Rivian has just introduced two new vehicles: the Rivian R2 and the Rivian R3. The R2 is a smaller and more budget-friendly version of the R1S SUV, while the R3 is even more compact and designed to be more affordable than the R2. The R3 is more of a crossover rather than an SUV, putting it in competition with models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Tesla Model Y.
If you’re eager to get your hands on an affordable Rivian, you’ll have to wait a bit because neither the R2 nor the R3 is available for purchase just yet. But in the meantime, it’s worth considering which model might suit you best. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which vehicle to dream about.
In terms of design, the R2 and R3 share some similarities that are consistent with Rivian’s brand identity. Both vehicles feature the distinctive buggy oval headlights and a long light bar at the back. The light bar on the R2 wraps around the car’s edges, while on the R3, it only extends across the car’s width.
Despite these similarities, the two models differ in many ways. The R2, which is an SUV, has a boxier shape, making it somewhat akin to the R1S, but it isn’t large enough for three rows of seats. The R3, being a crossover, looks more like a rally car with an angled rear window and a small spoiler that flows from the roofline.
The key difference in their design is their size. The R2 measures 185.6 inches in length, 75 inches in width, and 66.9 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 115.6 inches. Although Rivian hasn’t provided exact dimensions for the R3, it’s expected to be between 165 and 170 inches long and will offer less interior space.
Rivian will also offer a performance version of the R3, named the R3X, which has a more rally car-like appearance and some unique color schemes, including a striking forest green with orange highlights.
Inside, the R2 and R3 continue with similar design themes but have distinct differences. The R2 is tailored for more adventurous uses, featuring the ability to fold both the second and first rows flat for a sleeping arrangement. This makes it great for camping trips, or as Rivian might call it, “glamping.” The R3 and R3X have interiors that stay true to Rivian’s design but vary in their styling; the base R3 is more neutral, while the R3X is sportier with green and orange accents, a confetti foam dashboard, and a rugged look.
Both the R2 and R3 come equipped with large infotainment systems featuring Rivian’s own operating system, along with a second display for instruments. Neither vehicle supports CarPlay or Android Auto, unless Rivian changes its stance on car software. The R2 and R3 both have the necessary radar and cameras for Level 3 self-driving technology, allowing drivers to take their hands and eyes off the wheel and road.
Performance-wise, both vehicles will come in single-motor, dual-motor, and tri-motor options. The R3X will be exclusively tri-motor, though it’s unclear if the standard R3 will have a tri-motor version. Rivian claims that the tri-motor R2 and R3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, but specific details are still pending.
When it comes to range and charging, Rivian has performed well historically, and this is expected to continue with the R2 and R3. While exact figures aren’t available, Rivian says that larger battery configurations of both models will offer more than 300 miles of range. We hope that all variants will achieve at least 300 miles on a full charge. All models will feature a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port and likely support charging speeds comparable to the R1S, which charges at 220 kilowatts. We’re hopeful for a minimum of 250kW, allowing them to utilize most Tesla Supercharger stations. Rivian states the vehicles will charge from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes, which isn’t very fast compared to some competitors like Hyundai and Kia, whose vehicles can reach 80% charge in about 18 minutes.
Price-wise, the R2 and R3 will both be more budget-friendly compared to Rivian’s flagship R1S and R1T models. The R2 is expected to start at around $45,000 for the base model. Rivian hasn’t given a specific price for the R3 but said it will be cheaper than the R2, with hopes that it might start around $35,000, making electric vehicles more accessible.
Currently, neither the R2 nor the R3 can be ordered, but you can reserve an R2 for a refundable $100, which secures your place in line for when orders open. Rivian plans to make the R2 available in the first half of 2026, with the R3 following sometime after, likely not before 2027. The R3X, however, will be released later than the standard R3.
In summary, choosing between the R2 and R3 depends largely on your preferences. If you need more storage space and prefer an SUV, the R2 is the better option. If you’re interested in a crossover with Rivian’s unique design, the R3 or R3X would suit you better.