Rivian R2 starts deliveries in the U.S.

The Rivian R2, a smaller and more affordable version of the brand's existing R1T and R1S models, has begun deliveries in the United States starting June 9, 2026. The R2 is designed with European markets in mind, with dimensions that align more closely with European preferences.

R2's design and size

The R2 measures 4.72 meters in length, compared to 5.10 meters for the R1S, and is approximately 1.90 meters wide, including the mirrors, similar to a Tesla Model Y. In the United States, it is considered a small car, but in Europe, it is seen as appropriately sized.

R2's height and silhouette

The R2 is 1.70 meters high, about 8 cm taller than the Model Y, and has a square, almost cubic silhouette, unlike the Tesla Model Y's coupe SUV design. The ground clearance of 24 cm reflects Rivian's continued off-road ambitions, although the R2 does not have pneumatic suspension like the R1 models.

R2's interior features

Inside the R2, the seating is firmer than in the R1S and R1T models, but still comfortable. The interior uses a proprietary fabric (Adventex, at least 45% durable materials), recycled birch wood on the Premium and Performance versions, and a "leather" without animal origin.

R2's cargo and design

The car offers ample space, with a bench that folds in a 40/20/40 configuration and can be laid flat to sleep in the car. The trunk capacity is 813 liters with seats in place and about 2,250 liters with the bench folded, plus a front trunk of 147 liters. A few clever design elements include a rear window that lowers into the trunk and a single button on the ceiling that opens all four windows and the rear window at once.

R2's user interface

The interface features two haptic, metal knobs on the steering wheel that replace most buttons, providing a tactile experience similar to the clickable knob of the first iPods or the trackpad of a MacBook. The R2 has an 11.5-inch instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch central screen, offering a smooth and well-thought-out software experience.

R2's performance and battery

The R2 Performance model has two motors, about 665 hp, and a 0 to 96 km/h acceleration time of 3.6 seconds. It uses an 87.9 kWh battery with cylindrical 4695 cells in NCMA (nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum) chemistry on a 400-volt architecture.

R2's charging and range

The EPA-rated range is 531 km, but real-world tests have shown higher energy consumption than expected. The R2 remains at 400 volts, unlike many competitors moving to 800 volts, with a peak charging speed of about 230 kW.

R2's pricing and European plans

In the United States, the R2 Performance Launch costs $57,990, plus $1,495 delivery fees. In Europe, the R2 is expected to have a CCS2 plug and European homologation. The arrival in Europe is anticipated between 2028 and 2029, although no official dates have been confirmed.

Rivian's future plans

Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, mentioned that the United Kingdom will be the leading market, with the R2 preceding the R3 and R3X models.