Rivian Launches First Public Deliveries of R2 SUV, Opens Ordering for Reservation Holders
American electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has officially entered a new phase in its growth journey with the start of public customer deliveries for the all-new R2 mid-size electric SUV. The milestone marks a major step forward for the company as it expands beyond its premium R1 lineup and introduces a more accessible model designed to reach a broader customer base.
The first public deliveries of the R2 come after months of production preparation at Rivian’s manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, where employee deliveries began earlier this year. As production ramps up, the company has also started inviting existing reservation holders to configure and place their orders through a phased rollout system.
The launch of R2 represents one of Rivian’s most significant product introductions since the debut of the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. Positioned as a mid-size electric SUV, the R2 has been developed to combine Rivian’s signature adventure-oriented capability, advanced technology, and premium design while offering a more attainable price point for consumers seeking electric mobility.
Originally unveiled on March 7, 2024, during a launch event in Laguna Beach, California, the R2 generated significant attention from consumers and industry observers alike. Nearly two years after its reveal, the vehicle is now reaching public customers following an extensive development process that involved testing across some of North America’s harshest climates and terrain.
According to Rivian, the R2 development fleet accumulated extensive mileage during its testing and validation phase. Vehicles underwent real-world evaluation across a wide range of environmental conditions, including desert heat, icy winter roads, and challenging off-road environments. Temperatures during validation reportedly ranged from as low as -45°F (-43°C) to highs of 122°F (50°C), allowing engineering teams to assess durability, performance, and reliability under demanding circumstances.
RJ Scaringe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rivian, emphasized the importance of the vehicle to the company’s long-term strategy and highlighted the efforts behind its creation.
“I am really proud of the work our team poured into creating R2,” said Scaringe. “This vehicle reflects the passion and excitement of the entire Rivian team who have worked tirelessly to bring it to life. I can’t wait for customers to experience this vehicle.”
The R2 enters the market as a mid-size SUV built on an entirely new platform developed specifically to lower production complexity and improve affordability without sacrificing capability. Rivian says the vehicle maintains the brand’s adventure-ready identity while being more practical for daily urban use.
Compared to the larger R1 platform, the R2 has been engineered to be nearly 2,000 pounds lighter and features a shorter 115.6-inch wheelbase. The lighter architecture and more compact dimensions are intended to improve maneuverability and responsiveness, particularly in urban driving situations.
At the same time, Rivian has retained key off-road characteristics that have become synonymous with the brand. The R2 offers 9.6 inches of ground clearance, along with a 25-degree approach angle and a 26-degree departure angle, helping position the SUV as a versatile vehicle capable of handling both city streets and outdoor adventures.
Interior practicality has also been a major focus in the vehicle’s design. Rivian says the R2 provides generous cabin space with 40.9 inches of front headroom and 40.4 inches of rear legroom, creating a comfortable environment for passengers.
The SUV also introduces a flexible cargo system with a 40/20/40 folding rear seat configuration, allowing owners to transport long equipment such as skis, camping gear, or construction materials while still maintaining passenger seating. When the rear seats are folded down, the R2 offers 90.1 cubic feet of total storage capacity distributed between the front trunk and rear cargo space.
According to the company, the storage layout can comfortably accommodate five large suitcases, multiple backpacks, a stroller, and other travel essentials, reinforcing Rivian’s focus on lifestyle-oriented utility.
As customer deliveries officially begin, Rivian is also opening the ordering process to reservation holders. Starting immediately, reservation holders will receive invitations to configure and purchase the R2 through a phased system that prioritizes timing of reservation placement and geographic delivery considerations.
Customers who secured early reservations are expected to receive invitations sooner, although Rivian noted that location logistics will also influence scheduling. Existing Rivian owners will receive somewhat accelerated access to deliveries, though the company says it is balancing allocations to ensure fair availability for both current owners and first-time customers.
Rivian also indicated that customers nearing the end of vehicle lease agreements can submit lease expiration details through their Rivian accounts, which may help align delivery timing with their upcoming transportation needs.
Once invited to order, customers can customize their R2 by selecting trim level, paint color, wheel design, and interior specifications directly through the Rivian platform. By the end of June, Rivian plans to provide all reservation holders with an estimated timeframe for receiving their ordering invitation.
The first configuration available for purchase is the R2 Performance with Launch Package, which starts at $57,990. This initial model introduces Rivian’s performance-focused offering and comes equipped with premium technology and exclusive launch features.
Performance figures position the R2 as a highly capable electric SUV in its segment. Rivian states that the dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup produces 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.6 seconds.
The vehicle is also expected to deliver an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 330 miles on a full charge, balancing strong performance with practical long-distance usability.
The Launch Package additionally includes semi-active suspension technology unique to the Performance trim, designed to optimize ride comfort and vehicle handling across varying road conditions.
Buyers of the launch edition will also gain access to exclusive features such as the optional Launch Green exterior paint finish, a Rivian Green anodized key fob, and a Tow Package that includes a two-inch hitch receiver with a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds.
Following the launch model, Rivian plans to expand the R2 lineup over the coming months and years. The R2 Premium trim is expected to arrive in late 2026 with a starting price of $53,990.
In early 2027, Rivian plans to introduce the R2 Standard rear-wheel-drive long-range variant, beginning at $48,490. A second standard version priced at $44,990 is scheduled to follow during the summer of 2027, broadening accessibility for more customers.
Reservation holders who choose to wait for future variants will be notified as additional configurations become available. Rivian says customers who finalize their order can typically expect delivery within two to six weeks.
Beyond performance and utility, Rivian is positioning the R2 as a next-generation software-defined vehicle designed to evolve throughout ownership via software updates.
The SUV features an AI-ready architecture supported by 5G connectivity and what Rivian describes as one of the most advanced infotainment computing systems available in a consumer vehicle in North America. The platform is designed to support future functionality upgrades while maintaining fast responsiveness and seamless digital integration.
The vehicle’s perception system combines 11 high-dynamic-range cameras totaling 65 megapixels with a five-radar setup to improve situational awareness and support advanced driver assistance capabilities.
One of the key features included with the R2 Performance Launch Package is Autonomy+, Rivian’s assisted driving platform valued at $2,500. The package includes Universal Hands-Free assisted driving across approximately 3.5 million miles of roads throughout the United States and Canada.
For customers selecting trims outside the launch model, Autonomy+ hardware will still come standard, accompanied by a 60-day trial period. Afterward, owners can continue the service through a subscription priced at $49.99 per month or via a one-time payment option.
Rivian also plans to introduce expanded functionality, including limited point-to-point driving capabilities later this year for R2 and second-generation R1 vehicles, with broader deployment expected in 2027.
Artificial intelligence integration is another major component of the R2 platform. The SUV incorporates 200 sparse TOPS of edge AI computing dedicated to in-cabin experiences and future software features.
This technology will eventually support the Rivian Assistant, the company’s voice assistant scheduled to launch later this summer. Designed to understand driver preferences, vehicle context, and natural speech patterns, the assistant is intended to complete complex requests locally within the vehicle—even when offline.
The R2 also introduces a redesigned steering wheel system featuring haptic “halo” dials. These interactive controls can scroll, push, tilt, and pull, offering tactile feedback while helping drivers navigate digital vehicle functions without unnecessary distractions.
Inside the cabin, drivers will have access to dual digital displays, including a dedicated driver information screen and a central infotainment display for navigation, media, and connectivity functions.
As Rivian begins public deliveries of the R2, the company is positioning the vehicle as a critical product for its next phase of expansion. With a lower starting price, advanced technology platform, and versatile SUV capability, the R2 aims to bring Rivian’s electric adventure-focused identity to a significantly larger audience.
The arrival of the R2 comes at an important time for the electric vehicle market, where automakers continue working to balance affordability, performance, and software innovation. For Rivian, the launch represents more than just a new vehicle—it signals the company’s ambition to broaden its reach while reinforcing its role as a technology-driven EV manufacturer prepared for long-term growth.
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