With Rivian’s R1S as well as R1T models making waves across American roadways, Rivian turns its attention to an SUV called R2S which is smaller and less expensive to increase its appeal. It’s unclear what the details will be since Rivian has only announced that it will have the form of an SUV, and have the same adventurous ethos as the more spacious models. Prices begin with a price of just $40,000. The details of the powertrain haven’t been revealed, however, we are expecting two electric motors, that come with an all-wheel drive, and an energy-efficient battery that is large enough to provide 300 miles of driving on a charge.
What’s New for 2026?
The R2S is a brand-new version of the Rivian when it launches that we believe will occur in 2026. We anticipate seeing some first images of the forthcoming SUV, as well as a possible R2T pickup truck, sometime around 2024. In an upcoming Q&A session through Instagram RJ Scaringe, as well as Rivian Chief of Design Jeff Hammoud provided a glimpse of the alleged 2026 Rivian R2S. The model in full-size clay that is hidden behind the cover of black, displays an elongated and lower profile in comparison to the R1S which is in line with its position as a model with a lower segment.
The 2026 Rivian R2S would be a traditional-looking and boxy SUV that is like the Rivian R1S. Expect it to come with huge, squarish windows as well as quarter-glass panels with a straight and high shoulder line, large trapezoidal wheel arches a hood that is flat, straight D- and C-pillars as well as a huge rectangular back glass. It could be an electric version of the Land Rover Defender 90. Land Rover Defender 90, however, the British version is expected to be available as an EV model by 2026.
There will likely be a reduction in costs to make the R2 models more affordable. There’s an internal debate over whether the flashlight that is removable from the door on the driver’s side is essential to the brand, or if it has specific off-roading features. With the budget restrictions, it’s easy to understand why there are some limitations to what the R1 models are available with the R2S. During the Q3 2023 earnings conference on 8 August 2023, Scaringe suggested that personalization was the main focus for the R2 series. He stated that “really fun personalization items” are being planned as part of the accessories package for the vehicle that is to come.
Specifications
Rivian will likely launch the R2S in a variety of AWD versions, including only one front motor with a rear motor as well as others with a forward motor as well as two rear ones. Rivian could use its in-house created Enduro drive unit for the dual motor AWD versions. Customers can choose between two options for batteries within the R2S. A Standard Pack battery with 100 Kilowatts of energy storage could be the most basic option. Onerous-kWh Large Pack unit should appeal to both kinds of customers who are premium who are looking for a greater range, and those looking for greater performance. The unit is possible to be an option with the dual-motor AWD option and is standard for the tri-motor AWD variant.
2026 Rivian R2S SUV Release Date & Price
In Rivian’s Q1 2022 earnings call with investors, the company’s CEO Scaringe stated that Rivian R2 production will be based in Georgia. On the 15th of June, 2023 in a conversation with reporters at the Deutsche Bank Global Auto Industry Conference, Rivian CFO Claire McDonough announced that the initial R2 model would make its debut in the early part of 2024 and will be launched in 2026. Scaringe reiterated these dates during its annual shareholders meeting held on June 21, 2023.
There was no mention of Scaringe or McDonough revealing the name of the EV as well as its production capacity or any other details However, they were probably the concept of a near-production version of the much-anticipated 2026 Rivian R2S.. The CFO announced on the earnings Q1 2022 meeting that the forthcoming manufacturing facility in Georgia will be equipped with an assembly line for R2, with the capacity to produce 200 units. She said that in the future, this number could increase to 400,000 units. In his remarks at the earnings conference on 8 August 2023, Scaringe expressed his excitement over the launch of the R2 vehicle in the coming months, and what the vehicle could do to redefine its space and segment.
In the conversation during the Deutsche Bank Global Auto Industry Conference, McDonough indicated that the prices associated with the 2026 Rivian R2S. will be in the USD 40,000 to 60,000 range. On Rivian’s quarterly earnings call in Q2 of 2022, the company’s CEO Scaringe mentioned it was likely that R2 models will come with less expensive prices compared to R1 models, which means that a lot of the configurations won’t meet the criteria for the Clean Vehicle Credit. To qualify to receive the Clean Vehicle Credit, the MSRP of a vehicle, pick-up, and SUV needs to not exceed USD 80,000. R1T and R1S are the most affordable. R1T and R1S begin at USD 73,000, and USD 78,000 respectively. We expect to see the R2 series to start at approximately USD 55,000.
Rivian has applied for trademarks to name names like R2S, R2T, and R2C. as well as R2R. Rivian has previously revealed specifics regarding the R2S. This R2T could be an economical electric truck option than the R1T. In a report released on the 25th of September, 2022 concerning AutoForecast Solutions, Automotive News reported that the R2R could be a rally-inspired off-road-focused hatchback.
Rivian hasn’t yet confirmed whether there’s an R2R currently in development. According to the same report, Automotive News said the Rivian R2X could be a model competition that has models with two doors like the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler. This is purely speculation and Rivian hasn’t announced that it’s planning to launch a model with two doors. In the same way, Ford and Jeep haven’t made announcements of two-door off-road SUVs that have an electric motor.