After setting the tone for its “Electric Adventure Vehicles” with the swanky R1T pickup and R1S SUV, Rivian is pivoting to more mainstream territory with a pair of fresh EVs aimed at broader appeal and lower prices.
First up is the R2, Rivian’s take on a compact urban runabout. At just 1.5 inches shorter than a Tesla Model Y, it packs the brand’s signature blend of off-road capability and straight-line zip into a right-sized package. Rivian is claiming an impressive 0-60 mph time under 3 seconds, plus over 300 miles of range courtesy of the company’s slick structural battery design utilizing 4,695 individual cells.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the R2 will rock a starting price around $45,000 when it enters production in 2026 – though you can bet the price will creep up quickly with options and higher trims. Still, it’s a far cry from Rivian’s current $73,000 entry point for the R1T.
Not feeling so compact? Rivian has you covered with the R3, an extended 3-row crossover clocking in at a rangy 181 inches. Despite its plus-sized footprint, the R3 borrows interior styling and tech from the smaller R2, including a structural battery and trick folding rear glass hatch. A racier triple-motor “R3X Performance” variant was also teased, suggesting this big ‘un won’t be a slouch.
Of course, getting these new models to market won’t be easy for the cash-strapped startup. Rivian just confirmed it’s halting construction on its $5 billion Georgia plant to preserve $2.25 billion while focusing R2 production at its existing Illinois facility. It’s a prudent move that should ease the path for Rivian to actually deliver on these enticing new EVs.
Now for the elephant in the room – both R2 and R3 models were shown equipped with the sleek, Tesla-style NACS charge port. For a brand that prides itself on adventuring, that port positioning could make public charging a huge hassle if the cables can’t easily reach. C’mon Rivian, sort that out before these things hit the streets.