Rivian is making sure that owning its upcoming R2 SUV feels like a constant scavenger hunt. While most car companies focus on panel gaps and seat stitching, Rivian’s design team has gone above and beyond, spending a surprising amount of time hiding "surprise and delight" features all over the vehicle to keep owners entertained during charging stops.
In a recent video interview, Rivian chief designer Jeff Hammoud walked through several hidden gems baked into the R2’s glass and bodywork. Among the most charming discoveries are a tiny Gear Guard Gary face on the windshield and a miniature rock climber ascending one of the rear windows.
Subtle Details for the Observant Owner
The "Gear Guard" character is Rivian’s quirky security mascot, and on the R2, he makes a very subtle appearance in the frit — the black dotted pattern along the edge of the windshield. Hammoud noted that this is one of his favorite additions because it is so easy to miss. "That one's one of my favorite ones ‘cause it's so subtle. That’s Gear Guard making a little appearance there. So, that's his smiley face, his eyes, and his mouth," Hammoud said.
If you look toward the rear of the vehicle, you might also spot a tiny decal of a mountain climber scaling the side window. Hammoud pointed this out as another nod to the brand's outdoorsy "adventure" identity.
These touches follow a long tradition of Rivian easter eggs, such as the Car Wash Mode and hidden Morse code messages in the infotainment system. Even the charge port door on the R2 has a maze molded into it to give you something to do while waiting for a top-up.
R2 Lineup and Launch Timeline
While the easter eggs are fun, the R2 itself is a serious path to profitability for Rivian. The company is currently finalizing the rollout for the different trims of the midsize SUV:
R2 Performance ($57,990): This is the first model off the line, slated for delivery later this spring. It features a 3.6-second 0–60 mph time, and the first orders will ship with an exclusive Launch Package.
R2 Premium ($53,990): Expected to follow in late 2026.
R2 Standard Long Range ($48,490): Coming in early 2027 as the range leader of the pack.
R2 Standard ($45,000): The much-anticipated, high-volume base model that’s expected in late 2027.
For a deep dive into how these versions stack up, you can check out our full R2 trim comparison.
Hammoud emphasized that he didn't want to "give them all away," suggesting that there are still plenty of hidden easter eggs waiting to be discovered under the hood of the R2 and throughout the cabin. As the first Launch Edition units start reaching customers in just a few months, we’ll likely see even more of these tiny details surface on social media. It is clear that Rivian wants the R2 to be a vehicle you keep exploring long after the new-car smell has faded.
