Rivian’s upcoming R2 electric SUV is one step closer to reaching customers. The company confirmed on Monday that the R2 has entered final validation testing—the last major phase before production ramps and deliveries begin later this year.
Rivian first announced that Manufacturing Validation Builds (MVBs) of the R2 were rolling off the line on January 16, 2026, marking a key transition from prototype development to production-intent vehicles. Those early builds confirmed that Rivian’s Normal, Illinois factory and newly expanded R2 production line were ready for real-world testing.
Just a few weeks later, those same validation vehicles are now being pushed hard in final validation. According to Rivian, its R2 development fleet has already accumulated tens of thousands of miles per vehicle, undergoing durability testing across a wide range of environments, including extreme temperatures ranging from -45°F (-43°C) in Alaska to 122°F (50°C) in desert conditions.
This type of testing helps validate everything from battery performance and thermal management to suspension durability and overall vehicle reliability.
Rivian says the R2’s battery and electronics are designed to be well protected from the elements, while the chassis and suspension are engineered to withstand heavy use both on-road and off-road.
While deliveries are near, there is still some key information that remains unknown, the biggest of which is final price. When it was debuted, the R2 was expected to start at around US$45,000, making it significantly more affordable than Rivian’s current lineup.
That lower price point positions it to compete in one of the most popular segments—the midsize electric SUV category—currently dominated by the Tesla Model Y.
More importantly, the R2 represents Rivian’s first true attempt at scaling beyond the premium market and reaching a much broader audience.
With final validation now underway and production preparations largely complete, Rivian appears to be entering the home stretch. If everything stays on track, customers could begin receiving their R2 SUVs within the next few months.
