Rivian R2 Performance Arrives Loaded with Features for $57,990

Rivian’s More Attainable EV Finally Takes Shape

The R2’s specs may have leaked early, but the official reveal shows there’s a lot more to this electric SUV than what first hit the internet.

The R2 is a big deal for Rivian. While the R1T pickup and R1S SUV helped establish the brand, both sit firmly in premium territory with prices well north of $70,000. The R2 is meant to be the more mainstream offering – something for buyers who want Rivian’s design and capability but can’t quite stretch their budget to the larger models.

First out of the gate is the R2 Performance with Launch Package, starting at $57,990. It’s a limited-run setup, but Rivian didn’t hold back on features or capability.

Standard kit covers semi-active suspension, a premium cabin with birch wood accents, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 975-watt Rivian Premium Audio system. There are also some Launch Package-only details, like Compass Yellow brake calipers and unique trim pieces.

Now that the full specs are out, there’s plenty to unpack.

Performance, Range, and Capability

In Performance trim with Launch Package, the R2 comes with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that produces 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque. Rivian estimates the SUV can sprint from 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds, which places it firmly in performance EV territory. Highway acceleration looks strong, with the company quoting a 50–70 mph time of just 1.55 seconds.

The Performance model is expected to deliver up to 330 miles of EPA-estimated range. The R2 comes with a native NACS charge port, meaning it can plug directly into Tesla’s Supercharger network. Other charging networks are supported through a CCS adapter.

Despite being smaller and lighter than the R1 models – nearly 2,000 pounds lighter, according to Rivian – the R2 still carries serious off-road credentials. Key specs include:

• 9.6 inches of ground clearance
• 25-degree approach angle
• 26-degree departure angle
• Up to 4,400 pounds of towing capacity

Drive modes cover the basics – All-Purpose and Conserve – but also branch out to Snow, All-Terrain, Soft Sand, and Rally. The Performance trim even gets its own Launch Mode for maximum acceleration.

Adventure-Focused Design and Practical Interior

Design-wise, the R2 keeps Rivian’s signature look – oval headlights, full-width light bar – but the shape is more compact and city-friendly. At 185.9 inches long and with a 115.6-inch wheelbase, it sits below the R1S in the lineup.

Rivian is introducing several new exterior colors specifically for the R2, including Catalina Cove, Esker Silver, and Half Moon Grey. These join existing shades such as Midnight, Glacier White, and Forest Green.

Wheels range from 19-inch all-seasons to 21-inch range-focused designs. There’s also a 20-inch all-terrain package with BF Goodrich tires for anyone planning to leave the pavement behind.

Inside, the cabin sticks to Rivian’s minimalist style but adds natural materials and practical touches for adventure. Higher trims get two premium interior themes:

• Black Crater Signature, inspired by volcanic rock tones
• Coastal Cloud Signature, a lighter palette with airy textures

R2 storage is generous at 90.1 cubic feet, with a 5.2-cubic-foot front trunk that fits a carry-on and a backpack. The rear drop glass window is a highlight – it drops fully into the liftgate, so you can slide in longer gear like surfboards or lumber without leaving the tailgate open.

Software-Heavy Technology

The R2 uses an updated electrical architecture that supports more computing power and future over-the-air updates. Rivian says the vehicle will continue gaining new features long after delivery. A multi-sensor perception system includes 11 HDR cameras with a combined 65 megapixels, along with a five-radar setup for driver assistance systems.

The available Autonomy+ driver assistance suite supports hands-free driving across more than 3.5 million miles of roads in the US and Canada. Buyers can subscribe for $49.99 per month or purchase the feature outright for $2,500.

Rivian also redesigned the steering wheel, adding haptic halo dials that mix physical controls with tactile feedback for adjusting settings.

Inside the cabin, drivers get two main displays: a driver screen behind the steering wheel and a larger central infotainment display. The vehicle also includes 200 TOPS of edge AI computing power, which Rivian plans to use for future features, including its upcoming in-vehicle voice assistant.

Other R2 Trims and Pricing

Beyond the Launch Edition Performance model, Rivian has confirmed additional trims for the R2 lineup, as revealed in the leaked info.

The R2 Premium arrives later in 2026, starting at $53,990. It uses a dual-motor AWD setup producing 450 hp and 537 lb-ft, with a 0–60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and up to 330 miles of range.

A more affordable R2 Standard follows in 2027, starting at $48,490. This version features a single-motor rear-wheel-drive layout with 350 hp, a 5.9-second 0–60 time, and up to 345 miles of estimated range.

Rivian also plans an even cheaper Standard variant later in 2027, priced around $45,000 and with more than 275 miles of range, squarely competing against Tesla Model Y Premium trims.

Still Cheaper Than the R1 Lineup

Just in case you’re wondering where the R2 sits in Rivian’s pricing ladder, the Launch Edition is not exactly an affordable EV, but it is still well below the company’s current models. The cheapest R1S currently listed in Rivian’s inventory starts at $76,990, and that’s for a Dual Standard configuration. That gap highlights the role the R2 will play in Rivian’s lineup as the more attainable entry point to the brand.

Deliveries for the R2 Launch Edition begin in Spring 2026. Reservations are already open with a $100 refundable deposit.

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