2025 Rivian R2 electric SUV teased
Three weeks to go until US EV-maker revels its smaller-sized but likely big-selling new SUVThe upcoming 2025 Rivian R2 has been teased ahead of its March 7 reveal, when the smaller new off-road electric SUV will promise endless adventure for everyone and especially families.
Rivian published a new promotional video to its website and social media channels overnight, defining what – or rather who – adventure is, with the 33-second clip ending with a look at the R2’s illuminated front lighting signature.
No surprises the Rivian R2 looks identical to the bigger R1S, although it will be scaled down a bit and no other parts of the vehicle are visible.
Very little is known about the R2 save for the fact it’ll be considerably smaller than the R1S it will be positioned beneath, but it’s expected to feature Rivian’s all-new Enduro powertrain that blends a powerful single electric motor with a next-generation lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery and new electronics.
A previous teaser of the R2 shows it to be about the size of a Kia Sorento, which should ultimately help it off-road compared to the full-size R1S, although that will depend on how road-biased it’s intended to be, given it’s been described as a Tesla Model Y rival.
A dual-cab ute derivative isn’t anticipated to be launched alongside the R2, as per Rivian’s existing R1 twins, and nor has an electric Ford Ranger or Maverick rival been confirmed by the US EV-maker.
In late 2022 there were rumours the R2’s production start and release date had been pushed back to 2026, but it’s now clear that won’t be the case with the official reveal now confirmed in less than a month, though that doesn’t necessarily point to an imminent release.
Odds are the first customer cars will be delivered in the US either late this year or in early 2025.
Rivian previously talked a big game in terms of its global expansion, including to Australia, but has largely gone cold on exactly when we’ll see its big electric rigs on local roads.
Early timelines suggested the brand could be launched here sometime in 2024 and, while that’s still possible, Rivian hasn’t provided any official updates on right-hand drive production or Australian exports for some time now.
Related: Smaller Rivian R2 SUV to be revealed on March 7
Related: Smaller Rivian R2 SUV teased
Related: Production of smaller Rivian R2 pushed back to 2026
Related: Rivian Australia launch at least two years away
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