Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) is due to launch its more affordable midsize SUVs in 2026. The fleet of R2 electric vehicles is an inflection point for Rivian, which has thus far manufactured only luxury trucks and SUVs. The starting price for its new generation is around $45,000.
So, should you buy Rivian stock this year? Let’s take a look.
If Rivian’s R2 fleet is well-received by consumers, it could mark a turning point for the company as it wrestles away market share from industry leader Tesla, as well as other legacy manufacturers. Rivian also has a technological advantage as it is nearly fully vertically integrated. The company is also set to introduce bidirectional charging technology with the R2, a feature that could truly differentiate it from competitors.
Rivian stock showed signs of renewed life in 2025, rising 46% last year after its prolonged post-IPO collapse in 2021. Rivian’s margins are improving, but the company’s automobiles are still at a net loss as of the third quarter of 2025. The company’s partnership with Volkswagen has led to a profitable software and services business, which, in turn, enhances the company’s overall financial position. The electric vehicle maker will announce fourth-quarter earnings and its full-year report on Feb. 12, 2026, after market close.
Rivian is becoming more operationally efficient, and the company expects to deliver up to 155,000 vehicles annually starting in 2026. While this points to good news for investors, they should also expect continued volatility for the stock price. For growth investors with a long-term mindset, the current price-to-sales ratio of about 4 suggests that buying before the launch of the R2 fleet could be advantageous.
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