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Rivian Jr. is lastly right here.
Rivian Automotive Inc. launched its entry-level, battery-powered R2 SUV this week aimed on the quantity compact SUV section. Prices vary from $46,495 for the Standard rear-wheel-drive mannequin to $59,485 for the high-performance, all-wheel-drive Launch version that shall be first to reach this spring.
The R2, previewed on the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, follows the midsize R1T pickup and R1S SUV that established the Silicon-Valley-based startup because the Tesla of off-road EV makers.
True to its mother or father, R2 comes with signature vertical headlights, screen-centric inside, face-flattening acceleration, and loads of floor clearance to go off-road. Like Tesla with the best-selling Model Y compact SUV earlier than it, Rivian hope the R2 will open the luxurious EV-maker to a broader gross sales base simply because the Model Y/3 expanded the Model S/X DNA to extra consumers final decade
In addition to the Model Y, the R2 will compete in opposition to compact EVs just like the Cadillac Optiq, Audi This autumn e-tron, Mercedes EQB, Mustang Mach E and Hyundai Ioniq 5 whereas bringing a Jeep-like, off-road vibe to the EV section.
“R2 embodies so many of our learnings that we have accumulated — the passion and attention to detail from our team is visible everywhere,” mentioned Rivian CEO and founder RJ Scaringe. “Thank you to all the teams across Rivian who poured their energy into bringing this incredible vehicle to life. I couldn’t be more excited.”
Scaringe, 43, initially headquartered Rivian in Plymouth in 2013 earlier than transferring the corporate to Silicon Valley for higher entry to software program engineers and California’s strong EV market.
Based on a brand new midsize unibody structure, Junior has a shorter wheelbase than the R1’s and is about 2,000 kilos lighter. Its 9.6 inches of floor clearance, a 25-degree strategy angle, and a 26-degree departure angle are finest in school.
R2 Launch version is able to 328-mile vary and outfitted with a so-called NACS charging port, which is suitable with the strong Tesla charging community. Rivian has its personal charger community and R2s can cost at third-party, so-called CCS networks like EVgo and Electrify America with an adaptor.
The first-to-market Launch version sports activities twin motors and a whopping 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque so it could actually embarrass Porsches out of stoplights. Rivian estimates 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, with 328 miles of vary.
Also of use on short-merge highways like M-10 the Lodge: R2 can speed up from 50-70 mph in simply 1.6 seconds.
Other Launch version goodies embrace: semi-active suspension, Rivian Yellow brake calipers and exterior badging, heated energy seats, 4,400-pound tow bundle, and rear tailgate drop glass like a Toyota 4Runner. True to its off-road DNA, drive modes embrace All-Purpose, Conserve, Snow, All-Terrain, Rally, Soft Sand, Sport and Launch.
The Standard mannequin gained’t arrive till early 2027 with a sticker beginning at $49,985.
The first Rivian with customary RWD, it’s going to function heated/energy entrance seats, 350 horsepower/355 torque and a 0-60 mph dash of 5.9 seconds. The single motor means longer vary at as much as 340 miles. An further Standard mannequin shall be supplied late subsequent 12 months with decreased vary of 265 miles at an estimated $46,495.
The Tesla Model Y, the best-selling EV within the United States with over 357,000 items offered, begins at $41,630 for a FWD mannequin. Its top-trim Performance mannequin is $59,130.
R2 gained’t include among the whiz-bang options that made the R1s headliners like tank flip, air suspension, and Gear Tunnel storage (behind the pickup’s rear seats). But it nonetheless boasts loads of acquainted options that can attraction to Rivian consumers.
Think flashlight within the door, twin gloveboxes, entrance trunk (like Tesla and Mustang Mach-E), and accessible hands-free driving. Multiple colours can be found and wheels vary from 19 to 21 inches.
Junior’s inside is a hand-me-down from the R1’s with huge heart display screen and a smaller display screen behind the wheel. Most controls are accessed by way of the console display screen with Tesla-like scroll wheels on the steering wheel dealing with duties from velocity management to facet mirror adjustment.
Rivian will supply a subscription for its hands-free driving system — referred to as Rivian Autonomy+ — for $49.99/month or a one-time buy of $2,500. R2 deliveries embrace a 60-day free trial of Autonomy+.
Junior is constructed alongside its bigger siblings in Normal, Illinois.
Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at [email protected] or @HenryEPayne.
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