2025 Rivian R2, The Affordable Electric Adventure SUV

Rivian has been making waves with its R1S and R1T electric vehicles, and now, they’ve turned their focus to something more accessible — the 2025 Rivian R2. This new compact SUV aims to bring Rivian’s adventurous spirit and smart design to a wider audience with a lower starting price and smaller footprint. But just because it’s more affordable doesn’t mean it’s lacking. Let’s go through what the R2 has to offer and why it might be one of the most exciting EVs in its segment.

Exterior Design and Size

The R2 is clearly a Rivian — it carries forward the brand’s signature look with its vertical headlight bars and a clean, modern shape. However, it’s noticeably smaller than the full-size R1S. At around 185 inches long, it’s more in line with the Tesla Model Y, which means it’s better suited for urban roads and tight parking spots.

That said, it still looks tough and ready for action. The R2 doesn’t look like a watered-down version of the R1S — it has its own personality while staying true to the Rivian design DNA.

Pricing and Market Position

One of the biggest headlines here is the price. While the R1S starts north of $75,000, Rivian says the R2 will start at about $45,000. That puts it right in the sweet spot for buyers who want a premium electric SUV but don’t want to break the bank.

It’s positioned to compete directly with the Tesla Model Y and other mid-size electric SUVs but brings Rivian’s adventure-focused personality to the mix, which makes it unique.

Interior – Smart, Simple, and Functional

Inside, the R2 keeps things clean without being boring. It gives off a slightly rugged vibe, but not in a way that feels cheap. In fact, the interior looks and feels quite similar to the R1S, which is impressive considering the price difference.

Storage options are smartly placed throughout the cabin. There are two glove compartments — one in the usual spot, and another lower on the dashboard. You also get a pull-out tray in the center console and pop-out cup holders that can be tucked away when not needed. The wireless charging pad for phones is conveniently located, with a small ridge to keep your device steady while driving.

One clever touch is a built-in flashlight hidden in the door — something simple, yet practical. Even the door release has been simplified into a small electronic button rather than a traditional handle.

Technology and Screens

Like most EVs, the R2 is packed with tech. You’ll find two screens inside — a large center touchscreen for infotainment and a smaller digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel.

The central screen handles nearly everything: navigation, media, drive modes, climate, and more. While the vehicle is still pre-production, the interface is already smooth and well-designed. Rivian has done a good job making the screen feel responsive and high-quality.

A standout feature is the camping mode, where you can manage things like exterior lights (so you don’t wake up fellow campers), dim the interior to a soft red glow with “Super Dark” mode, and — possibly — control a Rivian-branded tent from inside the car. The company hinted that you might be able to adjust the tent’s lighting and temperature through the car’s screen. Whether that makes it to production remains to be seen, but it’s a smart direction.

Steering Wheel and Controls

The R2’s steering wheel has had a bit of a redesign compared to the R1S. Instead of traditional buttons, there are small disc-like controls that can scroll and click in multiple directions. These manage different parts of the infotainment system and are a fresh take on steering wheel functions. They’re intuitive once you get used to them and feel premium.

However, don’t expect much in the way of traditional knobs or buttons elsewhere. The R2 leans heavily into touch-based controls and clean surfaces, which some might love, while others may miss physical switches.

Comfort and Space

Despite its smaller size, Rivian made sure the R2 doesn’t feel cramped. The cargo space is designed with camping and utility in mind, with rear seats that fold completely flat. In fact, the company mentioned that the interior was measured to ensure a person around 6’1″ (95th percentile male) could comfortably lie down in the back.

While the original plan was to include fold-flat front seats as well, that feature won’t be in the production model. Still, the flat cargo floor and thoughtful space usage make the R2 great for road trips, gear hauling, or even sleeping inside if needed.

Performance and Range

Full specs haven’t been released yet since the R2 is still in pre-production, but Rivian has promised multiple configurations, including dual and possibly tri-motor setups. Based on Rivian’s previous models, we can expect a good mix of power, handling, and all-wheel-drive capability.

The range should land somewhere in the 300+ mile territory, though exact figures will depend on the final battery options. More details are expected closer to launch.

Release Timeline

Rivian plans to start production and deliveries of the R2 in the first half of 2026. While that’s still a bit away, what we’ve seen so far looks promising. The R2 isn’t just another compact electric SUV — it’s aiming to carve out a niche for people who want electric performance without giving up practicality or outdoor capability.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Rivian R2 is shaping up to be an exciting new player in the electric SUV space. With its lower price, smart design, and focus on adventure, it offers something different from the usual crowd of EVs. While it might not have every feature from the more expensive R1S, it brings the same spirit — just in a more compact, affordable package.

For buyers who love the outdoors or just want a clean, functional EV without the Tesla badge, the R2 could be exactly what they’re looking for.