Rivian's 2026 R2 Spotted with Dropdown Rear Window, Accessory Port and Fold-Flat Seats Scrapped

A pre-production 2026 Rivian R2 has been spotted with its dropdown rear glass in the down position, similar to the Toyota 4Runner. The R2's accessory port, fold-flat front seats, and Tesla-style NACS port location have been confirmed to not make it to production due to cost and market demand considerations. The charge port location has been relocated on the production car to make it easier to charge at Tesla Supercharger.

A pre-production 2026 Rivian R2 has been spotted on public roads in the U.S., showcasing several key features that are set to make it to production. Notably, the R2 is equipped with a dropdown rear glass, similar to the Toyota 4Runner, which is expected to enhance the vehicle's functionality and appeal [1].

However, not all features from the debut model will be making it to production. Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, has confirmed that the R2's accessory port and fold-flat front seats will not be included in the final production model. The decision to omit these features was driven by considerations of cost, market demand, and the ability to streamline development. The accessory port, in particular, was deemed too costly to include, given that it would only be used by a small percentage of customers [1].

The charge port location has also been changed for the production model. Instead of being located on the right rear fender under a flip-up cover, the charge port will now be hidden under a larger door on the driver-side rear fender. This change aims to make it easier for the R2 to be charged at Tesla Superchargers, which Rivian vehicles have plug-and-charge access to [1].

The R2 prototype spotted was equipped with BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain A/T tires and yellow brake calipers, indicating a tri-motor powertrain. The base model will be a single-motor model, with a dual-motor model splitting the difference between the two powertrains. The tri-motor models are expected to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds [1].

Rivian's financial results for the second quarter of 2025 showed a net loss of $1.1 billion, primarily due to higher operating costs and supply chain complexities. However, the company remains optimistic about its medium and long-term prospects, with the expiration of the federal tax credit on September 30 expected to boost EV sales in the third quarter [2].

The R2 is Rivian's most affordable EV and is set to compete with the Tesla Model Y. Although the entry price is expected to be around $45,000, the first available configurations are likely to be more expensive, potentially closer to the $60,000 mark [2].

The R2 is expected to enter series production in Normal, Illinois, in the next year, with volume production set to begin in the first half of 2026. Rivian has completed the factory expansion at its Normal, Illinois, plant and has already begun installing manufacturing equipment on the R2 production line [2].

References:
[1] https://www.thedrive.com/news/2026-rivian-r2-spy-shots
[2] https://www.autoevolution.com/news/rivian-r2-prototype-confirms-roll-down-rear-window-hallo-roller-steering-wheel-255572.html