It will become one of the main competitors of Tesla Model Y in the USA
American startup Rivian today officially presented its fourth electric car and second SUV in its range — Rivian R2. It will enter the market only in 2026 and will compete in the USA with the local (and not only local) hit Tesla Model Y.
Rivian R2 will provide perhaps the best dynamics in its class due to a powerful power plant with three motors — Tesla relies on a dual-motor design for its Model 3 and Model Y models. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said the top-spec R2 will accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in “less than three seconds.” — and that makes it faster than the Model Y Performance. But in the basic version, the Rivian R2 has one motor, and in the «intermediate» — two.
The difference in dimensions with the full-size Rivian R1S is very significant: the length and width of the new product are 4715 and 1700 mm versus 5100 and 1837 mm for the R1S. But the difference in wheelbase is already half as much: 2935 mm for the R2 versus 3075 for the R1S. Rivian R2 ground clearance — 249 mm, approach and departure angles — 25° and 27° respectively.
There is no data on power, but in the top version, obviously, the Rivian R2 will be more powerful than the Model Y Performance. Rivian says all versions of the SUV, regardless of drivetrain, will offer a range of more than 300 miles (more than 483 km). For comparison, the minimum range of the Model Y — 260 miles (418 km).
The presence of a NACS charging connector will allow you to charge the Rivian R2 at Tesla stations. Moreover, the company says that a CCS adapter will be included in the kit, which will only expand the charging capabilities. The SUV will support fast charging: from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.
Rivian didn't go into details about the interior, but it appears that the car has a digital instrument panel and a media system with a fairly large screen. Scaringe said that the company listened to feedback from R1S owners who lacked a glove box, and the R2 has two of them, and, judging by the photo, a decent volume.
The company wanted to make the car as light and spacious as possible, and they achieved this with the help of a panoramic roof, as well as a system for opening all windows. This is exactly the system: not only the tailgate window opens (lowers down), but also the side windows of the luggage compartment (they slide out). Adding to the practicality is the ability to fold the second row seats into a flat floor, thus creating a large bed.
Rivian R2 2026 is priced at $45 thousand, but the car is covered by a federal subsidy of $7.5 thousand, so for real buyers the price will be even lower. Unless, of course, this subsidy is canceled by 2026.