Rivian targets “broader audience” with new, lower cost mid-size electric SUV

American electric carmaker Rivian is set to begin deliveries of its new midi-sized electric SUV, the R2, targeting a different audience with an initial price pitched at under $US60,000, before a sub-$US50,000 standard variant makes its appearance next year.

Rivian, makers of the electric R1S seven-seater SUV and R1T dual-cab “truck” (ute), hopes the R2 mid-size electric SUV will open the door to a “significantly broader audience without losing what makes Rivian unmistakably Rivian.”

Deliveries will start in the US in the northern spring with the R2 Performance with Launch Package starting at $US57,990 (before applicable taxes and fees) which, if it were to ever come to Australia, would convert at current prices to around $A83,000.

Additional variants are set to be launched at delayed intervals, with the R2 Premium set to begin deliveries in late 2026 and the Standard model some time in the first half of 2027.

The R2 is built on Rivian’s new mid-size platform designed to offer a more accessible price point without compromising on the vehicle’s capabilities.

The R2 lineup will offer up to 656 horsepower, 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds and highway acceleration from 50-70 mph in 1.55 seconds, and a Rivian-estimated range of up to 345 miles (555 kilometres).

Rivian claims that its R2 Performance is the most capable variant on- and off-road, with its dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) offering the top-of-the-line 656 horsepower and 609-lb-ft of torque (or around 825 Nm), and an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles.

The R2 Premium, which will be available late 2026, is the next step down, still with a dual-motor AWD setup but producing only 450 horsepower and 537 lb-ft of torque, which pushes the acceleration out to 4.6 seconds, but keeps the EPA-estimated range at up to 330 miles and drops the price to $US53,990.

The entry-level Standard model is due in the first half of 2027 with a starting price of $US48,490. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive “Long Range” configuration delivers only 350 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, pushing the acceleration out to 5.9 seconds but boosting the “Rivian-estimated range” of up to 345 miles.

Rivian has also promised an additional R2 Standard variant which will arrive in late 2027 and start from around $US45,000, or around $A65,000, which will offer in excess of 275 miles (442 km) of estimated range. More details on this basic model will be available closer to the vehicle’s launch.

“R2 embodies so many of our learnings that we have accumulated—the passion and attention to detail from our team is visible everywhere,” said RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian.

For the full run down on all the extras and specifications, click here.