Rivian begins US deliveries of mainstream R2 electric SUV at $59,485

Rivian has commenced deliveries of the 2027 R2 electric SUV in the United States, marking a strategic pivot toward the mainstream consumer market. The dual-motor Performance Launch Package model begins at $59,485, positioning the vehicle as a direct competitor to legacy automakers while retaining the brand’s off-road credentials. This launch represents a critical scaling effort for the Palo Alto-based manufacturer, aiming to broaden its appeal beyond the high-end R1S and R1T models that previously defined its portfolio.

The new R2 utilises a lighter unibody chassis that is 23 per cent stiffer than its predecessor, shedding 200 pounds compared to the R1S’s body-on-frame design. Power is delivered via the new "Maximus" drive unit, which features internal oil cooling and a wider power curve, enabling a 0–60 mph sprint in 3.6 seconds for the Performance model. The vehicle is equipped with an 87.9 kilowatt-hour battery pack comprising 768 cylindrical cells, a significant reduction in cell count from the R1 series, which contributes to lower costs while maintaining a range of up to 345 miles for the top-tier variant.

Pricing and availability are staggered across multiple trims to capture different segments of the market. The single-motor Standard version is priced at $46,485 but will not arrive until summer 2027. A Standard Long Range version, offering approximately 345 miles of range, is available for $3,500 more and is expected to arrive earlier in 2027. For buyers seeking immediate delivery, the dual-motor R2 Premium model is priced at $55,485 and will be available later this year.

Technological integration remains a central pillar of the R2’s value proposition, particularly regarding autonomous driving capabilities. The Launch Package includes an "Autonomy Plus" package for hands-free driving for the vehicle’s lifetime. Rivian plans to add hands-free, point-to-point driving to its Universal Hands-Free (UHF) system by the end of 2027. For non-Launch Package buyers, this feature will cost $2,500 as a one-time fee or $49.99 per month. The company also assures that current R2 buyers, along with second-generation R1S and R1T owners, will be able to enable full point-to-point features via over-the-air updates, even without the new hardware.

Under the hood, the R2 employs conventional MacPherson struts and steel springs, a cost-saving compromise compared to the R1S’s air suspension. While this results in more pronounced body motions on pavement, the vehicle retains significant off-road utility with 9.6 inches of ground clearance and 19.7 inches of water-fording depth. Early next year, new R2s will integrate a windshield-mounted lidar and the Rivian Autonomy Platform (RAP), which pairs two in-house super chips to provide 800 TOPS of AI compute power each. The cabin features a redesigned steering wheel with haptic “halo dials” replacing roller switches, aiming to streamline user interaction while maintaining a focus on sustainable materials and spacious rear seating.