Rivian reveals pricing and trim details for its R2 SUV

The midsize AWD EV goes on sale this spring, single-motor versions in 2027.

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[Hort]

I agree with you about not supporting CarPlay. We use the built-in Apple Music app in our R1S to solve the streaming problem, and the nav is top-notch with the Rivian/Google integration there. The biggest gap remaining is the ability to activate hands-free calls or texts without having to turn to Alexa. Hopefully they'll see that Tesla is adding CarPlay, if they do, and follow suit.

Nope - the R2 will be built with it's own native AI-based system. You'll be able to talk to it in plain English to text. make calls, tell it to update your calendar, find a paint shop near me that stocks (name your brand) etc as well as control music, adjust climate etc. RJ has talked at length about their "great and deep" relationship" with Apple and how they're partnering to make Appl work better in Rivian's.

 

[theOGpetergregory]

At this point, even if I had the extra coin, I'd probably pick Rivian.

This is fascinating to me and I would love to know if BMW is aware how prevalent this sentiment is and how they feel about it.

Are they seething with jealousy that Rivian has the magic dust on them?
Do BMW think "they're a small, US firm, we're a global behemoth, why would we care?"
Is it on the CEO's radar as a 5-10 year threat?

The concept that people would prefer a cheaper alternative to BMW even if they had BMW money seems like a seismic shift in the automotive landscape.

 

[Mainenerd]

Interesting but what about V2H? A lot of us that get 4WD cars live in areas where home generators are often necessary.

 

[Bash]

1. Don't forget that Rivian requires a $150/year or $15/month data subscription after the first 60 days if you want their full experience. You can tether to the phone, but that may not support all the map features locked behind their paywall.

2. I do NOT want Alexa listening to me in my car!

3. It'll be interesting to see how this stacks up against the Volvo EX60.

 

[brionl]

I like a lot of the ideas in the Rivian but do we really need to be adjusting every single possible thing in the car through a touch screen?

I really, really just want to be able to adjust my HVAC or other basic driving tasks without looking at or talking to my vehicle.

I quite like the look and the color of this particular incantation.

Wingardium Electriossaaa!
Or did you mean incarnation?

 

[erics4]

Agreed 100%. We'll be headed to Portland to test drive an R2 as Washington doesn't allow this yet.

The Rivian space in Seattle has been allowed to do "public education drives" for about a year now!

 

[Gigaflop]

Sadly I'm not in the market right this second for a new car. Probably in a year or two, and this is definitely going to be on that list! If the significant other agrees. There might be competition in that space.

(OK, it actually said “R2 is outfitted with 200 sparse TOPS of edge AI compute dedicated to the in-cabin experience,” but I really don’t like how compute is becoming a noun.)

You need to let this go! It was already becoming popular term in my circles like 4 years ago. Now it's literally a daily term that I hear used by off shore teams, by provisioning, by the AI/ML teams, by IT. It's a done deal. It's not going away now.

 

[SirOmega]

This is fascinating to me and I would love to know if BMW is aware how prevalent this sentiment is and how they feel about it.

Are they seething with jealousy that Rivian has the magic dust on them?
Do BMW think "they're a small, US firm, we're a global behemoth, why would we care?"
Is it on the CEO's radar as a 5-10 year threat?

The concept that people would prefer a cheaper alternative to BMW even if they had BMW money seems like a seismic shift in the automotive landscape.

Well don't take my word as universal. It has a lot more to do with the fact that I have two small kids who make a huge fucking mess in my cars and I'd rather them beat the shit out of a 50k car and not a 65k one.

That said, the car they drive in most of the time is my 65k Model Y that I bought at the peak right before the massive early 2023 price cut. So I feel the pain every time I take it and see the huge mess everywhere.

If I were single guy, no kids, and had the money, I'd take the BMW.

 

[LordSlinkySupreme]

It's all relative. I could afford that, but in actuality that is 4 times what I spent on my last vehicle. New cars have priced themselves out of my market. House payments and 401 are way higher priority.

I mean, I agree, but that’s the just state of the industry.

I remember when a BMW 3 Series started at $33K and was $42K well-equipped. Now it starts in the $50K range. My 2008 Acura TSX was $30K out the door.

Inflation (actual inflation) and post-COVID price-gouging have just murdered pricing.

 

[Snark218]

Which of the greens is that? Launch Green? Or do you mean the blue one? I'm not sure I'd call any of the colors "teal." (Not criticizing; genuinely curious.)

I personally think launch green is just a bit too gray for my tastes, the forest green is a bit too dark, the blue looks great, as does the purple. I've never considered myself to be a purple car person. But it's a pretty purple.

The blue one in the article photos strikes me as a blue with a definite green undertone - Porsche heads would call it Oslo Blue or Petrol Blue. And yes, that's absolutely a lovely purple. Pity there's no orange or red. Their "Canyon Red" is good.

 

[stormcrash]

I wish Rivan lots of luck on this and the rest of their upcoming models. While their big eye headlights kind of put me off at first overall they've grown on me and I want to see more of them on the road. Plus they led the charge on the EV pickup market

 

[Cargan Ricman]

The big question for me is not what their planning to sell the new R2's for, but whether or not they can finally make any profits selling those vehicles at the planned prices. Throughout the history of the company, they've taken a loss on every vehicle they've sold. At some point they need to start making money or they're going to go out of business, regardless of how good their products might be. I want an answer regarding the profitability question.

 

[Kadoro]

Dang. I was interested until I saw no carplay. Also not a fan of the services subscription model they are joining along with other manufacturers. I guess I can keeping driving what I have.

I admit to being a snob about CarPlay. But I had reason to think about it when I was looking at cars recently...
I decided my bias on CarPlay is based on the crap experience with built-in infotainment stacks.
By all reports Rivian and a few other manufacturers have the built-in experience good.
My basic asks were covered in some stories. Ability to run whatever music App I want. My family is split Apple vs Spotify as well a few other applications for audio.
When those are covered I realized my objections are significantly muted by the benefits of having range and mapping integrated.

 

[TheShark]

I really don’t like how compute is becoming a noun.

Maybe it's because I've been working around supercomputers for 30 years but I feel like compute has been a noun for a long time. It's usage in the wider culture as a noun is probably new though. But hey, go back far enough and "computer" was a job.

 

[Varste]

I like a lot of the ideas in the Rivian but do we really need to be adjusting every single possible thing in the car through a touch screen?

I really, really just want to be able to adjust my HVAC or other basic driving tasks without looking at or talking to my vehicle.

I quite like the look and the color of this particular incantation.

It's literally the reason I won't consider the brand (along with other offenders). And that makes me slightly upset, because spec-sheet-wise I like them. They're also the Other American EV Startup, without the Nazi baggage. I want them to succeed, and I love the look of the upcoming R3. But I just can't handle the HMI, and those silly scroll wheels aren't the solution.

 

[Snark218]

The big question for me is not what their planning to sell the new R2's for, but whether or not they can finally make any profits selling those vehicles at the planned prices. Throughout the history of the company, they've taken a loss on every vehicle they've sold.

That has not been the case since the heavy mechanical refresh of the R1 models; they reduced the build cost of the R1 by something like $54k since they went on the market. They're showing a trend toward net profitability in Q4 26, and they've already posted net positive revenues, so they're well on the way.

At some point they need to start making money or they're going to go out of business, regardless of how good their products might be. I want an answer regarding the profitability question.

They need new product to start making money, and investing in a new model and new platform is extremely expensive.

 

[Strongarm_1]

I have the opposite perspective: we swapped our Tesla for an Ioniq 5, and I am thrilled to always have CarPlay. It’s true Rivian and Tesla have different systems, but I use CarPlay-specific features constantly that neither can replicate:

• Apple home to open/close my garage door (via ratgdo + HASS), and confirm it’s closed as I drive away
• voice texting while driving
• control Overcast, my podcast player
• set up map routes before I get in the car
• set up map bookmarks at home and use them when driving

It’s just dumb for car companies to demand I do all this work in a separate system that is only useful in the car. The mapping limitations were especially galling in the Tesla.

Curious that you mention all of these problems with Tesla.

• Garage door is there but confirmation isn't
• voice texting. I do this with my daughter now. Both initiate and respond.
• I don't use overcast, but I control audible on phone perfectly fine. (Yes Audible is now available on car, but I've continued to use phone... just because.)
• I setup map routes all of the time from phone, either Tesla App or through Google Maps share with Tesla
• "Map bookmarks"? Not sure what you mean. I can setup and use favorites.

 

[pkirvan]

I admit to being a snob about CarPlay. But I had reason to think about it when I was looking at cars recently...
I decided my bias on CarPlay is based on the crap experience with built-in infotainment stacks.
By all reports Rivian and a few other manufacturers have the built-in experience good.

To be honest, I don't even care if the built in UI is good or not, because I never asked car OEMs to build an entertainment system UI in the first place. It's like when cell phones first came out and the cell carriers wanted to make the phone UI, sell the music, make the phone App Store. Nobody wanted cell carriers doing any of that, at all. Not even if they were good at it. We wanted the companies that handle our desktops and laptops and MP3 players to handle the phone software and give us a smooth experience from one device to the next. We wanted the songs and apps we already own. Why should you have to switch between Apple or Google's UI and Rivian's UI just because you sat down in a car?

 

[vassago]

Rivian does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Will people care like they do with GM cars, or will they let it slide like they do with Tesla?

Nope, no new car gets a pass. No CarPlay, no consideration for me owning it.
Used cars only get a pass if they are pre-CarPlay/don't have a connected UX system.

 

[sword_9mm]

I admit to being a snob about CarPlay. But I had reason to think about it when I was looking at cars recently...
I decided my bias on CarPlay is based on the crap experience with built-in infotainment stacks.
By all reports Rivian and a few other manufacturers have the built-in experience good.
My basic asks were covered in some stories. Ability to run whatever music App I want. My family is split Apple vs Spotify as well a few other applications for audio.
When those are covered I realized my objections are significantly muted by the benefits of having range and mapping integrated.

That works for GM too. Android Automotive is good I hear. No the crappy in house stuff.

I'm just kinda sick of the hypocrisy of it all.

No phone cast no dice no matter the company full stop. It should be basic standard equipment at this point.

 

[Strongarm_1]

It's definitely an investment, but I've invested in solar at my home too, so charging is mostly free for me. That is a big advantage since I no longer have to pay for gas or oil, and maybe that will help you when you're considering your options.

I did this as well. Decided last time we were flirting with $5.00 gas that it would only get worse and I should switch if possible. Really handy.
I will admit as always having a house with charge is a necessity. Having a charger at work is also SUPER convenient. Apartment living without charger or without charger at work would be very annoying.

 

[vassago]

I admit to being a snob about CarPlay. But I had reason to think about it when I was looking at cars recently...
I decided my bias on CarPlay is based on the crap experience with built-in infotainment stacks.
By all reports Rivian and a few other manufacturers have the built-in experience good.
My basic asks were covered in some stories. Ability to run whatever music App I want. My family is split Apple vs Spotify as well a few other applications for audio.
When those are covered I realized my objections are significantly muted by the benefits of having range and mapping integrated.

Regardless of how good their UX may be, the manufacturers are still generating a multi-billion dollar business off selling your data from using their systems (and shoving subscriptions in there for things that absolutely do not need to be a subscription).

Sure, my cellphone may be doing the same thing, but I'm already carrying that with me everywhere I go, so better to only limit it to a single tracker...

 

[theOGpetergregory]

Well don't take my word as universal. It has a lot more to do with the fact that I have two small kids who make a huge fucking mess in my cars and I'd rather them beat the shit out of a 50k car and not a 65k one.

That said, the car they drive in most of the time is my 65k Model Y that I bought at the peak right before the massive early 2023 price cut. So I feel the pain every time I take it and see the huge mess everywhere.

If I were single guy, no kids, and had the money, I'd take the BMW.

I should have emphasized that I don't think you're alone with that sentiment. My personal opinion is BMW has lost some of what makes it special with their newer stuff.

The car landscape seems to suggest Rivian "has the juice" (as the kids say).

We'll see how they do with sales and if the neue class brings back BMW's mojo I guess.

 

[jab3rd]

Rivian does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Will people care like they do with GM cars, or will they let it slide like they do with Tesla?

Won’t buy either one, precisely for this reason, despite the Rivian being otherwise interesting to me as a replacement for our Toyota Land Cruiser.

 

[jock2nerd]

We are all human. Things happen. The unintentional intrigue adds to their exposure, IMO.

The R2 is more expensive than I was hoping for... but it is the right kind of vehicle I want. Size, EV, capabilities.

Unless you really need AWD, this variant is the really sweet spot:

The single-motor R2s arrive next year, with the $48,490 R2 Standard that uses the same 87.9 kWh battery pack....

Because the skateboard design, there's lots of weight on the rear wheels and RWD works extremely well on a modern, well-designed BEV.

We will probably buy that to replace our 2018 RWD LR Model 3 (130+K miles so far).

 

[Kadoro]

Rivian has already announced the R2 will ship with the hardware for autonomous driving.

I vaguely recall they said the first generation launch edition will have a less desirable non-lidar camera module. I haven't heard that confirmed post launch but the expectaion was a revision in the first 12 months to add that lidar.
That would be a reason for me to consider a wait until the next trim release.

 

[Dr Gitlin]

I mean, I agree, but that’s the just state of the industry.

I remember when a BMW 3 Series started at $33K and was $42K well-equipped. Now it starts in the $50K range. My 2008 Acura TSX was $30K out the door.

Inflation (actual inflation) and post-COVID price-gouging have just murdered pricing.

#30,000 in 2008 is now $46,444 with just inflation alone. The ADX is its equivalent now and that starts at $35k, fwiw.

 

[trives]

Hoping my car can survive until the R3 get's here...!

 

[Browser639624 /s]

I should have emphasized that I don't think you're alone with that sentiment. My personal opinion is BMW has lost some of what makes it special with their newer stuff.

The car landscape seems to suggest Rivian "has the juice" (as the kids say).

We'll see how they do with sales and if the neue class brings back BMW's mojo I guess.

Fwiw I’m looking at replacements for a BMW suv as the family car. The top contenders are the iX3, EX60, and Honda Prologue. The last one may seem odd but consider that it has CarPlay, door handles, and physical controls. It may be down a class but with all the austere tessla mimicking interiors coming out and my actual driving priorities, it is making a compelling case for my family!

The R2 looks like an EV bronco to me, but at least there seem to be aftermarket solutions for CarPlay in Rivians. (And apparently for door handles, too!)

 

[Cyberax]

No Android Auto/CarPlay, instead it'll have a shitty AI assistant. No sale because of that.

Not having AA/CarPlay is now a 100% reliable indicator that the manufacturer will screw you up down the road.

 

[ol1bit]

Its a too expensive car for the masses, but maybe that's a good thing as they can't build close to that many cars.

 

[PageUp]

Any more details on this "semi-active suspension" There was a lot of talk about the novel rear suspension knuckle - is that the semi-active part or is there something else that is more focused for off-roading?

 

[toddjohn2]

Curious that you mention all of these problems with Tesla.

• Garage door is there but confirmation isn't
• voice texting. I do this with my daughter now. Both initiate and respond.
• I don't use overcast, but I control audible on phone perfectly fine. (Yes Audible is now available on car, but I've continued to use phone... just because.)
• I setup map routes all of the time from phone, either Tesla App or through Google Maps share with Tesla
• "Map bookmarks"? Not sure what you mean. I can setup and use favorites.

As a fellow Tesla owner I confirm what is said here. I drove '17 and '20 Bolts, which have Android Auto/Car Play before my Telsa and was leary about the switch, but obviously gave it a try. I don't miss it.

Edit to add: I don't understand the downvotes on this person's post, that is just stating facts.

 

[Gnafu the Great]

I'm not convinced there's a real future market for these size eSUVs. Without ongoing support for the infrastructure (which govt organizations will have budgets) to charge and for roadways to drive on, I don't see their future. Just how many people have and will have access to home charging. Will charging be less expensive than fossil fuels and will that hold if the market only consists of electric. How many people comprise the market affording this price point? Color me very skeptical.

There are still plenty of people who can charge at home who don't own EVs yet, and charging at home will be cheaper than gas for a vast majority of those people. Lots needs to be done to make EVs more viable for more people, but we haven't come anywhere near exhausting the existing market of people who would get along just fine with an EV but haven't gotten one yet.

 

[the_frakker]

A one-sheet style table or bullet point list would be nice to be able to quickly glance at the options.

R2 Trim	Power Train	Battery Capacity (usable)	Power	Torque	Acceleration 0-60 mph	Range	Starting MSRP	Availability
Performance	Dual-Motor AWD	87.9 kWh	656 hp	609 lb-ft	3.6 sec	330 miles (EPA est.)	$57,990 (incl. Launch Package)	Spring 2026 (MY2027)
Premium	Dual-Motor AWD	87.9 kWh	450 hp	537 lb-ft	4.6 sec	330 miles (EPA est.)	$53,990	Late 2026 (MY2027)
Standard (Long Range)	RWD Long Range	87.9 kWh	350 hp	355 lb-ft	5.9 sec	345 miles (Rivian est.)	$48,490	Early 2027 (MY2028)
Standard	RWD	TBD	350 hp	355 lb-ft	5.9 sec	275+ (Rivian est.)	$45,000	Late 2027 (MY2028)

Source: Electrek
Electrek

 

[Boskone]

Because some poster have called the price high in absolute terms, and others have defended by saying ‘no, it’s good value for the category.’

And ‘it’s good value for the category’ is not an answer to the original complaint. If you think $50K is too much to pay for a new car, then it doesn’t matter how good a value it is for its category. You’re just going to eliminate that category from consideration.

Then why are they complaining in an article about a category in which they're uninterested?

 

[Boskone]

I count four (green, blue, green, purple) which is much more diverse than most manufacturers, which will give you two if you're lucky. I do wish we had a red instead of a second gray, but people do seem to like buying gray cars.

All of my trucks have been grey, and i wish the rest of you would stop copying me.

 

[Will S]

I'm still waiting on some news about R2T. Its apparently still quite a ways out... But a truck better suites my needs

 

[MtnGoatJoe]

And manufacturers are wondering why people aren't buying EVs. I know the Slate truck won't be on the same level, but it a whole hell of a lot closer to my price range.