The Rivian R2 is too much fun to let drive itself

Rivian may be all in on robotaxis and autonomy, but it’s still got human drivers — and EV buyers — to win over. The pricey R1S SUV and R1T pickup brought Rivian A-list media attention and cult-hit status, but the company faces a critical next step. The 2027 R2 is Rivian’s bid for mainstream success, scaled-down but not dumbed down. We drove a R2 Performance model from the streets of Park City, Utah, into Wasatch Mountains’ twisties and then off-road trails, an idealized triathlon for the do-it-all driving that Rivian intends for its adventure-minded customers. In its newly attainable price range, the R2 proclaimed itself as a class of one: a muscular electric SUV that’s legitimately capable off-road, but whose technology and sheer ingenuity feel a full generation ahead of anything from legacy automakers. That dual-motor R2 will meet buyers beginning June 9th, starting from $59,485 in “Launch Package” form, with up to 345 miles of range. That compares with R1S models that range between $79,000 and $124,000, out of reach for many people who’d otherwise long to own a Rivian. That price will dip as low as $46,485 for a single-motor Standard version — but not until summer 2027…