posted on November 1, 2026
Little sibling, big personality
The Rivian R2 is the brand’s new midsize electric SUV, and it’s quickly caught drivers’ attention for its rugged yet elevated design, disruptive pricing, and everyday adventure capabilities. This five-seat midsize SUV sits below the R1S and R1T, with the same bold looks in a size that’s easier to live with. Expect instant electric torque, a calm, quiet cabin, and Rivian’s signature stadium headlights leading the way.
From the rear window that drops right into the tailgate to the scroll wheels on the steering wheel, it blends clever design with a confident road presence. Justin’s 2027 Rivian R2 brings all of that to Tempe, Arizona, and is our November car of the month.
Key takeaways:
- The Rivian R2’s Performance trim has an 88 kWh battery pack and 656 hp. EPA estimates put its range at up to 330 miles, and the native NACS port gives you access to Tesla Superchargers.
- Tech highlights include the Rivian Assistant, two scroll wheels on the steering wheel, and Universal Hands-Free driving on supported roads, though you always need to stay alert and ready to take over.
- It’s quick, quiet, and commanding on the road, with the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E as its closest rivals.
- The Rivian R2 is Rivian’s midsize SUV with five seats and a lower starting price, sitting below the R1S and R1T.
Why the Rivian R2 is the November car of the month
- Skip the waitlist. The R2 only just hit the road, and renting is a fast way to drive one.
- Test-drive an EV for a whole weekend, not 15 minutes at a dealership. Charging, tech, seats, and all.
- Five seats, AWD, and heated seats make it an easy pick for a Sedona day trip or a weekend away from Phoenix.
- Hosted by an All-Star Host with 5.3k+ trips and 8 years of hosting experience.
2027 Rivian R2 specs
The Rivian R2 comes in three trims: Standard, Premium, and Performance. Standard is the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive starter, with around 350 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time of about 5.9 seconds. Premium adds a second motor and all-wheel drive, bumping power to roughly 450 hp and cutting 0 to 60 to about 4.6 seconds.
Then there’s Performance, the one gearheads will want. It makes 656 hp and 609 lb-ft of torque, gets to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and tops out at a governed 130 mph. All of that runs on an 88 kWh usable battery pack, which delivers up to 330 miles of EPA-estimated range.
| BATTERY | HORSEPOWER | 0 to 60 MPH | TOP SPEED | RANGE | DAILY PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 kWh | 656 hp | 3.6 sec | 130 mph (210 km/h) | Up to 330 miles of range | $157 |
*Daily price reflects the live listing and is subject to change.
A quick history of the Rivian R2
2027 is the debut model year of the Rivian R2. Rivian unveiled the midsize SUV in March 2024, started taking reservations right away, and customer deliveries began in June 2026. It’s a brand-new product line, so there are no older generations to compare the R2 against.
What it does have is a big sibling. The R2 is Rivian’s smaller, more affordable answer to the R1S, and the differences are easy to spot:
- Size: The R2 is about 15 inches shorter and 5.5 inches lower than the R1S, so it’s a midsize SUV rather than a full-size one. That makes it easier to park and easier to live with day to day.
- Platform: The R2 sits on a brand-new unibody platform with the battery pack built into the structure to save weight.
- Seating: The R2 is strictly two rows and five seats. The R1S offers three rows, so if you need more seats, that’s the one to look at.
- Price: Rivian aimed to start the R2 around $45,000, roughly half the cost of a flagship R1S.
Exterior & design
The Rivian R2 takes the look of the bigger R1S and shrinks it into a tighter, more athletic SUV. You’ll still spot the signature vertical stadium headlights and the slim light bar across the front. Premium and Performance trims add matrix LED headlights, which dim individual beam segments to avoid blinding oncoming drivers while keeping the road well lit. Around the back, the F1-style taillight is as much about smoothing airflow as it is about style.
The R2 also has a few clever touches. The rear glass drops fully down into the tailgate, which makes loading long gear, like skis or a surfboard, much easier. The rear wiper is tucked up under the spoiler so it stays out of sight, and the flush door handles pop out as you walk up. There’s even a story behind the hood line. It was moved to the side of the vehicle to meet European pedestrian safety standards, and it ended up giving the front end a sharp character line.
Wheel choices range from 19 to 21 inches depending on trim, and every option wears tires with the same 32-inch overall diameter. The R2 also sits at about 9.6 inches of ground clearance, which gives you an easy step-in height and a good view of the road ahead.
Then there’s the color. Catalina Cove is a new metallic finish exclusive to the R2, and featured on Justin’s car. It shifts from deep Pacific blue to a translucent green as the light moves across the car.
Interior & technology
The first thing you’ll notice inside the Rivian R2 is how airy the cabin feels. Expect subtle mid-century modern influences and durable but sophisticated touches. The seats, doors, and instrument panel are wrapped in second-generation Adventex, made with at least 45% upcycled content, and paired with structural birch wood accents. Surfaces are matte (not glossy), and flooring is flat-woven (to keep mud and sand under control), making this a perfect car for weekend adventure.
The R2 is comfortable, too. Premium and Performance trims get 12-way power-adjustable front seats that are both heated and ventilated. All models come with a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. Speaking of the steering wheel, it’s the neatest design element inside. Instead of burying everything in a touchscreen, the R2 has two scroll wheels (Rivian calls them Haptic Halo wheels) that scroll, click, tilt, and push to change the climate, volume, fan speed and drive modes. The clicks you feel match the on-screen animations, so it’s a nice mix of physical and digital controls.
On the tech side, you get an 11.5-inch driver display behind the wheel and a 15.6-inch center touchscreen. The whole system runs on RivianOS 2, powered by Unreal Engine 5, so the graphics are crisp, bright, and responsive. The Rivian Assistant can handle plenty of voice commands on board, even without a connection.
Space is where the R2 really shows off for a midsize SUV. The rear seats have around 40.4 inches of legroom, so adults can stretch out. The rear cargo area holds 28.7 cubic feet, and with the rear seats folded, that grows to 79.4 cubic feet. Add the front trunk and total storage reaches 90.1 cubic feet. The car also has two soft-lined glove boxes, a 120-volt outlet in the cargo area, and a removable, rechargeable flashlight tucked into the driver’s door.
And the R2 punches above its weight for safety features. A suite of cameras and radar sensors supports standard driver assistance like lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, electronic stability control, and front and rear cross-traffic assist. Autonomy+ adds Universal Hands-Free driving on supported roads, plus lane change on command. The car operates on a driver-assistance system, so you must stay focused on the road and be ready to take over at any time.
Performance & driving experience
So what’s the R2 like to drive? Quick, quiet, and boasting confident handling. Think instant electric torque, a serene cabin, and a ride that feels more settled than you’d expect from a midsize SUV. It’s an everyday EV that’s properly fast when you need it to be.
Now, let’s get into the specs:
- Motors and power: The Performance trim runs dual motors with all-wheel drive, making 656 hp and 609 lb-ft of torque. The base model has a single motor and rear-wheel drive, while power output varies by trim.
- Performance and speed: 0 to 60 mph takes 3.6 seconds, and top speed is governed at 130 mph. That’s supercar-style launch speed in a five-seat SUV, and delivered with no engine noise at all.
- Drive modes: Adjustable drive modes let you change how the R2 responds, from relaxed and efficient to sharper and quicker. You can switch between them using the tactile scroll wheels on the steering wheel.
- Ride and handling: A semi-active suspension adjusts to the road, which keeps the R2 composed through corners and comfortable over bumps. This is a car that feels assured and planted, with light, easy steering.
- All-wheel drive: AWD adds extra traction and stability on wet and snowy roads, which is useful if your trip takes you somewhere cooler.
- Range and charging: The Performance trim is rated by the EPA at up to 330 miles on a full charge. The R2 charges from 10 to 80 percent in about 29 minutes on a DC fast charger at speeds up to 230 kW. The native NACS port also gives you access to Tesla Superchargers. Use the Department of Energy station locator to find chargers along your route.
For renters, this car is made to help you explore the best of Arizona. Check off the top 10 places to see in Sedona or tackle the Phoenix to Sedona drive. Pickup is in Tempe, so you can be on the road quickly. Looking for more options? Browse car rentals in Phoenix.
How the Rivian R2 compares
The Rivian R2 sits in one of the busiest corners of the EV market. Its closest rivals are the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, two midsize electric SUVs that seat five and cost roughly the same. All three EVs are quick and have plenty of range. The R2’s edge is the cabin. It has physical controls like haptic scroll wheels, a more upscale cabin feel, and a bit more cargo space (with the rear seats folded). Charging is a wash now, because the R2 has a native NACS port and the Mach-E can use Tesla Superchargers with an adapter.
Then there’s the bigger sibling. The R1S has more power, more range on its top trims, a third row and a larger price tag. The R2 gives you the Rivian look, tech and feel in a smaller, easier-to-park package.
If you’re weighing your EV options, renting is the easiest way to compare. A weekend in each model tells you more than any spec sheet, from how the seats feel to how the software behaves. Browse Rivian rentals to see what’s available near you.
| Rivian R2 | Tesla Model Y | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Rivian R1S | |
| Horsepower | 350 to 656 hp | 295 to 510 hp | 264 to 480 hp | 533 to 1,025 hp |
| 0 to 60 mph | 3.6 to 5.9 sec | 3.3 to 5.9 sec | 3.3 to 5.6 sec | 2.6 to 4.5 sec |
| EPA range | Up to 330 mi | 294 to 357 mi | 240 to 320 mi | 258 to 410 mi |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Max cargo (seats folded) | 90.1 cu ft* | 74 to 76 cu ft | 59.7 cu ft | 105 cu ft |
*Rivian’s figure is total storage and includes the front trunk.
Did you know? The R2’s front trunk holds about 5.2 cubic feet, which Rivian says is enough for a carry-on suitcase and a large backpack, or even a full set of golf clubs.
Who should rent the Rivian R2?
Whether you’re curious about EVs or just want something fun for the weekend, the R2 is a great fit for:
- First-time EV drivers who want to see what charging and one-pedal-style driving are really like
- Car shoppers comparing the Model Y, Mach-E or R1S
- Phoenix-area road trippers planning a drive up to Sedona Red Rock Country
- Families and small groups wanting five seats and plenty of rear legroom
- Tech and gearhead fans who want to try Rivian’s software and Haptic Halo wheels
Frequently asked questions about the Rivian R2
How much range does the Rivian R2 have?
The Rivian R2 has up to 330 miles on a full charge. That’s the EPA est. range Rivian lists for the R2 Performance, which has an 88-kWh battery pack. Other trims have less range. Real-world efficiency also depends on your tires, drive mode, the weather, and how you use the climate controls.
Does the Rivian R2 have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the Rivian R2 has AWD on Premium and Performance models. Both have dual motors and all-wheel drive, which adds traction and stability on wet and snowy roads. The Standard trim is single-motor RWD, with just a rear motor.
Can the Rivian R2 use Tesla Superchargers?
Yes. The R2 has a native NACS charge port, so you can plug straight into more than 15,000 Tesla Superchargers, as well as the Rivian Adventure Network. Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes about 29 minutes at a DC fast charger, at speeds up to 230 kW.
What’s the difference between the Rivian R2 trims?
Power, drivetrain, and comfort features are the biggest differences between the Rivian R2 trims. Standard is single-motor RWD, with around 350 hp. Premium and Performance models add a second motor and AWD, plus heated and ventilated seats, matrix LED headlights, and a Quick Drop button that lowers all four windows at once for fresh air. R2 Performance is the top trim, with 656 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, and Rivian also offered a Launch Package on it.
Does the Rivian R2 have a third row?
No. The R2 is a two-row, five-seat SUV. If you need more seats, the larger Rivian R1S has three rows.
Does the Rivian R2 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
No. Rivian’s own software handles everything from navigation to music, and the company’s Rivian mobile app is the companion on your phone.
Can I rent a Rivian R2?
Yes. You can rent Justin’s Rivian R2 in Tempe, Arizona. It has all-wheel drive and heated seats, and pickup and return are in Tempe. Age and eligibility requirements apply, so check the help center before you book.
Rent a Rivian R2 on Turo
For a midsize SUV, the Rivian R2 packs in a lot. Expect a roomy cabin, a quick and quiet drive, and supercar-style launch speed without any noise. It’s also one of the newest EVs you can drive, which is why it’s our November car of the month: a brand-new Rivian you can book for a weekend, with no waitlist, no dealership, and no commitment.
Ready to roll? Rent Justin’s Rivian R2 on Turo, with pickup and return in Tempe, Arizona. Still searching for the right car? Browse Rivian rentals, electric cars and SUVs available to book today.
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda Starr is a travel and automotive writer with 5+ years of firsthand experience road-tripping across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. She writes road trip guides for Turo, drawing on her experience behind the wheel to share practical insights on long-distance drives, destinations, and vehicles. Her travels have taken her across Australia’s East Coast, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, and both islands of New Zealand. One of her most memorable journeys was an 11-day, 2,600+ km route from Auckland to Punakaiki and Queenstown. Lucinda has a particular passion for classic, rugged 4WD vehicles and the freedom they bring to exploring new places.
