Tested: 2027 Rivian R2 Performance AWD Launch Edition Delivers Big Value in a Smaller Package

Rivian’s second product line has officially arrived with the 2027 Rivian R2. Aimed directly at the high-volume Tesla Model Y segment, the R2 brings a smaller footprint to Rivian’s lineup without skimping on capability or performance. While lower-priced variants are scheduled to follow—including an entry-level $46,485 model in 2027—the initial rollout begins with the all-wheel-drive Performance trim in Launch Edition specification. As tested by Car and Driver, the R2 Performance AWD Launch Edition carried a base price of $59,485 and an as-tested price of $61,485, equipped with optional paint and 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.

Engineering and Architecture

Unlike Rivian’s larger body-on-frame R1T pickup and R1S SUV, the two-row R2 utilizes a mostly steel unibody constructed predominantly from stampings. The vehicle’s 88-kWh battery pack acts as a stressed chassis member and double-duty floorboard, yielding structural stiffness that Rivian claims exceeds that of the R1. Instead of air springs, the R2 rides on standard steel coil springs, featuring front struts with stamped steel control arms and a five-link stamped steel rear suspension.

Inside the liquid-cooled 400-volt pack are 768 cylindrical NCMA (nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum) lithium-ion cells supplied by LG Chem, organized across three modules. Measuring 46 mm (1.8 inches) in diameter and 95 mm (3.7 inches) in length, these cells are roughly 6.5 times the volume of the cells found in an R1 pack. Underneath the bodywork, Rivian simplified its zonal electrical architecture, cutting roughly 44 pounds of wiring compared to the R1. High-voltage components—including AC/DC and DC/DC converters, an onboard 11-kW charger, and the south zonal controller—are housed in a single unit directly atop the battery, reducing high-voltage cabling by 70 percent.

Powertrain and Track Performance

Powering the R2 Performance are dual Maximus permanent-magnet electric motors generating a combined 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque. The rear motor produces 362 hp and 355 lb-ft, while the front motor yields 294 hp and 254 lb-ft. To maximize efficiency, a clutch automatically decouples the front motor, allowing the R2 to run as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle until slip occurs or maximum acceleration is demanded.

At a curb weight of 4,985 pounds, the R2 Performance Launch Edition demonstrated serious speed during Car and Driver testing:

• 0–60 mph: 3.5 seconds
• 1/4-mile: 11.4 seconds at 126 mph
• Top Speed: 130 mph (governor limited)
• 70–0 mph Braking: 178 feet
• 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g

Range, Charging, and Practicality

Equipped with standard 21-inch wheels and all-season tires, the R2 achieves an EPA-estimated range of 330 miles (the optional 20-inch all-terrain tire package reduces EPA range by 23 miles). In Car and Driver’s real-world 75-mph highway range evaluation, the R2 traveled 260 miles on 21-inch wheels. Charging is handled through a driver-side rear NACS port capable of bidirectional power transfer. Car and Driver observed a peak fast-charging rate of 226 kW (against a claimed 230 kW peak) and completed a 10-to-90 percent charge in 39 minutes.

Inside, the five-passenger cabin retains an upscale aesthetic similar to the R1 while introducing functional updates. Storage solutions include two gloveboxes, door pockets, a center console drawer, and 29 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row. In testing, the rear cargo area accommodated 10 carry-on suitcases, expanding to 11 with the front trunk utilized. New steering-wheel thumbwheels, called Haptic Halo Wheels, control displays, climate, and drive modes with context-dependent physical detents.

Evaluators noted that while suspension impacts produce noticeable road noise (67 dBA recorded at 70 mph), the R2 delivers intuitive controls, solid handling via three-setting adaptive dampers, and clear outward visibility. As Car and Driver summary perspectives highlighted, the R2 successfully packages high capability, thoughtful storage, and strong performance into a distinctly accessible SUV.