Rivian R2 First Look at ACT Expo | Improvements From the R1

TL;DR

The Rivian R2 offers 330 miles of range and cost-focused design improvements over the R1 while retaining premium interior quality.

Key Points

• 1.The R2 launch edition delivers strong performance specs. Dual-motor AWD with ~87–89 kWh usable battery, 330 miles of range, 0–60 in 3.5 seconds, and just over 650 horsepower via new bespoke motors smaller and more efficient than the R1's.
• 2.Exterior design is intentionally R1S-scaled-down with functional differences. Squared-off mirror arms, a clamshell hood, rear-mounted charge port, and a rear spoiler with a tucked hidden wiper distinguish the R2 visually while improving aerodynamics.
• 3.The frunk was redesigned to reduce cost and parts count. Rivian relocated the capacitive open button, eliminated the two-stage reversible floor mat, reduced fastener count, and replaced an injection-molded hood closeout with a compression-molded PET acoustic panel.
• 4.Interior maintains premium feel despite cost targets. Live-stitched fabric and vinyl, perforated ventilated seats, ambient LED lighting, magnetic wireless charging, and a wide center console with retractable drawer are all retained from the R1 lineage.
• 5.The Halo haptic scroll wheels are a standout electromechanical innovation. Unlike mechanical detents, these wheels use electromagnetic control to change force, throw, and resolution contextually — e.g., coarser for fan speed, finer for temperature — and are fully updatable over-the-air.