Rivian has announced it will soon reveal full pricing, options, and final specifications for the highly anticipated R2. The announcement comes just as the first wave of prototype drive reviews hits the web, offering an early look at what could become Rivian’s most important vehicle—and its first true mass-market contender.
In a post on X, Rivian confirmed the first R2 to launch will be a dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD) variant, and that final pricing and options will be announced on March 12, 2026. While Rivian has long suggested a starting price around US$45,000, the March 12 reveal will finally confirm how the company plans to position the SUV against competitors like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The timing of the announcement alongside the first independent reviews suggests Rivian is confident the R2’s real-world performance will help build momentum ahead of its launch.
Early impressions from reviewers suggest Rivian may have succeeded in translating the character of its flagship R1 vehicles into a smaller, more accessible package in the R2. Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, said the R2 has the potential to be Rivian’s breakthrough vehicle, explaining, “If the base $45,000 version of the R2 with 300 plus miles of range and decent performance and all the same character and the same great setup and packaging is still a good product — which I think it will be — this I think can be their Model Y, for lack of a better comparison.”
He added that the prototype felt remarkably similar to Rivian’s larger SUV, noting, “It really feels just like R1S on the road. If you put me in this and didn’t tell me that it was an R2, I would probably just believe I was in an R1S,” while also praising its smoother ride quality.
According to Car and Driver, the R2 benefits from a lighter unibody platform and a simplified suspension design compared to the R1S, which improves efficiency and everyday usability while still delivering strong driving dynamics. The publication noted that despite its more affordable positioning, the R2 still feels composed and capable, reinforcing Rivian’s reputation for building vehicles that balance comfort, performance, and off-road readiness.
InsideEVs echoed that sentiment, describing the R2 as a critical vehicle for Rivian’s future, offering the performance, technology, and practicality needed to appeal to a much broader audience. The outlet highlighted the SUV’s quick acceleration, spacious interior, and off-road capability, suggesting Rivian has managed to retain much of the appeal of its more expensive models.
Similarly, Top Gear praised the R2’s driving dynamics, calling it “a chunky electric SUV with an unexpectedly strong handling game,” underscoring its ability to deliver both refinement and capability.
With pricing and full details just weeks away, the R2 appears poised to be a winner. If Rivian can deliver on its promise of strong performance, over 300 miles (482 km) of range, and competitive pricing, the R2 could become the company’s equivalent of the Model Y.
