G. David Felt

Saw that California is approaching $10 a gallon in the major cities, high 8 to 9 elsewhere, at this point, EVs are going to come out winning even with the higher cost. Course with all the EVs coming off lease and like many of my coworkers are are picking up Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 at roughly 40% of the original MSRP, the price of electrical rates with the car rate and low mileage on the EVs, makes these 300 mile EVs a deal imho. Agree, News was covering the near $10 a gallon in California, and I see tonight NY is hitting the upper $8, so EVs are going to really come out ahead, especially when one buys a certified pre-owned lease return imho.

Like you the EV is good enough without all the complexity of having a generator built above the rear axle/electric motor for added maintenance. Based on my current experience with my EV9 I would have to say that not having a Legacy dealership is fine as maintenance is pretty much nonexistent. Repairs / replacement of worn-out parts as long as there are some places to take it, then I do not see an issue. I honestly think Scout will do what Tesla and Rivian has done and will have contracts with companies that cover not only warranty but any other service needs. An example of this is EV's Republic of California. Tesla Maintenance & Repair Services by EV’s Republic There are also a number of other companies that have contracts to cover service and as such can be found here: 3rd Party Tesla Service: Independent Repair Guide 2025 | Recharged Rivian is also signing agreements to expand their service / warranty network. ALLDATA Becomes First Third-Party Provider to Add Electric Vehicle Manufacturer Rivian to Repair Software | ALLDATA I believe Scout will go this same route with contracts to 3rd party companies for auto repair. Tesla Roadside Assistance Network Rivian Authorized Service Providers

Rivian, an American technology and automaker company, announced the all-new R2, a mid-size electric SUV. The company has stated that deliveries of the R2 Performance with Launch Package SUV will start in Spring 2026. Premium configurations or mid-tier will begin deliveries in late 2026 and the standard base configuration will start deliveries in 2027. What is a R2 Performance with Launch Package SUV? According to RJ Scaringe, Founder and CEO of Rivian: “R2 embodies so many of our learnings that we have accumulated—the passion and attention to detail from our team is visible everywhere.” The R2 offers the unmistakably Rivian DNA SUV to a broader audience without a compromise in capabilities. All prices do not include taxes and fees at time of purchase. Estimated ranges will vary depending on selected options / trim, preliminary estimates are based on the EPA test cycle and not official values as of this writing. R2 Performance (Available Spring 2026) Debuting with Launch Package starting at $57,990 (available for limited time), the Performance trim is the most capable R2 on- and off-road. This dual-motor AWD variant delivers a staggering 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque, capable of launching R2 from 0-60 mph in as quick as 3.6 seconds and offering an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles. At this price point, the R2 Performance competes directly with the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 priced from $58,955. Included on Performance: Semi-active suspension Esker Silver exterior Compass Yellow brake calipers and exterior badging All-new premium interior with Birch wood accents in Black Crater Signature Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel 12-way power driver & passenger seats with lumbar adjustment Rivian Premium Audio (9 speakers, 2 midwoofers in force-balanced configuration, 2 subwoofers in force-balanced configuration, 975W) Rear drop glass Dynamic Adventure Lighting with Adaptive High Beams, Matrix LED headlights Rivian Torch flashlight in the driver door Integrated tow hooks Drive modes: All-Purpose, Conserve, Snow, All-Terrain, Rally, Soft Sand, Sport and Launch Mode 21" Liquid Tungsten All-Season wheels Launch Package Extras In addition to all Performance features, the limited-edition Launch Package includes: Autonomy+&sup5; for lifetime of the vehicle Special Rivian Green anodized Key Fob Exclusive option of Launch Green exterior color (paid upgrade) Tow package with 4,400-lbs of towing capacity Optional on Performance Autonomy+ one-time fee or monthly subscription 20" Black Sand All-Terrain wheels Borealis, Catalina Cove, Forest Green, Glacier White, Half Moon Grey, and Midnight exterior colors All-new premium interior with Birch wood accents in Coastal Cloud Signature Tow package with 4,400-lbs of towing capacity R2 Premium (Available Late 2026) Starting at $53,990, the Premium trim is elevated inside and out. Featuring a dual-motor AWD setup that produces 450 horsepower and 537 lb-ft of torque, a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, and an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles. Included on Premium: Esker Silver exterior All-new premium interior with Birch wood accents in Black Crater Signature Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel 12-way power driver & passenger seats with lumbar adjustment Rivian Premium Audio (9 speakers, 2 midwoofers in force-balanced configuration, 2 subwoofers in force-balanced configuration, 975W) Rear drop glass Dynamic Adventure Lighting with Adaptive High Beams, Matrix LED headlights Rivian Torch flashlight in the driver door Integrated tow hooks Drive modes: All-Purpose, Conserve, Snow, All-Terrain and Sport 20" Bicolor Carbon All-Season wheels Optional on Premium Autonomy+ one-time fee or monthly subscription 21" Liquid Tungsten All-Season wheels Catalina Cove, Forest Green, Glacier White, Half Moon Grey, and Midnight exterior colors All-new premium interior with Birch wood accents in Coastal Cloud Signature Tow package with 4,400-lbs of towing capacity R2 Standard (Available First Half 2027) Starting at $48,490, the Standard trim redefines expectations for the mid-size SUV segment. The RWD Long Range configuration of Standard trim will be available in the first half of 2027. This variant delivers 350 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds and boasts a Rivian-estimated range of up to 345 miles. Shoppers comparing affordable electric SUVs should also check out the 2026 IONIQ 5 with its recent price reduction. Included on Standard: Esker Silver exterior Single-motor RWD Long Range All-new Black Crater interior Heated front seats and heated steering wheel 12-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, 8-way power passenger seat Standard audio (5 speakers, 2 midwoofers in force-balanced configuration, 525W) Drive modes: All-Purpose, Conserve, Snow and Sport 19" Machined Graphite All-Season wheels Optional on Standard Autonomy+ one-time fee or monthly subscription Dual-motor AWD with 450hp, 537 lb-ft of torque Forest Green, Glacier White, Half Moon Grey, and Midnight exterior colors 20" Bicolor Carbon All-Season wheels Tow package with 4,400-lbs of towing capacity An additional R2 Standard variant will arrive in late 2027 starting around $45,000, offering 275+ miles of estimated range. More details on this vehicle will be shared closer to production launch. Colors and Customization Rivian has a selection of new colors that go with the existing Midnight, Glacier White, Forest Green, Borealis and Launch Green (available for a limited time with Launch Package). Catalina Cove: Exclusive to R2, like the waters that surround Catalina Island, this metallic paint shifts from deep Pacific blues to translucent greens in the light. Esker Silver: Inspired by the winding ridges of gravel and sand that glaciers leave behind, fine metallic flakes bring depth to this shimmering silver. Half Moon Grey: This metallic grey is inspired by the coastal cliffs of Half Moon Bay — layers of granite and sandstone shifting in warm light. Wheels and Tires Customization of one's ride is supported with a selection of wheels and tire packages, all are a 32" overall diameter. 19" Machined Graphite All-Season: Aluminum wheels with a bright machined finish and graphite metallic pockets. With Pirelli all-season tires for versatile performance in all kinds of conditions. 20" Bicolor Carbon All-Season: Aluminum wheels with satin machined details and satin carbon pockets are paired with Pirelli all-season tires for a blend of range and performance. 20" Black Sand All-Terrain: Forged aluminum machined face wheels with dark satin tint and black pockets. Paired with versatile BF Goodrich all-terrain tires for confident handling, on-road and off. 21" Liquid Tungsten All-Season: Forged aluminum machined face wheels finished with liquid tungsten tint and dark pockets. With Pirelli all-season tires, this combo is best for maximizing range and on-road performance. Interior Design R2 Performance and Premium trims feature two signature interiors defined by a tactile blend of Birch wood accents and organic textures. Black Crater Signature — Inspired by the dynamic dark tones of volcanic rock, this interior is crafted with upcycled Birch wood and textile accents. This creates an inviting, dark tonal environment that seamlessly blends rugged durability with a refined, minimalist aesthetic. Coastal Cloud Signature — Open and airy, the crisp tones of cool and cloudy coastal sky are warmed with upcycled Birch wood and soft textile accents. This palette offers a modern aesthetic that is grounded in Rivian's nature-inspired design language. For Standard trim: Black Crater — Featuring dark volcanic tones, a light and airy headliner and natural fiber accents, for an interior that feels both expansive and welcoming. Cabin Space and Storage The interior maximizes every square inch, delivering premium views and a comfortable experience for up to five adults with zero bad seats in the cabin. Open-Air Freedom: A hallmark of the R2 design is the rear drop glass window that lowers completely into the liftgate. With the touch of a button, drivers can drop all windows to allow for flow-through breezes or easily haul long gear like surfboards (included only on Performance and Premium trims). Smart Storage: With 90.1 cubic feet of total enclosed storage, R2 easily adapts to your gear. The class-leading front trunk with 5.2 cu ft of space fits a carry-on and large backpack, dual glove boxes provide maximum organization, and the fold-flat rear seats create a level loading surface for bikes and camping gear. Off-Road Capability and Dimensions 2,000 lbs lighter than the R1 and sitting on a shorter wheelbase (115.6 in), R2 is incredibly responsive and maneuverable in urban environments. Despite its nimbleness, it retains Rivian's off-road DNA. Adventure-oriented EV buyers may also want to compare the 2027 Scout Traveler & Terra, which targets a similar rugged EV SUV market. Best-in-Class Stance: Features 9.6 inches of ground clearance, a 25° approach angle, and a 26° departure angle. Dynamic Drive Experience: R2 achieves a planted, connected-to-the-road feel through a low center of gravity enabled by its structural battery pack. This foundation is enhanced by a semi-active suspension (unique to Performance trim) that delivers superior handling and precision across both on- and off-road terrain. Technology and Driver Assistance R2 marks the evolution of the software-defined vehicle: an AI-ready architecture that pairs 5G-connected, offline-capable processing with tactile, haptic hardware. Built on a multi-modal perception stack—featuring 11 HDR cameras with a combined 65MP and a sophisticated five-radar system—the R2 delivers a leap in hardware fidelity. This foundation powers an expanding suite of driver assistance and active safety features designed for a drive that feels as advanced as it operates. Designed for the Road Ahead: Rivian Autonomy+&sup7; ($49.99/month or $2,500/one-time) hardware is built into all R2 trims and service is optional across the lineup (lifetime access to Autonomy+ included&sup5; with Launch Package), bringing L2+ hands-free assisted driving to 3.5 million miles of roads across the U.S. and Canada with Universal Hands-Free&sup6;. Every Rivian comes standard with a system that continuously evolves with each software update, getting smarter right from your driveway, and foundational active safety and driver assistance features. All new R2 deliveries include a 60-day trial of Autonomy+. AI Powerhouse: R2 is outfitted with 200 sparse TOPS of edge AI compute dedicated to the in-cabin experience. This includes enabling the forthcoming Rivian Assistant—Rivian's in-vehicle voice assistant that understands you, your vehicle and your context—to smoothly run complex tasks locally on the edge, even if the vehicle is offline. Haptic Halo Wheels: At the center of the R2 driving experience is a redesigned steering wheel featuring haptic 'halo' dials. These dynamic and context-aware controls—capable of scrolling, pushing, pulling and tilting—provide distinct physical responses for multiple functions, bridging the gap between digital software and tactile hardware to keep the driver's focus on the horizon. Both the physical wheels and underlying haptic technology were designed in-house. Dual Digital Displays: R2 offers flexibility and control with two displays—a driver display in front of the steering wheel for more utility on the road, and the center display for a deeper dive into features. Software Updates: Rivian builds vertically-integrated hardware and software, enabling your vehicle to gain meaningful updates via software right from your driveway. R2 evolves this vertically integrated approach with a new, streamlined electrical architecture that delivers more capability with less complexity, providing ample headroom for the future. More Electric SUV Coverage Exploring the electric SUV market? Check out these related articles: 2027 Scout Traveler & Terra: Specs, EV Range, Off-Road Capability 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 EV Priced from $58,955 Delivers 300+ Miles of Range 2026 IONIQ 5 EV Lineup Has Major Price Reduction Why Leasing an EV Is Becoming Smarter Than Buying IONNA Aims for Doubles: EV Charging Network Expansion View full article