2026 Rivian R2 locked in for right-hand drive
Mid-size SUV will spearhead US brand's arrival into right hook markets and come with supercar-baiting powerThe News
Rivian's founder and CEO has confirmed the 2026 Rivian R2 all-electric mid-size SUV will be available in right-hand drive markets and has confirmed a launch for the UK market, paving the way for its debut Down Under.
The Key Details
- Entry-level Rivian will be the first to be offered in RHD markets
- Will come with single, dual- and tri-motor powertrains
- Fastest version set for 0-100km/h in less than three seconds
- Will offer a combined range of up to 500km but so-so charging speeds
- Expected on sale in UK by mid-2026 for less than $70K
The Finer Details
Rivian's boss, RJ Scaringe, didn't confirm exact timing for right-hand drive versions to arrive in the UK, but there was the suggestion the Tesla Model Y rival will lob after its debut in the US in the first half of next year.
Unconfirmed for a launch in Australia, the production-spec Rivian R2 measures in at 4715mm long, 1905mm wide and stands 1700mm tall, with a generous 2935mm wheelbase. Those dimensions put it close to the Model Y: only 35mm shorter and 73mm narrower.
Unwrapped back in early 2024, exact details of the Rivian R2 have yet to be released, other than that it will be available with a single-motor, rear-wheel drive version, plus all-wheel drive if you pick the dual- or flagship triple-motor versions.
All three drivetrains will offer a range of at least 500km under the US EPA testing regime.
In the US, the Rivian R2 will be priced from around US$45,000 which equates to around $69,000 in our money.
The smaller R3 high-riding hatch is also set to be launched in European markets and with the option of right-hand drive.
The R2 and R3 are based on the same platform, with the smaller hatch pinching the SUV's EV tech and cutting-edge software that will be shared with the Volkswagen Group and first appear on its next-generation models like the Mk9 VW Golf as part of a US$6 billion ($A9b) deal with the German auto giant.
The Road Ahead
Rivian has already declared it wants to evolve into a brand that builds “many millions” of vehicles a year, so needs to expand its reach outside of North America fast.
Announcing that a launch in China is off the menu, it will rely heavily on export markets like Europe and Australia for growth, but with more than 60 brands already here fighting over just 1.2 million annual sales, even with its stylish looks, trick software and supercar-slaying power, the Rivian R2 will need to work hard to make an impression.
Related: 2026 Rivian R2 and R3 electric SUVs revealed
Related: New Rivian R2 electric SUV details leak ahead of reveal
Related: Production of smaller Rivian R2 pushed back to 2026
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
