Rivian Officially Announces R2: Standard, Premium and Performance — Compare Prices and Specs

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Rivian has officially pulled the curtain back on the R2, its long-anticipated midsize SUV designed to bring the brand’s adventurous spirit to a much broader audience. Following a week of leaked color options and preliminary specs, we now have the full picture of the lineup that Rivian is banking on to carry it toward profitability.

Built on an all-new platform that is roughly 2,000 lbs lighter than the R1S, the R2 manages to pack Rivian's signature "adventure DNA" into a more compact, affordable frame. The vehicle is already making its public debut at SXSW 2026, where the company plans to offer public rides and demos starting Friday, March 13.

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Rivian R2 Specs Comparison

The R2 arrives with three primary configurations that vary in power, range, and luxury features. While the R2 Performance is the "halo" model that ships first, the R2 Standard Long Range is arguably the range king of the group.

The R2 measures 185.9 inches long and 84.7 inches wide (78.1 inches with the side mirrors folded), with a wheelbase of 115.6 inches. It is 66.9 inches tall.

The Promised $45,000 Entry Point

Rivian also confirmed that a fourth, even more accessible R2 Standard variant will debut in late 2027 starting at $45,000. While many details for this trim remain "to be determined," Rivian expects it to offer more than 275 miles of range. This entry-level model is clearly designed to battle the base Tesla Model Y, though it arrives much later than its more powerful siblings.

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Built for Adventurers

The R2 isn't just a shrunken R1; it introduces several clever features designed specifically for car camping and storage. For the first time in a Rivian, both the front and rear seats fold completely flat, creating a massive interior space for sleeping.

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Storage is equally innovative, featuring two glove boxes and a "hidden drawer" for extra gear. The signature flashlight inside the door frame remains, and a new "Field Outlet" accessory can plug into the charge port to turn the R2 into a 12V power station for external devices. Additionally, the rear window on Performance and Premium trims can drop completely into the tailgate to provide an open-air feel and accommodate longer items like surfboards.

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R2 Interior Options

Rivian is introducing two new nature-inspired interior themes for the R2:

• Coastal Cloud Signature: A light, airy white interior inspired by ocean skies, featuring upcycled birch wood.

• Black Crater Signature: A dynamic dark-toned interior inspired by volcanic rock.

  
  Note: The R2 Standard trims are restricted to the Black Crater interior without the "Signature" wood accents.

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The R2 Performance comes with a "Launch Package" for early buyers, which includes a green anodized key fob, a tow package, and a lifetime subscription to Rivian’s Autonomy+ hands-free driving system, which is normally a $2,500 value. This trim also gets access to the full color palette, including the exclusive Launch Green paint.

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On the tech front, the R2 features a new "Haptic Halo" steering wheel with physical dials that tilt and scroll, providing a unique way to interact with the vehicle's software. The car is also ready for modern charging standards with a native NACS port for direct access to Tesla Superchargers.

With reservations currently open for $100, Rivian is positioning the R2 as the versatile, accessible electric SUV that the market has been waiting for. Deliveries for the Performance trim begin this spring, marking the start of a new era for the company.

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Rivian R2 Color Options Leaked Before Launch

TXR1SMD (via Rivian Forum)

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.

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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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Rivian R2 Price and Specs Leak: Performance Launch Edition, Premium and Standard Trims

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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.

Update: Rivian has officially announced the R2 lineup, including trims, specs, colors, and available options.

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.

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