs across its entire lineup and was catering to buyers that could easily handle the full price. The R2 reaches customers who might still have a lot of money to spend, but are more cost-conscious.
R3 deliveries expected in the near future
The deliveries lay the foundation for Rivian’s longer-term plans as well. It expects to ship its cheaper hatchback-style R3 crossover in late 2027 or early 2028.
If the R2 is a hit, there could be greater interest in the R3 and an even larger market. Rivian isn’t wholly dependent on the R2 (its software and services team turned a year of gross profit thanks to VW), but there’s no doubt it needs a success to stay on track.
Source: Rivian
