2027 Rivian R2

The electric SUV world has been desperate for a true alternative to the omnipresent Tesla Model Y, and the all-new Rivian R2 has officially arrived to fill that void. Stepping away from the premium, lower-volume flagship tiers of the R1 lineup, Rivian has successfully scaled down its rugged, adventure-ready DNA into a more city-friendly footprint. Equipped with a significantly more affordable entry price for the Rivian brand, an instantly recognizable boxy silhouette, and serious everyday utility, the R2 isn’t just an electric commuter wearing hiking boots. It’s (potentially) a legitimate segment disruptor.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric SUVs, including the Rivian R2.

The 2027 Rivian R2 is an all-new model.

The R2’s pricing strategy is competitive in the semi-premium EV crossover space. Deliveries kick off with the fully loaded Performance Launch Package at $59,485, before scaling down to the premium dual-motor AWD and the long-range Standard models later this year and into the next model year.

Electric SUVs with pricing similar to the Rivian R2 include the Chevy Blazer EV, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz EQB. The popular Tesla Model Y undercuts the Rivian R2 on the starting price, but their price tags are similar when the Tesla gets into the Premium and Performance variants.

Before buying an R2, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. It’s too early to predict how well the Rivian R2 will hold its value, but the bigger Rivian R1S boasts class-leading resale value. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Crack open the throttle on our Performance Launch Edition tester, and the R2 responds with an absolute mountain of power. Pumping out 656 hp and 609 lb-ft of torque, it delivers lightning-quick acceleration that remains remarkably manageable, avoiding excessive torque steer even when pinned. When it comes to everyday cruising, the R2 instantly reaps the benefits of weighing 2,000 pounds less than its existing R1S sibling; it feels noticeably nimbler and more friendly to tight spaces.

The structural trade-offs of this cheaper platform carry some unexpected benefits. Rivian replaced the R1’s heavy air suspension with traditional sway bars and a semi-active damping setup unique to this top tier. Consequently, diving into sharp corners results in some predictable body roll, though the overall composure stays dynamic. The steering feel errs on the numb side, but its quick ratio provides a sporty flavor that keeps things engaging. If you decide to venture past the pavement, the R2 asserts itself with 9.6 inches of ground clearance, clearly benchmarking some of the best in the segment and beating a Model Y by over three inches. The new structural (and armored) battery pack can take a hit if the breakover angle is tested, and allows for greater structural rigidity in all circumstances. There’s no locking differential to be found, but optimized traction software manages open differentials with instant electric response and brake-based torque vectoring, meaning this rig will confidently handle most dirt, ruts, and even rocky paths.

Autonomy is quickly becoming a staple of Rivian’s technology stack. The R2 launches with cameras of higher quality than R1 and everything needed for point-to-point autonomous navigation. At launch, it features Rivian’s Autonomy+ system with “Universal Hands Free,” allowing hands-free driving on roads with clearly marked lanes. But upcoming updates will unlock more capabilities. The LiDAR teased at Rivian’s inaugural AI & Autonomy Day is absent in the first model year of R2, coming instead to 2028 models alongside the RAP1 computer needed for full Level 3 autonomy.

Powertrain

Step inside the R2, and you are greeted by an elegant blend of Scandinavian minimalism, rich natural textures, and upcycled Birch wood accents. It feels premium and looks sleek, especially if you hold out for the optional light “Coastal Cloud” interior palette, coming later in 2026. The tech interface is incredibly sharp; the central touchscreen runs on Unreal Engine, a computer graphics engine designed for gaming, resulting in beautiful animations and ultra-responsive menus. You won’t find Apple CarPlay or Android Auto here, but Rivian’s native software handles EV route planning, Spotify, and Apple Music so flawlessly that you might not miss it.

Ergonomically, the cabin is highly intuitive. The new “Haptic Halo” steering wheel controls can be used to adjust climate and audio settings, and to control what’s shown on the driver display. It’s somewhat second nature after a few minutes of acclimation. The sound system moves the speakers from the door into the lower footwell, allowing for more space for large water bottles. But the sound tuning needs a bit of work out of the box. Toggling off the “Immersive Audio” setting and tweaking EQ a bit transforms the 975-watt Rivian Premium Audio system into an acoustic powerhouse. The front seats are heated and ventilated, but the real magic is in the second row. Thanks to the boxy 2-row layout, rear legroom earns bragging rights at 40.4 inches, easily beating midsize gas/hybrid icons like the Toyota 4Runner and even Rivian’s own R1S. Storage is similarly massive, matching the 4Runner’s total enclosed cargo room when you add up the sub-trunk, cabin cubbies, and the generous 5.2-cubic-foot power frunk.

Interior Space

*Note: Total enclosed storage reaches 90.1 cubic feet once you factor in the front trunk and various interior storage compartments.

Roll-Down Rear Glass
A feature straight out of the old-school off-roader playbook, the tailgate glass fully drops into the rear hatch. It provides easy access to gear, gives dogs plenty of fresh air, and allows long items like surfboards to stick straight out the back.

Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Charging
Addressing a pain point for R1 owners whose devices constantly slid around, the R2 integrates magnetic wireless charging to keep your phone in place.

Steering Wheel “Haptic Halo” Controls
A unique method to interact with and control software and comfort features. Quickly intuitive, not unlike the digital crown of an Apple Watch.