Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe recently shared new photo of a camouflaged R2 prototype undergoing off-road testing on rocky terrain. The photos showcase the R2 "stretching its legs," allowing fans to get a closer look at its ground clearance and suspension articulation, which confirms the R2 retains significant trail capability despite its smaller size and lower starting price.

Crucially, the prototype was seen with development hardware mounted on the roof, which appears to include sensor equipment such as LiDAR, GPS antennas, and high-precision cameras. Rivian engineers are using this specialized setup for extensive data logging and calibration to gather detailed information on vehicle dynamics and traction. This phase of testing is vital for fine-tuning both the hardware and software systems as the company prepares the R2 for its production launch in 2026.