If you were worried that the Rivian R2 would seriously compromise driving distance due to its smaller size and price, you can relax.
Rivian Forums members have discovered that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially estimated the R2 Performance Launch Package model’s range at 335 miles, or slightly ahead of the preliminary 330-mile figure announced in March.
Testing standards vs. the competition
All-wheel drive standard
This initial model produces 656 horsepower through dual motors, comes with all-wheel drive as standard, and runs on 21-inch all-season wheels. The electric SUV also isn’t expected to sacrifice charging speeds. The EPA estimates the R2 will be capable of 217kW DC fast charging, a figure roughly on par with the R1S and R1T.
As Electrek cautions, Rivian might have achieved the feat by using less stringent testing standards than some of its competitors. You won’t necessarily see 335 miles in real-world conditions.
However, a spokesperson confirmed that the production Launch Package will have a heat pump where the EPA-tested model used conventional air conditioning. You won’t see as sharp a range degradation in cooler weather.
Rivian R2 range could be ahead of its class
Some rivals may be more useful, however
The range potentially puts the $57,990 R2 launch edition ahead of other electric SUVs in its price bracket, including some trim levels for the Hyundai Ioniq 9 (up to 335 miles) and Chevy Blazer EV (currently up to 312 miles).
While Tesla’s Model Y theoretically outperforms the R2 at 357 miles of maximum range, that’s only for the RWD Premium model. Moving to the AWD Premium puts Tesla slightly behind at 327 miles.
Some rivals may be more useful. The Ioniq 9 is a three-row SUV where the R2 has just two rows, making the Korean EV better for larger families. However, Rivian claims a 0-60MPH time of 3.6 seconds for all R2 Performance versions. That’s well ahead of the Model Y AWD Premium’s 4.6 seconds despite the purported range advantage.
Pricing and availability
Early R2 customers won’t have much choice but to buy this most expensive variant.
The $53,990 R2 Premium (450HP, 330 miles, and a 4.6-second 0-60MPH time) won’t be ready until late 2026, and the $48,490 R2 Standard (350HP, 345 miles, 5.9s 0-60MPH) isn’t due until the first half of 2027.
Nonetheless, the EPA estimates bode well for Rivian, which is betting its long-term future on both the R2 as well as the R3 hatchback.
Rivian has also received major recent investments, including $1 billion from longtime partner Volkswagen and $500 million from Ford. Uber also forged a $1.25 billion partnership that will eventually see the ridesharing giant deploy self-driving R2 robotaxis.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
