
How the Rivian R2 Stacks Up Against the Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y has dominated EV sales for three years running. Rivian's R2 is the first serious challenger that competes on price — and then outpunches it on capability.

The Tesla Model Y has dominated EV sales for three years running. Rivian's R2 is the first serious challenger that competes on price — and then outpunches it on capability.

I join Wassym in the brand new Rivian R2 to discuss and showcase the upcoming software including refreshed UI that will be…

Some say these colors are boring, I think they are elegant and match the design of R2. Join me as I check…

Rivian unveiled the full R2 lineup at SXSW 2026, revealing all four trims, final pricing, and a confirmed Spring 2026 delivery date for the Performance Launch Package. Starting around $45,000 and topping out at $57,990, the R2 brings Rivian's adventure DNA to a mid-size platform that's nearly 2,000 lbs lighter than the R1. Here's everything you need to know about specs, trims, drive modes, and the full delivery timeline.

Rivian is dropping the full R2 reveal on March 12, and the very next day you can climb into one at SXSW and feel it tackle a custom off-road course firsthand. The Electric Joyride runs March 13 through 18 at the 800 Block of Congress in Austin, no reservation required.

Rivian is targeting 20,000 to 25,000 R2 deliveries in the first six months of production, which would make it one of the fastest EV launches in U.S. history. Only the Tesla Model Y got there quicker.

Rivian's R2 will be one of the first vehicles in the world to launch with GSMA SGP.32-enabled eSIM technology, partnering with Giesecke+Devrient and AT&T to build a 5G connectivity platform designed to scale globally without hardware changes.

Rivian’s R2 introduces a simpler semi-active coil suspension system compared to the air suspension setup found in R1, focusing on comfort and control without adjustable ride height. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what that means and why it matters for everyday drivers.

Doug DeMuro gave the Rivian R2 a strong 70 Doug Score and says its launch edition pricing is “quite compelling,” adding even more momentum ahead of Rivian’s full March 12 reveal.

Rivian has quietly removed the 2027 timeline from its European R2 website, replacing it with a simple sign up page and no official launch year. While nothing has been formally announced, the move follows Canada’s shift to a 2027 release and suggests Rivian is concentrating heavily on a US first rollout, leaving Europe’s R2 timing increasingly uncertain.