Updated
Updated · Detroit News · Jun 9
Rivian Pitches $59,485 R2 Launch Edition as 330-Mile Off-Roader With Tesla Supercharger Access
Updated
Updated · Detroit News · Jun 9

Rivian Pitches $59,485 R2 Launch Edition as 330-Mile Off-Roader With Tesla Supercharger Access

3 articles · Updated · Detroit News · Jun 9

Summary

  • $59,485 buys Rivian’s new R2 Launch Edition, a compact five-seat EV SUV that pairs 330 miles of range with nearly 10 inches of ground clearance and 32-inch all-terrain tires.
  • Tesla charging compatibility is central to the pitch: the R2 uses a NACS port on the left rear corner, letting it back straight into Superchargers and tap Tesla, Rivian and third-party networks.
  • 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque give the Launch Edition a claimed 3.6-second 0-60 mph time, while the 5,240-pound SUV still offers 4,400 pounds of towing and roomy rear seating.
  • Lower-volume growth models are due later, with rear-wheel-drive versions starting at $46,485 and broader trims spanning roughly $46,485 to $55,485 as Rivian pushes below Jeep’s $69,000 Recon EV and toward Model Y pricing.
  • The R2 is a pivotal product for Rivian’s move from premium niche vehicles into higher-volume compact SUVs, where charging ease and off-road capability are meant to differentiate it from Tesla.

Insights

Can the R2 scale fast enough to challenge EV giants before its rivals dominate the affordable SUV market?
As Rivian goes mainstream, will its 'adventure' soul survive the transition to a mass-market family SUV?