
R2 First Drives Coming in June at Rivian Spaces and Service Centers
Rivian has confirmed that R2 first drives are coming in June at your local Rivian Space or Service Center and yes, I'll finally be getting behind the wheel for the first time too.

Rivian has confirmed that R2 first drives are coming in June at your local Rivian Space or Service Center and yes, I'll finally be getting behind the wheel for the first time too.

Rivian's R2 EPA certification documents are in, and the range numbers actually beat the company's own estimates. The Performance trim with 21-inch All-Seasons hit 335 miles certified, topping Rivian's projected 330. All-Terrains drop it to 314. The Large pack carries 86.8 kWh of usable capacity with 210 kW DC fast charging. Employee deliveries start this month, so real-world impressions aren't far off.

Rivian is taking the R2 on a cross-country Block Party tour starting April 3 in Venice, with stops in seven cities through late May. No demo drives yet, but you can see the colors in person, explore the interior, and hang out with the community.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Getting up close with the production version of the Rivian R2, inside and out. In this video, I walk around the exterior…

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.