Rivian is getting ready to pull back the curtain on its next big thing, but it seems some of the most colorful details have already slipped out. Just a day before the official reveal on Thursday, March 12, the full list of color options for the upcoming R2 SUV was leaked online.
The discovery was made by Rivian Forums user TXR1SMD, who spotted the information while passing the company’s South Congress showroom in Austin. The site is currently closed as the team prepares for SXSW 2026, where Rivian plans to host public rides and showcases for the new midsize electric SUV after unveiling it.
TXR1SMD (via Rivian Forum)
The R2 Color Palette
According to the leaked posters, Rivian is planning a diverse range of finishes for the R2. While initial production may only offer a limited selection before scaling to the full list, the leaked lineup includes eight distinct options. Interestingly, the list features two different shades of green, suggesting that Rivian is leaning heavily into its adventurous brand identity.
TXR1SMD (via Rivian Forum)
The colors spotted at the showroom include:
Half Moon Grey
Glacier White
Borealis
Launch Green
Midnight
Forest Green
Esker Silver
Catalina Cove
Leaked Specs and Pricing
This color leak also comes alongside a massive dump of pricing and technical specifications that appeared earlier today. The first trim to roll off Rivian’s production lines will be the R2 Performance. This dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant starts at $57,990 and features an 87.9 kWh battery with 656 horsepower, allowing it to hit 0–60 mph in just 3.5 seconds while offering an estimated 330 miles of range.
Rivian Wave
The R2 Performance will reportedly come in Esker Silver by default, though other colors will be available as paid add-ons. However, early buyers will receive a "Launch Package" that includes a free paint upgrade. For those looking for a more affordable entry point, a single-motor "Standard" trim priced at $45,000 is expected to debut in late 2027.
Preparing for the Reveal
The R2 is a massive undertaking for Rivian, as the company is counting on this new platform to help it reach profitability by the end of the year. It brings clever utility features to the table, such as a rear window that rolls into the tailgate and front seats that fold flat for camping. It also includes a native NACS port for easy access to Tesla's Supercharger network.
As we get closer to the big event at SXSW, make sure to check out our guide on how to watch the launch event. We will be providing full coverage of the launch and every official detail Rivian announces.
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In the world of tech, an embargo is only as strong as the person who hits "publish" last. It appears ArsTechnica accidentally jumped the gun on the Rivian R2, briefly posting and then deleting an article that laid out the full launch details for the highly anticipated SUV. Fortunately for enthusiasts, Reddit users were quick to capture the details before they vanished.
The leak arrives just one day before the official reveal on Thursday, March 12, giving us a massive look at the pricing and performance tiers of the vehicle Rivian hopes will carry it to profitability.
The Three-Tiered R2 Lineup
The leaked data outlines three distinct trims for the R2, ranging from a high-performance launch model to the long-promised affordable base version.
R2 Performance (Launch Package): This is the first version expected to roll off the line in mid-2026. It starts at $57,990 (plus a $1,495 delivery charge) and features a 656 hp dual-motor powertrain, an 87.9 kWh battery, and up to 330 miles of range. It also includes a semi-active suspension.
R2 Premium: Slated for late 2026, this trim starts at $53,990. It keeps the 330-mile range but drops the horsepower to 450 and uses a standard suspension setup.
R2 Standard: This is the model Rivian fans have been waiting for, hitting the legendary $45,000 price point. However, buyers will have to wait until late 2027 to get their hands on it.
Standard Trim Specs and the Competition
While hitting a $45,000 entry price is a huge win for Rivian, the "Standard" trim comes with a trade-off that might give some buyers pause. The base model features a smaller battery pack that only enables approximately 265 miles of range.
When you compare that to its primary rival, the Tesla Model Y, the gap is noticeable. The cheapest Model Y is currently priced at $39,990 and offers a significantly higher EPA-rated 321 miles of range. Rivian is likely betting that its unique utility features — like the fold-flat front seats for camping and the fully retractable rear window — will be enough to win over customers who want more than just raw range.
Built for the Future of Charging
The R2 is built on a lighter platform than the R1S and will be the first Rivian to ship with a native NACS charging port. This means R2 owners will have seamless access to the Tesla Supercharger network the moment they take delivery.
While the leak has given us plenty to chew on, there is still a lot to see, including all the configurations, the final software interface, accessories, and more. Make sure to check out our R2 event preview for details on how to watch the launch tomorrow. We’ll be providing full coverage of the R2 launch and every surprise Rivian has in store.
Rivian is simplifying its lineup just as it prepares for one of the most significant product launches in its history. The company has officially confirmed that the "Dual Standard" configuration is being pulled from the R1 lineup, effectively raising the entry price for both its electric pickup and SUV.
According to a report from RivianTrackr, this move marks the end of the road for the $72,990 R1T Dual Standard and the $76,990 R1S Dual Standard trims. These base models utilized an LFP battery pack that has recently faced calibration issues, which may have contributed to the decision to retire the configuration.
The New R1 Price Floor
With the Dual Standard trims gone, the starting prices for the R1 series have seen a notable jump. The new entry points for the lineup are as follows:
R1T Dual: $79,990
R1S Dual: $83,990
To clear out remaining inventory, Rivian is offering a final lease deal on 2026 R1 Dual Standard units starting at $749 per month for 36 months, with an additional $3,000 off the lease. However, the clock is ticking, as leases must be approved by March 19 and vehicles delivered by March 31. This move creates a much clearer "premium" gap between the R1 series and the upcoming, more affordable R2.
The Upcoming R2 Unveil
The primary catalyst for this lineup shift is likely the R2 midsize SUV, which is set to be unveiled this Thursday, March 12. The R2 is a critical project for Rivian, as the company is banking on the new platform and its autonomy stack to reach profitability by the end of 2026.
Rivian Wave
Rivian is targeting a starting price of roughly $45,000 for the single-motor base model. While that entry-level trim won't be the first to arrive, the pricier dual-motor, all-wheel drive R2 Launch Edition is expected to be a performance beast. That version will reportedly feature an 87.4 kWh battery, 656 horsepower, and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds.
The R2 also brings several clever utility features to the table, including front seats that fold totally flat for car camping and a rear window that rolls completely down into the tailgate. It will also feature a native NACS charging port, allowing it to use Tesla's Supercharger network from the first mile.
Volume production for the R2 is expected to begin in Illinois in mid-2026. By removing the cheapest R1 trims now, Rivian ensures that its older, more expensive models don't step on the value proposition of the R2. If you want to see the new SUV in action, make sure to check out our guide on how to watch the R2 launch event.
