Rivian Revolution: R2 Unveiled With R3 and R3X Teasers, Eyeing 2026 Launch

In an electrifying presentation, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe unveiled the much-anticipated R2, setting the stage for Rivian's next growth phase. With innovative features, competitive pricing starting at $45,000, and a release set for late 2026, the R2 is poised to redefine the electric crossover segment.

Rivian also surprised audiences by revealing the performance-focused R3 and R3X, hinting at an aggressive expansion strategy.

Rivian R2 Unveiling: Features, Specs, Price, and Release Date Revealed

RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian, unveiled the R2 to a rapt audience. Rivian R2 and Rivian R1S are highly comparable in appearance. The R2 has the same spacious trunk as the flagship SUV, which can accommodate luggage and equipment. Quarter windows that extend and a lower rear glass window are two examples of rear-end features that contribute to the R2's outdoor-oriented ambiance. The drop-down rear window of the all-electric crossover R2 also makes it easier to load items into the trunk, as per Teslarati.

According to Scaringe, the Rivian R2 is approximately 400 mm (15.7 inches) shorter than the R1S. As seen on a slide presented during the presentation, the R2 is 4715 mm (185.6 inches) in length, 1700 mm (66 inches) in height, and 2935 mm (115.5 inches) in wheelbase. As a result, the electric crossover should become more maneuverable and manageable. Due to its small dimensions, it is also expected to fit in tight spaces and garages.

Although it has smaller exterior dimensions than the R1S, the Rivian executive said the R2 is intended to have a roomier interior. Scaringe remarked, "It feels so inviting." The R2 is another vehicle designed for outdoor environments, similar to the R1T and R1S that preceded it. For an ideal car camping experience, it was no surprise that the first and second rows of the R2 could be folded flat.

Concerning the R2's two gloveboxes and Rivian's signature in-door flashlight, Scaringe remarked, much to the audience's amusement. Comparable to the previous generation Tesla Model 3, two large scroll wheels dominate the steering wheel controls. Scaringe stated that the R2 has eleven cameras and five radar sensors, four located in the corners, and one is a long-range radar in front. Rivian R2's self-driving capabilities should benefit from the cameras and radar.

While providing a few details regarding the Rivian R2, SPECS Scaringe mentioned that the vehicle would be outfitted with a battery pack of 4695 cylindrical cells. These cells are more substantial compared to the 21 mm cells utilized in the R1 platform. The Rivian R2 will also have a structural bombardment pack, meaning the battery's apex will be the vehicle's floor.

One-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD), dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), and a tri-motor configuration featuring two rear-mounted motors and one front-mounted motor will comprise the three available versions of the Rivian R2. More than 300 miles of range are anticipated for all three R2 variants, according to Scaringe. The Tri-Motor R2 is expected to reach sixty miles per hour without exceeding three seconds.

The Rivian R2 is anticipated to begin at $45,000. This is probably the price of the entry-level RWD model, even though Scaringe did not provide pricing information. The best-selling all-electric crossover, the Tesla Model Y, begins at $43,990 before options are included today; thus, $45,000 is quite competitive.

As per Scaringe, Rivian R2 deliveries are anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2026. Rivian's facility in Normal, Illinois, will initialize vehicle production.

Rivian Unveils R3 and R3X Following Launch of R2

Rivian introduced the R3 and R3X, two additional vehicles, after the release of the R2, which had generated considerable anticipation.

When CEO RJ Scaringe described the modifications made to the R2 platform from the R1 platform, audiences were astounded by the R3 and R3X, the R3's performance configuration. Nobody anticipated Rivian's unveiling of an additional vehicle, much less one that was performance-oriented and high-end.

The R3 is an even more compact iteration of the R2, resembling rally vehicles from the 1980s. It has a hatchback-style rear door with multiple entry points to provide additional cargo space, particularly for long, outdoor items such as skis and surfboards, and its small, compact design.

Rivian withheld most of the R3 and R3X's introductory information, including pricing, performance specifications, and availability. However, Rivian is unquestionably prioritizing the R2 in the future due to its affordable price and potential to stabilize the automaker's financial situation.

Rivian was sure to describe the R3's inspiration, notwithstanding the absence of critical specifications; it appears that rally vehicles were precisely what the company had in mind when the car was completed:

Rivian characterizes the R3 as a "compact midsize crossover that packs a powerful punch in terms of off-road prowess, passenger convenience, and cargo space." Rivian anticipates that the R3 will be priced "below the R2," thereby "making Rivian vehicles more accessible to a greater number of people."

The R2 and R3 vehicles will have three possible configurations: single, dual, and tri-motor. The Tri-Motor allows acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds.

In addition, every R2 and R3 model will include a structural battery pack comprised of an entirely new 4695 battery cell. Thanks to these new batteries, each vehicle can travel more than 300 miles on a single charge. The NACS and CCS inlets will be DC fast-charging capable and charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in under 30 minutes.

Rivian intends to achieve autonomous driving capabilities using a novel, more powerful computing platform, eleven cameras, and five radars.

In contrast to Tesla, Rivian's autonomous vehicles utilize cameras and radars. Tesla, on the other hand, has shifted to camera-only technology.

Photo: Rivian/X