R2 manufacturing validation builds / Credit: Rivian/X
Rivian R2 prototypes have now been driven by a select few in digital media, and we have learned quite a bit more about this price-friendly SUV, including potential performance specs.
News surrounding Rivian and its second flagship model, the R2, has been heating up in 2026, as we patiently await the market launch of this smaller, all-electric SUV, which will be the American automaker’s most affordable option by far.
Since the R2’s announcement, performance targets and other details have trickled in from Rivian HQ ahead of its planned launch this year. In January, Rivian’s team rallied around manufacturing validation prototypes that were rolling off its assembly lines in Normal, Illinois (see image below). Crazy to think that a year ago, the area where these new EVs are being assembled was just grass.
Yesterday, Rivian shared that the R2 has entered the final phase of validation testing before it removes the camouflage and officially launches in the US market, with pricing and confirmed performance specs to follow. While we were awaiting that milestone, a small group of content creators received an invite to test-drive the R2 validation prototypes and report back. Unfortunately, we didn’t make the list this go-around (we forgive you, Rivian, as long as we get an invite next time).
Anyways, plenty of other outlets shared their drive experiences online and pointed out some hints to (potential) performance specs of the production version of the Rivian R2.
R2 manufacturing validation builds / Credit: Rivian/X
After drives, Rivian R2 specs are all but confirmed
Before we begin, I want to point out two things. First, I wasn’t at this R2 drive event, so I’m just gathering intel from all the other outlets that posted video content today. Secondly, remember that the R2 vehicles driven were still prototypes, so any specs noted may not match what we see when the sheet is pulled for the production model in the coming months.
From what I’ve heard, Rivian didn’t share many performance specs for the production R2, nor did it provide details on trim variations or pricing. Rivian has previously said the R2 will start at $45,000, but whether it will actually be able to hit that target remains to be seen.
We have learned that the initial Launch version of the R2 will be higher-performing and thus have a higher price point. That’s a standard approach to EV model launches, though, so no surprises there. Marques Brownlee delivered a very concise walkthrough of the exterior of the R2, detailing how it looks exactly like the R1S I currently have in my garage, only shorter in length (two rows instead of three) and narrower. As you can see in his Auto Focus video, many of the exterior elements are either the same or have been simplified/streamlined.
While again, these were prototypes being driven for the first time by media, Rivian engineers explained that those EVs are pretty close to what the Launch Edition trim of the R2 will be when it hits the market. Based on those drives in those prototypes, combined with previous statements by Rivian, here are some of the R2 specs we have gathered:
- EV Architecure: 400V (Completely bespoke)
- Battery size: 87.4 kWh (In the version driven by media)
- Powertrain: Dual Motor AWD
- Power: 656 hp
- Torque: 609 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 3.6 seconds
- Max Charge Rate: N/A
- DCFC Charge time: 10-80% in 30 mins
Another notable feature is the transition from active air suspension in the R1 EVs to a new multi-link suspension in the R2, described by RJ Scaringe as “Soooo good.” The smaller SUV will also feature new batteries and the new Maximus electric drive unit. As we learned during Rivian’s AI & Autonomy Day (we got invited to that one!) R2 will be powered by Rivian’s new in-house silicon chip, significantly bolstering its software capabilities and, when combined with a new LiDAR sensor, paving the way for Level 4 self-driving.
From a user-gadget standpoint, we’ve learned that the rear window of the Rivian R2 goes down, but the rear side windows do not fan out. The steering wheel has also been equipped with new haptic wheels, which saw mixed reviews from the outlets on the test drive.
I recommend checking out all the coverage of those who got to test-drive the Rivian R2 prototype, as each person offers their own insight into what went into this new EV, what is working, and which specs stand out most to them. For example, Doug DeMuro said the R2 is the best all-around EV he’s driven.
We are sure to learn more about R2, including more specs and, hopefully, pricing, next month when Rivian struts its stuff at SXSW 2026. Stay tuned.
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