US car maker Rivian has revealed its all-new R2 will be available in the UK – but Britons will have to wait two years to get their hands on one.
The American EV maker and automotive tech company – which created the world’s first electric pick-up truck, the R1T – has announced its new electric SUVs should reach our roads by 2028.
In keeping with the Rivian brand, which is known for off-road capability, the R2 SUV EV will be made for adventurous lifestyles.
It – officially – will be the first Rivian model to make it this side of the Atlantic, and is expected in mainland Europe in 2027, before arriving here a year later.
It will go up against the Tesla Model Y – Elon Musk’s best-selling model – and will start from around $45,000 (currently £34,000).
There will be three versions: Standard, Premium, and Performance. This largely follows the trim set up of the Model Y.
Californian EV maker Rivian is bringing its R2 electric SUV to the UK – marking the brand’s first landing on UK shores
The R2 Performance will arrive first and will come with a dual motor all-wheel drive, 647bhp and a 0 to 60mph time of 3.6 seconds.
It will have an estimated range of 330 miles based on the American EPA test, which is stricter than the European WLTP, so expect higher range estimates here.
Usefully, for country dwellers or drivers who like outdoor pursuits, the R2 can tow almost 2,000kg and has a Sand and Snow driving mode.
Inside the Performance R2 is a 15.3-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated seats, heated rear seats and an upcycled birch wood trim.
Launch Edition models will also get Rivian’s latest Autonomy+ self-driving tech upgrade for the lifetime of the car, which customers typically have to pay a monthly or yearly subscription for.
The R2 Premium will follow second, and cost $53,990 or around £40,500. The dual motors will produce 450bhp and will accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 4.6 seconds.
It keeps the 330-mile EPA and can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 40 minutes. The interior and other features are largely the same, except for a couple of downgraded driving features.
The R2 is an adventurous SUV that fits the American car makers outdoor spirit. It will start from $45k (£34k) and will come with 275-345 miles of range EPA
Inside you’ll get features including a 15.3-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated seats, heated rear seats, an upcycled birch wood trim
The R2 Standard will arrive in the US in 2027 and cost from around $45,000 if you get the smaller battery, which can do 275 miles EPA.
The 345-mile larger battery option will cost $48,490 or £36,500. This RWD single motor version will give you 350bhp and a 0 to 60mph in 5.9 seconds.
The entry trims will get the same 15.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver’s display, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel and a panoramic roof, amongst other features.
Rivian is also offering handy and adventure-ready features like a rear windscreen which can be lowered for long items like surfboards, and all four windows can also be lowered for a full Cali-cruising experience.
All seats in the R2 can be folded flat to maximise cargo space, giving a total of 2,551 litres and a 147-litre frunk.
Ground clearance is 350mm with an approach angle of 25 degrees and a departure angle of 26 degrees to make it as capable off-road as is expected of Rivian EVs.
Rivian delivered some 42,247 vehicles in 2025.
This was an 18 per cent decline compared to 2024 sales as a direct result of slowing U.S. electric vehicle demand triggered by changes to policy introduced by President Trump.
Last month, the company said it forecast sales this year to reach 62,000 and 67,000 units.
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