Rivian, the American company that’s become synonymous with innovative electric vehicles, is gearing up to launch a model that could shake up the electric SUV market. We’re talking about the Rivian R2S, which promises to be more affordable and smaller than its bigger brother, the R1S, while maintaining all the features that have made Rivian vehicles a favorite among enthusiasts.
With a starting price around $45,000, the R2S targets a broad audience, especially those looking for an environmentally friendly car without breaking the bank. This price point puts the R2S in direct competition with the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and other similar models in the electric SUV segment.
The R2S comes with dimensions that make it more compact and easier to maneuver: 185.6 inches in length, 75 inches in width (84.4 inches with mirrors), standing at 66.9 inches tall with a wheelbase of 115.6 inches. Its design is recognizable by Rivian’s characteristic style – vertical lights and clean lines, making it attractive to those who seek aesthetics alongside functionality. 
Performance is one of the key aspects of the R2S. With a tri-motor configuration, the top-spec version can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, which is impressive for an SUV in this class. The battery range exceeds 300 miles on a single charge, enough for long drives without the need for recharging. The battery uses 4695 cylindrical cells, enabling a charge from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes, crucial for those always on the move.
The interior of the R2S is designed for comfort and practicality. It features two front glove compartments, correcting a previous shortcoming in Rivian models, and the seats can fold down into a completely flat surface, perfect for camping or carrying larger items. The rear window can be lowered, providing additional ventilation, which is ideal for summer days.
The infotainment system in the R2S is advanced and based on Rivian’s own operating system, without support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, much like Tesla’s approach. The 15.6-inch (about 40 cm) screen allows for intuitive control of numerous vehicle functions. Navigation is user-friendly, reminiscent of Google Maps, offering satellite and standard views, as well as 3D and 2D perspectives. Users can customize four main functions at the bottom of the screen for quick access. Integrated apps like Spotify, TuneIn, and Tidal enable high-quality music listening without external devices. Alexa is present for voice commands, allowing control over climate settings, opening the charge port door, and other features.
Rivian plans to start production of the R2S in the first half of 2026, meaning buyers will have to wait a bit longer to see this SUV on the roads. With reservations already open, interest is high, suggesting that the R2S could quickly become a favorite among buyers worldwide.
The R2S isn’t just a vehicle; it’s Rivian’s challenge to show that performance, design, and affordability can go hand in hand, offering a car that meets the needs of modern urban and rural driving. This model represents Rivian’s ambition to become a leader in the world of electric vehicles, providing innovations that are accessible to all.
