The 2026 Rivian R2 has alot riding on its shoulders as it enters 2026. It’s not only one of the most anticipated new EVs of the year, but it’s also Rivian’s biggest gamble ever as the company hopes the R2 can help it achieve profitability while also shaking off lingering concerns about cash burn and how it intends to navigate a slowing EV market.

Rivian is confident but a new report appears to confirm the company is also aware of the new reality and is in no rush to try and take on sales leaders, at least in the first year.

Slow and steady key to R2 winning proverbial sales race

In a recent interview with CNBC the company revealed that while it expects the R2 to have a strong launch, it also doesn’t expect it to challenge the top-selling Model Y for the crown of best selling EV in the U.S. right away either.

Instead, the company is moving at a methodical pace and is focusing on making sure the launch goes smoothly. Part of this is reflected in the company’s released guidance for 2026 with the firm saying it expects o deliver 62,000 to 67,000 customers to vehicles. The bulk of that figure is expected to be buoyed by R2 sales with the existing R1T pickup and R1S SUV continuing to appeal to higher end buyers (the EDV is sold exclusively in the commercial market.) This is also an increase from what was seen in 2025 when the company sold 42,284 combined units.

The R2 also started “production” at the Normal, Illinois assembly plant but this first wave of vehicles are late-stage prototypes which will help the company sort out any final bugs and are to be driven by employees within the company itself.

Rivian poised for big long-term gains with R2

While the R2 may seem to be taking its time when it comes to getting into the hands of actual consumers, Rivian’s approach could help it reap big rewards if everything goes successfully. The company says its plant will produce 20,000 to 25,000 units this year but with the plant still getting fully up to speed, it might take awhile before those production figures grow.

Still, this would be a good start for the first wave of R2 Launch Editions with Rivian having plenty of work on hand with the model getting over 68,000 early takers in less than 24 hours. Rivian says when the plant is at full strength, it can produce up to 215,000 vehicles a year with 155,000 of them being R2 models.

As production grows, the R2 will be in a stronger position to take on the Model Y in sales. For now, the Tesla’s 372,613 sales in 2025 is a very tall mountain to climb especially with the R2’s final pricing up in the air. But with Tesla and company founder Elon Musk going through rough waters including the ongoing train wreck that’s the Tesla CyberTruck, the R2 could eventually sneak in and take the crown for itself, But as they say, only time will tell if Rivian’s grand design falls perfectly into place.