If you were worried that the Rivian R2 would seriously compromise driving distance due to its smaller size and price, you can relax.
Rivian Forums members have discovered The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially estimated the range of the R2 Performance Launch Package model at 335 miles, or slightly above the preliminary 330-mile figure announced in March.
Testing standards versus the competition
All-wheel drive as standard
This entry-level model produces 656 horsepower through dual motors, comes with all-wheel drive as standard, and runs on 21-inch all-season wheels. The electric SUV is also not expected to sacrifice charging speeds. The EPA estimates that the R2 will be capable of 217 kW DC fast charging, a figure roughly on par with the R1S and R1T.
As electrek warns, Rivian could have accomplished the feat using less strict testing standards than some of its competitors. You won’t necessarily see 335 miles in real-world conditions.
However, a spokesperson confirmed that the production launch package will have a heat pump while the model tested by the EPA used conventional air conditioning. You won’t see as marked a degradation of range in colder climates.
The Rivian R2 range could be ahead of its class
However, some rivals may be more useful.
The range potentially puts the $57,990 R2 Launch Edition ahead of other electric SUVs in its price range, including some trim levels for the Hyundai Ioniq 9 (up to 335 miles) and Chevy Blazer EV (currently up to 312 miles).
While the Tesla Model Y theoretically beats the R2 with 357 miles of maximum range, that’s only for the RWD Premium model. Stepping up to Premium AWD leaves Tesla slightly behind at 327 miles.
Some rivals may be more useful. The Ioniq 9 is a three-row SUV, while the R2 has only two rows, making the Korean electric vehicle better for large families. However, Rivian claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds for all R2 Performance versions. That’s well ahead of the Model Y AWD Premium’s 4.6 seconds despite the claimed range advantage.
Prices and availability
Early R2 customers will have no choice but to purchase this more expensive variant.
The $53,990 R2 Premium (450HP, 330 miles and a 4.6-second 0-60MPH time) won’t be ready until late 2026, and the $48,490 R2 Standard (350HP, 345 miles, 5.9s 0-60MPH) won’t be ready until the first half of 2027.
However, the EPA estimates bode well for Rivian, which is betting its long-term future on both the R2 and the R3 rear window.
Rivian has also received significant recent investments, including $1 billion from partner Volkswagen and $500 million from Ford. Uber also forged a $1.25 billion partnership that will eventually allow the ride-sharing giant to deploy autonomous R2 robotaxis.
