Rivian R2: A Smaller Electric SUV Aimed at the Middle
Rivian's third electric vehicle is the R2, a mid-size SUV for families priced under $60,000. Engadget
It sits below the two models that established the company. The R1T pickup reached customers in 2021. The R1S, with three rows of seats, followed in 2022 with a starting price above $80,000. Engadget
In a review published Oct. 12, 2026, Engadget called the R2 the closest thing to a Goldilocks EV SUV on sale, meaning not too large and not too costly. The 2027 R2 seats five and has four doors. MotorTrend
The R2 is 185.9 inches long, with 9.6 inches of ground clearance. All wheel and tire combinations measure 32 inches in overall diameter. Rivian
Outside, it keeps Rivian's familiar look: boxy shape, flush door handles, chunky bumpers and pill-shaped headlights. Engadget Front tow hooks and recessed roof-rack mounts come standard. Its matrix LED headlights, which can shape the beam for conditions and oncoming traffic, adjust automatically. Engadget
The range includes Standard, Premium and Performance versions. Rivian The Standard is a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive Long Range model, meaning one motor drives the rear wheels and a larger battery extends distance. Rivian It makes 350 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, a measure of pulling force. It reaches 60 mph from rest in 5.9 seconds and has an estimated EPA range of 275 miles. Rivian
The 2027 R2 Performance is an all-wheel-drive model, with power sent to both axles. MotorTrend It uses semi-active suspension, which adjusts damping in response to the road, and includes Rally, Snow and Soft Sand drive modes. Rivian
Car and Driver lists the 2027 R2 Standard at $49,985. Car and Driver The Performance starts at $59,485, with MotorTrend's test vehicle priced at $61,485 as tested. MotorTrend Rivian plans Standard availability in the first half of 2027. Rivian Reservations opened earlier at $100 in the U.S. and $150 in Canada. Rivian
Rear passengers get 40.4 inches of legroom and 40.9 inches of headroom. Total storage from front trunk to rear cargo is 90.1 cubic feet. Rivian The rear seat folds in a 40/20/40 split, so sections can fold separately. The front trunk, or frunk, holds 5.2 cubic feet and has a drain so it can be used as a cooler. The rear cargo area has a 12V accessory socket and a standard 120V household-style outlet. Engadget
The R2 also supports bidirectional charging, including V2L and V2H. Engadget In simple terms, V2L means vehicle-to-load, or running external devices from the battery, and V2H means vehicle-to-home, or feeding power to a house. Use requires compatible hardware and utility approval, and the vehicle remains primarily transportation.
For daily use, the R2 works with a digital key on a phone or smartwatch for walk-up entry. Premium and Performance trims include a removable Rivian Torch stored in the door. Rivian will include a Launch Package with the R2 Performance for a limited time. Rivian
The broader context here is manufacturing scale. Moving from low-volume trucks at high prices to a mid-size platform changes tooling, supply chain, service capacity and long-term software maintenance. The R2 keeps off-road equipment and flexible electrical use while reducing size and cost.
In my view, the telling decisions are the practical ones. A drainable frunk, a rear 120V outlet, separate-folding rear seats, standard tow hooks and home power support point to close attention to loading, camping and recovery. Those details do not change battery chemistry. They reduce the need for workarounds, which can matter more for adoption than small gains in acceleration.
Looking further ahead, there is reason for measured optimism. A smaller and less expensive Rivian that can still tow, carry cargo and power equipment opens electric driving to buyers who could not consider an $80,000 three-row. Worth noting for technical readers, features such as digital key, matrix-light control and bidirectional power add software that must be supported for ten years or more. If Rivian executes on build and service, buyers get wider utility, not only wider choice.
