Rivian Unveils All-New 2026 R2 Midsize SUV, Along With Smaller R3 and R3X Siblings
American electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has just unveiled its third vehicle to be added to the catalogue as a mid-size SUV, the Rivian R2. And the latter is a crucial piece of the puzzle for the brand. Even though sales are growing year after year thanks to original niche products, profits are just not there yet.
The experts all agree: the manufacturer's survival depends on increasing its production. And what better way to do this than with a more affordable product?
After teasing us with glimpses and vague shots of this new member of the family over the last few months, the official specifications have finally arrived.
Bigger Than a Jeep Wrangler
After the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, the R2 will be the midsize member of the family. But it’s not THAT small. At 185.6 inches (4,714.24 mm) long, 75 inches (1,905 mm) wide and 66.9 inches (1,699.26 mm) high, it's 19 inches (482.6 mm) longer than a Wrangler Rubicon 2024. The R2 has a 115.6-inch (2,936 mm) wheelbase, with 9.8 inches (248.92 mm) of ground clearance on 32-inch (812.8 mm) tires, which is one inch less than the Wrangler.
Of course, the R2 will be off-road ready, thanks in part to a 25-degree approach angle and a 27-degree departure angle.
Inside, the manufacturer introduces a number of innovations to the R2. All seats, including those at the front, are foldable. You can completely roll down the rear window and there will be not one, but two glove boxes. Wheel-type steering wheel commands have also been added.
Power and Range
Rivian hasn’t released the R2's performance specifications. By way of comparison, its big brother the R1S is offered with power levels ranging from 535 hp to 835 hp, depending on the variant chosen.
The R1S is also offered with particularly imposing batteries. We're talking about 105 kWh, 130 kWh and 180 kWh units. In fact, the SUV can travel up to 390 miles (327 kilometres) before needing to be recharged.
Rivian has been revealed that the new R2 SUV could travel up to 330 miles (531 kilometres) on a single charge. And it will be available in single, double and triple motor configurations.
Enter the Rivian R3 and R3X, Two (Even) Smaller Newcomers!
Rivian had two surprises in store at the R2 unveiling: the R3 and R3X. They are 5 inches shorter than the R2, but offer the same single, twin and three-motor configurations. Performance and range data were not revealed. The R3X is a sportier version with a wider stance and bolder styling.
As for pricing, Rivian has put forward a starting price of around $45,000 US for the R2, equivalent to around $60,000 Canadian at current exchange rates. It's important to note that the Canadian price will be adjusted according to government incentives at launch. A launch that won't take place until the first half of 2026! Reservations are open as of today.
