When Rivian introduced the R1S and R1T, we fell in love: it’s modern, innovative and a ton of fun to drive. In fact, after literally driving up a ski slope outside of Lake Tahoe, learning all the fun tricks this 3-row SUV is capable of and being spoiled by its cozy-cabin interior aesthetic, I feel Rivian owners in my soul. This isn’t just a car, it’s a lifestyle.
But it’s a pricey lifestyle. The R1T pickup truck starts at $73K and tops out at $125K. The R1S SUV, which has 3 rows of seating and great cargo space, adds a few thousand dollars to the price. That Rivian life sits squarely at the valet of Aspen’s Little Nell: Outdoors and adventurous, yes, but also lofty and aspirational.
To bring the Rivian life a bit closer to earth, and to buyers who are discerning but not quite as rich, the company announced the R2, a smaller 5-passenger SUV that does much of what the R1S does, but starting at nearly half the price.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
1. A More Affordable Rivian Is Now Available
This week, Rivian finally announced pricing for the Rivian R2. The Standard model, which won’t be out for a year or so, will be priced from $45,000. It’ll be equipped with a rear wheel drive single motor and deliver 350 HP and 275 miles of range. There’ll also be a long-range model, a rear wheel drive single motor with a range of 345 miles and power output of 350 HP—which, by the way, is plenty for an SUV this size. In case you’re wondering.
Buyers who need to get into the R2 sooner than 2027 can opt for the Performance model, priced from $57,990, the first to roll off the line. This is the top-of-the-line model with the most power and all the features: a dual motor all-wheel drive powertrain, 656 HP and 330 miles of range. Deliveries on the Performance model are expected to start soon, though you may have to get in line; Rivian had more than 200,000 reservations for the R2 since they announced it last year.
Shortly after the Performance model begins deliveries, we’ll also see a Premium model, priced from $53,990. It will also deliver all-wheel drive and 330 miles of range, but the power output is slightly less at 450 HP—though still plenty of power.
Watch: Tour the Rivian R1S With Us!
2. The Rivian Design Doesn’t Make Any Sacrifices
Probably the most notable thing about the R2 is that it looks the part of a Rivian: It carries the iconic headlights, front and rear light bars and square shape. Inside, even the base model will be clad in leatherette that looks and feels expensive, and you’ll be surrounded by premium finishes. There’s a center screen—a foundational Rivian element—where most of the car’s functions are found, and there’s a small driver’s display over the steering wheel.
The steering wheel features a new design with control wheels that sit right under your thumbs to control many of the car’s functions; though you’ll also be able to ask for what you want by asking the car to do it. Just say “hey Rivian,” and the system comes to life.
Read: I Drove the Rivian Gen 2 R1 Quad and Now I’m A Rivian Person
3. Even Your Tall Kiddos Will Be Comfy
Though the Rivian R2 is smaller than the R1S, the interior is designed to be roomy and comfortable. The company employed a more upright glass design to increase headroom, and the wheel base is nice and long for added front and rear seat leg room. And then, there’s plenty of cargo space for all your gear. Overall, the length is about the same as the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco, but the rear seat is slightly larger, by about four inches.
Read: Slate Auto Introduced an Affordable, Customizable Electric Pickup Truck So Cool, I Ordered One
4. This Will Be Truly Off-Road Capable
The smaller stature and length of the Rivian R2 give it a built-in advantage on off-road trails. Similar to the Wrangler and Bronco, the shorter wheelbase makes it great for adventure driving, from rock climbing to driving across creeks to plowing through snow or dunes.
We’ve already seen how capable the Rivian R1S is; this one should be all that and more.
Read: Why So Many People Are Happily On the Waitlist for Their Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck
5. Luxury Is Still Standard
One of the things we love the most about the Rivian R1S is the luxe approach to its interiors. Leatherette seating, lovely carpets cover the floor, full-grain woods line the dash, door and other surfaces. The eye for design is precise and sets an elegant tone.
The R2 doesn’t skimp, though naturally, materials aren’t as premium as they are in the R1 models. But you’ll still get leatherette, premium finishes and an eye for design throughout.
Read: I Leased a Chevy Equinox EV After Reviewing It. This is How It’s Going 8 Months Later.
6. True Autonomous Driving Is Included (or Optional)
Late in 2025, Rivian rolled out its hands-free driving system and it’s truly hands-free: It can drive you point to point, such as from your driveway to your office, or to the grocery store, or the Grand Canyon, mostly on its own.
You’ll still need to be in the driver’s seat and in control; it may require the driver to take over if driving conditions suddenly change or there’s an unexpected incident. But it’s delightful to simply sit in the driver’s seat and let the Rivian do the driving, which the R2 can do. This system is include in the top-of-the-line model and a $50 a month option (or, a $2,500 flat fee) in the other models.
7. Yes, You Can Camp in the Rivian R2
Rivian worked hard to ensure you can camp in the R2 if you’d like—and we are happy since car camping has become such a thing. The rear seats fold flat for sleeping comfort, and the rear window rolls down for air flow. Great at night and even better on a beautiful spring day. Pile your camping gear into a roof-top box, load your luggage into the front seat and get a good night’s sleep before your next early morning hike.
8. Things Your R1S-Driving Friends Won’t Get
The interior design of the Rivian R2 is a bit advanced, most obviously seen in the steering wheel. Instead of roller controls on the steering wheel, the R2 features full scrolling wheels on either side of a more simplified steering wheel. And then, it has dual glove boxes on the lower dashboard—clever and convenient for holding or hiding things.
And then, there’s that smaller, more agile footprint, lower price tag and NACS charge port. Expect these details to cause a bit of envy.
9. Charge it at Tesla Superchargers — Or At Home
Yes, NACS is included. In late 2025, Rivian began delivering its R1S and R1T with NACS, or a North American Charge Standard port. That means it’s Tesla-charger compatible and can be charged at the 200,000 Supercharger plugs around the country that accept non-Tesla models. We like the NACS-style charge port because it’s easier to plug, the cords tend to be slimmer and lighter, and they are plentiful, especially in places where Tesla owners love to go: National parks, the beach, the ski slopes.
You can also install a NACS charger at home via a hard-wired or portable cord. Or, use a standard J1772 cord and an adapter (which is what I have for my Hyundai Ioniq 5) if that’s what you already have. It will work great either way.
10. If You Need to Charge It at All…
That might be the best thing: the range. With up to 345 miles of range, you might find you rarely need to charge. My Ioniq 5 has a range of about 312 miles and I rarely charge it. I drive around town all week and charge it about every two weeks. All those short trips had me stopping at the gas station every week or so in my gas-powered car.
And that’s the best part of driving an EV: regenerative braking adds to your range, letting you go further between charges for daily driving. So with a longer range, lower price and smaller size, you might find the R2 lets you truly go the distance, and live the Rivian life, without the pain of stopping to charge.
