Rivian has updated its Canadian R2 timeline, shifting the launch from 2026 to 2027 and removing the previously listed $66,500 CAD starting price. The change comes as Rivian prepares to reveal full U.S. pricing, specs, and the configurator on March 12.
Rivian is dropping the ultrasonic parking sensors found on the R1 and moving the upcoming R2 to a vision first setup at launch. Those bumper sensors normally handle close range object detection during parking and low speed maneuvers, so this is a notable shift. Instead, R2 will rely more heavily on cameras and radar, with LiDAR expected to join the hardware stack later in 2026. Here’s what those sensors actually do, what changes with vision only, and how Rivian’s broader autonomy roadmap plays into this decision.
Rivian’s software chief, Wassym Bensaid, jumped into Reddit to address growing concerns around the electronic door latches coming to R2 and already used on Gen 2 R1. He explained that Rivian designed the system with full power redundancy between the high voltage and 12V batteries, ensuring the doors remain operational in a crash. More importantly, the e latch setup allows the vehicle to automatically release child locks and unlock doors after a collision, something traditional mechanical systems cannot do. Rivian says this move is about smarter, software driven safety, not cost cutting.
Rivian has confirmed the first R2 variant, a dual motor all wheel drive model, will launch this spring, with full pricing and configuration details set to be revealed on March 12. After early validation drive previews, the countdown to real numbers and options has officially begun.
Rivian invited select media and influencers to get behind the wheel of its R2 validation builds, offering the first real world look at the upcoming model. While specs and pricing remain under wraps, attendees were able to demo drive and even take the R2 off road, signaling strong confidence from Rivian as the vehicle moves closer to production.
Rivian just released new behind the scenes clips of the R2 coming together on the line, highlighting its simplified design and hinting at the start of the official R2 content push.
A convoy of colorful Rivian R2 prototypes was spotted on a California highway, hinting that the company’s official R2 content rollout may be just getting started.
Rivian may not offer leasing when the R2 launches, and history suggests that should not come as a surprise. Leasing was not available at R1 launch and still is not offered in every state or in Canada today.
Not long after Rivian confirmed that manufacturing validation builds of R2 are rolling off the line in Normal, Illinois, the company shared…
Just a year ago, Rivian’s R2 expansion in Normal, IL was nothing more than a concrete slab. Today, Rivian has hit a…
