Model Guide
Rivian R2 — the buyer's guide.
Production started April 22, 2026. The Performance Launch Edition is shipping now at $57,990. Lower-priced Premium, Standard RWD Long Range, and base Standard trims follow on a rolling 2026-2027 timeline. The federal EV credit expired in September 2025 — here's what incentives still apply and what to know about ordering.
10 min read · Last updated May 2026
The Quick Answer
- Status: Production began April 22, 2026; Performance Launch Edition deliveries underway
- Launch Edition price: $57,990 MSRP + $1,495 destination
- Lower trims: Premium (late 2026), Standard RWD Long Range (H1 2027), Standard (~$45K target, late 2027)
- Launch Edition range: 330 miles EPA-rated
- Federal tax credit: Expired Sept 2025 — not available
- State credits: Colorado $750 (R2 qualifies under $80K cap)
- Reservation deposit: Refundable through configuration
Where the R2 stands today
The R2 went from concept to customer-ready in 25 months. Rivian unveiled it in March 2024 at Laguna Beach, took more than 68,000 reservations within 24 hours, and started saleable production at the Normal, Illinois plant on April 22, 2026. First customer deliveries began later that spring with the R2 Performance Launch Edition.
The Performance Launch Edition is the only R2 trim currently in production. Lower-priced trims follow on a rolling schedule that Rivian has publicly committed to. Configuration invitations to existing reservation holders began rolling out in June 2026.
Rivian has guided to delivering 20,000–25,000 R2 vehicles in 2026, ramping toward 155,000 R2 units of annual capacity at the Normal plant once fully scaled. R2 is expected to make up the majority of Rivian's volume by the end of 2027.
R2 trim walk and pricing
| Trim | Status | Range (est) | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance Launch Edition (AWD) | In production · delivering now | 330 mi | $57,990 |
| Premium | Late 2026 | TBD | TBD |
| Standard RWD Long Range | First half 2027 | TBD | TBD |
| Standard | Late 2027 | TBD | ~$45,000 target |
Pricing excludes $1,495 destination charge. The base Standard trim's ~$45,000 target is tied to Rivian's upcoming Georgia plant ramp. Premium and Standard trim pricing/specs will be confirmed closer to their respective production windows.
Performance Launch Edition specs
Powertrain
Dual-motor AWD
Horsepower
656 hp
Battery
87.9 kWh
EPA range
330 miles
Efficiency
109 MPGe combined
0–60 mph
3.6 seconds
Towing capacity
4,400 lb
Driver assist
Autonomy+ included
The Launch Edition includes lifetime access to Rivian's Autonomy+ driver-assistance suite. Form factor is a compact 5-seat SUV positioned against the Tesla Model Y Performance ($51,490, 306 mi, 3.3 sec 0-60) — slightly slower than the Model Y but longer range and more efficient.
Reservation versus configuration
If you reserved before March 2024: Rivian began rolling out configuration invitations in June 2026 on a rolling basis, prioritized by reservation date. The Performance Launch Edition was first; reservation holders who waited will be invited to configure Premium, Standard RWD Long Range, or Standard trims as those become available.
If you're reserving now:New R2 reservations remain refundable through the configuration step. You won't be configuring a Performance Launch Edition (those are largely allocated to early reservation holders), but you can secure a position in line for Premium, Standard RWD Long Range, or Standard trims as they roll out. Refundable deposit typically $100.
At configuration: You lock in pricing, trim, battery, paint, interior, wheels, and options. A non-refundable configuration deposit (typically $1,000) is paid at this step.
What incentives are available for the R2?
Federal Clean Vehicle Credit: The federal EV tax credit expired September 30, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The R2 does not qualify for any federal EV purchase credit, regardless of trim. This applies to all EVs, including competitors like the Tesla Model Y.
State-level credits: Colorado offers a $750 state EV credit for vehicles under $80,000 MSRP — the R2 qualifies at every trim. Other states (California, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon) may offer state-specific credits. Check your state's current program.
Charger installation credits: The federal alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit (30% up to $1,000 for residential chargers) remains available through June 2026. Xcel Energy offers additional rebates ($500-$1,300).
Rivian referral rewards: Use referral code RICK4348389 when configuring or reserving to earn Rewards points plus 3 months complimentary Adventure Network charging at delivery. Approximate value: ~$700.
Why using a referral code matters
Referral mechanic: When you place an R2 reservation or configuration order using a referral code, both you and the referrer earn Rivian Rewards points plus 3 months of complimentary Adventure Network charging — credited at delivery, not at order placement.
Stacks cleanly: The referral benefit stacks with the Colorado state credit, charger installation credits, and any Costco Auto Program discount. With the federal credit expired, every layer of available savings matters.
No downside: The reservation deposit is fully refundable until configuration. If circumstances change between reservation and configuration, you can withdraw. Using a code costs nothing and locks in the referral benefit if you proceed to delivery.
Configure or reserve your R2
Refundable reservation deposit · Referral code applies at delivery · Stacks with state credits and charger rebates
Order with Code RICK4348389The referral code applies to whichever Rivian model and trim you ultimately order — R2, R1S, or R1T.