The 2027 Rivian R2 Is More Powerful Than a 630-HP Porsche Macan Turbo EV and Costs Half the Price

• The 2027 Rivian R2 lineup includes a pair of all-wheel-drive models, with the mightier version packing 656 horsepower—more than a Porsche Macan Turbo EV.
• The launch-spec Performance model goes on sale this spring, starting at $59,485; the 450-hp Premium follows later this year, starting at $55,485.
• Next year, the 2028 Rivian R2 will add a rear-wheel-drive variant with two battery sizes, with base prices between $46,495 and $49,985.

After getting a brief introduction to Rivian’s compact-sized electric SUV a couple of years ago when it was first revealed, we’ve since learned more details and even recently climbed behind the wheel of a prototype. Now, the time has almost come for the first production versions of the Rivian R2 to get into the hands of customers, and we have the final pieces to the puzzle: trim levels, tech specs, and price.

A Gateway Rivian

For anyone who stumbled upon this story by accident or who just needs a quick refresher on the new Rivian R2, here’s the short ‘n’ sweet version. Rivian is a California-based startup that started selling mainstream electric vehicles back in 2022 with the mid-size R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck. While they’re both great, they’re not exactly affordable, with price tags that place them in luxury territory. So, to make the Rivian brand more attainable—and more profitable too—the company created the smaller, more affordable R2.

Now that you’re up to speed, let’s talk shop. The Rivian R2 will debut for the 2027 model year, but the lineup will only consist of two models. In typical Rivian fashion, the first will be a launch edition, specifically the top-of-the-line Performance with the Launch package. While Rivian hasn’t said how many of these limited-production R2s will be built, each will start at $59,485 and come with a lifetime subscription to Autonomy+ (more on that below), a unique Rivian Green key fob, a towing package, and the exclusive chance to pay extra for the Launch Green paint job.

Even without the Launch package, every R2 Performance features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain that’s good for 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque. The former figure leapfrogs the 630-hp Porsche Macan Turbo EV. Rivan claims the Performance model will hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and its 88-kWh battery earns an EPA-estimated driving range of 330 miles. A NACS charge port is standard, providing access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network; an adapter allows connections to CCS-type charging stations. Rivian says the fastest DC hookups let the R2 charge from 10 to 80 percent in 29 minutes.

The battery, charging capabilities, and estimated range also apply to the R2 Premium, which will follow the launch editions and start at $55,485. While it features dual motors too, output is capped at 450 hp and 537 pound-feet, resulting in a claimed 60-mph time of 4.6 seconds. Rivian reserves the semi-active dampers, yellow brake calipers, and optional all-terrain wheel-and-tire package for the R2 Performance, but otherwise it and the Premium share a host of desirable features that include heated and ventilated front seats (also with 12-way power adjustments), a door-mounted rechargeable flashlight, a 975-watt sound system, and a roll-down rear window à la the Toyota 4Runner.

The unibody R2 might not be as capable off-road as Toyota’s body-on-frame SUV, but the Rivian has some competitive specs. Its 9.6 inches of ground clearance clears all but the 4Runner’s top trims. The same goes for the R2’s 25-degree approach angle and 26-degree departure angle. Rivian claims the R2 can wade through almost 20 inches of water, and it’s rated to tow up to 4400 pounds.

A Look Inside the R2

Inside, the R2 takes inspiration from its larger Rivian siblings. That means a minimalist design highlighted by attractive materials, such as birch wood trim and a pair of high-res displays. The steering wheel also debuts Rivian’s innovative new controls dubbed “Haptic Halo Wheels” that enable 3-D-like manipuluation via scroll, push, pull, and tilt functions.

The R2 measures 185.9 inches from stem to stern, about 15 fewer inches than the Rivian R1S. The smaller SUV is also 6.3 inches shorter and 4.3 inches narrower, but it has attractive proportions, with wheels that are pushed out to the corners. With 115.6 inches between those axles, the R2 has a roomy interior. The back seat provides 40.4 inches of headroom and legroom, with a six-foot-two Car and Driver editor confirming its spaciousness. There’s also a sizable cargo area that offers 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats; that space expands to 70 cubes when the seatbacks are laid completely flat. And every R2 has not one but two gloveboxes for stowing small items. Neat!