The 2026 Rivian R2 Midsize Electric SUV's Coolest Features

Rivian has finally followed up the groundbreaking R1S and R1T all-electric SUV and pickup truck combo with an all-new, all-electric midsize SUV to take on the Tesla Model Y, Cadillac Lyriq, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The upstart American automaker has really thrown everything at the 2026 Rivian R2 electric SUV, offering clever storage solutions and plenty of adventure lifestyle accessories.

Here's everything cool we spotted on the new R2 at its reveal this week, from roof tents to an all-new battery setup under the floor.

Specs and Basics

The Rivian R2 is smaller than the existing R1S SUV from the automaker, coming in at 185.6 inches long, 66.9 inches tall, 75 inches wide, and with a 115.5-inch wheelbase. The new R2 platform offers single-motor rear-drive, dual-motor all-wheel-drive, and tri-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain setups for the new SUV.

Each powertrain is promised to be capable of achieving at least 300 miles of range in some configurations, with lower mileage configurations also said to be available at lower price points or for improved performance capabilities. Rivian claims at least one version of the R2 will be capable of hitting 60 mph from standstill in less than 3 seconds. With the basics out of the way, here's what what's interesting about the R2's all-new design.

Funky Windows

The quirky Fisker Ocean made, um, waves when it debuted with a feature that allowed every single window (besides the windshield) to roll down, opening up the cabin to the elements and bringing some of the adventure back into the cabin of the electric SUV.

Well, it appears Rivian took note, as the R2 has very similar features that we welcome: a roll-down tailgate window and pop-out cargo windows, which are motorized for remote operation.

While sadly not a split tailgate design, as the entire rear door lifts up like a normal SUV, there is a handy slide-out feature that allows you to sit on the tailgate of the SUV when it's open, with just enough head clearance under the open door for an average-sized person.

Wings, Frunks, and Ports

The other notable element at the rear of the new R2 electric SUV is the blade-like integrated roof spoiler. Rivian made a point of sticking to its boxy shaped design inspired by the R1S off-roader, so it had to make aero improvements where it could, and the aero aid is said to help.

At the front is a rather large frunk storage cubby, big enough for a carry-on according to the images provided by the automaker.

To round out the exterior features, the R2 will indeed come with the Tesla-developed North American Charging Standard (NACS) port on its side when it eventually goes on sale.

Interior Capacities

Rivian also paid careful attention to the R2's interior layout, with plenty of cubbies and storage, as well as some novel seat tricks. There's not one, but two glove boxes tucked under the front dashboard, with one in the normal passenger area, and a second to its left, under the center of the console and touchscreen. Inside the driver's door is a flashlight, just like on R1S and R1T models.

Additionally, for the campers out there, the R2 will be able to fold every single one of its seats flat, including the driver's seat, without removing headrests, according to the animations online.

That'll be handy for those with inflatable mattresses, or anybody using their luxury electric SUV for long-term deep storage.

Tailgating and Camping

There are also plenty of accessories and customization for tailgating or adventurous fun outside of the R2, as well. The more interesting object is the new kitchen unit that mounts to the tailgate, offering a working surface when closed, and plenty of storage for stuff like your pots and pans or other camping gear.

There's also a basic storage box accessory that can be fitted, that turns the R2 into a little trucklet of sorts.

If you're not optioning the kitchen or storage box thing, you could also fit a bike rack that looks like it can fit two cycles, for those tighter trails the SUV may not be able to traverse itself.

Raise the Roof

With the roof bars attached, there's also the ability to mount a storage box, or Rivian's own rooftop tent, as well. It's a clever piece of kit, as images show, seemingly with the top shell pivoting up to the side, opening out, and then expanding dramatically to the side with a sturdy platform base.

It all collapses back into a tight little package when you're done.

We hope that isn't too painful of a task, as we've had trouble with the origami challenge of compact roof tents in the past.

Under the Floor

Wedged in the middle of the new R2 platform is an all-new battery pack comprised of new battery cells dubbed the 4695. These are larger in size than, for example, Tesla's current battery cells, which could indicate some performance benefits. As Motor1 points out, some images seem to show a pack configuration of three main modules separated by structural internal frame rails, with each module measuring 34 cells wide featuring 272 cells each.

Motor1 speculates the configuration could indicate a 1000V architecture, which is stronger than the more common 800V architectures emerging on the market now, pending further details about Rivian's new batteries. This would mean the new Rivian R2 (and R3 and R3X) would be able to charge faster and offer more peak power, and potentially improved energy regeneration as well. We'll have to wait for more information.

Rivian R2 EV Pricing and Production

Rivian plans to build the R2 at its current Illinois factory alongside the R1 platform by 2026. Pricing is said to start around $45,000, and Rivian R2 reservations are open now. You can check out more about the brand and the new R2, R3, and R3X SUVs here.