Rivian R2

The excitement around Rivian’s upcoming R2 is real, and honestly, it feels deserved. This isn’t just another EV, it’s Rivian finally stepping into the mainstream. The R1T and R1S are amazing trucks, but with starting prices well north of $80K, they’ve always been a little out of reach for a lot of people. The R2 changes that. We’re talking about a mid-size SUV starting around $45,000 (hopefully). That’s a massive shift. Suddenly, Rivian isn’t just the cool, outdoorsy brand for…

RJ Scaringe gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the R2 on social media, showing the battery, propulsion system, and chassis coming together in the marriage fixture at Rivian’s pilot line. This is the stage right before the body is added, and the packaging on the R2 looks incredibly clean and well thought out, which RJ called out as one of his favorite parts of the design.

Rivian just shared a behind-the-scenes look at the R2’s first builds, and it’s clear this vehicle is designed for scale. The R2 is simpler by design, with subframes and suspension components that snap together quickly to speed up assembly. Engineers are fine-tuning every step now to avoid issues when full production starts. These early R2s are already hitting the desert for intense testing. From deep sand and boulders to water troughs and gravel impacts, the goal is to push the…

Rivian just released a new video giving a rare inside look at how R2 is coming together ahead of its 2026 launch. Titled “R2: Design, Powertrain & Electronics,” the short tour shows how teams across the company are scaling to bring their most affordable vehicle to life. In the Design Studio, Rivian’s team refined R2’s shape while simplifying it for easier production. Over in the Powertrain Lab, they’re testing a brand-new in-house motor called Maximus, built to be smaller and more cost-effective than the…