One of the industry’s newest automakers is set to expand its offerings. Following the successful—if underfunded—launch of the Rivian R1S and R1T, the company now has its sights set on the popular midsize crossover segment. And thanks to investments of up to USD$5 billion courtesy of Volkswagen, it looks increasingly likely the 2026 Rivian R2 will see production.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has described the R2 as building off the success of the R1 line-up while distilling the brand down to its essence. The R2 enters the market in competition with other two-row midsize electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Honda Prologue, Chevrolet Blazer EV, BMW iX and Tesla Model Y.
2026 Rivian R2 in Canada: What we know so far
- 2026 Rivian R2 styling
- 2026 Rivian R2 interior design and practicality
- 2026 Rivian R2 engines, motors and drive
- 2026 Rivian R2 price and release date
2026 Rivian R2 styling
The 2026 Rivian R2 will be a five-seat midsize crossover, an electric vehicle similar in size to the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-e. It sports a distinctly Rivian front end with a light bar spanning two vertically oriented oval headlamps. At the back half, the R2 has an upright and boxy look not entirely unlike a Land Rover Discovery.
2026 Rivian R2 interior design and practicality
Rivian has been consistent with certain themes in its products, several of which will continue into the R2. One is a focus on sustainable materials, which in the R2 will include upcycled wood and upholstery made from ocean plastics. The R2 will also see the same 15.6-inch infotainment screen used in the Rivian R1T and R1S, which here features crisper graphics and higher contrast due to Rivian’s use of the Unreal Engine, a 3D rendering model first created by Epic Games.
As is trending among EVs, the screen handles the majority of the vehicle’s functions, from climate control to mirror and steering wheel adjustments. Notably, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto are expected to be included, but a wireless charging pad should be standard. Haptic dial-based steering wheel controls replace traditional buttons.
The Rivian R2 is a vehicle that’s clearly curated for the outdoor adventurer. A first look reveals that all five seats can fold flat including the driver’s seat, which creates an ideal interior space for car camping. The R2 also shares Rivian’s camping mode, which runs the climate control continuously to keep the interior comfortable through the night.
A power rear glass gives the R2 an open feel. Instead of the flashlight seen in other Rivian vehicles, the R2 comes with a device charger built into the door frame that can recharge a phone or other small electronics on the go. A front trunk (or “frunk”) is included that provides a cargo space suitable for a charging cable or other small items.
The interior has been thoughtfully designed to maximize space. A pair of glove boxes offer plenty of up-front storage, which complements the large-looking cargo space and the frunk. On the outside rear of the R2, accessory ports allow you to quickly snap accessories into place such as bike racks.
A funky square rooftop tent and a travel kitchen have also been announced, both of which are unique features designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The tent, dubbed the Rivian Treehouse, includes a heated mattress, interior lighting, and even a screen that can be used for streaming.
2026 Rivian R2 engines, motors and drive
The 2026 Rivian R2 will be available in a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) powertrain configuration as well as dual-motor and tri-motor variants in all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The fastest of these is expected to take the R2 from 0 to 95 km/h in less than three seconds.
Two battery sizes will be offered, which we expect will be Standard and Large battery packs along the same lines as Rivian’s larger models. No information has yet been released about power output or range specifics, though Rivian has stated the longest-range model is expected to have more than 480 kilometres of range available. As of this writing, features specific to off-road capability have not been announced.
Charging details are still to come, though Rivian has stated the R2 will be fitted for the NACS charging protocol, meaning it will be able to charge at both CCS chargers and Tesla Superchargers.
2026 Rivian R2 price and release date
Production and deliveries of the 2026 Rivian R2 are expected to begin coming out of the company’s Illinois assembly plant in the first half of 2026, though precisely when those deliveries will reach Canada is yet to be determined. The 2026 Rivian R2 is listed on Rivian Canada website with a new car starting price from $66,500. As of this writing, this would make it too expensive to qualify for Canada’s remaining EV rebates. Drivers looking for an even smaller SUV may prefer to wait for the upcoming Rivian R3, though the launch for that vehicle is expected to be much further out.