2027 Rivian R2 First Drive: From Normal, Is NormalRivian (Rivian)Rivian's R1T and R1S EVs hit the market with a bang instead of a whimper, gaining a devoted following that quickly bought into the adventurous vibes and unique styling. Of course, being first-out-of-the-gate halo models, these initial vehicles coming from Rivian's plant in Normal, Illinois, were (and still are) on the expensive side. Now, the company's more affordable R2 model is upon us.The DeetsThe R2 SUV starts landing in people's driveways this month. Here again, however, Rivian is starting with the pricier variants, eventually trickling down toward the more affordable trims.First up is the $59,485 R2 Performance variant, which has two electric motors pumping out a collective 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque, enough for a manufacturer-estimated 60-mph time of 3.6 seconds. Its 88-kWh battery delivers an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles. It has a max fast-charging rate of 230 kilowatts and a NACS port for pluggin' in. This one comes with a semi-active coil-spring suspension, yellow-painted brake calipers, 12-way power front seats, a nine-speaker audio system, and a powered drop-down liftgate window.Rivian (Rivian)The Launch package adds a lifetime subscription to Rivian's Autonomy+ (more on that in a bit), as well as a special anodized key fob, a Tow package with a 4400-pound towing capacity, and the option of Launch Green paint. The paint and the key fob are Launch package exclusives; the other bits can be added as stand-alone options.AdvertisementAdvertisementLater this year, folks can scoop up the $55,485 R2 Premium. Output from this dual-motor setup drops to 450 horsepower and 537 pound-feet, extending the 60-mph sprint to 4.6 seconds, but range stays the same at 330 miles. You lose a few vehicle modes (Rally, Soft Sand, and Launch), but some notable bits like the 12-way seats, power rear glass, and nine-speaker audio system remain. Autonomy+ is still available as an option, as is the Tow package.Rivian (Rivian)In 2027, the most affordable stuff will finally arrive, starting with the $49,985 R2 Standard. Its single-motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain produces 350 horsepower and 355 pound-feet, good for a 5.9-second 60-mph time and an internally estimated range of 345 miles. You lose another drive mode (All-Terrain), four speakers, and the power rear glass. You can still option the towing package, and you can also add all-wheel drive back into the mix, which will bump output up to the Premium's level.Rivian (Rivian)Down the road, there will also be a lower-priced R2 Standard with a slightly smaller battery pack and around 275 miles of range. Pricing for that one should start at $46,485. RWD and 350 horsepower are still here, but details are otherwise scant on this model. We won't know more about it until closer to its projected on-sale date of summer 2027.As for Autonomy+, that is Rivian's hands-free drive assist, similar in its current iteration to GM's Super Cruise. Every new R2 gets a 60-day trial, and Launch Editions get the lifetime subscription as part of the purchase price, but other owners can pick it up for either $50 per month or a one-time fee of $2500. A point-to-point system (à la Tesla's dubiously named Full Self-Driving) is in the works with more details to come.Rivian (Rivian)R2 on the RoadWe spent our time driving the R2 Performance Launch Edition in the mountains surrounding Park City, Utah. The R2's curb appeal is undeniable, packing the good looks of the R1S SUV into a more manageable footprint. We dig the power rear glass and its clever windshield-wiper integration—it's tucked out of the way in its own heated grotto built into the liftgate.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you're familiar with Rivian's interiors, the R2 will feel like home, albeit with slightly less emphasis on the (still attractive) wood trim. There's ample room for grown adults in the second row, and the SUV's upright windows combine with the panoramic roof to provide an airy feel and good visibility in all directions. That said, we do wish there was some sort of cover for that glass roof; there's no built-in shade, which is a bummer. One clever packaging note: To accommodate large water bottles in the front door pockets, Rivian moved the door speakers to the center console. We cranked the volume and couldn't tell the difference.Rivian (Rivian)Rivian definitely learned a thing or two in the human-machine-interface department between the R1 models and this R2. The updated infotainment system is responsive and capable, lacking smartphone mirroring but packing a handful of baked-in apps that re-create the same experience in a different wrapper. The small digital gauge cluster allowed us to display a few different things at once while keeping the most relevant information prominent. The steering wheel packs two thumbwheels with three different axes of movement (rotation, push/pull, tilt); it took little time to get used to, though the push/pull detents required a bit too much effort to activate. Either way, we're happy that Rivian is paying attention to—and iterating upon—physical switchgear.These days, it feels like every other EV is making some ungodly sum of horsepower capable of shunting an unsuspecting family into the nearest storefront. Thankfully, the R2 manages its power well. There's a big push as you shove off, but it's not a disorienting kind of acceleration. Most folks will probably avoid fully tapping that well, but it's good for impressing your passengers. Regen is available in three strengths; we preferred High, but all three offer head-bob-free usability if you're light on the inputs.The R2 we drove was wearing Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires; on good pavement, there's barely any noise as the speedometer rises, but on certain kinds of asphalt, the tires can produce a small background roar. Noise or not, the Scorpions combined with the coil-spring suspension for a mighty smooth on-road ride. We threw the R2 into Sport for some of the twisty bits—body movement and weight transfer were kept in check, no matter what mode we landed on. The R2 is not going to replace your sports car, but it holds its own for an SUV.Rivian (Rivian)R2 in the DirtIn addition to our on-road driving, Rivian also prepared about 90 minutes' worth of light-to-medium off-roading. We used R2s that were set up specifically for this task; instead of the Pirelli Scorpions, these cars wore all-terrain tires that were aired down to 25 psi, the absolute minimum that Rivian recommends. You probably wouldn't want to drag the Scorpions across some of the sharper rocks that we encountered, especially since a spare tire is optional (there's space to store it beneath a fake floor in the trunk).AdvertisementAdvertisementWith the R2 in its All-Terrain mode, we set out climbing a tight mountain pass full of rocks, sand, and small rivers. Slow and steady wins the race, and with our feet managing the regen, we climbed over or through every obstacle in our path without hearing any untoward bump-stop smashes. Rivian told us that 40 percent of its owners take their vehicles off-road, so there needs to be a certain degree of baked-in competence. While there isn't a whole lot of articulation, we believe the capability on display during this drive will cover the lion's share of customers' needs.Rivian (Rivian)One thing the R2 lacks is hill-descent control, but as it turned out, we didn't need it. The R2's liftoff regen is calibrated to incorporate friction braking in the case of steep descents. Despite some rather steep declines over dirt that didn't like staying put, we held the R2 at between 2 and 4 mph with barely any conscious effort.Adventures AheadAlthough it looks like its bigger brother, the R2 is its own thing, a fully competent electric SUV that should be a strong candidate to break the Tesla Model Y's stranglehold on the mid-size electric SUV segment. Heck, it's nice enough to probably shake a few luxury buyers loose as well. Sadly, it just missed this year's C/D EV of the Year competition, but we look forward to seeing how it fares at our 10Best roundup this fall.Rivian (Rivian)➡️ Skip the lot. 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