The Great Shrinkage

The Rivian R2 appears to have what it takes to become the brand's first volume model.

- -Dan Edmunds

Familiar face: The R2 looks a lot like its bigger brothers, but it rides on a 5.5-inch-shorter wheelbase than the R1S and is more than a foot shorter overall.

RIVIAN CEO RJ SCARINGE posits that the success of the Tesla Model Y represents a huge opportunity for the new Rivian R2.

He argues that the current crop of electric compact SUVs follows the Model Y template, leaving space for a battery-powered SUV that has boxier, more rugged styling and real off-road capability. That should draw the attention of some owners of gas-powered SUVs such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner, as well as current electric-SUV drivers looking for more four-wheeling chops.

After spending some time in an R2, we think Scaringe is right. Sure, Rivian offers the R1S, but that three-row SUV is a lot more expensive, starting at $78,885. Meanwhile, the company is asking $59,485 for the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive R2 Performance, the priciest in the lineup. Later this year there will be an all-wheel-drive R2 Premium that goes for $55,485. These trims will be joined next year by a rear-drive R2 Standard that starts at $46,495. This is an entirely different price bracket from R1S territory, and that should put the R2 on many shoppers’ short lists.