Rivian is getting ready to launch its most important vehicle to date, and as we get closer to the first deliveries, we are starting to see the clever design details that set the R2 apart. While most of the hype has been around its price and “Drop Glass” rear window, the vehicle's front trunk (frunk) is proving to be a standout feature for everyday usability.
According to automotive content creator JoshWest247, who recently got hands-on with the SUV at SXSW 2026, the frunk was a major focus for Rivian’s design team. Jeff Hammud, Rivian's chief designer, intentionally kept the front end a bit taller to maximize practical storage. "Whether you're a weekend warrior or you're out in the woods or just hauling stuff through the city, we've got a huge amount of additional storage space here," West noted in his deep dive.
Size and Capacity
Rivian’s goal for the R2 was to create a vehicle that can haul a family’s worth of gear without the massive footprint of the R1S. The company estimates that between the frunk and the rear cargo area, you can fit five suitcases, three backpacks, and a stroller.
Rivian states that the R2 frunk offers 5.2 cu-ft (147 liters) of capacity. For comparison, that’s much smaller than the R1S frunk (11.1 cu-ft), but larger than the frunk found on Tesla’s Model Y at 4.1 cu-ft (compare R2 to Model Y).
Based on those numbers, the rough dimensions of the storage tub are approximately 52" wide by 18" long and 12" deep. The shape is a clean, deep rectangle that makes it perfect for grocery bags or a standard carry-on suitcase.
Opening and Closing
Unlike the trunk, the R2 frunk isn't fully "powered" in the sense that a motor lifts and lowers it like a garage door, but it feels remarkably close. It uses a power release system — you simply press a capacitive button marked with three lines on the outside of the vehicle to unlatch it, and the hood lifts open automatically. This allows you to drop your bags inside even when your hands are mostly full. There’s also an emergency open button on the inside of the frunk for safety.
For closing, Rivian has implemented a soft-close mechanism. You can lower the hood (even with a single finger) until it reaches the latch; at that point, the car takes over and "sucks" the hood down to a secure seal. You can also open the frunk remotely via the Rivian mobile app or through a button on the internal screen.
Rivian could eventually also add a hands-free "auto-open" feature for the frunk and trunk using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, similar to what Tesla offers. This would allow the frunk to pop open automatically as you approach with your phone in your pocket, making the space even more convenient.
Evolution from Prototype to Production
Comparing the production-intent design to the early prototype we saw back in 2024 reveals some smart refinements. One of the most obvious changes is the windshield washer fluid fill, which has been moved from the rear of the bay to the very front passenger side. This ensures you don't have to lean over a potentially dirty car to top up your fluids.
Rivian also cleaned up the interior aesthetic by removing the embossed logo from the topside inner lining and adding a replaceable protective material. This liner acts as a buffer, preventing cargo from scuffing the hood when it vibrates against the inside of the frunk during off-road adventures.
A Truncated Timeline for the R2 Family
Rivian is currently preparing for a phased rollout of the R2, and the good news is that this well-designed frunk should be standard across the entire lineup. The journey begins later this spring with the R2 Performance. This $57,990 flagship features dual-motor AWD, a 3.6-second 0–60 mph time, and an exclusive Launch Package for early reservation holders.
The rest of the family will follow through 2027:
R2 Premium ($53,990): Arriving late 2026.
R2 Standard Long Range ($48,490): Expected in early 2027 with a lineup-defining 345-mile range.
R2 Standard ($45,000): The base model, anticipated for late 2027.
For a more detailed look at how these variants compare, you can check out our full breakdown of the R2 trims.
The New Standard for EVs?
The R2 launch is critical for Rivian’s bottom line as it moves toward the mass market. By focusing on practical features like a hands-free opening frunk and easy-access washer fluid reservoirs, the company is making a strong case for itself against established competitors.
If you want to see the frunk in person, Rivian is taking the R2 on a nationwide tour with "Block Party" events in cities like Venice, Denver, and Chicago. It is a great opportunity to see if this "new standard" for storage lives up to the hype before the first Performance units hit the driveway this spring.
