Rivian Automotive’s share price ticked 0.67% higher as specs about its new mid-size SUV R2 leaked. The brand known for its flagships like R1T pickups and R1S SUVs is going head-on with Tesla’s Model Y with its new mid-size SUV. Rivian originally teased the R2 at “around $45,000,” which would make it look like a cheaper yet premium alternative to Model Y.
Rivian has moved the $45k starting price higher, but experts estimate that superior off-road capabilities and competitive pricing can tear into Tesla’s market. The price of the model remains the focus for investors as the company is preparing for deliveries from Q2 2026. Rivian stock is selling at $16.65 as of March 12.
The Buzz Around the New SUV Simplified
Rivian R2 is rumoured to be priced around $50k to $55k. It is positioned as a rival to the Tesla Model Y. According to the leaked specs, it outperforms the Tesla Model Y Premium AWD power, battery, and off-road capabilities. It is also boxier and tougher compared to Tesla’s minimalist design.
A comparison based on rumoured specs of R2 and Tesla Model Y AWD:
| Spec | Rivian R2 (Dual‑Motor Launch) | Tesla Model Y (Long Range & Performance AWD, 2026) | Who wins? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. starting price (US) | 50,000–55,000 dollars | 48,000–50,000 dollars | Model Y |
| 0–60 mph | 3.5–3.6 seconds | 4.6 s (Long Range), 3.3 s (Performance) | Model Y |
| Power | 656 hp / 609 lb‑ft | 397–425 hp / ~389–475 lb‑ft | R2 |
| Estimated range | 300+ miles | 314–327 miles | Model Y |
| Battery | ~87 kWh, 400V, 4695 cells | ~80–81 kWh, 400V, 2170 cells | R2 |
| DC fast charge (10–80%) | ~30 minutes | ~27 minutes | Model Y |
| Size (L x W x H) | 185.6″ x 75.0″ x 66.9″ | 187.0″ x 77.3″ x 64.0″ | R2 |
| Ground clearance | 9.6 inches | 6.6 inches | R2 |
| Drive layout | Dual‑motor AWD at launch; single‑ and tri‑motor later | RWD and dual‑motor AWD | R2 |
FY25 Results and Technical Health Check
Rivian delivered 42,247 vehicles in 2025 and posted an annual consolidated revenue of $5.38B (8% YoY). 29-30% of this revenue comes from software and services, which is a 222% year over year increase. This indicates the company’s increasing interest in advancing its software and positioning itself as a true rival to Tesla, which is known for being a tech-first automaker.
The current technical readings indicate a short-term uptrend, which may be followed by a cooling. The RSI and stochastics mostly linger at neutral levels, with MACD flashing a buy. The Simple Moving Average 50 and SMA 200 are both below the current price, suggesting medium and long-term uptrends.
| Indicator | Current Read | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Strength Index (RSI 14) | 58.69 | Neutral |
| MACD Level (12, 26) | 0.01 | Buy |
| Momentum (10) | 1.40 | Sell |
| Simple Moving Average (SMA 50) | 16.40 | Buy |
| Simple Moving Average (SMA 200) | 14.94 | Buy |
* values as of 1:42 a.m. ET, Thursday, March 12, 2026
Wall Street Take on Rivian
Wall Street is slightly bullish on Rivian with a consensus target price of $18, signalling an average 8.11% upside. TD Cowen sees an upside of 20.12% with a target price of $20, whereas Cantor Fitzgerald projects an 8.11% upside with a target price of $18.
Although the average ratings are positive, individual ratings for many major firms, such as JPMorgan and Jefferies, indicate downside risk. JPMorgan decreased its target price to $9 and projects a 45.95% downside. Jefferies has rated RIVN stock a hold, and sees 9.91% downside with a target price of $15.
