First shown to the public more than two years ago, the 2027 Rivian R2 is finally ready to do for Rivian what the Model 3 did for Tesla: give buyers a more affordable option. The highly-anticipated electric SUV has been on a nationwide publicity tour to drum up interest, and have potential owners place a $100 deposit. We've known what the R2 will look like for some time now, and we knew it would cost around $45,000. Rivian has finally released detailed specifications, including model timing, pricing, and availability. Pricing Information We want to start with the price, which, despite the two-year wait, comes in at the promised $45,000 for the Standard RWD trim (not including a $1,495 destination and freight charge). Unfortunately, that version will not be available until late 2027 as a 2028 model-year vehicle. A Standard RWD Long Range will be available in Early 2027 for only a bit more, starting at $48,490.As you might expect, only the most expensive Performance Dual-Motor AWD trim (with a Launch Package) will be sold at launch in spring 2026, and only for a limited time, but it's still relatively affordable by Rivian standards at $57,990. By late 2026, a Premium Dual Motor AWD model will join the lineup for $53,990."R2 embodies so many of our learnings that we have accumulated—the passion and attention to detail from our team is visible everywhere. Thank you to all the teams across Rivian who poured their energy into bringing this incredible vehicle to life. I couldn't be more excited."– RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and CEO The Specs You Want RivianThe R2 is built on Rivian's new midsize platform, and this smaller architecture packs a lot of what owners love about the current R1 vehicles into a smaller package. All trims will ship with an NACS port, providing native access to the Tesla Supercharger network and other charging networks with a CCS adapter. Rivian says the R2 can charge from 10% to 80% in under 29 minutes, though no exact charging speed was quoted.Early owners will experience the R2 Performance trim with the Launch Package, the most capable model both on-road and off-road. It features a dual-motor setup producing 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque, which can rocket the midsize SUV to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. An 87.9 kWh battery enables up to a 330-mile EPA-estimated driving range. The Premium trim also uses a dual-motor setup with the same battery, but it's detuned to deliver 450 hp and 537 lb-ft. That reduces the 60 mph sprint to 4.6 seconds, while the range stays the same at up to 330 miles.With only a single rear motor but the same 87.9 kWh battery, the R2 Standard Long Range is the range king of the lineup at 345 miles. However, with only 350 hp and 355 lb-ft, its 5.9-second run to 60 is slower than its siblings. Rivian hasn't published the base R2 Standard's battery size, but says it has the same power and acceleration as the Long Range version. It's expected to travel over 275 miles on a charge. What's Included For The Price? Rivian Every R2 seats five passengers comfortably with what Rivian calls "class-leading" interior volume. There's plenty of room for cargo as well, with 28.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 79.4 cubes with the rear seats folded. For comparison, a Tesla Model Y only offers 76.2 cubic feet.Rivian says the total enclosed space, including the 5.2-cubic-foot front trunk, totals 90.1 cubic feet. The R2 also borrows one of the coolest features from the Toyota 4Runner, a sliding glass window (on Performance and Premium trims) for an open-air experience that can also enable owners to carry long items like a surfboard.Rivian In terms of technology, all trims get dual screens, including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 15.3-inch infotainment system powered by a new AI system with a Rivian Assistant. The Performance trim gets a semi-active suspension, Compass Yellow brake calipers, Rivian Premium Audio with nine speakers, 21-inch Liquid Tungsten wheels, and additional drive modes (Rally, Soft Sand, and Launch).Standard trim buyers get a Black Crater interior, while Premium and Performance owners upgrade to either a Black Crater Signature or Coastal Cloud Signature cabin. The Premium trim adds features such as:Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel12-way power driver and passenger seat with lumbarRivian Premium Audio with nine speakers and two midwoofersRear sliding glassDriver's door flashlightDynamic Adventure Lighting with Adaptive High BeamsTow HooksDrive Modes: All-Purpose, Conserve, Snow, All-Terrain, and SportAs a reward for purchasing the Launch Package and being an early adopter, these owners will get lifetime Rivian Autonomy+ hands-free driving, a green anodized key fob, available Launch Green exterior color (paid upgrade), and a tow package with 4,400-pound capacity. Owners who wait to purchase the Performance trim without the Launch Package can add Autonomy+, 20-inch Black Sand all-terrain wheels, a premium interior with Birch wood accents, the tow package, and exterior colors as standalone options.The R2 comes in previously available Rivian colors, including Midnight, Glacier White, Forest Green, Borealis, and Launch Green (Performance Launch Package only). It also adds three new hues: Catalina Cove (an R2 exclusive color-shifting metallic paint that goes from green to blue), Esker Silver, and Half Moon Grey. These paints can be paired with 19-inch Machined Graphite all-season wheels, 20-inch bicolor Carbon all-season wheels, 20-inch Black Sand all-terrain wheels, and 21-inch Tungsten all-season wheels. Our Early Verdict Rivian It's tough to deliver an early verdict before we've driven the R2, but based on the pricing, Rivian has delivered on its promise of an "affordable" version of its popular EVs, at least if you are willing to wait until next year. The R2's arrival is poorly timed with the death of the $7,500 tax credit, which would have made it more attainable for a wider audience, but even at $45,000, we imagine it shouldn't have a shortage of buyers who will fulfill their $100 deposits.The nearly $58,000 Launch trim may not be such a bargain, but it's priced on par with the Tesla Model Y Performance for a vehicle with similar acceleration, superior range, more interior space, and far greater off-road capability. Upcoming EVs like the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 will deliver more impressive range and charging, but at a higher price.In short, the Rivian R2 has a market, and should find its audience.2026 Rivian R220