The Rivian R2 is finally making its debut. After months of rumors and speculation, Rivian revealed the new SUV at an event in Los Angeles. The R2 is designed as a more affordable alternative to the popular R1S, offering many of the same notable features and design elements at a lower price point.
However, it joins a market with strong competition. The Kia EV6, for example, is widely loved for its stylish and unique design, solid range, and fast charging speed. While it’s different from the Rivian R2, it begs the comparison of how the two stack up against each other.
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV6 are most apparent in their design. They have completely different looks and differ in size as well. The Rivian R2 is a midsize SUV, whereas the Kia EV6 is more of a crossover. Both vehicles offer two rows of seats, but the R2 is definitely larger, which translates to more interior space.
If you like the overall design of the Rivian R1S, you’ll probably appreciate the Rivian R2. The newer SUV looks similar to the R1S but is slightly smaller. It features the same oval-shaped headlights and a long light bar across the back. The design remains boxy, large, and modern.
In contrast, the Kia EV6 looks very different. It’s much smaller and has a sportier, less rugged appearance. It features curved lines throughout and slim, slanted headlights at the front. The only major similarity is the rear light bar, which curves around the side of the car and down toward the wheels.
The interiors of the two vehicles also differ significantly. The Rivian R2 is much roomier than the EV6. Rivian even suggests that you can sleep inside the R2 by folding down both rows of seats and adding an air mattress. The R2’s interior mirrors its rugged exterior but remains approachable and friendly. It includes two displays at the front: a large infotainment display and a digital instrument display.
Rivian is also promoting the R2’s self-driving capabilities. The car will feature 11 cameras and five radars around its exterior, which Rivian claims will enable hands-free and eyes-free driving on highways. Whether this will be available when the R2 launches remains to be seen.
The Kia EV6’s interior holds its own as well. It includes a curved touchscreen loaded with Kia’s infotainment system, supporting both Android Auto and CarPlay for better digital integration. While smaller than the R2, it offers decent space for passengers and cargo, thanks to its hatchback trunk. The EV6 also offers driver-assistance features like lane-centering, adaptive cruise control, a parking assistant, and blind-spot cameras, although these are not as advanced as Rivian’s claims for the R2.
Although the Rivian R2 aims to be larger and more tech-focused, the Kia EV6 is still a modern car with some impressive tech features, including CarPlay support, which could be a major selling point for many buyers.
The Rivian R2 isn’t available yet, so we don’t have complete details about its performance. However, Rivian has shared that the R2 will be fast, offering single-, dual-, and tri-motor variants. The tri-motor model can reportedly accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, which is impressive for a car of its size.
The Kia EV6 is also quick. It comes in single- and dual-motor variants, with the base rear-wheel-drive version accelerating to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and offering 167 horsepower. The fastest model, the Kia EV6 GT, can reach 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, boasting 576 horsepower. Though fast, it doesn’t quite match the speed of the Rivian R2’s top variant.
We also don’t have precise details on the R2’s range. Rivian has said that it will exceed 300 miles, with some estimates suggesting up to 330 miles for the version with the largest battery. The base model is expected to have a lower range, possibly around 270 miles. The charging speed for the R2 is expected to be similar to the R1S at around 220 kilowatts.
The 2024 Kia EV6 offers more range variations. Its maximum range is 310 miles for the slower rear-wheel-drive variants with the larger battery. The lowest-range model offers 206 miles, which might be too low for most buyers. The EV6 can charge quicker than the R2, supporting up to 350 kilowatts, allowing for a 10% to 80% charge in under 20 minutes.
When it comes to pricing and availability, the EV6 is already on the market, whereas the Rivian R2 won’t start shipping until the first half of 2026. You can reserve an R2 now with a refundable $100 fee, but that simply secures your place in line.
The Rivian R2 is expected to start around $45,000, though this figure might change by the time it’s released. The Kia EV6 starts at $42,600, making it a bit cheaper.
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV6 offer a lot. As of now, only the EV6 is available, making it a practical choice if you need a car immediately. The R2 will be a compelling option for those who prefer more space and like Rivian’s design once it becomes available. The EV6 remains a solid choice, especially for those who prioritize features like CarPlay.