Quick Facts:
- Topic: Rivian R2 overlanding after Rivian’s Q3 2026 results.
- Headline: The R2 is Rivian’s best-selling vehicle by volume in the third quarter of 2026.
- Orders open: R2 Performance with Launch Package, from $57,990, by invitation to reservation holders.
- Coming next: Premium in late 2026 from $53,990, and Standard from $48,490 in early 2027 and $44,990 in spring 2027.
- Trail angles: R2 ground clearance of 9.6 inches, 25-degree approach, 26-degree departure.
- Towing: R2 towing capacity reaches 4,400 pounds on Premium and Performance with the Tow Package.
- Best for: Trail and overland buyers deciding whether to order or wait.
6 min read
In This Article
Overview: Rivian R2 Overlanding After a Record Quarter
Rivian R2 overlanding now has a sales signal behind it. On October 29, Rivian reported the R2 outsold both the R1 and its commercial van in the third quarter. As a result, the R2 is the best-selling Rivian by volume in its first full quarter of public deliveries.
Yet the sales rank matters less to you than three practical questions. First, which R2 trim is open for orders today? Second, will a cheaper trim cost you trail capability? Finally, does 9.6 inches of clearance fit the trails you drive? This guide answers each one with Rivian’s published numbers and early owner reports.
Our earlier look at the R2 as an affordable overland EV covers the feature list. Instead, this piece sticks to timing, price and trail numbers. Having owned two Wranglers and a Gladiator, I judge every clearance figure against trails I know. By this standard, the R2 looks suited to camp trails, not rock crawling.
Whichever trim you choose, a home charger comes first on the shopping list. The R2 has a native NACS port, so a NACS Level 2 charger plugs in without an adapter. Both hardwired chargers below match this port, although each needs an electrician and a 240-volt circuit.
NACS home chargers for the R2
Which R2 Trims Are Open for Orders, and When
Rivian’s June 9 release lays out four trims in order, which answers your first question. The table below shows each trim, its starting price before taxes, fees and destination, and its timing. Rivian’s configurator now lists the $44,990 Standard for spring 2027, while the June 9 release said summer 2027.
| Trim | Starting price | Timing | Range (Rivian estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance with Launch Package | $57,990 | Invited reservation holders | Up to 330 miles |
| Premium | $53,990 | Late 2026 | Up to 330 miles |
| Standard RWD Long Range | $48,490 | Early 2027 | Up to 345 miles |
| Standard (second version) | $44,990 | Spring 2027 | 275 miles or more |
Performance with Launch Package is the only trim Rivian opened for orders in the June 9 release. Rivian sends order invitations to reservation holders in rolling waves. Also, the Launch Package is a limited-time offer. Performance also brings 656 horsepower, semi-active suspension and the Tow Package. Rivian’s configurator also adds a $1,495 destination fee, so the real starting figure is about $59,485. Then, according to Rivian’s ownership guide, most customers take delivery within 4 to 8 weeks of confirming an order.
Our Rivian R2 launch and pricing guide has the full trim breakdown. Confirm each date in your Rivian account before you plan around it.
Rivian’s Q3 Results and Early R2 Build Quality
Rivian delivered a record 19,248 vehicles in the third quarter, up 46 percent from a year earlier. The company also raised its 2026 delivery guidance to 67,000 to 70,000 vehicles, up from 65,000 to 70,000. You will find the full figures in Rivian’s third quarter results.
But Rivian did not publish an R2 unit count. Treat “best seller” as a ranking, not a unit count. Rivian also said a higher mix of R2 and commercial vans lowered its average selling price in the quarter.
Early production also has flaws. Rivian recalled 14 R2 SUVs over a battery fastener torque problem, and our Rivian R2 recall details explain the fix. In addition, early owners report rattles and trim-fit issues, although many say service centers fixed them quickly.
Rivian R2 Overlanding: What the Trail Numbers Say
Quality reports aside, trail buyers want clearance first. Rivian lists R2 ground clearance at 9.6 inches, with a 25-degree approach angle and a 26-degree departure angle. The wheelbase measures 115.6 inches, and Rivian says the R2 weighs nearly 2,000 pounds less than the R1. For example, these figures suit forest roads and camp trails. However, owner trail reports remain scarce. One video test shared on Rivian Forums showed the R2 lifting a tire in offset ruts.
Range matters more once you leave pavement for remote routes. Rivian’s wheel guide puts range at 307 miles on the optional 20-inch all-terrain wheels. In contrast, the standard 21-inch wheels offer 330 miles. At sustained speeds of 70 mph and above, early owners and testers report about 248 to 263 miles. Therefore, plan remote trips around chargers, and see our Rivian Adventure Network charging guide for where Rivian is building them.
R2 towing capacity is 4,400 pounds with the Tow Package on Premium and Performance. In contrast, Rivian rates Standard at 3,500 pounds. On Performance with Launch Package, the Tow Package comes included and adds an integrated 2-inch hitch receiver. One early owner towed a 750-pound utility trailer 130 miles at 65 mph. The owner reported about 2 miles per kWh, with no unhitched baseline. Treat it as one data point, and expect range loss while towing. Confirm the tongue weight limit with Rivian before you load a carrier.
For a roof setup, see our Rivian R2 rooftop tent options. Otherwise, a 2-inch receiver takes hitch cargo carriers and bike racks, which keep gear off the roof. Both products below fit a 2-inch receiver, so stay inside Rivian’s tongue weight limit.
2-inch hitch gear for the R2 Tow Package
Allen Sports Deluxe Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier for 2 Inch…
What This Means for You
To get the best-equipped R2 for trails this year, reserve now and order Performance with Launch Package once invited. Rivian lists the semi-active suspension for Performance only, and the all-terrain wheels as an option on Performance. Performance also costs the most, at $57,990.
When price matters more, wait. Premium arrives in late 2026 and saves $4,000 against Performance. The spring 2027 Standard saves $13,000. Rivian’s lineup release lists only all-season wheels for Premium and Standard. Therefore, budget for a tire change if you plan to leave pavement.
If you own an R1, the R2 is not a trail upgrade. Rivian Forums members say the R1 has more suspension travel.
Whichever R2 you order, expect early-production quirks. Inspect your delivery closely and book service for any rattle or panel gap right away.
Final Thoughts
The R2 is now Rivian’s best seller by volume, though Rivian has not published a unit count. For trail buyers, the draw is 9.6 inches of clearance and a 4,400-pound tow rating with the Tow Package on Premium and Performance. Cheaper trims keep arriving through 2027.
The trade-offs are plain. Highway range falls well below the rating at 70 mph, and early builds show rattles. The best-equipped trail trim is also the priciest. As a Jeep owner, I say it straight: for rock crawling, buy a Wrangler, not an R2.
My advice is to decide by timing. If you want the all-terrain option this winter, order Performance once your invitation arrives. When price decides, wait for Premium in late 2026 or Standard in 2027. Whichever you pick, match the trim to your trails and read the Rivian configurator before you pay.
FAQ
Is the Rivian R2 good for overlanding?
The R2 suits light overlanding on forest roads and camp trails. Rivian lists 9.6 inches of ground clearance and a 4,400-pound tow rating with the Tow Package. However, one video test showed it lifting a tire in offset ruts, so treat rock trails with caution.
What does the Tow Package add to Rivian R2 overlanding?
On Performance with Launch Package, the Tow Package adds an integrated 2-inch hitch receiver and 4,400-pound towing capacity. A hitch cargo carrier or bike rack fits the receiver, which keeps gear off the roof. Confirm the tongue weight limit with Rivian before you load a carrier.
Is the Rivian R2 the company’s best-selling vehicle?
Yes, by volume in the third quarter of 2026. Rivian reported the R2 outsold both the R1 and its commercial van. The company did not publish an R2 unit count.
When do the other R2 trims arrive?
Rivian lists Premium for late 2026 from $53,990. Standard RWD Long Range follows in early 2027 from $48,490, and a second Standard version arrives in spring 2027 from $44,990. Confirm each date in your Rivian account.
How long does Rivian R2 delivery take after you order?
Rivian says most customers take delivery within 4 to 8 weeks of confirming an order.