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Rivian unveiled its new midsize platform which underpins R2 and R3 product lines.

R2 is Rivian's all-new midsize SUV delivering a combination of performance, capability and utility in a five-seat package optimized for big adventures and everyday use. The silhouette and face of R2 are distinctly Rivian. The powered rear glass fully drops into the liftgate for carrying all types of gear and enabling a unique open air driving experience. The interior is designed for ease-of-use, while being uniquely Rivian through a combination of inviting design and premium, sustainable materials that are easy to clean. R2 also features first and second row seating that fold completely flat, for gear, cargo, and even car camping.

R3 is a midsize crossover that is tidy on dimensions but delivers big in terms of performance, off-road capability, passenger comfort, and storage. R3X is a performance variant of R3 offering even more dynamic abilities both on and off road. The design of the exterior and interior of R3 are inviting and iconic. R3 demonstrates the scalability of Rivian's brand across different form factors while continuing to be immediately recognizable.

R2 and R3 will feature two battery sizes. The larger pack will achieve over 300 miles of range on a single charge and offer 0-60 mph acceleration in under 3 seconds for the quickest powertrain configuration.

Pricing for R2 is expected to start around $45,000, and R3 will be priced below R2, making Rivian vehicles more accessible to more people. Rivian's development teams have been intensely focused on cost through manufacturing, design innovation, and robust supply chain development. R2 is available to reserve today in the U.S. for $100 with deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2026. R3 and R3X deliveries will start after R2, to ensure a smooth launch and rapid ramp of R2 - this is a learning from Rivian's simultaneous launch of R1T, R1S and EDV. R2, R3, R3X will be available internationally following their North American launch.

"I have never been more excited to launch new products - R2 and R3 are distinctly Rivian in terms of performance, capability, and usability, yet with pricing that makes them accessible to a lot of people," said Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. "Our design and engineering teams are extremely focused on driving innovation into not only the product features but also our approach to manufacturing to achieve dramatically lower costs. R2 provides buyers starting in the $45,000 price range with a much-needed choice with a thoroughly developed technology platform that is bursting with personality. I can't wait to get these to customers."

All-New Platform

Developed to deliver amazing performance, range, and cost efficiency, R2 and R3 were built on an all-new midsize vehicle platform. This platform consolidates and eliminates parts thanks to intelligent design, including the use of high pressure die castings, a structural battery unit where the top of the pack also serves as the floor, and closure systems that dramatically reduce complexity. R2 and R3 also utilize Rivian's drive unit platform and internally developed network architecture, computer topology and software stack.

Three Motor Variants

Leveraging Rivian's in-house drive unit platform and technology, there will be Single-Motor (RWD), Dual-Motor (AWD), and Tri-Motor (two motors in rear and one in front) configurations, with the quickest configuration delivering 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds.

Structural Battery

Utilizes an all-new 4695 cell that offers significant improvements in energy density and output, estimated to deliver over 300 miles of range on a single charge for both R2 and R3.

Fast Charging

DC fast charging is compatible with both NACS (native) and CCS (with adapter), charging from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.

Self Driving

Utilizing Rivian's new perception stack featuring 11 cameras, five radars and a more powerful compute platform, R2 and R3 will provide dramatically enhanced autonomous capabilities.

Ever improving and expanding features

As with all Rivian vehicles, Rivian has developed its network architecture, topology of computers and associated full software platform to facilitate frequent software updates - the headroom for feature growth over time is extremely exciting.

Intentional Design

R2 and R3 demonstrate how Rivian's design language adapts to different vehicle sizes and form factors.

"Our R1 flagship vehicles served as our handshake with the world - with R2 and R3 our obsessive goal is to stay true to Rivian's product attributes while making our products accessible to a lot more people," said Rivian Chief Design Officer Jeff Hammoud. "Through a tight integration of hardware, software and human-centered design, we designed R2 by balancing form with function, while building on our inviting and iconic design language."

R2's design prioritizes:

• Adventure: R2's four passenger windows and rear powered glass drop fully, and the powered rear quarter windows vent to invite the outside in, creating a unique open-air driving experience. With R3, its hatch-style design maximizes space while keeping a sporty, athletic silhouette.
• Space: With an extreme focus on rear passenger legroom, even long trips in R2 and R3 are comfortable. With the seats folding completely flat, ample sized front and rear trunks, and additional interior storage, there is space for everyone and all their gear.
• Refined Touches: Rivian's new steering wheel with integrated haptic control dials makes it easier to stay focused on the road ahead. Materials balance durability and sustainability with easy-to-clean textiles and finishes.

R2's package makes the best of Rivian available at a significantly lower price point.

R2 Production to be Launched in Normal, Illinois

To enable R2 to be launched earlier and with a considerable reduction in the capital required for its launch, Rivian plans to start production of R2 in its existing Normal, Illinois manufacturing facility. Beyond significantly reducing the amount of capital needed to bring R2 to market, the company believes this approach considerably reduces risk to the launch and associated ramp; efficiently leverages its existing manufacturing and operations teams; and expands the total capacity for the site to 215,000 units per year. Rivian's Georgia plant remains an extremely important part of its strategy to scale production of R2 and R3. The timing for resuming construction is expected to be later to focus its teams on the capital-efficient launch of R2 in Normal, Illinois.

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Following up on the success of its R1 line of electric trucks and SUVs, Rivian has unveiled its second model line, the R2. Aimed at helping the California electric vehicle startup become more of a mainstream carmaker, the R2 is a relatively compact SUV and, with a starting price under $50,000, an affordable one.

With a length of 185.6 inches, a width of 75.0 inches, and a height of 66.9 inches, the R2 is about the same size as the Porsche Macan, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. In other words, it lands right in the meat of the luxury-crossover market. According to a spokesperson, unlike its older sibling, the R1S—which is 15.4 inches longer, 7.0 inches wider, and 10.1 inches higher—it is sized for overseas export as well. As a Rivian spokesperson put it, "It's friendly enough that the Europeans aren't scared of it."

Despite its slightly diminished scale, when compared to its big sister the R2 is almost exactly the size of a classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer, known back in the day as a FSJ—Full Size Jeep. In fact, it looks very much like an R1S that someone pinched down on a screen, including its cute Pixar-like eyes, which are still pill shaped but less narrow.

Reflecting Rivian's focus on off-road prowess, the all-wheel-drive R2 has nearly 10 inches of ground clearance, higher than any of its competitors. It is expected to be sure-footed whether on tarmac or some natural surface. But the vehicle's ride will be focused more on on-road comfort and commuting than its R1 truck and SUV siblings.

On release, the R2 will be available in three drivetrain configurations: a single motor driving the rear wheels; a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with one motor at each end; and a tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup, with two motors driving the rear wheels and one driving the front. There will also be two different battery packs.

The larger of these packs, combined with the single motor, will provide more than 300 miles of range, Rivian said. The sportiest application, with three motors and all-wheel drive, will accelerate to 60 mph in under three seconds. Meanwhile, although specifics were not immediately available, its battery will be capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes, and range is promised to exceed 300 miles for all setups and motor layouts.

The R2 will seat five people, with room for all their gear, both in the cargo area behind the seats and in a sizable frunk. Overcompensating for an annoying absence of interior cubbies in the R1 models, the R2 will feature not one but two gloveboxes. Like an old-school American land yacht, the rear windows behind the C-pillar as well as the rear windshield will vent via a power operated switch, in case any of the five occupants needs a little fresh air. The rear windshield also powers down.

If any, but probably not all, of those occupants want to sleep in the car, both rows of seats fold flat. For those that want to sleep on the car, a new accessory—the Rivian Treehouse—is available from the factory. It's a rooftop tent and comes complete with a heated mattress, integrated lighting system, and movie screen. Perfect for al fresco screenings of Maximum Overdrive, Joy Ride, Duel, or any other movie co-starring trucks or SUVs. A compact travel kitchen and a two-bike rack are among the other sporty accessories R2 buyers may purchase, whether they already have an adventurous lifestyle or intend to look like they do.

Something R2 buyers might use frequently is the suite of 11 cameras and five radar sensors positioned around the vehicle to help them see any of the few vehicles on the road that are not hulking SUVs. (The R2’s weight was not announced; the R1S weighs around 7000 pounds, so we’re guessing around three tons.) OTA updates will allow the onboard advanced driver assistance systems to regularly update their functionality. Upgrades on other features will be updatable in the same way. A Rivian spokesperson said that customers look forward to these consistent improvements, like little gifts.

Speaking of gifts, there was a rumor swirling around that the R2 platform would, like its predecessor, also spawn a truck. A Rivian spokesperson told us there was no plan for that at this time. "Just an SUV for now." But the R2 will feature a host of new exterior and interior colors, some of which will also become available on the R1 models at its next refresh.

Finally, there's tech. The R2 has much the same small IP screen/giant everything else screen interface as the R1. On the new SUV, though, it is supplemented with a new steering wheel that has physical dials.

Consumers can reserve their R2 by placing a $100 deposit, starting now. Initial deliveries are expected to occur in the first half of 2026, but forgive us if we point out that EV startups often push these deadlines back.

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Rivian said for the first time on Wednesday that it is producing “hundreds” of R2 “production intent builds” of its $45,000 SUV.

Through a post on X, the company said that “they may not always travel in packs, but sightings of R2 are on the rise,” with “hundreds of production-intent builds” hitting the road for “real world testing and final validation.”

The EV maker further clarified on a blog post that “in recent weeks, more and more R2 vehicles have been out in the wild eating up miles, as hundreds of production-intent builds come off our pilot line.”

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