Toyota and Subaru shoppers may have their heads turned by a new American-made SUV. Buyers have long looked to both brands for safe, budget-conscious models. While the expensive Rivian R1S battery-electric SUV wasn't a threat to either brand's market share, the R2 SUV might be.The Japanese brands, who both count the U.S. as their biggest sales arena, are in a high-stakes competition not just with American automakers, but Korean, European and Chinese competitors as well. Regulations are currently keeping formidable vehicles from BYD, Chery and SAIC offshore.Toyota and Subaru are jointly working to get customers into their new battery-electric vehicles while the regulations remain in place. Both have launched a flurry of EVs based on jointly created platforms and technology.Battery-electric Toyota Highlander.Subaru Uncharted SUV.Toyota recently gave its bZ compact SUV a refresh, brought the C-HR EV to America, and debuted the three-row, all-electric Highlander. Subaru has similarly updated and debuted its fraternal Toyota twins, the Solterra, Uncharted and Getaway. Subaru also launched the Trailseeker, a version of the Toyota bZ Woodland grade.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere's size space between the C-HR/Uncharted and Highlander/Getaway that Rivian is seeking to exploit. R2 is larger than the former and smaller than the latter. It has an upright, truck-like body style as opposed to the crossover-like stylings of the Toyotas and Subarus. Not just that, the Rivian has advanced driver assistance systems and in-car technology that go far beyond what Toyota and Subaru offer, as well as off-road prowess that bests the other SUVs.And, that's all for a price that fits between the two models. R2 starts at $44,990, a version that has a Rivian-estimated 275 miles of range, 350 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque. The top-of-the-line dual-motor, all-wheel drive R2 performance is $57,990 with Lauch Package extras included. It achieves an EPA-estimated 330 miles of range and delivers 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque.While range is similar to Toyota and Subaru models, the Rivian has far more power, especially in its higher-end grades.AdvertisementAdvertisementRivian's positioned R2 pricing to be between the Toyota and Subaru models. The customer cost of the R2 is a significant decrease from Rivian's R1 truck and SUV. Up until this point, the brand has concentrated on its flagship offerings, which are positioned as luxury vehicles. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe told Newsweek that the R2's pricing is not a move away from the company's profile, but instead a fresh welcome to how the company views itself. Rivian R2 without all four wheels on the ground.Rivian R2 off-roading in Utah."We actually don't think of it as a luxury brand. There's like a subtle difference, but really around this idea of something you aspire to, something that's premium but really usable," he said. The CEO continued: "[A Rivian is] comfortable getting dirty, it's comfortable throwing your kids in [and you can] put your big dog in the back of the car. For us, R2 really represents extending how accessible the brand is by virtue of the price, but it doesn't mean the product's less desirable. It's a very fun vehicle to drive, it's very capable off road. There's thoughtfulness in every area of the vehicle, whether it's the door pocket, the rear windshield wiper, the way the front trunk opens up and the way we finished all the surface around the front trunk. We've tried to really create an elevated experience, but at a very attainable price point."AdvertisementAdvertisementRelated ArticlesRivian CEO Admits Major Fault Drove Away CustomersThe Audi Nuvolari Is a 987-HP Hybrid Supercar Limited to 499 UnitsMercedes Isn't Going to Follow Volkswagen's China Success PathStart your unlimited Newsweek trial
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