Rivian R2 Owners, Four Months In: Your Front Plate and Back Seat Questions, Answered
By EV Bandit | Updated October 3, 2026
Key takeaways
- Rivian began public deliveries of the R2 on June 9, with the R2 Performance Launch Package starting at $57,990, according to Rivian's release on Business Wire.
- Per Rivian's release, the R2 has dual-motor all-wheel drive rated at 656 hp, up to 330 miles of EPA-estimated range, and 9.6 inches of ground clearance.
- Two front plate mounts: the SnapPlate ($120) sits on the grille, and the Tow Hook mount ($75) clamps to the tow hook on either side of the bumper.
- The Back Seat Tablet/Phone Mount Anchor starts at $20 and is sold individually, so order two for both sides.
Rivian began public deliveries of the R2 on June 9, with the R2 Performance Launch Package starting at $57,990, according to Rivian's release on Business Wire. Drive Tesla's July 2 report confirmed first customer deliveries in June and a raised full-year outlook. This is not breaking news. It is four months of owners finding out what the R2 does not come with.
We are not a Rivian shop, but we do stock a handful of parts made for the R2, and the questions we would expect are practical ones. So this is a Q&A, with the trade-offs left in.
The best accessories for a new vehicle are the boring ones you stop noticing.
First, what is the R2?
Per Rivian's release, the R2 is a mid-size electric SUV with dual-motor all-wheel drive rated at 656 hp, up to 330 miles of EPA-estimated range, and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. Rivian lists 0 to 60 mph in as quick as 3.6 seconds. Those are the manufacturer's figures for the launch trim, not ours.
1. Q: I need a front plate mount without drilling the bumper. What are my options?
We carry two. The SnapPlate Front License Plate Mount for Rivian R2 ($120) sits on the grille. The listing says it installs and removes in seconds, adjusts in height and depth, and is 3D printed from recycled PETG plastic. It also carries a warning worth repeating: remove it for touch car washes. It ships with security screws, a driver and a felt case, and fits US, Canadian and Mexican plates.
2. Q: And the cheaper one?
The Tow Hook Front License Plate Mount for Rivian R2 is $75. It is a low-profile, recessed design that attaches to the tow hook on the left or right with a stainless screw clamp, and it comes with the same security-screw kit. The two mounts do the same job in different places, so the choice is about where you want the plate to sit and how you wash the car, not about one being a better product.
Do I need a front plate at all? That depends on your state or province, and we are not going to guess. Check your local rule before you buy either mount.
3. Q: What about the back seat?
The Back Seat Tablet/Phone Mount Anchor clamps onto the hook behind the driver or passenger seat and takes standard 17 mm or 25 mm (1 inch, B-size) mounts. It is listed for the R2 (2027) and for the R1T and R1S. Options include bringing your own mount and cable, or adding a tablet clamp or magnet and a USB-C or Lightning cable, with prices from $20 upward. It gives a passenger a screen and gives you a quieter drive.
What this means for owners
Three parts, two jobs: a plate mount (pick one of the two) and a back seat screen anchor. If you also own a Tesla, our MY27 Model 3 and Model Y guide covers the other side of the driveway.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Rivian R2 cost?
The R2 Performance Launch Package starts at $57,990, according to Rivian's release on Business Wire. Rivian began public deliveries of the R2 on June 9.
What is the Rivian R2's range?
Per Rivian's release, up to 330 miles of EPA-estimated range, with dual-motor all-wheel drive rated at 656 hp. Rivian lists 0 to 60 mph in as quick as 3.6 seconds. Those are the manufacturer's figures for the launch trim.
How do I mount a front license plate on a Rivian R2 without drilling?
There are two options. The SnapPlate ($120) sits on the grille; remove it for touch car washes. The Tow Hook Front License Plate Mount ($75) attaches to the tow hook on the left or right with a stainless screw clamp.
Do I need a front license plate on my Rivian R2?
That depends on your state or province. Check your local rule before you buy either mount.
Can I mount a tablet on the back of a Rivian R2 seat?
The Back Seat Tablet/Phone Mount Anchor clamps onto the hook behind the driver or passenger seat and takes standard 17 mm or 25 mm mounts. It is listed for the R2 (2027), R1T and R1S, starts at $20 and is sold individually.
Sources
- Rivian via Business Wire: Rivian Begins R2 Public Customer Deliveries (June 9, 2026)
- Drive Tesla: Rivian raises 2026 delivery outlook after launching R2 (July 2, 2026)
Related coverage from EV Bandit
- Rivian's R2 Can Now Watch Your Dog From an App. Tesla Gives You Dog Mode, and the Back Seat Is on You
- Rivian Opens Hands-Free Driving Beta to Invited Owners. Who Qualifies, What They Give Up, and What Is Not Yet Public
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