2026 Rivian R2 Caught on Camera with a 4Runner-Style Folding Rear Window Open

      Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien

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      One of the most exciting features revealed at the debut of the Rivian R2 EV appears to be moving towards production.

      A pre-production 2026 Rivian R2 was seen testing on public roads in the U.S. with its dropdown rear glass in the lowered position.

      Currently, the Toyota 4Runner is one of the few SUVs in the U.S. market that also has a dropdown rear glass, maintaining this feature in its newly launched sixth-generation model this year.

      While the inclusion of the dropdown rear glass on the R2 in production may not be surprising to some, there have been confirmed changes from the debut to production for the more affordable EV from the new automaker.

      During the launch of the 2026 Rivian R1T Quad, CEO RJ Scaringe informed the media that the R2’s accessory port, which was initially showcased at its debut, will not be part of the production model. Scaringe cited factors such as resources, market demand, costs, complexity, and the need to optimize development as reasons for the removal of the accessory port.

      “The accessory port is a tough choice because we have to account for what we call SCAR costs, essentially passing on a cost to every vehicle for something that may see only a very small uptake. For instance, if only 5% of people use it, everyone still pays for it,” Scaringe explained.

      The R2’s tow receiver will now serve as the attachment point for accessories, which will be more complicated than the initially proposed plug-and-play accessory port.

      Additionally, Scaringe mentioned that fold-flat front seats will not be included in the production model. He reiterated that this decision was based on the cost versus market demand, with everyone bearing the burden of developing and producing the feature. Nonetheless, Scaringe mentioned that it should still be possible for someone to sleep in the back of the R2, and the factory-supported rooftop accessory tent is expected to be released alongside the R2 in 2026.

      Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien

      The location of the charging port on the R2 will be changed for the production vehicle for better functionality. The debut vehicle had a charge port located on the right rear fender behind a flip-up cover that concealed a Tesla-style NACS port. The production version will feature a charge port hidden behind a much larger door on the driver-side rear fender. This adjustment was made to facilitate easier charging at Tesla Superchargers, which Rivians can access with plug-and-charge capability. Tesla vehicles have their charge ports on the driver-side rear fender, which has influenced the design of the Superchargers and the arrangement of charging cables.

      The spotted R2 prototype was fitted with BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain A/T tires and showcased yellow brake calipers. On the current larger and pricier R1, these yellow brake calipers indicate a tri-motor powertrain. While the R2 will offer a tri-motor variant, it will not be available at the base price of $45,000. The entry-level model will feature a single-motor setup, with a dual-motor option available as well. The tri-motor versions are reported to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds.

      We will have to be patient for further updates, but not for long, as the 2026 Rivian R2 is scheduled to begin series production in Normal, Illinois, next year.

      In the meantime, feel free to browse through these spy shots in the gallery.

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