<!–

–>

  • Rivian R2 prototype has been spied testing nearly 18 months after its initial reveal.
  • The SUV features a new midsize platform and will offer over 300 miles of range.
  • Prototype has rugged wheels and a rear window that rolls down like a side window.

After making a strong impression with its first wave of EVs, Rivian is setting its sights on the broader market. The R2, first introduced in March of last year, is positioned as a more accessible option in the lineup. While it was initially revealed as a concept, it’s only now that the R2 has been spotted undergoing real-world testing in prototype form.

This model could play a pivotal role in Rivian’s future, marking a turning point in its efforts to move beyond niche appeal and into the mainstream.

Read: The 2026 Rivian R2 Looks Even Better Up Close

As Rivian has long liked to do things a little bit differently, this prototype is unlike others we’ve seen from a legacy carmaker. Rather than using a traditional black and white camouflage wrap, Rivian has created a special camo wrap inspired by the outdoors, filled with trees and lakes. It’s eye-catching, but does little to hide the overall shape and design of the R2’s body panels.

Familiar Design, With a Few Tweaks

Unsurprisingly, the design is largely identical to the vehicle previewed 18 months ago. That means it retains many familiar Rivian design traits, including the headlights and thick front and rear light bars, as well as the rugged bumpers and fender flares.

Interestingly, this prototype has a charging flap on the driver’s side, whereas last year’s show car had the charging flap on the passenger side. If Rivian is smart, it’d add charging flaps to both sides, but our spy photographers weren’t able to nab any photos of the passenger side, so it’s unclear if Rivian will do this.

Baldauf

A Practical, Outdoor-Friendly Touch

One of the more interesting features visible on this prototype is the rear window, which can be lowered in the same way as the side windows. It was lowered as the vehicle exited the testing facility, suggesting it may be a standard function.

This version of the R2 also rides on new, blacked-out wheels paired with BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain tires, giving it a more rugged stance compared to the concept.

Underpinning the R2 is Rivian’s new midsize platform, and the flagship model should offer up more than 300 miles (483 km) of range. Single-, dual-, and tri-motor versions will also be available. The R2 will be built at the company’s expanded factory in Normal, Illinois, as well as its planned multi-billion-dollar site in Georgia.

Baldauf