Range, price, power, and all the stuff Rivian leaves off the comparison page. I lined up every R2 trim, every spec that actually matters before you order, and which one's the smart buy. The twist: the longest-range R2 isn't the priciest one.
Drew on X spotted an R2 sitting out in the open at the Pittsburgh Rivian Space, demo units are landing ahead of the June 9th test drives, and with a VIN ending in 581 it looks like there are well over 1,000 already configured. June's here, which means R2 deliveries start this month.
R2 ordering opens June 9th with Performance Launch Edition pricing locked in at $57,990, Performance range beats the Tesla Model Y Performance, Wassym hits the Decoder podcast, and Forest Edge interior makes a limited time return for R1.
A new Rivian software update is in testing and rolling out soon. Version 2026.15.30 is a hotfix aimed almost entirely at Rivian Assistant, with cleaner calling and messaging, smarter climate and navigation, quieter chimes, and a language-based availability change that finally opens the assistant up to owners in Quebec. Coming to both Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1T and R1S.
The EPA posted official R2 Performance numbers, and on 21-inch wheels it matches the Model Y Performance on efficiency while beating it on range, 330 miles to 306. The 20-inch all-terrain config gives some of that back for the rugged look.
Rivian is becoming an AI company on top of being an EV company, and the environmental cost of that shift is the question nobody at the company is really asking yet.
Most states only tax the difference when you trade a car in. Four tax you on the full price no matter what your trade is worth. Here's how all 50 states plus DC handle it.
Forest Edge is back for R1, but only as a $9,000 Dual R1 package that bundles the interior with 22" Sport Dark wheels, the Darkout Package, and Sound + Vision. It hasn't been orderable since around 2022, and it's limited time, so the green and wood crowd shouldn't sit on it.
Rivian software chief Wassym Bensaid went on Decoder, and it's the clearest look yet at the VW deal, why Rivian's software culture is the real asset, and what RV Tech means for every future EV from Audi to Scout.
R2 ordering is officially open as of June 9th, starting with the Performance Launch Edition only at $57,990. You're getting 656 hp, semi-active suspension, around 330 miles of range, and the full Launch Package, with current R1 owners getting priority and first deliveries targeted for 2-6 weeks from the date.
