Rivian R2 / R3: Electric newcomer starts second attempt with small SUV
So far, things have been anything but smooth at the electric start-up Rivian. But the new duo of R2 / R3 on the smaller platform is intended to make the problems with the large vehicles forgotten.
Years ago, Rivian was not celebrated by the economy and the American automotive industry. The design, technology and sustainability of the R1S / R1T electric double pack shook up the international competition and even alarmed established manufacturers of pick-ups and off-road vehicles. But there were countless postponements, recalls and mediocre production volumes, which made more and more investors shy away. With the second wave and the new, significantly smaller models R2 and R3, everything is supposed to get better. The problem: it will take more than two years before these models hit the international markets.
Rivian R3 won’t come until 2027
Rivian still has great expectations for its midsize platform, on which the two new models R2 and R3 will be on the move from 2026. The 4.72 meter long R2 is a mid-range SUV worth seeing in a pleasing Rivian design, which is strongly reminiscent of its big brother R1T, not only because of the lighting elements and the striking C-pillar.
As we know from old US off-road vehicles, the glass pane of the R2 tailgate can be completely opened and closed electrically. Thanks to the wheelbase of 2.94 meters, there is plenty of space inside for up to five people.
The seats can be completely folded down to create a flat loading area. The sister model of the R3 is a hatchback variant on the same platform and its proportions are reminiscent of a classic VW Golf, the current one Hyundai Ioniq 5 or one Audi A3 of the first generation – but with significantly larger dimensions. Its wheelbase is 2.80 meters. The sports version R3X should not only shine off-road but also on the road in terms of driving dynamics.
Two battery sizes for new Rivian SUVs
“I’ve never been more excited to launch new products – the R2 and R3 are unmistakably Rivian in terms of performance, capabilities and ease of use, but at a price point that makes them affordable for many people,” said Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe, “Our design and engineering teams are extremely focused on driving innovation not only in product features, but also in our manufacturing approach to dramatically reduce costs. R2 offers much-needed choice for buyers in the $45,000+ price range a thoroughly developed technology platform.”
Prevent R1S and R1T problems
Both electric models will be available in two battery sizes from spring 2026, of which the larger battery pack with a total of 4,695 individual cells should enable ranges of up to 500 kilometers without a charging stop. The battery pack in the underbody can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just under half an hour. From a standing start, the sporty Rivian R3X should reach 100 km/h in barely more than three seconds. For both models, the customer can choose whether the drive power is transmitted to the road via the rear axle alone or via both axles. The particularly sporty top version has a drive at the front and two motors on the rear axle. A total of eleven cameras and five radar sensors will enable future driver assistance systems with highly automated functions.
In contrast to the much larger R1 models, the R2 and R3 are intended to conquer the masses. The R2 should achieve this not only with its pleasing design, but also with a starting price of around $45,000 on the US market. The slightly smaller R3 should start at just over $40,000.
Prices start from $40,000
Both models can now be reserved for the American home market for $100. The first models of the Rivian R2 are scheduled to be delivered in mid-2026. Shaken up by the start-up problems of the double pack of R1T and R1S, the market launch for R3 and R3X is unlikely to take place until the beginning of 2027 at the earliest. After the models are available in the USA, they will be rolled out to international markets.
Plans for a second factory are on hold
The R2 is manufactured at the Rivian factory in Normal / Illinois, which provides for a total annual production of up to 215,000 vehicles for the R1T, R1S, R2 models and the vans. In a new, second production facility in Morgan County / Georgia, production will be met if demand for R2 and R3 is high. For now, however, the plans are on hold. By relocating initial production to Illinois, Rivian expects to save more than $2 billion.
By Stefan Grundhoff
press-inform.de