Rivian R2 Leaked Pricing and Specs: Head-to-Head with Tesla Model Y
The cat is out of the bag—or should I say, the R2 is out of the garage! Just one day before Rivian's official R2 reveal (which might even be today depending on when you're reading this), leaked pricing and specs have surfaced. We're talking detailed info on prices, battery sizes, range, horsepower, and even some fresh color options. This leak came from what appears to be an accidental draft post from Ars Technica that went live around 9 AM. I spotted it early but held off on spilling the beans myself, dropping just a teaser on X instead.
Let's dive into the juicy details and see how the Rivian R2 stacks up against its closest rival, the Tesla Model Y.
The Leaked Pricing Breakdown
Rivian is launching with the R2 Performance (Launch Edition) first, priced at $57,990 (plus a $1,500 delivery fee). That's spot on with the Tesla Model Y Performance at $57,490. Here's what you get:
- Dual-motor powertrain
- 656 horsepower
- 87.9 kWh battery
- Up to 330 miles of range
Next up is the R2 Premium, expected late 2026 for $53,990:
- 450 horsepower
- Up to 330 miles of range
- No semi-active suspension, 20-inch wheels
This one's a tad pricier than the Model Y Long Range AWD at $49,000, but Rivian's off-road chops might justify the premium for adventure seekers. (Though let's be real—most will be hauling groceries from Whole Foods or Starbucks.)
Finally, the R2 Standard hits late 2027 at $45,000:
- Smaller battery
- About 265 miles of range
For the full leak, just Google "Ars Technica Rivian R2"—it's all there.
Colors That Pop
We might have snagged a peek at the color palette too, including a stunning sea green vibe (Catalina Cove?) that's giving Cybertruck Shockwave energy. I'm digging it! Potential lineup:
- Catalina Cove
- Escer Silver
- Half Moon Gray
- Borillia (purple!)
- Midnight Black
- Forest Green
- Launch Green
- Glacier White
Rivian nails the color game every time.
Launch Details and Availability
The official unveil is tomorrow in Austin—shoutout to Josh for the early event pics. Expect the Launch Edition to prioritize existing Rivian owners, so newbies might have to wait. Premium rolls out late 2026, Standard in 2027.
My Take: Tesla Model Y Still Wins for Me
Pricing is competitive, specs look solid, and I'm hyped to see (and drive) the R2 in person. But we're sticking with our Tesla Model Y, especially now with Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability. If you're ordering a Tesla, lock in at 0.99% with demo discounts happening now. Don't forget my referral code in the description for 3 months of FSD free!
Selling your EV? Check out Plug—they're beating Tesla offers by $5-6K. Link below.
And for must-have protection, grab 3W Liners all-weather floor mats. Best I've tried (Model X, 3, Y, Cybertruck). Use my promo for 25% off—under $100! Shop here.
What about you? Does the R2 tempt you over the Model Y? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Official confirmations drop soon—stay tuned!
DennisCW
