Rivian R1T

The R1T continues as one of the most complete electric trucks on the market, now joined by the same Quad-Motor option as its R1S sibling. The Rivian R1T uses a quad-motor electric AWD powertrain and offers a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 lbs. Rivian continues evolving the R1T with smarter over-the-air updates that improve powertrain efficiency, range management, and infotainment responsiveness. New color options and interior materials give buyers more personalization choices for 2026. 

The 2026 R1T lineup spans from the Dual Standard at $70,990 to the Quad Launch Edition at $119,990. 

One Major Change: Retiring the Entry Trim

Rivian plans to discontinue the entry trims of both the R1S and R1T this year. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe explained: “It’s an interesting dynamic. We sell very, very few of the base spec of any of the things we build. Even if you come in for the base spec, you end up spending a little bit more.” The average selling price for an R1, he said, was around $90,000.  The move signals Rivian’s intent to keep the R1 firmly in premium territory as the R2 absorbs entry-level demand.

Software: The 2026.03 OTA Update

Rivian’s 2026.03 software update delivers a noteworthy collection of improvements: winter range transparency gets smarter, Gen 1 Launch mode is added for Dual-Motor AWD, Kneel Mode usability improves, there is an Unreal Engine 5.5 upgrade for the interface, and Apple Watch app support arrives.  Rivian continues to differentiate itself from other automakers by treating its vehicles as software platforms that grow and improve over time.

The R2 is considered a make-or-break moment for Rivian after the company has lost billions of dollars and seen waning demand for its current vehicles. From an exterior perspective, it is essentially a smaller version of the R1 SUV, but the company has reworked the vehicle’s software, electrical system, and parts in an attempt to make it more efficient and profitable. 

Rivian unveiled the full R2 lineup at SXSW 2026, revealing all four trims, final pricing, and a confirmed Spring 2026 delivery date for the Performance Launch Package. Starting around $45,000 and topping out at $57,990, the R2 brings Rivian’s adventure DNA to a mid-size platform that’s nearly 2,000 lbs lighter than the R1. 

The Lineup & Pricing

The R2’s rollout is staged, with Rivian following the well-worn automaker tradition of launching the most expensive, most profitable version first:

R2 Performance (Launch Package) at $57,990 (Available Spring 2026)

The R2 Performance debuts with the Launch Package and is the model Rivian touts as the most capable variant in the lineup. It has a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup pushing out 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque.  The model will hit 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds and offer an estimated range of over 300 miles. Twenty-one-inch Sport wheels, semi-active suspension, tow hooks, and yellow brake calipers and accents are standard. 

The limited edition Launch Package throws in Rivian’s Autonomy+ driving system for life no subscription required a Rivian Green key fob, access to the exclusive Launch Green color, and a standard tow package with up to 4,400 pounds of towing capacity. 

R2 Premium — $53,990 (Expected late 2026)

The R2 Premium brings in the same feature set as the Performance just without the full performance. It still has a dual-motor setup packing 450 horsepower and 537 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 time in the 4.6-second range, though strangely there is no range benefit it is still 330 miles. 

R2 Standard Long Range at $48,490 (Expected first half of 2027)

R2 Standard at ~$45,000 (Expected late 2027)

Both upcoming R2 Standard variants will be single motor, rear-wheel drive only. The Long Range variant still packs the same 87.9-kWh battery, but its power output drops to 350 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds and a range that increases to 345 miles. 

Dimensions & Capability

The Rivian R2 measures 66.9 inches tall, 84.7 inches wide (with mirrors), and 185.9 inches long. It has 9.6 inches of ground clearance, a 25-degree approach angle, a 26-degree departure angle, and a 20.6-degree breakover angle. Inside, the R2 swallows up to 90.1 cubic feet of cargo, with 28.7 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. 

Technology & Interior

All R2 models come with a standard NACS port, giving access to Tesla’s Supercharger network from day one. Rivian promises 10-80% charging capability in about 29 minutes.  On the tech front, the 2026 Rivian R2 has a 15.6-inch touchscreen and a small digital instrument cluster. Through its joint venture with Volkswagen, Rivian is developing vehicle software and electrical architecture for the R2

HOW RIVIAN STACKS UP AGAINST THE COMPETITION?

R1T vs. Ford F-150 Lightning: The Electric Truck Battle

The R1T outperforms the Ford F-150 Lightning in off-road capability and payload, though Ford offers better infotainment compatibility (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a broader dealer service network.  The F-150 Lightning starts at $65,940 lower than the R1T’s entry point making it the more accessible electric work truck. But for pure performance and off-road refinement, the Rivian remains the benchmark

Verdict:

If you need a vehicle today and want the most mature, affordable EV ecosystem, the Model Y wins. If you want genuine off-road capability, more cargo space, more power, and a distinctive adventurous identity and can wait the R2 is compelling