The Sunday Drive, Rivian Week in Review, July 20 to July 26, 2026
Rivian halts Half Moon Grey R2 deliveries, sues the federal government over tariff refunds, and puts out a charging adapter warning. Plus R2 battery pack costs, a tire efficiency breakdown,… · Rivian
Why You Should Wait for the Rivian R2 With LiDAR and Gen 3 Hardware Instead of Buying the Launch Edition
I recently made the case for why the R2 Performance Launch Edition is the best value in the lineup. But starting in late 2026, Rivian will begin shipping R2s with Gen 3 hardware, LiDAR, and the custom RAP1 chip, and there is no retrofit path for early buyers. If autonomy and future-proofing matter to you, here is the other side of that argument.
Rivian R1S vs. R2 Compared on Price, Range, Towing and More
The R1S Dual Large and R2 Performance are closer than you might think, with nearly identical range and the R2 actually making more horsepower for about $26,000 less. Here’s how to decide which Rivian SUV fits your life.
Rivian Pilots Digital Key Program for Loaner Vehicles at Select Service Centers
Rivian is piloting a new digital key program at select U.S. service centers that lets owners use their phone as a key on loaner vehicles through the Rivian mobile app, replacing the key card-only experience.
Why the Rivian R2 Performance Launch Edition Is the Best Value in the Entire R2 Lineup
The R2 Performance Launch Edition looks like a $4,000 jump over the Premium, but once you factor in lifetime Autonomy+, the tow package, semi-active suspension, and 206 extra horsepower, the real gap is closer to $1,000 in net value. Here’s why it’s the smartest buy in the R2 lineup.
Mind Robotics Raises $500 Million as RJ Scaringe Bets on Factory Robots Over Humanoids
Mind Robotics, the industrial robotics company RJ Scaringe spun out of Rivian, just closed a $500 million Series A co-led by Accel and Andreessen Horowitz, bringing total funding to $615 million and a $2 billion valuation in just a few months.
Rivian Can Now Sell Directly to Customers in Washington State
Washington state passed Senate Bill 6354, giving Rivian and Lucid the ability to sell vehicles directly to customers for the first time. The bill is expected to be signed by Governor Ferguson, ending the workaround era and opening the door for full showroom experiences within months.
Rivian R2 Price by Trim, From $44,990 to $57,990
Rivian has three R2 trims on the table now, and depending on what you care about, the differences actually matter. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you get at each level.
R2’s Coastal Cloud Signature Interior Won’t Be Available at Launch
Rivian confirmed at SXSW 2026 that the Coastal Cloud Signature interior won’t be available at launch with the R2 Launch Edition. After seeing it in person, this one’s a tough pill to swallow because it’s easily one of the best looking interiors Rivian has done.
Video – I Got Up Close With the Production Rivian R2
Getting up close with the production version of the Rivian R2, inside and out. In this video, I walk around the exterior…
Rivian Confirms Leasing Will Be Available When R2 Launches
Rivian confirmed at SXSW 2026 that leasing will be available from day one when R2 deliveries begin. With EV tech evolving as fast as it is, having a lease option at launch makes R2 even more accessible for anyone who wants flexibility without the long-term commitment.