2026 Rivian R2 Interior Review: A Better Screen, Fold-Flat Seats, Expected Practicality

Following in the happy-faced tire tracks of the Rivian R1T pickup and R1S SUV, the 2026 Rivian R2 promises to be a funky, all-electric adventure SUV that’s a skosh smaller than its larger siblings but still packed with potential. And, yes, it wears the same basic wide-LED-lit happy face as those R1 models.

Outside of this year’s New York International Auto Show, we poked around the new R2 to see how the packaging magic we’ve come to expect from the startup automaker applies here. Although we’ve yet to live with the Rivian R2 and test out its interior in practice, this preliminary look reveals a vehicle that’s every bit as practical and thoughtful as other Rivians—with a couple of extra features thrown in, too. 

Screens Are Still Here 

Not that we expected them to go away, but the infotainment and driver information cluster screens remain in the R2. From them, you can select drive modes, check over the vehicle’s settings, and do basically everything you can in the R1s. 

However, the screens in the R2 do look noticeably crisper and more colorful, and they have higher contrast. This is because they’re now driven by Unreal Engine, and this helps them look a lot more robust. You can see the R2’s infotainment screen closer up below: 

And here’s the screen in the R1T by comparison: 

However, what with over-the-air updates, perhaps enhanced screen graphics could one day make their way onto R1 models. 

Two Glove Boxes 

A point of frustration for some R1 owners was the vehicles’ lack of a glove box. There are plenty of cubbies, for sure, but sometimes you just want a traditional glove box, too, for some hidden, out-of-the-way storage. 

Rivian seems to be doubling down on efforts to right that wrong by offering the R2 with not one but two glove boxes. Simply press on a dashboard indentation and they fold right down. They’re quite spacious and wide, with the passenger one having an attached elastic band for additional security. 

Trunks With Additional Storage 

Like in the R1s, the R2 has a front trunk in addition to its rear cargo area, and both trunk floors pull up for some extra storage space. You could fit charge cables there, towels, tools—really anything that takes your fancy. The trick is just not forgetting what's in there because they can hide from view. 

Haptic Steering Wheel Controls 

The haptic steering wheel controls we explored earlier during our First Look did indeed prove to be easy to use. The feedback was good and responded in a satisfying way. On the display vehicle, the left-hand wheel appeared to control things like radio volume and the compass, while the right-hand wheel handled drive modes. Bumping and scrolling the wheel cycled through menu options. 

Using them was not unlike being in the Tesla Model 3. Again, we haven’t had the chance to take the R2 out for a drive yet, but we anticipate this will help keep driver concentration on the road. Plus, the seemingly floating roller switches look great.

All The Seats Fold Down Flat 

Calling all campers and haulers! This is a neat little feature—the R2 is capable of folding down all five of its seats to make a great big flat surface. You could easily toss a mattress or some sleeping bags back there and stretch out. Plus, with the glass ceiling, stargazing out in the wilderness is on the table, too. 

Of course, the space is also good if you need to haul something particularly large. And the big windows seem especially airy without any seats in the way. 

Device Charger Hidden In The Door 

Tucked into the passenger door, where other Rivians' flashlights usually are, is a device charger. Hook up your batteries, phones, whatever you want to it. It’s probably really useful for when you’re out in the wilderness and forgot to pack your power brick. 

Just A Spacious And Well-Thought-Out Interior 

As suspected, the R2 was comfortable and spacious, with quality-feeling touchpoints and thoughtful storage solutions—at least on this brief and initial pass. The seats were supportive, though the rear bench is closer to the floor, so those with longer legs might wish for more hip support. 

The flat floor gives you plenty of room to spread out, and despite its big wheels, you don’t feel like you’re contorting around an arch. Overall, the vehicle’s size just comes across as more manageable. The R1s are great, but they are also undeniably huge. 

The R2 is the first vehicle Rivian plans to go global with, so that’s why its charge port is located by the rear passenger wheel arch; it’s for all the streetside public chargers prevalent in other countries. As the automaker’s soon-to-be volume seller, the R2 is already a very compelling value proposition, starting at a claimed $45,000. If Rivian has its way (and can keep up with customer demand), we could very well start seeing these things everywhere in a couple of years.