Rivian R2 Won’t Include Fold-Flat Front Seats – Here’s What to Expect Instead [U]

Update: Rivian has clarified that the R2 will in fact have a powered trunk.

Originally shared on Reddit, Brian Gase, the Chief Engineer of Special Projects at Rivian, has revealed that the upcoming Rivian R2 will not feature fold-flat front seats as seen in the R2 prototype currently touring North America.

Many Rivian fans, including myself, speculated that the fold-flat front seats wouldn’t make it to production due to federal safety regulations, and this has now been confirmed. However, Gase did mention that the rear seats will fold nearly flat, with just a 4º angle.

Here are some additional details that Brian shared:

• The R2, R3, and R3X prototypes touring North America were not built at the factory and feature parts from the R1.
• A compact spare tire will be included in select trims.
• A single-motor variant will be produced later. (RJ previously confirmed that the R3X, featuring a Tri-Motor setup, will be built first.)
• The R2 will not have self-leveling, as it won’t include air suspension.
• A tow hitch will be included in the production model.
• A power liftgate is not currently planned, likely due to cost considerations.
• The charging port on the R3 and R3X will be relocated to the driver’s rear side, matching the R2’s design.
• A NACS variant of the Rivian Wall Charger is in development.