Rivian had a lot to show at its launch event, and did a pretty good job of keeping it all under wraps ahead of the big unveil.
On Thursday, the company officially announced the Rivian R2, a mid-size electric SUV that looks a lot like a shrunken version of the company’s R1S. We pretty much knew this one was coming, but the company continued with the shrinking and announced the even-smaller Rivian R3 compact SUV, as well as a more ruggedy version of the same car called the Rivian R3X.
Rivian R2 starts at $45,000 and starts shipping in 2016.
Credit: Rivian
The R2 is a very Rivian take on competitors such as the Tesla Model Y and Ford’s Mustang Mach E. That means it’s still imposingly boxy and ready for adventure, though it lost one row of seats compared to the larger R1S. Inside, you’ll find a wide, 15.6-inch display, and the entire infotainment setup should be very similar to the one in the R1.
Not all is known about the R2; we don’t know the exact trim levels or options, nor their pricing. But we do know the car will come in three different basic configurations: A single-motor variant driving the rear wheels, a dual-motor, all-wheel drive version, and a performance-oriented, three-motor version. That last one should be powerful enough to push the R2 from 0-60mph in under 3 seconds.
Customers will be able to pair these motors with two different battery packs. The larger of the two, when combined with the single-motor variant, will have the most range — more than 300 miles. Charging will be compatible with the NACS and CCS standards (adapter required for the latter), and the car will charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than half an hour.
The 15.6-inch display will be the center of your infotainment experience in Rivian R2.
Credit: Rivian
Even though the R2 is a smaller car than R1S, expect tons of storage space, including a generous frunk, and flat-folding seats in both rows.
As for the price, the company said the R2 will start at about $45,000, likely for the variant with only one, rear motor and the smallest battery. Expect that price to rise significantly higher if you opt for the more powerful, dual- or tri-motor version with a larger battery.
Yes, all of the seats fold flat.
Credit: Rivian
The company expects the Rivian R2 to start shipping in the first half of 2026.
The Rivian R3 is the sort of SUV-like hatchback that’s popular in Europe these days, only with a distinctively Rivian design. Yes, that means the oval “eyes” on the front and light bars both on the front and back. In this smaller package, typically imposing Rivian design actually looks…cute?
The smallest of the Rivians.
Credit: Rivian
There are fewer details about the R3, which is coming in 2027. We do know that, just like the R2, it will come in three motor configurations, and have 300 miles of range in the least power-hungry variant.
Inside the R3X, you’ll find funky materials such as cork.
Credit: Rivian
The R3X will only come as a tri-motor version, and it will have a wider profile, more ground clearance, and tons of design details that yell “outdoors” at ya.
Just like the Rivian R3, but a little taller, and a little more ruggedy.
Credit: Rivian
Customers in Canada and the U.S. can reserve their R2 on Rivian’s website now, while reservations for R3, and R3X, as well as international reservations for the R2, will come at a later date.
