Rivian R2 2027: 656 hp, $58K Price, Game-Changing EV SUV

Rivian's finally dropping the real numbers on its R2, the electric SUV that's supposed to take the fight to the big boys. Spring 2026 kicks off with the Performance version—656 horsepower for $57,990. But here's the catch: the $45,000 base model won't show up until late 2027. That's more than a year gap. You do the math.

"656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque on a $58K SUV? Nothing like it in this segment." — Car and Driver

656 Horsepower: Now We're Talking

The R2 Performance that kicks things off hits hard: 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque from its dual electric motors. Zero to 60 mph? 3.6 seconds. A decade ago, only supercars could touch that number. Now a family SUV does it for $57,990 with the Launch Package thrown in.

💡 Did You Know?

The R2 Performance pumps out more power than a Porsche Macan Turbo EV while costing roughly $30,000 less.

The R2 Premium trim coming late 2026 dials it back to 450 horsepower and 537 lb-ft for $53,990. Still respectable—0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Enough to embarrass your neighbor's SUV at any stoplight.

Range: Tesla Still Leads

On the range front, Rivian's claiming 330 miles EPA for the AWD versions. That's 531 kilometers—solid but nothing to scare the competition. The Tesla Model Y pulls 357 miles at the same price as the R2's future entry model. Tesla keeps the crown here, gotta admit.

The R2 Standard rear-wheel drive arriving early 2027 at $48,490 could supposedly beat the AWD models with 345 miles of range. But you'll be waiting. And in this race, waiting means losing.

Inside: Solid Thinking, No Surprises

2027 rivian r2 interior — Photo: © Rivian

Inside, it follows the Rivian playbook: dedicated driver display, big central screen—nothing groundbreaking. Front seats get 12-way power adjustment with heated and ventilated cushions on higher trims. Nice detail: two glove boxes and a power rear window that slides down like a Toyota 4Runner. That's clever.

💡 Tech Note

The R2 offers 9.6 inches of ground clearance—more than some Toyota 4Runner variants.

Trunk space? 29 cubic feet with seats up, 79 cubic feet folded. Plus a frunk that swallows a carry-on and a backpack. Enough to pack for vacation without negotiations over shoe count.

Who Gets One and When?

First batch hits in spring 2026 for the R2 Performance with Launch Package. This limited run gets exclusive Launch Green paint, a towing package, and lifetime Autonomy+ subscription. Not bad.

Premium follows late 2026. Standard rear-wheel drive arrives early 2027. As for the base $45,000 model with the reduced battery? Count on late 2027. Two years between first and last—that's a long wait.

📋 Fiche technique

Rivian R2 Performance

Tesla's Still the Boss for Now

Against the Model Y, it's shaping up to be a close fight, but not a done deal. Tesla serves 357 miles of range on its Model Y Premium RWD at the price of the R2 Standard that's coming later. Rivian's edge? Its adventure DNA with 25-degree approach and 26-degree departure angles that actually work.

💡 Key Figure

Rivian's targeting 20,000 to 25,000 R2 deliveries in 2026—more than half its total current sales.

The R2 plays the off-road card inherited from its bigger R1S and R1T siblings. Integrated tow hooks, specialized drive modes (Rally, Soft Sand, Sport)—this targets people who actually leave the pavement. Not just the crowd making Ikea runs.