Rivian has outlined the way it plans to develop its lineup within the subsequent few years. It’s going to launch the R2 within the first half of 2026 after which the smaller R3 later that 12 months or at the beginning of 2027. These smaller Rivians will journey on a brand new midsize platform, and whereas they aren’t fairly as excessive or highly effective because the R1 line of fashions, they nonetheless promise to supply glorious off-road skill.
Even the smallest mannequin, the R3, guarantees to be a worthy companion when the tarmac runs out. The R3 seems like a tall hatchback with design cues impressed by iconic European hatchbacks. Nonetheless, a better look reveals that it has loads of floor clearance for a car in its class, which must be higher at going off-road than every other similar-size rival.
We already knew the R3 and its performance-oriented variant, the R3X, had been handsome, however seeing them intimately on this walkaround video by EV Patrons Information actually drove the purpose dwelling. They each have the identical visually interesting physique form with hints of outdated Volkswagen Golf and Lancia Delta or Dodge Omni. The R3X will get distinctive rally-inspired wheels, extra pronounced over-fenders, and aspect skirts, and a much bigger roof spoiler that makes it look rather more aggressive—it’s extra of an electrical Lancia Delta Integrale.
The Rivian R3 seems nice however will it promote?
The American automotive purchaser is understood to choose bigger autos which have extra inside room, which is why small automobiles are nowhere close to as well-liked as they’re in Europe or different components of the world. The Rivian R3 is a Chevrolet Bolt EUV-sized crossover that appears to have attracted loads of consideration, and many individuals have already pledged to purchase it, seemingly bucking the development—let’s examine if these potential patrons really comply with by.
It’s the type of EV that appears prefer it desires you to drive it briskly round a winding highway, and when the tarmac turns to gravel, it offers you no excuse to not go sideways round each nook. You’ll have loads of energy to take care of the slide and shoot out of corners, though we don’t know precisely how a lot, since Rivian hasn’t made that info public but.
The producer has mentioned that the quickest variations of the R3 and R2 will speed up from 0 to 60 mph in lower than 3 seconds, however not a lot else. The vary shall be round 300 miles for these autos when geared up with the biggest out there battery pack, which shall be an integral a part of the construction and comprise new 4695 battery cells which might be higher than what the producer makes use of at the moment.
Within the video, we additionally get an excellent have a look at the R3 and R3X’s interiors, that are visibly smaller than the R2 we had an opportunity to expertise some time again however don’t seem cramped. Although the R3 seems shorter general than a VW Golf, measuring about 162 inches from grille to tailgate, its very quick overhangs counsel that it has a protracted wheelbase for its dimension, which ought to make it roomy inside.
The inside design is according to the not too long ago up to date R1S and R1T, however the smaller kind issue makes the R3 and R3X really feel extra cozy and sporty. One cool practicality trick is opening the tailgate glass individually, as you’ll be able to in most BMW wagon fashions besides the brand new i5 Touring. Not having to open the complete tailgate each time is one thing you actually develop to understand when you begin dwelling with a automotive that has this.
The 2 autos examined within the video are prototypes, however they appear production-ready proper all the way down to the tags on the backs of the seats, which counsel they’ve been mass-produced. The outside seems performed, as does the inside, and all Rivian has to do now’s begin constructing them and meet what appears to be a really sturdy demand for its smallest mannequin, which can value $37,000 with out the federal tax credit score or every other incentives factored in.
The R3 will rival smaller electrical crossovers like the Volvo EX30 or the next-gen Chevrolet Bolt EUV in a market section that’s not as crowded because the one the bigger R2 will enter the place competitors is far stiffer. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see if People will really purchase R3s as an alternative of the extra spacious and opulent R2, which the corporate claims has over 100,000 preorders. Each have been envisioned as world autos with plans to be offered outdoors America, so Rivian isn’t solely eyeing the native market.
