Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) shares hit $19 for the first time since Jan. 11, 2024, closing 2025 on a strong note despite a flat performance for the last three years. The company’s future electric SUV may help it recover from an 82% crash in 2022.

Rivian, in a competitive EV market, looks to the R2 SUV for growth. Sales for the R1 models have been low, falling 36% in Q1 2025 and 31% in Q2. A 32% increase in Q3 was due to consumers rushing to use the federal EV tax credit.

The upcoming R2, set for a 2026 release with a $45,000 starting price, is seen as Rivian’s path into the affordable car market. Analysts anticipate the R2 launch will boost brand, product demand, and share price, but the real test will be how well R2 sales perform against competitors.

Rivian’s main competitors for the R2 include Toyota’s 2026 bZ, Tesla’s 2026 Model Y, and Honda’s 2026 Prologue. If R2 sales can compete, it may be a recovery play for investors looking for long-term growth. Keep an eye on Rivian stock.

Investors considering Rivian should note that the Motley Fool Stock Advisor team did not include it among the 10 best stocks to buy now. The selected stocks could offer significant returns in the future, similar to past recommendations like Netflix and Nvidia which saw substantial growth after being featured on the list.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: The EV Recovery Play to Watch