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R2 is Here: Media’s First Impressions

Mastering the mountains of Utah, R2 is ushering in a new era of adventure.

ProductAdventureR2

To mark the launch of R2 on June 9, we brought a select group of journalists and creators to Utah to put R2 Performance with Launch Package through its paces across every type of terrain.

Get their unfiltered reviews in the links below. We’ve also included some of our favorite R2 photos and quotes from the event. We can’t wait for you to drive R2 for yourself.

ArsTechnica First Drive: The 2027 Rivian R2 entirely changes the EV gameOpens in new tab

Car and Driver Opens in new tab2027 Rivian R2 First Drive: From Normal, Is NormalOpens in new tab

CNBC Opens in new tabRivian is betting on its R2 EV to turn the automaker into a household name like TeslaOpens in new tab

Detroit Free Press Rivian R2 EV gets all A’s on the highway, off road and for new AI techOpens in new tab Opens in new tab

The Drive Somehow, Rivian's Cheaper R2 Is Its Most Refined VehicleOpens in new tab

The Drive Opens in new tab2027 Rivian R2 First Drive Review: The Perfect Car for So Many PeopleOpens in new tab

Edmunds Opens in new tab2027 Rivian R2 First Drive Review: So Competent It's Almost Boring, and That's a Good ThingOpens in new tab

Electrek Rivian R2 First Drive: This is everything I need to upgrade my Model Y except…Opens in new tab

Engadget 2027 Rivian R2 first drive: Rivian's second SUV is its best yetOpens in new tab

InsideEVs Opens in new tabI Had High Expectations For The Rivian R2. It Still Blew Me Away.Opens in new tab

Jalopnik Opens in new tab2027 Rivian R2 Is Even Better Than You HopedOpens in new tab

Men’s Journal Opens in new tabThe Rivian R2 Is the Best New Car I’ve Driven in Years Opens in new tab

MotorTrend Opens in new tab2027 Rivian R2 Performance First DriveOpens in new tab

MotorWeek Opens in new tab2027 Rivian R2 First Drive Opens in new tab

Newsweek Opens in new tabR2 Is the Newest and Oldest Rivian VehicleOpens in new tab

RivianTrackr Rivian R2 First Drive On Road and Off RoadOpens in new tab Road & Track Opens in new tabThe 2027 Rivian R2 Is Easy to Love Opens in new tab

SlashGear Opens in new tab2027 Rivian R2 First Drive: For The Money, The Best EV So Far Opens in new tab

The Verge Opens in new tabThe Rivian R2 is too much fun to let drive itself Opens in new tab

TopGear Opens in new tabRivian R2 (US) reviewOpens in new tab

USA Today Opens in new tabRivian R2 preview: AI-powered SUV aims for the EV sweet spot Opens in new tab

US News 2027 Rivian R2 First Drive: An R1 for EveryoneOpens in new tab

Wallpaper Opens in new tabAll-electric SUV specialists Rivian have launched their all-important R2 model Opens in new tab

WIRED Opens in new tabRivian R2 First Drive: The Rivian for the MassesOpens in new tab

Kim Java Opens in new tabThe Rivian R2 Gets Almost Everything RightOpens in new tab

JerryRigEverything Opens in new tabRIVIANS R2 MATRIX HEADLIGHTS ARE INSANEOpens in new tab

Jenna Ezarik Opens in new tabI Drove the New Rivian R2: My Honest ThoughtsOpens in new tab

SavageGeese Opens in new tab2027 Rivian R2 | Easier to Pitch a TentOpens in new tab

Jon Rettinger Opens in new tabCan it beat Tesla? The NEW Rivian R2Opens in new tab

Snazzy Labs Opens in new tabRivian's $45,000 Model Y Killer Is HereOpens in new tab

TFL Opens in new tabSurprising Secrets of The 2026 Rivian R2 with the Chief Engineer!Opens in new tab

What’s Inside? Opens in new tabCan you ACTUALLY Camp in a Rivian R2?Opens in new tab

Out of Spec Reviews Opens in new tabI Drive The Rivian R2 For The First Time! They Pretty Much Nailed ItOpens in new tab


“A muscular electric SUV that’s legitimately capable off-road, but whose technology and sheer ingenuity feel a full generation ahead of anything from legacy automakers.”
Lawrence Ulrich, The Verge

“Rivian figured out how to strike an unbelievable balance of on-road driving dynamics and off-road capability in a premium-feeling and looking package — at a competitive price.”
Joel Feder, The Drive

“The new Rivian R2 is a very composed, modern utility vehicle that’s as capable on and off the road as it is comfortable throughout. It’s also jam-packed with tech designed to enhance the driving experience while elevating the aspects of your life adjacent to driving.”
Alex Kalogiannis, Top Gear

“The Rivian offers more space, more power, and that adventurous feel buyers love.”
Chase Biernkoven, Men’s Journal

“There’s nothing about driving this car or experiencing it that would stop me from wanting one...it’s a fantastic daily driver that you can push to the limit on a back road, take it off-road, and still have capability to go pretty much anywhere.”
Kyle Conner, Out of Spec


To learn more about R2 and place a reservation please visit rivian.com/r2.


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Our goal is to accelerate the global transition to zero-emission transportation and energy by developing vehicles and technology that inspire people to get out and explore, helping preserve the natural world for generations to come.