TioT Iss.6 - My Ideal Rivian R2
Today’s Talk It Out Tuesday started with a question that has been on my mind for a while now: what would my ideal R2 spec look like? Thanks to the new configurator Rivian released on its website, my years-long wait is finally over!
My approach to configuring the R2 was to maximize its potential within the Rivian lineup. Since Rivian already has the bigger and faster R1S and R1T, I thought it would be silly to get the faster—but not the fastest—Performance trim. That left me with just two trims to choose between and one non-negotiable feature: the roll-down rear window.
Sadly, the rear drop glass is not available on the Standard trim, which left me with just one option: the Premium trim. Selecting Premium also means all-wheel drive comes standard, so I only had to decide on paint, wheels, interior, and optional upgrades.
For paint, I wanted something that would not disappear into the crowd, since I am sure these are going to be everywhere in just a few years. That is why I selected Catalina Cove, one of the more exciting colors in the configurator, but also one of the most expensive. At $2,000, it is not exactly a casual add-on, but I justified the cost to myself with my choice of wheels.
My philosophy has always been that aftermarket wheels usually look better than any OEM upgrade, and they are far easier to change than a vehicle’s paint. So instead of spending more money there, I looked for the option that made the most sense financially and functionally. With the R2 Premium, that decision was easy: Rivian offers two wheel choices, and sticking with the stock 20-inch Bicolor Carbon All-Season wheels effectively saves $2,000.
Inside, I had a harder decision to make. Normally, I prefer a lighter interior, especially here in California, where my cars spend plenty of time baking in the sun. But on the R2, the white interior also applies to the steering wheel’s center cap, and to my eye, it does not blend as well with the rest of the wheel or dash design. The darker cabin simply feels more cohesive even with a dark headliner, so I chose the Black Crater Signature colorway instead.
The final upgrades section is where things got interesting.
I expected to see Autonomy+, and I am glad Rivian still offers it as a one-time purchase rather than forcing it into a subscription-only service. That said, it is not something I personally need, so I skipped it. I did add the trailer hitch, because with the tow package, even this smaller Rivian is rated to tow 4,400 lb—enough to pull a small trailer or drag home a Miata.
The last optional upgrade was a surprise to me.
The compact spare tire is optional! I confirmed with Rivian that the R2 still comes with a tire-sealant kit if you do not select the spare, but for me—someone who lives in the Bay Area—the actual spare is a must-have. I have had to use spare tires on multiple vehicles over the years, and I was once stranded because the car I was driving only came with a sealant kit when a nasty pothole tore open the tire’s sidewall.
So my ideal R2 ends up being a Premium all-wheel-drive build in Catalina Cove, with the 20-inch Bicolor Carbon All-Season wheels, Black Crater Signature interior, trailer hitch, and spare tire. It is not the most aggressive spec, but it feels like the version I would actually want to live with. And if you skipped the $2,000 paint option, this might be the build that gives you the most bang for your buck.
What would your R2 spec look like?
