diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 2250cf8d8..84ff6046b 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 ## Unreleased
 
+- R files now default to two-space indentation to match lintr. This language-specific default overrides general indentation settings; set `editor.tabSize` in `[r]` user or workspace settings to choose a different width. (#1883)
 - Accepting a function or method completion that inserts parentheses now opens signature help, respecting `editor.parameterHints.enabled`.
 
 ## 3.2.0 - 2026-10-15
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 7280273da..69d784517 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -2497,6 +2497,7 @@
     },
     "configurationDefaults": {
       "[r]": {
+        "editor.tabSize": 2,
         "editor.wordSeparators": "`~!@#$%^&*()-=+[{]}\\|;:'\",<>/"
       }
     },