Rivian starts deliveries of R2 after years of development and validation

Rivian has begun public deliveries of its R2 mid-size SUV and has extended invitations to order to existing R2 reservation holders on a rolling basis, according to a press release. 

The vehicle, first unveiled in 2024, started rolling off the production lines at its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, in April. 

Deliveries begin with the R2 Performance with Launch Package (starting at $57,990), with R2 Premium (starting at $48,490) configurations to follow in late 2026 and multiple R2 standard ($44,900) configurations through 2027. 

“I am really proud of the work our team poured into creating R2,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and CEO, in the release. “This vehicle reflects the passion and excitement of the entire Rivian team who have worked tirelessly to bring it to life. I can’t wait for customers to experience this vehicle.”

The R2 spent multiple years in a development and validation program, according to the release. It adds that every R2 in Rivian’s development fleet has accumulated tens of thousands of miles. Engineering teams validated R2 in temperatures ranging from -45°F to 122°F across challenging terrains. 

The vehicle is engineered for a more accessible price point without compromising on capability, the release says. It is about 2,000 pounds lighter than the R1 and sits on a shorter 115.6-inch wheelbase. 

“R2 is responsive and maneuverable in urban environments while retaining Rivian’s off-road DNA, with 9.6 inches of class-leading ground clearance, a 25° approach angle, and a 26° departure angle,” the release says. 

It also includes an interior with 40.9 inches of front headroom, 40.4 inches of rear legroom, and 40/20/40 folding rear seats for hauling long items like skis or lumber. 

R2 reservation holders will start receiving invitations to configure and order in rolling batches. The invasion will be determined by a variety of factors, the primary ones being when the reservation was made and the delivery location. 

Current Rivian owners will receive accelerated delivery timing, balanced alongside deliveries to non-owners. Customers with a lease that ends soon can enter expiring lease information in their Rivian account, and that information will be considered where possible. 

Upon receiving an invitation, customers will be able to select their trim, color, wheels, and interior and confirm their order through their Rivian account. All reservation holders will receive an estimate of when they can expect their order invitation by the end of June. 

The R2 Performance and Launch Package includes Autonomy+, featuring Universal Hands-Free assisted driving across 3.5 million miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada.

The package also includes: 

• • Dual-motor all-wheel drive producing 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque
  • 0–60 mph in as quick as 3.6 seconds
  • An EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles
  • Semi-active suspension (unique to Performance trim)
  • Exclusive option of Launch Green exterior color (paid upgrade)
  • Special Rivian Green anodized key fob
  • Tow Package with an integrated 2-inch hitch receiver and 4,400 pounds of towing capacity

Rivian says that R2 pairs an AI-ready architecture with 5G connectivity. The in-cabin experience includes Rivian Assistant, which will launch on R2 later this summer. 

Its multimodal perception stack includes 11 HDR cameras totaling 65 MP and a five-radar system for sensory fidelity. 

“This foundation powers an expanding suite of driver assistance and active safety features designed for a drive that feels as advanced as it operates, and a vehicle that gets smarter with every over-the-air update,” the release says. 

The Autonomous Platform is included in the R2 Performance and Launch Package, with other trims having the option at $49.99 a month or a $2,500 one-time fee. 

A haptic halo wheel is capable of scrolling, pushing, pulling, and tilting and provides physical responses for multiple functions, the release says. 

The R2 also has two displays. A driver display in the front of the steering wheel for more utility on the road and a center display for a deeper dive into navigation and infotainment. 

R2 reservations remain open with a $100 refundable deposit.

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Photo courtesy of Rivian.