Rivian's third electric vehicle, the R2, is now on the road, and early reviews position it as the company's most mainstream offering yet. The mid-size SUV starts below $60,000, undercutting the larger R1S by more than $20,000, while retaining much of the brand's signature design and capability. According to Engadget's review, the R2 blends off-road ruggedness with everyday practicality, making it a strong contender in the crowded electric SUV segment.
The review highlights a roomy interior, a streamlined dashboard with upcycled birch trim, and a 15.6-inch infotainment display. It also notes standard hands-free driving on highways, a feature that adds convenience for long commutes. However, some promised capabilities are still in development: the Rivian Assistant voice system is not yet available, and hands-free driving on surface streets needs more work. Charging speed is also described as merely adequate rather than class-leading.
For Rivian, the R2 represents a strategic shift toward higher volumes. The company's earlier models, the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, were praised but priced beyond most households. The R2 aims to capture a broader audience without abandoning the brand's adventurous image. The review calls it the closest thing to a "Goldilocks" EV SUV on sale today—not too big, not too small, and not too expensive. The base model, expected next year, could lower the entry price further, though no exact figure is given in the source.