Rivian has just revealed a trio of new models. The Rivian R2, R3, and R3X are smaller electric SUVs set to deliver a lower price point, nearly 500 km of electric range, and up to three motors for ultra-fast acceleration. But it will be at least a couple of years before they hit the road.
The Rivian R2 is a midsized crossover, one size down from the R1S. The exact dimensions come in at 4,715 mm long (vs. 5,100), 1,700 mm tall (vs. 1,837), and 2,935 mm in wheelbase (vs. 3,075). That makes it a two-row model that Rivian says can comfortably seat five adult passengers. The rear cargo space is quoted as "two checked suitcases, two carry-on suitcases, plus a stroller and several backpacks above the cargo load floor," with the front trunk big enough for "up to six reusable grocery bags."
Rivian will offer the R2 in single-motor RWD, dual-motor AWD, and tri-motor AWD. The tri-motor model puts two in the back and one in the front. The quickest will offer zero-to-100-km/h acceleration in "under three seconds" and Rivian estimates more than 486 km of range on a single charge. A second, smaller pack will also be offered.
Those charges will happen quickly. The new Rivians will support J3400 (the Tesla NACS Supercharger standard) from launch and can handle 10 to 80 per cent charge in under 30 minutes.
The R2 will offer camping-friendly features like the ability to fold both the front and rear seats flat. It will have powered rear quarter windows, and the rear hatch glass powers down like a Toyota 4Runner.
Rivian said the R3 and R3X will be even smaller, though it didn't detail the dimensions. It will have the same two battery sizes, more than 486 km of range, and sub-three-second acceleration. The R3X is meant to be a "more dynamic" version of the R3, which, from the images, seems to mean more body cladding and rugged off-road wheels.
While the R2 looks like a scaled-down R1S, the R3 and R3X are something quite different, like a modern-day version of the Lada Niva or one of the older Volkswagen Golf Country off-roaders sold in Europe. Whatever you compare it to (there's also the Lancia Delta or Hyundai Ioniq 5), the R3 looks fun and despite those comparisons, it looks unlike anything currently on sale.
There's another hint from Rivian in the names. The company's first models were called R1T for truck and R1S for SUV. These vehicles don't get an S or T because there won't be a truck.
"Our design and engineering teams are extremely focused on driving innovation into not only the product features but also our approach to manufacturing to achieve dramatically lower costs," said CEO RJ Scaringe. "R2 provides buyers starting in the $45,000 price range with a much-needed choice with a thoroughly developed technology platform that is bursting with personality. I can't wait to get these to customers."
Reservations are open now for the R2, which is expected to go on sale in the first half of 2026 with a price starting from around USD $45,000. The R3 models will come later, based on the production start of the R2. The smaller model will also be cheaper again than the R2.
