Automotive

Rivian R2 First Drive: This EV Is Even Better Than I Expected

State Of Charge
State Of Charge•Jun 9, 2026

Why It Matters

The R2’s lower price and refined technology open Rivian to a mass market, potentially boosting sales volumes and challenging established SUV competitors.

Key Takeaways

  • •Rivian R2 priced around $45,000, targeting mass‑market buyers.
  • •Design mirrors R1S but smaller, retaining signature oval headlights.
  • •Integrated side blinkers meet European regulations, showing global intent.
  • •New infotainment consolidates five processors into one SOC, boosting performance.
  • •R2 reduces parts like fixed glass, cutting costs while improving functionality.

Summary

Rivian unveiled the R2, a midsize electric SUV priced near $45,000, marking the company’s first serious push into a more affordable segment after selling fewer than 200,000 R1 models. The launch aims to broaden the brand’s appeal while preserving the premium experience that early adopters expect.

The R2’s exterior deliberately echoes the larger R1S, featuring the trademark oval headlights, wrap‑around tail‑light bar and a boxy roofline that maximizes cargo space. European‑required side blinkers are integrated into the front fenders, and the vehicle offers multiple wheel and tire options, a hidden trailer hitch, and a rear‑mounted charge port. Inside, Rivian has streamlined hardware, replacing five separate processors with a single system‑on‑chip that runs multiple virtual machines, delivering faster UI performance at lower cost.

CEO RJ Scaringe highlighted the myriad trade‑offs—front overhang versus crash zone, aerodynamics versus proportion—that shaped the R2’s final form, noting two major program resets before converging on the current design. Chief software engineer Wasim Bened emphasized that consolidating processing power not only cut expenses but also improved infotainment responsiveness, illustrating Rivian’s broader strategy of shifting complexity from hardware to software.

By delivering a sub‑$50,000 EV without sacrificing core Rivian attributes, the R2 positions the company to compete directly with legacy automakers’ compact SUVs and could accelerate adoption among cost‑sensitive consumers, while the design and engineering choices signal a maturing, globally‑focused product roadmap.

Original Description

Rivian invited me to the R2 first-drive event in Park City, Utah, to experience its new mid-size SUV offering and offer my thoughts on it.
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:15 Exterior walk-around
05:22 RJ Scaringe on the R2's exterior design
13:57 Wassym Bensaid on the R2's infotainment system
29:54 Vidya Rajagopalan, Rivian's SVP of electrical hardware
35:39 James Philbin, Rivian SVP of Autonomy and AI
39:12 Driving the R2
44:59 R2 trims and MSRP
49:41 I time the R2's 10 mph to 100 mph acceleration
50:10 Charging the R2
52:51 The R2's battery pack
53:38 The R2's Maximus drive motors
54:06 The R2's size and cargo capacity
55:12 R2's Retractable rear window
56:50 Final thoughts
58:00 Outro
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