In the world of tech, an embargo is only as strong as the person who hits "publish" last. It appears ArsTechnica accidentally jumped the gun on the Rivian R2, briefly posting and then deleting an article that laid out the full launch details for the highly anticipated SUV. Fortunately for enthusiasts, Reddit users were quick to capture the details before they vanished.
The leak arrives just one day before the official reveal on Thursday, March 12, giving us a massive look at the pricing and performance tiers of the vehicle Rivian hopes will carry it to profitability.
Update: Rivian has officially announced the R2 lineup, including trims, specs, colors, and available options.
The Three-Tiered R2 Lineup
The leaked data outlines three distinct trims for the R2, ranging from a high-performance launch model to the long-promised affordable base version.
R2 Performance (Launch Package): This is the first version expected to roll off the line in mid-2026. It starts at $57,990 (plus a $1,495 delivery charge) and features a 656 hp dual-motor powertrain, an 87.9 kWh battery, and up to 330 miles of range. It also includes a semi-active suspension.
R2 Premium: Slated for late 2026, this trim starts at $53,990. It keeps the 330-mile range but drops the horsepower to 450 and uses a standard suspension setup.
R2 Standard: This is the model Rivian fans have been waiting for, hitting the legendary $45,000 price point. However, buyers will have to wait until late 2027 to get their hands on it.
Standard Trim Specs and the Competition
While hitting a $45,000 entry price is a huge win for Rivian, the "Standard" trim comes with a trade-off that might give some buyers pause. The base model features a smaller battery pack that only enables approximately 265 miles of range.
When you compare that to its primary rival, the Tesla Model Y, the gap is noticeable. The cheapest Model Y is currently priced at $39,990 and offers a significantly higher EPA-rated 321 miles of range. Rivian is likely betting that its unique utility features — like the fold-flat front seats for camping and the fully retractable rear window — will be enough to win over customers who want more than just raw range.
Built for the Future of Charging
The R2 is built on a lighter platform than the R1S and will be the first Rivian to ship with a native NACS charging port. This means R2 owners will have seamless access to the Tesla Supercharger network the moment they take delivery.
While the leak has given us plenty to chew on, there is still a lot to see, including all the configurations, the final software interface, accessories, and more. Make sure to check out our R2 event preview for details on how to watch the launch tomorrow. We’ll be providing full coverage of the R2 launch and every surprise Rivian has in store.
