Rivian will start deliveries of its R2 SUV this spring, introducing an initial Performance trim priced at $57,990, the company said. The launch model is a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration producing 656 horsepower and offering roughly 330 miles of range.
Alongside the Performance launch variant, Rivian announced two other R2 trims and a staggered availability schedule. A Premium trim priced at $53,990 is due late this year, while a rear-wheel-drive Standard model priced at $48,490 is scheduled for deliveries in the first half of 2027. An even lower-priced R2 intended to broaden the company’s market reach - a $45,000 variant advertised with more than 275 miles of range - is slated for late 2027.
The company has positioned the R2 as a critical product for expanding its customer base beyond the higher-priced R1 line of SUVs and pickups. The model is intended to compete with mainstream EV crossovers, including Tesla’s Model Y family, which Rivian noted in its pricing comparisons: Tesla’s Model Y Premium variants start at $44,990, the Performance at $57,490, and stripped-down Standard versions were introduced last year at $39,990.
Rivian has also integrated hardware for its Autonomy+ driver assistance system across all R2 trims. The software subscription for Autonomy+ is offered at $49.99 per month or as a one-time payment of $2,500; lifetime access is included with the launch edition of the R2.
In forecasting production and deliveries, Rivian said last month that sales of the R2 SUV would drive a 53% increase in deliveries this year to a range of 62,000 to 67,000 vehicles, implying roughly 23,000 R2 deliveries in the period. The company further indicated that the R2 should account for the majority of its deliveries in 2027.
Analysts and industry observers, however, pointed to several policy and pricing headwinds. Barclays analyst Dan Levy noted that Rivian has a backlog for the R2 exceeding 100,000 units, but added that most of those orders were likely placed when customers expected a $7,500 federal EV tax credit. "While Rivian has over a 100,000-unit order backlog for R2, we note that the majority of these orders were likely placed assuming the $7,500 EV credit, with the vehicle now significantly more expensive," Levy wrote in a note on Wednesday, and he forecast 16,500 R2 deliveries this year.
Other policy changes cited by analysts include import tariffs on auto parts, the removal of EV tax credits, and the elimination of fines for automakers that miss emissions targets. Those shifts have been called out as contributors to higher prices and softer sales.
On manufacturing, Rivian had originally planned to build the R2 at its new Georgia plant but decided to start production at its existing facility in Normal, Illinois. The company said R2 production will expand to the Georgia factory by 2028.
Rivian also previously previewed a smaller, lower-cost crossover called the R3 alongside the R2. Information on the R3 was limited in the company’s communications.
Key points
- Rivian will launch the R2 this spring with a $57,990 Performance trim that offers about 330 miles of range and 656 horsepower.
- The company plans additional R2 trims: a $53,990 Premium late this year, a $48,490 Standard in the first half of 2027, and a $45,000 long-range variant targeted for late 2027.
- Rivian expects R2 sales to drive a 53% jump in deliveries this year to 62,000-67,000 units, with about 23,000 R2 deliveries implied; Barclays forecasts a lower R2 delivery figure of 16,500 for the year.
Risks and uncertainties
- Policy shifts - including import tariffs, removal of EV tax credits, and changes to emissions enforcement - have increased vehicle prices and may reduce demand, affecting the broader auto and EV sectors.
- Order backlog sensitivity - Rivian’s stated backlog of over 100,000 R2 orders may not translate directly into deliveries because many orders were likely placed assuming a $7,500 federal tax credit.
- Production staging - moving initial R2 production to the Normal, Illinois plant before expanding to the Georgia facility in 2028 introduces execution and capacity ramp risk during the rollout period.
Note: This article presents company-provided pricing and scheduling along with analyst commentary as reported. Information about the R3 was limited in the company’s announcements.