2027 Rivian R2: A 656-HP Electric SUV

VIBCAR | Reviews | EVs | SUVs

The 2027 Rivian R2 marks an important new chapter for Rivian. Smaller and more affordable than the company's R1 models, the R2 is designed to bring Rivian's distinctive electric SUV formula to a much larger audience.

For its initial launch, Rivian is offering the R2 in a high-performance all-wheel-drive configuration. The Performance Launch Edition combines serious power, impressive practicality, advanced technology and genuine off-road capability in a much smaller package than the R1S.

The result is an electric SUV that attempts to challenge the Tesla Model Y while offering its own distinctive design and a more adventurous personality.

A Smaller Rivian With a Big Mission

The R2 is Rivian's second production vehicle and represents a major change in strategy. Instead of competing primarily in the premium large-SUV and pickup segments, Rivian is moving into the much larger compact and midsize electric SUV market.

The vehicle is smaller than the R1S, uses a two-row cabin and is built around a unibody structure rather than the body-on-frame architecture used by Rivian's larger R1 vehicles.

Despite its smaller dimensions, the R2 retains many of the design elements that have become associated with Rivian, including the company's distinctive dual-oval lighting signature and upright SUV proportions.

2027 Rivian R2 Performance Specifications

Specification	Rivian R2 Performance AWD
Power	656 hp
Torque	609 lb-ft
Battery	88 kWh
Drive	All-wheel drive
0–60 mph	3.5 seconds
Quarter Mile	11.4 seconds
Top Speed	130 mph
EPA Range	330 miles
DC Fast Charging	Up to 230 kW

656 Horsepower From Two Electric Motors

The R2 Performance uses two permanent-magnet electric motors, one at each axle. The rear motor produces 362 horsepower, while the front motor contributes another 294 horsepower.

Combined output reaches an impressive 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque.

The front motor can be disconnected when its additional traction is not required. Under normal conditions, the vehicle can therefore operate primarily through the rear motor before bringing the front axle into action when additional traction or power is needed.

This approach helps balance performance and efficiency while retaining the benefits of all-wheel drive.

0–60 MPH in Just 3.5 Seconds

The performance figures are particularly impressive considering the R2's size and intended role as a practical family SUV.

During testing, the R2 Performance accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

It completed the quarter-mile in approximately 11.4 seconds and reached 100 mph in 7.1 seconds.

The electronically limited top speed is approximately 130 mph.

These numbers place the R2 firmly in performance-car territory, despite its SUV body and family-oriented interior.

88-kWh Battery and 330-Mile EPA Range

The R2 Performance uses an 88-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The battery contains 768 cylindrical cells and forms an important structural part of the vehicle.

With the standard 21-inch wheels and all-season tires, the EPA-rated range is approximately 330 miles.

Real-world highway testing at 75 mph produced a shorter range of about 260 miles. This difference highlights how driving speed, weather, tires and other conditions can significantly affect an EV's actual range.

Fast Charging

Rivian says the R2 can accept DC fast-charging power at up to 230 kW.

During testing, the vehicle reached a peak charging rate of approximately 226 kW.

A 10-to-90 percent fast-charge session took around 39 minutes.

The R2 also supports bidirectional charging, allowing the vehicle's battery to supply electricity to a compatible home system when the necessary hardware is installed.

Practical SUV Design

One of the R2's biggest advantages is its boxy shape. While many modern electric SUVs use heavily sloped roofs to improve aerodynamic efficiency, Rivian has retained a more upright design.

That decision creates useful interior and cargo space.

The R2 provides approximately 29 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. In practical luggage testing, the vehicle was able to carry more carry-on suitcases than the Tesla Model Y.

There is also a front trunk, or frunk, which provides additional storage.

This makes the R2 particularly appealing to families who want an electric SUV without sacrificing everyday practicality.

A Premium and Functional Interior

Rivian has given the R2 an interior that attempts to balance premium design with everyday usability.

The cabin includes multiple storage areas, two gloveboxes, wireless device charging, USB ports and a 120-volt power outlet.

The second row provides enough space for adult passengers, while the relatively upright body helps create a spacious feeling inside.

The R2 also introduces new steering-wheel controls that Rivian calls Haptic Halo Wheels.

These controls can be used for functions such as volume, temperature, fan speed and drive-mode selection. Their multifunction design reduces the need to reach toward the center screen for frequently used controls.

Technology and Driver Assistance

The R2 comes with Rivian's Autonomy+ hands-free driving technology.

During testing, the system performed predictably across different routes and conditions. It can also perform lane changes when commanded by the driver.

However, its behavior is more conservative than some competing systems, particularly when compared with technologies such as GM Super Cruise.

Rivian has also indicated that more advanced point-to-point hands-free driving capability is planned for the future.

Driving Experience

Despite its 656 horsepower, the R2 is not designed solely as a performance vehicle.

Its steering provides useful feedback, and the relatively compact dimensions make the SUV easier to place on winding roads than the larger R1S.

The R2 uses adaptive dampers with multiple settings. The softer modes are better suited to everyday driving, while the firmest setting can make the ride less comfortable over rough pavement.

One-pedal driving is available through multiple levels of regenerative braking, allowing drivers to control much of the vehicle's acceleration and deceleration using the accelerator pedal.

Off-Road Potential

The R2 is not simply a road-focused crossover.

Its approximately 9.6 inches of ground clearance, short overhangs and all-wheel-drive system give it useful off-road potential.

Although the test did not provide a comprehensive off-road evaluation, the vehicle's geometry suggests that it should be capable of handling rougher terrain than many conventional electric crossovers.

This is one area where the R2's Rivian DNA could give it an advantage over more road-focused competitors.

Ride Comfort and Noise

The R2 provides a generally comfortable ride, although its larger wheels and all-terrain tires can generate noticeable road and suspension noise.

At 70 mph, testing recorded approximately 67 decibels.

The vehicle's premium audio system helps mask some of the road noise, but the R2 is not the quietest EV in its class.

For most owners, however, the combination of comfort, visibility and practicality should make it an effective long-distance vehicle.

Safety and Braking

The R2 Performance demonstrated strong braking performance during testing.

The SUV stopped from 70 mph in approximately 178 feet.

Its braking system provides predictable pedal feedback, while the vehicle's electronic traction systems help manage the large amount of available power.

Price

The tested R2 Performance Launch Edition carried an as-tested price of approximately $61,485.

That price included optional paint and 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.

However, the R2 lineup is expected to expand with less expensive versions. Rivian has indicated that a model starting around $46,485 is planned for 2027.

That lower price could be particularly important because it would make the R2 accessible to a much larger group of buyers.

Rivian R2 vs Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is one of the R2's most obvious competitors.

Both vehicles offer a practical two-row electric SUV configuration, strong performance and long driving ranges.

However, Rivian takes a different approach. The R2 has a more upright body, greater emphasis on cargo versatility and a stronger off-road identity.

The Model Y remains a highly efficient road-focused EV, while the R2 attempts to combine everyday practicality with adventure-oriented capability.

Pros and Cons

Pros

656 horsepower in Performance trim
Very quick 0–60 mph acceleration
330-mile EPA range
Excellent cargo practicality
Spacious two-row interior
Distinctive Rivian design
Strong all-wheel-drive capability
Useful off-road ground clearance
Fast DC charging
Advanced driver-assistance technology

Cons

Real-world highway range is lower than the EPA rating
Road and suspension noise can be noticeable
Firm suspension setting can reduce comfort
Performance Launch Edition is relatively expensive
Some advanced driving features are still being developed

Is the 2027 Rivian R2 Worth Buying?

The Rivian R2 may be one of the most important electric SUVs in Rivian's history because it moves the company into a much larger market.

The Performance version combines sports-car acceleration with family-friendly space, long-range EV capability and useful off-road hardware.

More importantly, the R2 does not feel like a stripped-down version of the larger R1 models. It has its own personality, a practical cabin and a carefully engineered platform designed to reduce complexity and cost.

The biggest question is whether Rivian can deliver its lower-priced versions at the promised prices while maintaining the same level of quality and capability.

VIBCAR Verdict

The 2027 Rivian R2 Performance makes a strong first impression. With 656 horsepower, a 3.5-second 0–60 mph time, a 330-mile EPA range and impressive cargo flexibility, it offers an unusually broad combination of performance and practicality.

It is not perfect. Highway noise, ride quality on rough roads and the high price of the launch version are areas Rivian could improve.

Nevertheless, the R2 succeeds at something important: it takes the distinctive Rivian formula and puts it into a smaller, more manageable and potentially more affordable package.

VIBCAR Rating: 9/10

VIBCAR Quick Take

The Rivian R2 combines serious electric performance with excellent practicality and genuine adventure capability. The Performance version is expensive, but future lower-priced models could make the R2 one of the most compelling electric SUVs in its segment.

Category: Reviews | EVs | SUVs | Electric SUVs