- The 2027 Rivian R2 will start at $59,485 at launch.
- Prices will drop as new trims arrive, eventually reaching $46,495.
It’s been just over two years since electric vehicle (EV) startup Rivian unveiled its more affordable midsize electric SUV, the R2. Today, the company offered more details, including pricing information.
That event also had a very Apple-esque “One more thing” ending, as the company revealed a surprise car, the R3. An even smaller and even more affordable crossover, it won our hearts immediately. Alas, there is no mention of that car in today’s announcement.
Today’s news centered on the much-anticipated trim and pricing details of the R2, which will appear as a 2027 model.
At first, the only trim available will be the R2 Performance. This is a dual motor “launch” trim of sorts. It will appear this spring at $59,485 (including a $1,495 destination fee), impressively undercutting the rumored $60,000 price tag.
Over time, more affordable options will appear, with a low-end price of $46,495 by the time the lineup is complete.
2027 Rivian R2 Pricing
| Trim Level | Horsepower | Range | Price (including destination fee) | Availability |
| Standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) | 350 | 275 miles (Rivian-estimated) | $46,495 | Late 2027 |
| Standard RWD Long Range | 350 | 345 miles (Rivian-estimated) | $49,985 | Early 2027 |
| Premium | 450 | 330 miles (EPA-estimated) | $55,485 | Late 2026 |
| Performance | 656 | 330 miles (EPA-estimated) | $59,485 | Spring 2026 |
All-Wheel Drive (AWD), 3.6 Seconds to 60
- The Performance trim, the only one available at launch, will offer 656 hp and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
The R2 Performance trim will get 656 hp and rocket to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. That’s… more than enough for the average driver. For something aimed at the “affordable” end of Rivian’s universe, it’s borderline mischievous. That Mustang Dark Horse that pulls up next to you at the stoplight? They’ll see your taillights despite their best efforts.
Rivian also lists a “semi-active suspension” as standard equipment on that model. That’s not an industry-standard term, so we will bring you an explanation when the company has one to offer.
The Premium model, available later this year, will make 450 hp with AWD. It shares most of the comfort and tech upgrades from the Performance trim, unfortunately minus the semi-active suspension. Think of it as the R2 that’s just as ready for Costco and camping but outruns just the standard Mustangs at stoplights. Not that we condone such behavior.
A rear-wheel drive (RWD) Standard model, offered last, will come in Long Range and standard range form. Both will be RWD with 350 hp. Rivian is keeping other mechanical details of those two close to the vest for now. They won’t arrive until next year.
That 350 hp figure is no number to balk at. And buyers who get cold feet about RWD can opt for a dual‑motor 450‑hp setup that mirrors the Premium. You’ll lose access to Premium Audio and unique colors, but a penny saved is a penny earned. It’ll still get you to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds.
Ground clearance of 9.6 inches and 25-degree approach and 26-degree departure angles allow for some proper off-roading. All R2 models can tow 4,400 pounds. when equipped with a tow package.
The initial Performance, Premium, and Standard trims will all charge the 87.9-kWh battery pack from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes, which isn’t class-leading but puts it on par with Tesla’s charging curve. Equipped with a North American Charging System (NACS) port, the R2 will have easy access to many Tesla Superchargers and a wealth of DC fast-charging networks.
The Yellow Is Back…Kind Of
- Compass Yellow, a color with a cult following, is back…but only on the brake calipers.
Instead of bringing back Compass Yellow, a crowd favorite (and my favorite) R1 hue that lived on fan forum mood boards for years, Rivian gives the R2 Performance… Compass Yellow brake calipers.
It’s a little like saying, “We heard you liked strawberry, so here’s a single strawberry atop a slice of cheesecake.” Good thing I like cheesecake. I suppose the purple “Borealis” or new “Catalina Cove” blue are good consolation prizes. Rivian does color better than most.
Other colors include Catalina Cove (a medium blue with teal notes), Esker Silver, and Half Moon Grey.
Autonomy Forever, Drop-Glass Rear Window
- Rivian’s partial self-driving system will be available for $49.99 per month, or $2,500 up front.
- Other features include a Toyota 4Runner-style drop-glass rear window and an AI assistant that can operate without a cloud connection.
Rivian continues its push into a future of autonomous driving with two plans — an upfront fee of $2,500 for permanent access to its partial self-driving system, or a $49.99 monthly subscription.
Notably, the R2 is not launching initially with the LiDAR or RAP1 autonomy computer shown off at Rivian’s recent AI & Autonomy event. Many drivers may not view autonomous driving or AI as a primary factor in their buying decision. Still, those wanting future-proof hardware, as Rivian attempts to rival Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised), may want to wait for the eventual addition of those features.
Other tech features include 11 HDR cameras, 5 radars, a revamped computing backbone with improved in-cabin AI processing, and Rivian’s forthcoming AI Assistant, designed to run locally.
Other standard equipment includes a drop-glass rear window (Toyota 4Runner style), heated and ventilated seats, Matrix LED headlights, and the beloved torch flashlight in the door.
Reservations are now open for $100, with the R2 set to make a public appearance at SXSW starting March 13.
Now that trims and pricing are official, the only mystery left is whether Rivian can build enough of these things fast enough. Tesla’s Model Y has a huge market share, and pricing the R2 this competitively may provide the method to jump ship that many Tesla owners wished for last year. Oh, and did I mention it has two glove boxes?
Take. My. Money.
Cox Automotive, the parent company of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, is a minority investor in Rivian.
