The key facts

  • The R2, launched in June 2026, became Rivian's best-selling model in the third quarter
  • Rivian raised its delivery forecast for the second time this year: the lower bound is now 67,000 EVs instead of 65,000
  • The company built 19,751 and delivered 19,248 vehicles in the third quarter — roughly 45% more than a year earlier

R2 tops Rivian sales

The new Rivian R2 crossover became the company's best-selling model in the third quarter of 2026 — just a few months after the vehicle's launch in June, TechCrunch reports. The company did not disclose the exact number of R2s sold, but the result was enough for Rivian to raise its delivery forecast for the second time this year: the lower end of expectations rose from 65,000 to 67,000 electric vehicles for the full year.

Production growth and financial results

In the third quarter, Rivian built 19,751 vehicles and delivered 19,248 to customers — roughly 45% more than a year earlier, and significantly more than the 12,613 built and 12,194 delivered in the second quarter. The company attributes much of the growth to the launch of a second production shift at its plant in Normal, Illinois, and notes that the R2 accounted for 'most of the quarter-over-quarter growth,' without giving specific figures. Revenue for the quarter was $2.2 billion, with a net loss of $913 million, down from $1.2 billion a year earlier.

Context: betting on rapid scaling

Rivian made a big bet on scaling production of the cheaper crossover athistorically fast rates, as the outlet put it at the model's launch. The R2's success also matters against the backdrop of the federal $7,500 EV purchase tax credit being eliminated last year: according to the company, in an American market 'lacking a quality selection of electric vehicles,' the R2 at an attractive price resonates with a wide range of buyers. In its letter to shareholders, Rivian called the model a potential 'inflection point' for long-term growth and profitability.

Pricing lineup

The R2 launched at a price just under $60,000. A more affordable 'premium' trim at $53,990 is due by the end of this year, with even cheaper versions — starting at $44,990 — planned for 2027. If the delivery forecast holds, Rivian will exceed 50,000 vehicles shipped annually for the first time in three years, a milestone the company has so far been unable to reach.