A Mid-Compact EV Truck? The 2027 Rivian R2T Is Ready to Scratch That Niche
Rivian’s R2 lineup is set to expand with a pickup that could break through as a versatile and right-sized model.
Christian SeabaughWriterAndrei AvarvariiPhotographerAug 08, 2025
Rivian R2T mt
What It Is You didn’t think Rivian was changing up its established nomenclature for its upcoming R2 models, did you? Like the R1 lineup, which is available as an SUV (R1S) and pickup (R1T), we expect the R2s to launch first with the already announced R2S SUV in 2026, to be followed about a year later by the 2027 Rivian R2T midsize electric pickup. Why do we think that? Because both Rivian head RJ Scaringe and chief designer Jeff Hammoud have hinted as much to us and others.
AI Quick Summary
The 2027 Rivian R2T is a midsize electric pickup expected to launch after the R2S SUV. Aimed at profitability, it offers a balance between compact and midsize trucks with versatile features, simpler motors, and a 300-mile range.
Why It Matters Rivian is under growing pressure from its shareholders to turn a profit. Industry analysts, including our own, believe the upcoming 2026 R2S will be the model that finally gets Rivian into the black; the $45,000 midsize SUV will compete in a white-hot segment, is priced right, and offers a novel EV alternative for shoppers tired of the ubiquitous Tesla Model Y. The R2T would further power that drive toward sustained profitability because it would combine the hardware of the R2S with Rivian’s established pickup knowhow.
Beyond that, the R2T will give Rivian the first-mover advantage in the pickup realm between compact trucks like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz (not to mention upstarts including Slate and Telo) and midsizers such as the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford Ranger. Seeing as the R1T offers up full-size truck capabilities in a package that’s about the size of a midsize model, we anticipate the R2T to follow a similar format by offering up solidly midsize passenger space, payload, and towing capacities in a package not much bigger than a compact truck like the Maverick.
Platform and Powertrain The R2T will make full use of the same new platform and powertrains utilized by the R2S. Expect the R2T to forgo the quad-motor setup and fancy hydro-pneumatic suspension of the larger R1T in favor of new Rivian motors dubbed “Maximus,” which are far simpler and more compact than the company’s existing “Enduro” motors, along with a more traditional, passive suspension design. The R2T should be available with single-motor rear-wheel-drive or dual- and tri-motor all-wheel-drive options. And while it’s too early to talk about power output levels or battery capacity, we expect the R2T to be able to crest at least 300 miles of range in its most efficient format.
Rivian R2 EV bike rack 2
Like its SUV sibling (pictured above and in the gallery), the R2 pickup will be capable of charging at Tesla’s ubiquitous NACS stations (or at non-Tesla CCS chargers with an adapter). We don’t expect to see Rivian unveil a better-performing 800-volt electrical architecture for the R2T, however, with the brand instead opting for cheaper and slower-charging 400-volt systems that should enable a 5–80 percent recharge time in the 30-to-40-minute range.
As far as its truck credentials are concerned, a stubby but space-efficient bed of around 4 feet or so is likely, plus it should be highly capable off-road—just like its big brother.
Estimated Price $50,000
Expected On-Sale Date Spring 2027
Christian Seabaugh
I generally like writing—especially when it’s about cars—but I hate writing about myself. So instead of blathering on about where I was born (New York City, in case you were wondering) or what type of cars I like (all of ’em, as long as it has a certain sense of soul or purpose), I’ll answer the one question I probably get most, right after what’s your favorite car (see above): How’d you get that job? Luck. Well, mostly. Hard work, too. Lots of it. I sort of fell into my major of journalism/mass communication at St. Bonaventure University and generally liked it a lot. In order to complete my degree senior year, we had to spend our last two semesters on some sort of project. Seeing as I loved cars and already spent a good portion of my time reading about cars on sites such as Motor Trend, I opted to create a car blog. I started a Tumblr, came up with a car-related name (The Stig’s American Cousin), signed up for media access on a bunch of manufacturer’s websites, and started writing. I did everything from cover new trim levels to reviewing my friends’ cars. I even wrote a really bad April Fool’s Day post about the next Subaru Impreza WRX being Toyota-Corolla-based. It was fun, and because it was fun, it never felt like work. Sometime after my blog had gotten off the ground, I noticed that Motor Trend was hiring for what’s now our Daily News Team. I sent in my résumé and a link to my blog. I got the job, and two weeks after graduation I made the move from New York to California. I’ve been happily plugging away at a keyboard—and driving some seriously awesome hardware—ever since.
