The much-awaited Rivian R2-series SUV (which might be called the R2S or the R2C, where "C" indicates a crossover SUV) is debuting in about three weeks. The R1S' smaller sibling should enter production in late 2025, though. So, don't get your hopes up for deliveries starting earlier than that.
But what you can do is attend or watch the reveal online and wait for the moment when reservations will open. The event starts on March 7 at 10 AM PST. Rivian will put your name in a queue for only $100, which is fully refundable. You won't lose your money if you change your mind.
If you really want to be among the first to drive the R2 eSUV, you must pay attention to the official unveiling because the reservation process starts during the reveal.
Rivian also released a new teaser, which shows a shrunken R1S proudly displaying the brand's iconic lightning signature. The only difference is that it has three LED modules per headlight instead of four, like the R1S. The light bar is also a bit smaller, and the oval shapes surrounding the headlights are slimmer.
The shadowy silhouette also shows a shorter SUV, which made us think of the Bronco Sport instead of the off-road-ready Bronco. Fingers crossed, maybe we're wrong, and the R2 eSUV will be just a two-row R1S that retains its big brother's impressive abilities to go anywhere and do anything.
However, there wouldn't be anything wrong with a Model Y rival that looks a bit boxier. Drivers love crossover SUVs. The segment is pretty crowded, but a $40,000 - $60,000 ride with Rivian's DNA will probably fare pretty well.
Currently, the cheapest R1S has a starting cost of $74,900, which makes us confident about the R2 having a 40% lower MSRP. We also expect Rivian's newest EV to arrive on the market with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that's less sensitive to weather changes or top-ups.
The video you can see below also suggests that the upcoming R2 is a vehicle for everyone. It doesn't appeal only to well-off buyers or those who are looking for a "zero-emission" ride that can fight most off-road trails.
Considering that Rivian said on multiple occasions that the R2 would be produced at the upcoming Stanton Springs North, Atlanta, Georgia plant, we anticipate the R2 will debut in late 2025 as a 2026 model-year EV.
Still, it's worth noting that the brand already announced a downtime for its Normal, Illinois plant. It could pull off a surprise move and announce a production line for the R2-series EV. However, the chances of that happening are very low because the automaker plans to update the R1T and R1S in the summer of this year.
All in all, the R2 is coming, and we couldn't be more excited about the prospect of a smaller R1S that can create problems for everyone: from Tesla and Ford to BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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