2027 Rivian R2 First Drive: Smaller SUV, Bigger Ambitions

Key Takeaways

• The R2 Performance trim costs $57,990 and delivers 656 hp with 330 miles of range
• A $44,990 base model with rear-wheel drive arrives in 2027
• The R2 is 15 inches shorter than the R1S, making it Tesla Model Y-sized

Rivian's Make-or-Break Moment

Rivian has proven it can build great trucks. The R1T pickup and R1S SUV earned critical praise for their design, build quality, and genuine off-road capability. What Rivian hasn't proven is that it can sell them in volume or turn a profit doing so.

The R2 is the company's answer to both problems. It's smaller, cheaper, and aimed squarely at the mass market. Where the three-row R1S starts at $76,990, the R2 Performance launches at $57,990. A base single-motor version will cost $44,990 when it arrives in 2027.

After spending a day driving the R2 through Park City, Utah, one thing is clear: Rivian hasn't cut corners to hit a lower price point. This is a proper Rivian, just smaller.

Size, Price, and the Tesla Problem

The R2 measures 185 inches long, which is 15 inches shorter than the R1S. That puts it in the same size class as the Tesla Model Y, the bestselling EV in the world. This isn't an accident.

For many buyers, the R1S was too big. At 200 inches, it's a handful in parking garages and tight city streets. The R2 solves that problem while keeping five seats and a usable cargo area.

Rivian will sell three R2 configurations at launch and beyond:

• Performance ($57,990): Dual-motor AWD, 656 hp, 609 lb-ft torque, 330 miles range
• Premium (price TBD): Dual-motor AWD, 450 hp, 330 miles range
• Standard ($44,990, arriving 2027): Single-motor RWD, 350 hp, 275 or 345 miles range

What 656 Horsepower Feels Like

The Performance trim I tested packs serious power. Its dual motors produce 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque, which translates to a 3.6-second sprint to 60 mph. That's faster than most sports cars and completely unnecessary for a family SUV. It's also very fun.

The 88kWh battery pack delivers 330 miles of EPA-estimated range. Charging tops out at 230kW, which gets you from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes. That's not class-leading. The BMW iX3 charges at 400kW. But it's fast enough for most road trips.

Off-Road Without the Climb

Getting into an R1S requires a step. It's high off the ground and feels like climbing into a lifted truck. The R2 sits lower. You open the door and sit down, like a normal car.

But don't mistake lower entry for softer capability. The R2 still offers 9.6 inches of ground clearance, a 25-degree approach angle, and a 26-degree departure angle. Those numbers matter when you're looking at a steep rock face.

During testing, I ran the R2 through steep ascents, bare rock, and multiple river crossings. It handled everything without drama. The drivetrain uses one motor per axle, a simpler layout than the R1's quad-motor setup. It's less complex but still extremely capable.

“The R2 is the vehicle that Rivian needs to scale, and it feels like they've managed to retain the brand's special sauce while making it accessible.”

— Tim Stevens, Editor-in-Chief at Engadget

What's Missing

No car is perfect, and the R2 has gaps. The most persistent complaint from early reviewers and the enthusiast community is the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Rivian uses its own infotainment system. It's good, but many buyers want their phone's interface on the screen.

The 230kW charging speed, while adequate, falls behind competitors. And the $44,990 base model won't arrive until 2027. If you want an R2 now, you're paying at least $57,990.

How It Stacks Up

What the Community Thinks

Reddit's r/Rivian has been largely positive about the R2. Enthusiasts appreciate the folding rear seats and drop-down rear window, features that make it feel like a genuine adventure vehicle. The design has won people over.

The criticism focuses on two things: the missing phone integration and timeline uncertainty. Rivian has struggled with production delays before. Some buyers are skeptical that the 2027 base model will arrive on schedule.

The Bottom Line

The R2 is the Rivian most people will actually buy. It's not a compromise version of the R1. It's a focused product designed for buyers who want an off-road-capable EV that fits in a normal parking spot.

At $57,990 for the Performance trim, it's priced between the Tesla Model Y and the BMW iX. It's faster than both and more capable off-road than either. When the $44,990 base model arrives, it becomes genuinely competitive with mainstream EVs.

Rivian's survival depends on selling these in volume. Based on this first drive, they've built something worth buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Rivian R2 go on sale?

The Performance trim launches in 2026 at $57,990. The $44,990 base model arrives in 2027.

How does Rivian R2 range compare to Tesla Model Y?

The R2 Performance offers 330 miles of range, about 20 miles more than the Tesla Model Y Long Range.

Does the Rivian R2 have Apple CarPlay?

No. The R2 uses Rivian's proprietary infotainment system and does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Is the Rivian R2 good for off-roading?

Yes. It offers 9.6 inches of ground clearance and 25-degree approach angles, making it capable on rough terrain.

How fast does the Rivian R2 charge?

The R2 charges at up to 230kW, reaching 80% in under 30 minutes at a compatible DC fast charger.

Source: Engadget