Jump LinksPlenty Of Options, But Not All Available From The StartSmaller Than The R1, But Still CapableRivian R2 Off-Roading SpecsCan It Take The Fight To The Best-selling Compact EV SUV Ever?Rivian is not just any other electric start-up company born close to Silicon Valley. With the launch of the R1 back in 2021, it proved to a lot of people that it has what it takes to rival the EV giants such as Tesla. It logically started off with its flagship, but now it is time for the more accessible offering - the R2.The R2 looks to take on the hugely popular Tesla Model Y in the compact electric SUV category. With starting prices close to $45,000, the R2 is certainly trying to capitalize on the market that the Model Y has dominated for the past few years. However, with recent US policy changes and demand for EVs cooling down, is it too little too late for Rivian, or can this car save it from the plight that many new EV companies are facing? Here is everything you need to know about the Rivian R2's specs, dimensions, rivals and if it is really worth the hype. What Is Rivian? Rivian started its life as a company wanting to make a hybrid sports car called the R1. However, in 2012, it decided to change its perspective to fully electric SUVs that would later take shape as the R1S SUV and the R1T pickup truck. What makes Rivian different from the multitude of other EV startups we have seen is the fact that its first product was met with high praise and interest. So much so, in fact, that Amazon decided to invest in the company in 2019, while also ordering over 15,000 electric delivery vehicles.So now that Rivian has secured its spot as a potentially strong electric car manufacturer, the next model has to be its best yet. The Rivian R2 is the company's second car and is aimed at being the smaller and more accessible brother to the R1. Introduced as a compact electric SUV, it is aimed at rivaling the dominant Tesla Model Y and cars such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Rivian R2: Why Is It So Important? 2026 Rivian R2 The R2 was first revealed in March 2024, and it was instantly a hit due to its more affordable entry price. The R2 platform is a 450V architecture with a capacity of 87.9 kWh. Rivian has intentionally made the R1 and R2 very similar in terms of design. It follows the distinct Rivian exterior styling with boxy edges and vertical front headlights. However, there are a few things that make the R2 feel newer. For example, the rear window can drop down independently of the tailgate for easy access into the cargo area.The R2 small SUV is also designed as a car that will be sold in most global markets eventually, unlike the R1, which is North America exclusive. The R2 is also similar to the R1 inside, with a clean and minimalist look and a central touchscreen housing most of the car's features. The steering wheel on the R2 is updated, now featuring two rotating dials to control the driver's display. The R2 is a testament to the company's expansion plans into global markets, now that it knows the R1 form factor and platform are viable and popular. Rivian R2 Specifications And Trims Plenty Of Options, But Not All Available From The Start Rivian R2 PrototypesThe Rivian R2 will be available in four trims, however not all of them are present at launch. The first R2s that will be delivered are the top-of-the-line Performance models. The trim gets you a dual motor set up with all-wheel drive and semi-active suspension. It will have 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque, making it considerably faster than any of its rivals. With an EPA estimated range of 330 miles, it is less than the single-motor version as is the case with higher-performance EVs, but not miles off, figuratively speaking. All that being said, recent real-world testing of the 2027 R2 Performance seems to indicate that the EPA's initial estimates are quite conservative, with up to 450 miles potentially achieved with mixed driving or close to 500 miles on the highway alone.Included in the Performance package are 21-inch all-season tires, heated and ventilated seats, signature yellow brake calipers and tungsten wheels. The Performance trim also gets you three new driving modes - Launch, Soft Sand, and Rally. Considering all the upgrades to suspension and tires, the Performance trim should be the most capable R2 off-road. The Performance trim starts at $57,990 before options.The second-highest trim level is the Premium model, which again features a dual-motor set-up. The main differences between the Premium and Performance are the lack of semi-active suspension, smaller tires and no colored accents. For $4,000 less, you basically get 85% of the highest spec of the R2.The third and arguably the most important trim is the Standard trim. Starting at $48,490, there will be an additional cheaper R2 Standard model that will start at around $45,000. Currently, you get a rear-wheel drive single motor set-up with 345 miles of range and 19-inch tires. A dual motor setup with All-Terrain drive modes is available for this trim.All trims have an optional tow package, which increases the towing capacity to a respectable 4,400 lbs. The R1 will always remain the more capable off-roader. However, the R2 is no slouch, with up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance and a 25 degree approach, and 26 degree departure angle. Rivian R2 Dimensions Smaller Than The R1, But Still Capable Rivian R2The Rivian R2 is classed as a midsize SUV with two rows of seating for up to five passengers. When compared to the bigger R1S, the Rivian R2's length is roughly 15 inches shorter, and eight inches shorter in height. The R2 is also considerably lighter than the R1S by almost 2,000 pounds.When compared to a few of its rivals, the R2 is around three inches shorter in length than the Tesla Model Y but similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5. It is the widest car out of the four, increasing space for passengers seated side-by-side. The Rivian R2's height is also the tallest of its direct competitors, breaking the tradition of a teardrop cabin for a more useful boxy design. The cargo space may be smaller than the Model Y and the Mach-E. However, because of its square shape, there is enough space for all types of bags, with additional storage under the floor.We've added a comparison here to the Toyota 4Runner, which - athough the Toyota is much longer - has a shorter wheelbase. The reason this is important, is because of the R2's off-roading chops that see it go toe-to-toe with traditional off-roaders like the 4Runner. Rivian R2 Off-Roading Specs RivianThe Rivian R2 is also exceptionally capable off-road, much like the R1 models before it. When compared to non-specialist 4Runner models (like the TRD Pro and Trialhunter, which have additional equipment specifically for off-roading), it's easy to see where the R2 benefits. As standard, it far surpasses the regular 4Runner models in ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and semi-active suspension to adapt to the road and driving inputs. Rivian R2 Rivals Can It Take The Fight To The Best-selling Compact EV SUV Ever? CarBuzzSpeaking of its rivals, the biggest challenge the new Rivian R2 faces is the best-selling compact electric SUV in the world: the Model Y. Tesla is one of the very few electric companies that have been able to persuade the public to convert to EVs, and Rivian wants a piece of that market share. When compared against the Model Y, the R2 is more traditional in terms of its boxy design and straight lines. It also has a more usable rear cargo space, as the Y has a sloping roofline.Ford When compared to the Mach-E, the R2 is faster and has more ground clearance. The R2 should also provide more range from a full battery with its bigger battery on the standard trims. However, the Mach-E has a cheaper base price and has more cargo space.Hyundai When compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Rivian R2's dimensions look like it's in a different category. The Ioniq is more of a crossover with a raised-up hatchback design, whereas the R2 looks like a scaled-down full-size SUV. The Ioniq also has the smallest rear cargo space, due to its hatchback-like characteristics. Being the smallest car out of the four, the choice comes down to whether you are looking for a small EV crossover, or a small scaled-down SUV. Rivian R2: Is It Worth The Hype? Rivian The Rivian R2 has the monumental task of breaking into one of the most competitive electric markets of the recent decade. However, with EV growth slowly stagnating and EV exemptions being taken away, is the R2 too late to the party? When compared directly to the Tesla Model Y, it has everything it needs to potentially beat the car in its segment, especially for the price. With the base spec R2 not arriving until late 2027, there is still a lot of time before we get to see how the R2 fares against one of the EV titans. With the R2 being a globally available car as well, it helps Rivian expand their market. The R2 certainly has what it takes in terms of specs, trims and features to be a success.