The Rivian R2 has finally been announced and it might just become the go-to electric vehicle for drivers wanting a rugged yet reasonably affordable car. However, when it hits the market, it won’t be the only option in its price range — the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be a major competitor.
While the Mustang Mach-E might not have the rugged vibe of the Rivian R2, it does come with several appealing features — like a steadily decreasing price, sleek design, and a comfortable interior. So, is one of these EVs better than the other? Let’s compare them to find out.
First up, let’s talk about design. These two cars are quite different in how they look. The Rivian R2 aims for a more rugged and outdoorsy style, whereas the Mach-E has a sleeker and sportier appearance. Both, however, boast stylish and modern looks.
The Rivian R2 leans towards an SUV design with a boxy shape similar to the R1S but slightly smaller. It features the signature oval headlights at the front and a long light bar that extends across the back and sides. It’s a visually appealing vehicle, especially for those who appreciate Rivian’s design language.
On the other hand, the Mach-E is more of a crossover, which translates to slightly less interior space. But don’t be fooled — the Mach-E is still roomier than most electric sedans. It has angled headlights at the front and a sloping roofline that descends towards the back. You’ll also notice the iconic grated taillights that have become synonymous with the Mustang.
Both the Mustang Mach-E and the Rivian R2 offer modern and interesting designs, so picking one will boil down to personal taste.
The design philosophy of these vehicles extends to their interiors as well. The Rivian R2 maintains its rugged and outdoor-oriented focus. In fact, Rivian highlighted that the first and second-row seats can fold down to accommodate an air mattress for camping. Additionally, the R2 offers premium materials and ample storage, including two glove boxes under the dash.
At the front of the R2, you’ll find a large infotainment display paired with a digital instrument panel. Rivian’s self-developed infotainment system is generally well-regarded for its user-friendliness, but the car does not support CarPlay or Android Auto. Rivian has also mentioned that the vehicle’s exterior cameras and radars facilitate hands-free and eyes-free self-driving on highways, although we’ll have to see if this feature is available at launch.
The Mach-E isn’t as spacious as the R2 but still offers considerable room. Despite having less storage behind the second-row seats, its hatchback design means you can fit a few suitcases when needed. The Mach-E’s infotainment display is large and vertically aligned. It features Ford’s own infotainment system, which may not be as well-regarded as Rivian’s but does support CarPlay and Android Auto.
Overall, the R2 provides a slightly more spacious interior and is a bit more tech-focused. If those features are important to you, the R2 might be the better option. However, if CarPlay is a must-have for you, then the Mustang could be a better fit.
Performance-wise, both the Rivian R2 and the Mustang Mach-E benefit from the immediate response time typical of electric vehicles. The base trim of the 2024 Mustang Mach-E, known as the Mach-E Select, is a rear-wheel-drive car with one motor delivering 266 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 6.3 seconds. The performance spectrum ranges up to the GT model, which comes with the “Upgraded eAll-Wheel Drive” drivetrain, offering 480 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 3.5 seconds. That’s pretty fast.
However, the Rivian R2 might outpace it once it’s available. While we don’t have all the specifics about the R2’s performance, it’s expected to come in single-, dual-, and tri-motor variants. The tri-motor version is anticipated to accelerate to 60 mph in under 3.0 seconds, making it quicker and more powerful than the Mach-E. But, the top-spec R2 will likely be more expensive than the top-spec Mach-E.
It’s also worth noting that by the time the R2 rolls out in 2026, the Mach-E could come with updated performance capabilities.
In terms of range, both vehicles promise decent mileage, although this will depend on the specific model and options you choose. Unfortunately, the lowest-range Mach-E only offers 226 miles, but the range can go up to 312 miles with the California Route 1 model. Charging speeds for the Mach-E aren’t the fastest, maxing out at 107 kilowatts, meaning it takes about 34 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
Exact range figures for the Rivian R2 are not yet available. Rivian has indicated that the R2 will come with two battery size options and should offer over 300 miles of range with the larger battery. We hope that even the lowest-range R2 will be competitive. Rivian claims the R2 can charge from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes, with a charging speed possibly hitting up to 220kW, similar to the Rivian R1S.
Both the Rivian R2 and the Mustang Mach-E are designed to be relatively affordable. The Mustang Mach-E stands out as one of the most budget-friendly EVs currently available, with the 2024 model starting at $39,895. It’s a significant achievement, making it cheaper than many similar options, such as the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. However, the Mach-E doesn’t qualify for the federal EV tax credit, likely due to restrictions on where its battery is sourced. But you can purchase the Mach-E now.
The Rivian R2 is not yet available for purchase. Rivian has announced the vehicle, with customer deliveries expected in the first half of 2026. Therefore, you’ll have to wait if you want one. While you can’t pre-order the R2, you can reserve one with a $100 deposit. Rivian has stated the R2 will cost $45,000 when it goes on sale in 2026, although the price may change as we get closer to the release date.
So, which is better? It really depends on your needs. If you need a vehicle now, the Mach-E is your only option between the two. When the Rivian R2 becomes available, it might offer a more compelling package due to its better software, more spacious interior, and higher performance. However, the R2 will also be more expensive and won’t offer CarPlay, which could be a deal-breaker for some buyers.