The Rivian R2 is a huge product for Rivian, an EV startup that builds excellent products (despite some reliability concerns noted by Consumer Reports). The R2 is meant to be the company’s first “affordable” machine, with a starting price of $48,490 – near America’s average vehicle transaction price and well below the $70K+ asking price of the company’s first two vehicles, the R1T and R1S. Today the R2’s configurator launched (HERE), and I discovered that the cheapest one I’d want costs $57,245.
Do you get a lot for your money at $48,490? I’ll know when I drive the car early next month, but let’s just look at the numbers and features.
This is the base R2:
At that base price, you have one color option, Esker Silver. And you have one interior option, Black Crater:
As you can see, the interior looks decent and minimalistic, with a center stack that appears to be a big screen on the dash with no physical switches. The dash vents, like on other Rivians, are operated through the screen, though mercifully, the gloveboxes (there are two!) are opened manually.
This base R2 is rear-wheel drive only, offers a decent 345 mile range, and its 350 horsepower launches the midsize SUV to 60mph in 5.9 seconds, per Rivian.
It’s a good looking vehicle that’s entering an increasingly crowded segment, but if the R2 can offer some off-road capability, it can carve out a nice niche, as there are few off-road-y midsize EVs available in the $52,000 range ($52,000 is the cheapest all-wheel drive R2).
If it were me, I’d skip the Standard trim and jump for the Premium. Yes, I’m cheap and don’t like spending money, but I hate dark interiors, and I want all-wheel drive, which comes standard on Premium models. Here’s a look at the Premium’s available ($1000) Coastal Cloud Signature cabin:
I dig that! Also awesome is the cheapest (tied with Half Moon Gray) color that isn’t silver or white, Forest Green:
If I want all-wheel drive, that nice interior, that $1500 non-white-or-silver paint, and a donut spare tire, the total is going to run me:
$57,245.
For that I get a 450 horsepower, handsome SUV with a minimalist center stack, an otherwise elegant cabin, 330 miles of range, and all-wheel drive. Not cheap, but Rivian has built a nice brand for itself, so I could see the appeal. I’m excited to drive one of these next month to see if those $57 grand would be well-spent.
Top graphic images: DepositPhotos.com; Rivian
I’d stick with RWD because who are we kidding. Commuter car. Maybe the upcoming review can prove me wrong.