Rivian has delayed the launch of the $45,000 version of its upcoming R2 electric SUV to 2027, the company announced. The vehicle is considered critical to Rivian’s long-term viability as a mass-market automaker.
The Irvine, California-based company says it will begin selling more expensive versions of the R2 in the first half of 2026. The news comes as Rivian opened the configurator for the R2, allowing visitors to explore paint colors, wheels, and interior options.
CEO RJ Scaringe said the R2 is crucial to Rivian’s plans to scale up. “If the goal is to build a company that’s only going to make 15,000 cars a year, it would look very different,” Scaringe said. “R2 does need to be successful to support the rate of capital construction of the business.”
Early reviews of the R2 prototype highlight 656 horsepower, 609 pound-feet of torque, more than 300 miles of range, and a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.6 seconds. Car and Driver noted the ride is “more refined than the R1S.” InsideEVs called it “serious heat for a family-friendly SUV.”