EPA Certifies Rivian R2 Performance Range at 335 Miles, Beats Tesla Model Y

Rivian's R2 Performance has received official EPA certification confirming a 335-mile range with 21-inch all-season tires.

“The Rivian R2 leaked range and efficiency specs reveal a surprising SUV Electric car fans have a new reason to get excited this week: information about the upcoming Rivian R2 showed up in official government documents”

ArenaEV

The 20-inch all-terrain tire variant is rated at 314 miles, explained by the rugged tire design rather than wheel size.

ArenaEV

The certification reveals a usable battery capacity of 86.8 kWh, close to but slightly less than the 87.9 kWh initially touted.

This range surpasses the Tesla Model Y Performance's 306-mile rating despite the R2 being heavier.

Rivian's efficiency impresses at 3.77 miles per kWh compared to Tesla's 3.125 miles per kWh.

The certification confirms Rivian will launch with a proprietary heat pump system.

The Performance trim will be the first to launch at $57,990.

Rivian plans to introduce the R2 Premium at $53,990 later in 2026, followed by a $45,000 base model in 2027.

Ars Technica

This multi-trim strategy is designed to expand Rivian's reach into the sub-$60,000 price segment.

The R2 aims to combine off-road capability with competitive range and efficiency.

Employee deliveries would begin in April 2027.

“Update:Rivian clarified that the R2 will be equipped with a heat pump as standard”

autoevolution

The EPA documents represent a rare instance of pre-release transparency.

With a sub-$60,000 price tag and class-leading range, the R2 could be crucial for Rivian's future.

Real-world performance and build quality will ultimately determine its success.