Rivian Automotive has been working hard to establish itself as a major player in the EV market. Its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV have been well-received both by critics as well as consumers. The adorable Electric Delivery Van (EDV), which is being made for Amazon in three sizes, has also been well received. The innovative EV company, founded in California in 2009, isn’t content with its achievements. It has plans for the future, with a smaller R2 platform, which will be the foundation for a new and more affordable range of vehicles.
The smaller SUV and pickup trucks, likely to be called the R2S or R2T, were originally scheduled to be introduced in 2025. However, they have been delayed at least one year to allow the future Georgia plant to be ready. This will give the company the time to concentrate on streamlining the production of the R1T and R1S. This decision has not affected the development of the smaller, more affordable Rivians.
Rivian’s R2 platform, which is due to be launched in June, was mentioned in a letter sent to shareholders. Although the company did not provide much information about the new underpinnings, it stated that they are aiming for smaller and more affordable models in both pickup and SUV body styles. These will be placed under the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, which are more expensive, and allow the company to target a wider market.
2026 Rivian R2 Review
Although we haven’t yet seen prototypes, it’s too soon to know what the new R2s will look like. With the help of AI software and our input, we tried to imagine a few design options that the SUV/pickup truck models could follow. We opted for a younger take on the R1’s aesthetics. The R2 was offered in two design options: a coupe-crossover-ish and a traditional one.
Engine
The new R2s will likely use a dual-electric motor setup. In the case of the R1, this produces 600 hp. However, the output variants of the R2s may be lower. Rivian may choose to keep the R1’s Quad-Motor setup, which produces 835 horsepower and 908lb-ft (1.320Nm) torque. This allows for a 0-60mph (0-60 km/h) time of 3 seconds flat only for larger models. These will be combined with 800V batteries of smaller capacity that will still provide a competitive range for lighter and smaller vehicles.
2026 Rivian R2 Release Date & Price
A new factory worth $5 billion will produce the Rivian R2 family in Georgia, USA. The new factory, which will be located in Georgia, USA, is expected to open in 2024. It will begin production of a second model before the launch of the new platform. Rivian is also believed to be working on a rugged SUV to compete with the Jeep Wrangler. The new Rivian pickup is built on the Rivian R2 platform. It will be available in two to three dual-motor AWD configurations. It could have an EPA-est. The battery pack size will determine the range.
Scaringe mentioned that Rivian might not offer R2 models with a four-motor powertrain on the Waveform podcast. Customers should still expect the same dynamics and capabilities as those found in the R1 models. The R2T will be ready in a few years, but the technology within Rivian, as well as the auto industry, will rapidly advance before it is. The R2T will likely use a different cell chemistry than the R1T and a different method of cell installation.
Rivian R2 is due to be launched in the US in 2026. The models will also be available in Europe and other international markets because of their smaller footprint than the R1S or R1T. Rivian sent a letter last November to shareholders announcing the one-year delay in the launch of the new models. Rivian stated that the R2 platform would unlock a global market opportunity and was excited about the work already underway. We may see early prototypes of the model in 2024 or 2025. This will give us an idea of its styling and proportions. Check out the galleries for speculative renderings.