Rivian R2 spy shots spark confusion: bulky proportions or another electric SUV entirely

We've known about the existence of the Rivian R2 platform for a while now, and Rivian itself has even teased the crossover SUV before on YouTube, but the bulk of the knowledge of the Rivian R2 comes from unofficial sources — internet leaks and rumours. The most recent Rivian R2 leak comes courtesy of u/New-Enthusiasm over on Reddit, and it purports to show the Rivian R2 crossover in its full, albeit blurry, glory.

The post in question contains a handful of images of two Rivian EVs at what appears to be a product photo shoot. Supposedly, the vehicles in question are the Rivian R1S and the upcoming R2 crossover.

There is, however, a little confusion about the white R2, though, specifically relating to its proportions. All the talk about the R2 has billed it as a significantly smaller, cheaper version of the R1S, but the leaked images show a vehicle that is remarkably similar in size to the R1S.

As @RivianUpdates highlighted on X (formerly Twitter), the new EV shown in the images does have several design changes, compared to the R1S, from different daytime running lights and missing trim pieces to a relocated charging port. The rear overhang on the new model in the images also seems drastically shorter than the R1S, lending credence to the theory that this is an R2 model.

Our rudimentary analysis of one image confirms that the two vehicles seem very similar, if not nearly identical, in size — a mere 2–3% difference in height — which means that what we're seeing here could also be some sort of refresh of the R1S — perhaps Rivian's version of the Ford Bronco Sport.

That said, the new EV does bear a striking resemblance to a recently-leaked design that appeared in a Rivian patent early this year and was linked to the R2.

The angle the images were taken at make it difficult to compare the wheelbases or overall lengths of the vehicles, although the wheelbases look very similar. It's entirely possible that the R2 SUV could be of a similar height to the original R1S if off-road performance is still a priority for the new Rivian.

What we know from previous leaks, however, is that the Rivian R2 SUV will almost certainly be revealed on March 7 at a live event in California, so fans of the EV won't have to wait long to find out what shape the next-generation Rivian will take.

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