In families with three kids, there’s a phenomenon known as “middle child syndrome.” The oldest child gets the spotlight, the youngest gets all the attention, and the middle child is often overlooked. The same dynamic was observed with Rivian’s recent lineup reveal. While the R1S and R1T stole the show, the surprise debut of the compact R3 and R3X created a buzz. But what about the anticipated star, the Rivian R2, that was meant to shine at Rivian’s big event a few weeks ago?
Having had the opportunity to see the R2 up close at the New York Auto Show, I can confidently say that this middle child should not be underestimated. If Rivian can deliver on its promises in terms of price, specs, and timely release, the R2 has the potential to be a game-changer. Watch our latest video above to see why.
The Rivian R2, the latest model from the California EV startup, is designed similarly to the larger R1S but with a more affordable starting price of around $45,000. Set to enter production in 2026, the R2 aims to become Rivian’s mass-market electric SUV, propelling the company toward long-term success. During my visit to the Rivian Space in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, the R2’s resemblance to the R1S initially caught me off guard, but that’s a good thing. Utilizing a familiar design language in a smaller package is a wise move by Rivian.