Let’s preface this by saying I don’t know when I will get my Rivian R2. It may be in two months or in another year. But, let’s assume that I am one of the early preorders and should get mine by June or July if I desired. Like many reservation holders, I’ve been debating a pretty simple question:
Should I take delivery of the Gen 1 Launch Edition, or should I wait for the Gen 2 version that will likely include Rivian’s in-house AI chip and LiDAR?
Before any of the five people who actually read this think that this bloke doesn’t know what he’s blabbering about and that it is really Gen 2 and Gen 3 hardware, I’m still calling the first version Gen 1 (or Launch Edition) and using the name Gen 2 for the version with Lidar.
This is not just a technology decision. It is also a practical one. My household already has two electric vehicles with fewer than 30,000 miles, so we do not actually need another vehicle right now. That fact may end up being the biggest factor in the decision.
If you are interested in the vehicle itself, Rivian is currently accepting reservations here: Rivian R2 Reservation Page.
Where the R2 Fits in Rivian’s Lineup
The R2 sits below the R1S and R1T in Rivian’s lineup in both size and price. Rivian’s goal with the R2 is to bring its design language, capability, and electric SUV appeal to a broader audience at a lower price point than the R1 platform.
If it does this successfully, then the R2 will be a hit and the company will live on.
If it fails, Rivian will likely either go bankrupt or be bought out by a legacy manufacturer.
For base versions, Rivian has discussed pricing starting at around $45,000. The R2 is expected to offer:
- 300+ miles of range depending on configuration
- Single-motor, dual-motor, and tri-motor versions over time
- Fast charging capable of adding roughly 140 miles in about 20 minutes
Let’s be real though – that base version is not coming any time soon and I don’t know many folks who actually want it. I’m focusing on the Launch Edition Performance variant for now.
Option 1: Take Delivery of the Gen 1 Launch Edition
As an early reservation holder, the first version likely available to me is the Launch Edition Performance. This version that is available soonest includes some meaningful perks and probably makes the most sense for buyers who want the vehicle as soon as possible.
Launch Edition Performance: Expected Specs and Features
- Dual-motor AWD
- Estimated 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds
- Approximately 300+ miles of range
- Rivian’s current Nvidia-based autonomy hardware
- No LiDAR
- Autonomy+ included free for life
- Tow package included
Those last two items matter. If Rivian eventually charges separately for Autonomy+ and the tow package on later versions, the Launch Edition may turn out to be a better value than it first appears.
Pros of the Launch Edition
- You get the vehicle sooner
- Lifetime Autonomy+ is included in the price
- Tow package is included in the price
- Performance version is available right away
- For buyers who do not care much about future autonomy hardware, it may be the sweet spot
Cons of the Launch Edition
- It uses Rivian’s older Nvidia-based autonomy platform
- It will not have LiDAR
- You are a guinea pig – like many first-run vehicles, it could come with some early bugs or small production issues
Option 2: Wait for the Gen 2 R2
The other option is to wait for the next version of the R2 platform. For me, that is where things get interesting.
Rivian has already discussed its in-house autonomy chip and next-generation autonomy platform. Based on what we know now, later R2 models are expected to add:
- Rivian’s custom in-house AI chip
- LiDAR
- Potential improvements in autonomy and driver assistance capability
- Additional trims and configurations over time
That means Gen 2 could be the version that feels more complete from a technology standpoint.
Expected Other R2 Versions Over Time
In addition to the Launch Edition Performance, Rivian is expected to offer a broader lineup later on, including versions such as:
- Base / lower-priced model with fewer features and likely a simpler motor setup
- Premium dual-motor versions with upgraded interior and feature packages
- Future performance-oriented trims, potentially including a tri-motor setup
For buyers who plan to keep the vehicle for a long time, waiting for the version with the more advanced hardware stack may make more sense.
The Cost Difference
This is where the decision becomes real and not just theoretical.
My rough estimate is that the Launch Edition may end up around $60,000, while a future Gen 2 performance version could be closer to $70,000.
Why the difference? Because with Gen 2, I would likely need to pay extra for things that appear to be included on the Launch Edition, including:
- Tow package
- Autonomy+
- Potential pricing increase tied to newer hardware like LiDAR and Rivian’s in-house chip
- LiDAR may initially be tied to the tri-motor setup, which will be a bit more expensive than the dual-motor setup
So the real comparison may not be $60,000 versus $60,000. It may be $60,000 now versus $70,000 later.
Do We Actually Need Another Car Right Now?
For my household, this may be the biggest factor of all.
We already have two EVs with fewer than 30,000 miles, and both are doing just fine. So this is not a situation where we need another car immediately.
If we actually needed a vehicle right now, the Launch Edition would be very compelling. It gets us into the R2 sooner, includes some valuable features, and avoids another long wait.
But because we do not need a car right now, waiting becomes much easier to justify. That extra time may allow Rivian to work through first-run issues and bring the more advanced Gen 2 hardware to market.
Who Should Buy the Launch Edition?
- Buyers who want the R2 as soon as possible
- Buyers who value lifetime Autonomy+
- Buyers who want the tow package included
- Buyers who do not care much about LiDAR or next-generation autonomy hardware
Who Should Wait for Gen 2?
- Buyers who do not need another vehicle right away
- Buyers who want Rivian’s in-house chip and LiDAR
- Buyers willing to pay more for the more advanced version
- Buyers who prefer to avoid being early production guinea pigs
Final Thoughts
For buyers who do not urgently need another vehicle, waiting for the Rivian R2 Gen 2 may provide better long-term value because of the expected addition of Rivian’s in-house autonomy chip and LiDAR.
However, for buyers who do not need LiDAR and do not care much about autonomous or self-driving features, the Launch Edition may make more sense, especially because it includes the tow package and lifetime Autonomy+.
As for me, I am currently leaning toward waiting. Since we already have two relatively low-mileage EVs and do not need another car right now, waiting for the more advanced version may be the smarter move, even if it ends up costing more.
Considering Reserving a Rivian R2?
If you are interested in placing a reservation, you can do so directly here: Reserve a Rivian R2.
If you decide to reserve and want to use my referral code, feel free to use it below. Rivian sometimes offers small perks such as gear from the Rivian shop for referrals.
Referral Code: GEORGE1847756
You can also explore more articles on Midlife Truth here: https://midlifetruth.com/blog
Not legal advice, not medical advice, not financial advice—informational only. Do your own research and consult a professional.