Rivian R2 Spare Tire Option Costs $755 – What It Says About the Industry
Rivian charges $755 for a spare tire on the R2, highlighting a growing trend where automakers turn standard items into paid options. Is this the new norm for EVs?
Rivian has opened the configurator for its R2, and one option immediately stands out: a compact spare tire costs $755 (around €690). For an electric crossover pitched as an adventure machine, that surcharge looks odd.
It's already the norm in the market. Many new cars come without a full-size spare, offering only sealant and a compressor. The Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 all take that approach. That's fine for city driving, but on a long road trip or a dirt track, a flat tire quickly turns into a headache.
To its credit, Rivian does offer a spare tire—for a fee. But the price tag raises eyebrows: the R2 is supposed to be the brand's more affordable model, yet even this practical item is an option. Any buyer planning to venture off pavement will likely tick that box anyway.
True off-roaders take a different approach. The Jeep Recon, GMC Hummer EV, and Land Rover Defender PHEV all come with a full-size spare on the rear door at no extra cost. Sure, those are more hardcore off-road models, but Rivian also markets the R2 for overlanding, camping, and heading to places where there's no tire shop in sight.
The R2 story highlights a growing trend: automakers are turning once-standard items into configurator checkboxes. Feature subscriptions, paid packages, accessories, and now a spare tire. For Rivian, it's a way to keep the base price low, but for the buyer, the math is simple: if you want a vehicle that's actually ready for the road, you'll have to reach for your wallet again.