Rivian R2 to be available soon

The automaker said the electric SUV has entered the final validation stage before the vehicle can go on sale.

Rivian R2 driven in sand — *The Rivian R2 has entered the final validation stage of its development. – Rivian photo*

The Rivian R2 is just a few months away from going to market.

The automaker said the all-electric five-seat SUV has entered its final validation stage, and will be available in the first half of 2026.

“We’ve tested every aspect of the vehicle to ensure it performs both as a daily driver and as a vehicle that will take you off the beaten path,” said Peter Jacobsen, Rivian’s senior director of global test and development, on the company’s website.

The company said R2 test vehicles have gone through multiple lifetimes of mileage accumulation and extreme durability runs. The test vehicles have gone through scorching heat, bitter cold, soft sand, deep water, max towing and more, Rivian said.

The company said the R2 is engineered for long-term reliability, with battery and electronics protected from the elements and a chassis and suspension designed to take abuse.

Rivian R2 rear — *The R2 will be smaller and cheaper than Rivian’s current vehicles. – Rivian photo*

What is the Rivian R2?

Rivian currently sells only two vehicles, the R1T, an electric pickup truck, and the R1S, an electric SUV.

The R2 is smaller than the R1S, offering two rows of seats instead of three. And, it should be quite a bit cheaper too.

The company has it listed as starting at $66,500 in Canada. The R1S costs more than double that, with a starting price tag of $143,107.

Rivian estimates the R2 will have a driving range of more than 480 kilometres and will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in three seconds.

More information on the R2’s final validation process is available online.