The Rivian R2 isn’t the only model that debuted today: Meet the even smaller R3 and R3X.
Alongside the R2 slated to arrive in early 2026, Rivian surprise debuted both the R3 and R3X as well, rounding out the automaker’s portfolio with even smaller entry-level models. Both these smaller cars will most likely arrive in 2027, after its bigger sibling rolls out of the Normal, Illinois production plant.
So, what do we now know about the Rivian R3 and R3X? Honestly, not much, as they were a shock to everyone in attendance (including Tommy, who put up a video on TFLEV). The two compact SUVs ride on the same platform as the R2, but are five inches shorter than their middling brother. They also share the family look up front, though have much more of a hatchback-like look out back with a sloped roofline, to the R2 and R1S’ boxy stature.
Three powertrain options are available for the R2, and it’s likely those options will translate to the R3 and R3X as well. That is, a rear-wheel drive single-motor variant will be the default, with a dual-motor and even the R2’s triple-motor setup available in the R3X. Rivian also plans to make both models available with two battery packs, the larger of which enables around 300 miles of driving range. Since the R3 and R3X are smaller, it stands to reason they’ll get slightly better range, but we’ve yet to see full specs (and probably won’t for awhile yet). The company also claims this new trio of models can charge from 10 to 80% in around 30 minutes.
What exactly is the R3 ‘X’?
If you’re looking for an edgier, brawnier version of the R3, then you’ll want to look at the R3X. That brings the tri-motor setup I mentioned earlier, as well as wider wheels and tires, as well as better ground clearance. The teal paint color and orange mirror caps also give off a more adventurous look, and the way it factors into the steeply raked D-pillar gives off some fun awesome rally vibes.
The R3X’s interior looks especially interesting, as you get special ribbed seats. To offer some extra practicality in what is a pretty small SUV, both the first and second-row seats fold flat to make a sleeping area, if you want to go camping in your R3 or R3X.
There’s no pricing information on either model yet. That said, both the R3 and R3X should come in lower than the R2 also revealed today, which starts at $45,000. Based on the pricing information we have for the R2, expect its tinier siblings to come in somewhere around the mid-$30,000 mark, while the R3X may start off in the low-to-mid $40,000s. There may be some price overlap between the two, but we’ll probably have to wait at least a year if not longer to know for sure, when the R3 gets its own launch announcement.
Check out more on today’s Rivian debuts below:
