Rivian has started deliveries of the R2 electric SUV two years after its announcement. The move marks a new chapter for the company: Like Tesla did with the Model 3, it is moving beyond the luxury electric vehicle market to a considerably broader audience.
He first shipping model is the $57,990 R2 Performance with introductory package. It offers the same 656HP dual-motor system, all-wheel drive and 335 miles EPA range like the regular Performance trim, but includes lifetime access to Rivian’s Autonomy+ driver-assist features, an optional green color with a matching key fob, and a towing kit.
The first deliveries come as Rivian opens orders to reservation holders. Existing owners will get “accelerated delivery times,” although the company promises a “balanced” approach that still gives first-time buyers a reasonable opportunity. Orders arrive within two to six weeks.
A $53,990 mid-level R2 Premium will offer 450HP, AWD and comparable range when it arrives in late 2026. The ‘entry-level’ $48,490 R2 Standard is due in the first half of 2027 with 350HP, rear-wheel drive and an estimated range of 345 miles. Rivian is still committed to launching a $45,000 model with more than 275 miles of range, but hasn’t finalized the details.
Why the Rivian R2 is so important
The company needs an electric vehicle for the mass market
To date, Rivian has only offered the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, both of which start at $70,000 and can easily be configured at $100,000. While they have generally been well received, they have been small volume cars that would never make Rivian profitable on their own.
The R2 potentially reaches many more people, even if it’s not as relatively affordable as the Model 3 was when it debuted in 2017. Rivian now competes against a mix of mainstream SUVs and electric vehicles like the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC (both gas and electric). It expects to deliver at least R20,000 by the end of 2026, which could help stem years of losses.
This could also offset the impact of a Tough US EV Market. The end of the $7,500 federal tax credit caused a drop in electric car sales in early 2026. Rivian wasn’t hurt, but it only sold about 10,000 electric vehicles across its lineup and was catering to buyers who could easily pay full price. The R2 reaches customers who may still have a lot of money to spend, but who are more cost-conscious.
Deliveries of the R3 are expected in the near future
The deliveries also lay the foundation for Rivian’s long-term plans. Expects to ship its most affordable hatchback model crossover r3 at the end of 2027 or beginning of 2028.
If the R2 is a success, there could be greater interest in the R3 and an even larger market. Rivian isn’t entirely reliant on R2 (its software and services team made a year of gross profits thanks to VW), but there’s no doubt it needs a hit to stay the course.
Fountain: rivian
