The official Canadian driving range of the all-new all-electric Rivian R2 has been revealed.

The midsize electric SUV is expected to launch in Canada for the 2027 model year, though exact timing hasn’t been announced yet.

Ahead of its arrival here, Natural Resources Canada posted the R2’s official estimated range rating.

Typically, EVs lose driving range with larger wheels, but in a plot twist, the R2 gets better range with its larger wheels, though the reason for that is pretty straight forward.

The Rivian R2 Performance AWD with 21-inch wheels gets an estimated range of 531 kilometres.

The Rivian R2 Performance AWD with 20-inch wheels wearing all-terrain tires gets an estimated range of 494 kilometres.

The 20-inch wheel package gives the R2 all-terrain tires that allow the R2 to travel to more rugged places, but they reduce how just how far it can drive on a single charge.

According to reporting by tireagent.com, all-terrain tires can lose anywhere between two and 10 per cent of range compared to street tires. The tread pattern on all-terrain rubbers gives them greater grip, allowing them to better traverse on dirt roads, mud, rocks, etc., but they also increase the tire’s rolling resistance, which impacts range.

Rivian R2 powertrain details

The Rivian R2, which the automaker says on its website is coming to Canada in 2027, will be offered in Standard, Premium and Performance grades.

The Standard model gets a rear-wheel-drive powertrain with 350 hp. NRCan hasn’t yet posted a range rating for this model, but Rivian estimates 442 kilometres.

The Premium trim has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain with 450 hp. NRCan also hasn’t posted a range rating for this model, but Rivian estimates 531 kilometres.

Then there’s the Performance grade with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain with 656 hp, whose range we posted above – 531 kilometres with 21-inch wheels and 494 kilometres on the all-terrain package.

For Canadian market updates, visit Rivian’s website.

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