Smaller Rivian R2 SUV teased

Rivian has dropped its first teaser of the incoming Rivian R2 SUV during an Instagram Live session hosted by company CEO RJ Scaringe.

The US electric vehicle manufacturer, which plans to launch Down Under in the coming years, posted a short clip of Scaringe and Rivian’s head designer Jeff Hammond standing in front of a full-size clay model of the Rivian R2.

The silhouette of the medium/large all-electric SUV gives us our first look at the company’s most affordable model, despite earlier reports suggesting the R2’s production and launch has been pushed back to 2026.

With short front and rear overhangs, blocky styling but a rakish windscreen, the US brand’s new entry model mimics SUVs like the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco in the styling department.

Sitting below the full-size Rivian R1S, the R2 is not initially expected to spin-off a Ford Ranger-rivalling EV ute – as per the larger R1S and R1T twins. That could come later.

But it should feature Rivian’s all-new Enduro powertrain that blends a powerful single electric motor with a next-generation lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, plus new electronics.

During the same Instagram Q&A, Scaringe also ruled out offering its Tank Turn technology on any future Rivian production model, despite releasing a video of the R1T performing the manoeuvre on YouTube.

The Tank Turn tech is capable thanks to the quad-motor set-up of the R1 that allows torque to be deployed in any direction on any wheel, allowing the battery-powered pick-up truck to rotate dramatically on a central axis.

The reason not to roll it out stems from fears the technology will be abused by users, causing damage to the trails it hopes owners of its SUVs and utes will explore.