Rivian has unveiled the new R2 SUV, the all-electric startup’s third passenger vehicle and a potential rival to the Chevy Blazer EV. The 2026 Rivian R2 follows the R1T pickup and R1S SUV and offers an off-road-oriented attitude and upscale approach, all with a smaller footprint than the two preceding Rivian models. The Rivian R2 will launch during the second half of the 2026 calendar year, and is expected to start around $45,000.
With regard to the exterior dimensions, the 2026 Rivian R2 is 185.6 inches long in terms of overall length, with a wheelbase measuring in at 115.5 inches. The overall heigh it 66.9 inches. For the sake of comparison, the Chevy Blazer EV is 192.2 inches long, with a wheelbase of 121.8 inches and an overall height of 65 inches.
The Rivian R2 is based on a new platform that incorporates new efficiencies refined from the company’s current lineup, with Rivian’s goal being the addition of a new, more-affordable model. The R2 incorporates a structural battery pack and multiple drive configurations, including a single-motor RWD configuration, a dual-motor AWD configuration, and a triple-motor AWD configuration that drives the rear axle with two electric motors and the front axle with one motor. Opt for the top-trim triple-motor model, and the Rivian R2 will sprint to 60 mph in a claimed three seconds. Each of the motor configurations will provide more than 300 miles of range per charge.
The styling definitely falls in line with the rest of the Rivian lineup, presenting rounded LED headlamps and a full-width light bar front and back. The interior space features a horizontally oriented central infotainment screen on the dash, as well as rounded edges and simple shapes for the design.
The 2026 Rivian R2 will be assembled in Normal, Illinois, with plans to eventually produce the all-electric utility vehicle at a new factory set for construction this year.
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Comments
Rivian also cancelled it’s Georgia plant today due to slowing demand
It wasn’t cancelled. The build has been delayed. The same move GM pulled btw.
GM gave a new start date for Orion.
They didn’t even say it was being delayed, just that they aren’t waiting for it to be complete to start R2 production. Their Normal, IL plant is underutilized, so they have capacity to start R2 production there.
It isn’t really surprising that certain news outlets have taken this info and twisted it into the headlines that get parroted around the internet.
They are starting production in Normal IL to conserver money. Georgia is still ongoing but they have to stop the cash bleed. The good news is they already have 69,000 orders and its cheaper and goes farther than the over priced Blazer and will plug into the Tesla network.
Will Rivian be in business long enough to release a new model in 2026?
What an ugly face with Edsel-like horse collar headlights.
Those are the ugliest headlights ever. Other than the headlights, I really like Rivian’s styling. Headlights are a hideous dealbreaker.
Rivian clearly took design inspiration from the world of agriculture and found their touch after seeing what some might refer to as a “pig”
have you not seen the R1T and R1S which have been on the market a couple years – the exact same front end design. You might not like it but it definitely stands out in the crowd, no mistaking it from all the other ubiquitous suv’s on the road today.
I used to watch the Mr. Magoo carton as a child way back in the 1960’s. Never knew they would us him as a model for the headlight/ front design.
I’ve seen 1 Rivian pickup and it reminded me of a modern Lincoln Blackwood. It didn’t do anything for me.
Took my Blazer EV refund and reserved one of these 5 minutes into the presentation. Clearly a very well thought out design.
Either you love taking big risks or you need a brain transplant.
$100 refundable reservation is hardly a risk. Same risk as putting it down on the Blazer EV, just holding a place in line.
Not that pretty . They should jus made smaller truck oh well
Rivians look exactly like Squidward from the Sponge Bob cartoon.
good one
I know the blazer stop sale is in effect, but this is 2 YEARS from now. 2 YEARS. That is an eternity. The Blazer may well have a refresh before any units of this are made, and that is assuming the R2 has no slippage on schedule, which is becoming common in the auto industry.
Too big a risk on a company that may well not be around a year from now.
How can a vehicle that the rollout was quickly followed by a stop sale order have a rival?
Great. Another SUV with ugly black cladding hung all over. Just what the world needs.
No interest in buying one but it does look better than most of GM’s EV SUV offerings.
Very ugly cartoonish looking car.
Is that Roger Rabbit behind the wheel?
Definitely seeing Little Orphan Annie.
Mr Magoo was re-inCARnated as this vehicle. LOL
I’d be looking at a Hummer H3 EV as a rival instead of the Blazer tbh.
this is the direction GMC should have taken with new 2024 Acadia – with a GMC grill and headlights.
Not a SINGLE person would chose the Blazer over the R2
If GM cannot figure out how to properly price their EV’s and do so ASAP, they are in trouble
Blazer EV should be no more than 5K higher that the Blazer ICE model for model.
Blazer ICE starts at 35K and the EV is nowhere near that price. Legacy needs to figure this issue of pricing their EV’s and do so now.
With the tax credit the EV model is practically the same price.
One thing I hated about the Blazer was the back window was tiny. I think it would impact your rear view.
Difference in the wheelbase size is 6 inches
Blazer is 121.8 in
R2 is 115.6-inch
All of the Rivian vehicles that I have seen are very good looking. GM should hire the designers.