Rivian has just unveiled the Rivian R2, a smaller and more affordable version of its popular R1S electric SUV. The R2 faces stiff competition, particularly from established players like Hyundai, which has been making impressive electric vehicles for some time, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Both the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer strong reasons to buy them, and their prices are expected to be comparable if the Ioniq 5 remains around its current price and the R2 is sold at $45,000. While the cars are different—the R2 being more of an SUV and the Ioniq 5 more of a crossover—the similar price tags might have you choosing between them. To help you decide, let’s compare the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
When it comes to design, the differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are particularly noticeable. The Rivian R2 is a more traditional SUV with a large, boxy shape reminiscent of its upscale sibling, the R1S. It has room for only two rows of seats, but its boxy design provides more storage space and a higher ride height. It also retains distinctive Rivian features like oval headlights and a large light bar at the back, giving it a rugged look.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is less rugged but still very stylish. This hatchback sports a retro design with pixelated lights on both the front and rear. These lights are unique and interesting, even if they’re not as instantly recognizable as the Rivian’s.
While aesthetics are important, the size of the vehicle might ultimately guide your decision. Inside, the Rivian R2 offers much more space. Rivian even boasts that you can fold down both rows of seats and place an air mattress inside for sleeping. Trying that with the Ioniq 5 would likely be a tight squeeze.
The interiors also differ in their design philosophies. The Rivian R2 is built to be rugged, featuring handy elements like a flashlight in the door and numerous storage compartments. Although we haven’t yet sat in one, if it’s anything like the R1S, it will likely be very comfortable. The R2 comes with Rivian’s infotainment system, which is well-designed but doesn’t support CarPlay or Android Auto.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 features fabric-covered seats and offers plenty of storage, even if not as many compartments as the R2. Hyundai’s infotainment system isn’t as sophisticated as Rivian’s, but it does support CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to use your smartphone for entertainment and navigation.
Both vehicles come with advanced driver-assist features. If Rivian’s claims are accurate, the R2 will have superior self-driving technology. Both cars support adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, but Rivian mentions that the R2’s 11 cameras and five radars could enable it to drive itself on highways without driver supervision.
Performance-wise, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers good speed, varying by model. The fastest dual-motor version can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, the Rivian R2 promises even better performance. Available in single-, dual-, or tri-motor configurations, the top version of the R2 aims to hit 60 mph in under 3 seconds. Even the dual-motor variant is expected to be quite fast, although exact numbers are yet to be seen. If performance is your priority, the Rivian R2 might be the better choice.
Regarding range, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers different options depending on the model. The base model provides a range of 220 miles, but upgrading to the rear-wheel-drive SE variant increases this to 303 miles. Unfortunately, there’s still some uncertainty about the Rivian R2’s range. Rivian has promised that its larger battery pack will exceed 300 miles, but details about the base model’s range remain unclear.
One area where the Ioniq 5 excels is charging speed. It supports ultra-fast charging up to 350 kilowatts, allowing you to recharge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes, provided you find a compatible charging station. Rivian hasn’t specified the R2’s exact charging speed, but claims it will go from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
If you’re planning to buy a new car soon, the Rivian R2 won’t be available until the first half of 2026. You can reserve one with a refundable $100 deposit, but it’s not available for pre-order just yet. Rivian has mentioned that the R2 will start at $45,000 and will qualify for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
In contrast, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is already available and has been for a few years. It starts at $41,800 and also qualifies for the EV tax credit, making it slightly cheaper than the anticipated price of the R2.
Both the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are excellent electric vehicles, although we’ll have to wait for the R2 to hit the market to see just how good it is. Your choice might ultimately come down to how spacious a vehicle you need and how long you’re willing to wait. If you can be patient, the Rivian R2 could be the EV you’re looking for.