Rivian’s upcoming R2 compact SUV has entered a new phase in its development journey—real-world testing. Production-intent prototypes are now being put through their paces on public roads and rugged trails across North America, ahead of the vehicle’s highly anticipated launch in 2026.
While it’s not uncommon for automakers to camouflage pre-production vehicles, Rivian is turning that tradition into a creative showcase. The R2 fleet is cloaked in vibrant, nature-inspired wraps that blend function and flair. The wraps serve the traditional purpose of obscuring design details that may still be in flux, but they also act as a bold announcement: testing is in full swing.
“We looked to the outdoors—textures, patterns, movement. We wanted to wrap the R2 in nature and have it feel alive, dynamic, and a little mysterious—almost like a children’s storybook,” explained Jonathan Szczupak, Rivian’s Senior Director of Exterior Design in a Rivian Stories.
Since the vehicle has already been unveiled, you might think the camouflage is just for aesthetics, but Szczupak notes there may still be tweaks underway. “The wraps help keep attention on the right things, while also letting us stay flexible during development,” he added.
The R2 prototypes are being pushed to their limits in extreme conditions as Rivian gathers critical data to fine-tune performance, durability, and comfort. This real-world validation process will ensure the R2 lives up to Rivian’s reputation for adventure-ready electric vehicles when deliveries begin next year.
Interestingly, Szczupak hinted that there might be hidden Easter eggs tucked within the wrap’s intricate design. “We like to layer in little surprises—shapes, references, and nods to Rivian that aren’t obvious at first glance,” he teased. Though the wraps are currently limited to development vehicles, fans have already started asking if the patterns will be available for production models. “Never say never,” Szczupak said, suggesting Rivian is open to the idea.
With the R2, Rivian is targeting a broader audience than its current R1T and R1S models, offering a more affordable and compact EV option. The R2 is expected to feature in-house developed Maximus drive units, advanced battery cells from LG Energy Solution, and refined vehicle software architecture to improve performance and reduce costs.
Rivian is currently expanding its factory in Normal, Illinois, to accommodate the additional production lines for the new vehicle. The automaker is also spending $120 million to build a supplier park to support R2 production.
