Breaking News — Rivian Automotive CEO RJ Scaringe confirmed today that the company is developing two new variants of its upcoming R2 electric SUV: a pickup truck version and a high-performance model tentatively called the R2X. The announcement comes just days after Rivian began volume production of the R2 SUV at its Normal, Illinois plant.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Scaringe said the midsize platform will expand beyond the three R2 SUV trims unveiled in March. We're not just building one vehicle – we're architecting a family of vehicles on the R2 platform,
Scaringe told Reuters. Expect to see a pickup variant and a performance-oriented R2X that pushes the limits of what an electric midsize can do.
The R2 pickup will compete directly with models like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, while the R2X is aimed at off-road enthusiasts seeking higher ground clearance and enhanced torque vectoring. Rivian has not released pricing or a launch timeline for the new variants, but sources close to the company suggest a reveal could come as early as late 2025.
Jump to background | What this means for EV market
Background
Rivian’s R2 SUV was first unveiled in March 2024 as a more affordable entry into the EV market, starting at around $45,000. The vehicle is built on a new midsize platform designed to be flexible for multiple body styles.
The company initially announced three trim levels for the R2 SUV: the base Adventure, the mid-range Explore, and the top-tier Premium. Production began last week, with first deliveries expected in early 2025.
Rivian has struggled with production bottlenecks and supply chain issues since launching its R1T pickup and R1S SUV in 2021. The R2 platform is critical to the company’s turnaround plan, as it targets a larger market segment with lower price points.
What This Means
The confirmation of R2 pickup and R2X variants signals Rivian’s intent to maximize its midsize platform’s economies of scale. By offering multiple body styles on the same architecture, the company can reduce per‑vehicle costs and accelerate time to market.
Industry analysts view the move as a competitive necessity. Rivian cannot afford to be a one‑vehicle company,
said Samir Patel, auto analyst at Electrification Advisors. The R2 pickup and R2X give them a direct path to challenge Tesla’s Cybertruck and Ford’s F‑150 Lightning in high‑demand segments.
For consumers, the new variants could mean more choices in the midsize electric segment. The R2 pickup, expected to have a tow capacity of around 5,000 lb, would appeal to small business owners and outdoor enthusiasts. The R2X, with likely increased horsepower and off‑road modes, targets the growing market for electric adventure vehicles.
Rivian’s stock (NASDAQ: RIVN) rose 4% in after‑hours trading following the news, reflecting investor optimism about the expanded product lineup. Deliveries of the R2 SUV begin Q1 2025, with the pickup and R2X following in late 2025 or early 2026.