Rivian is introducing a brand-new car, the R3, aiming to be their most affordable and compact vehicle. While its release is still some time away, the Rivian R3 has the potential to be a standout EV, rivaling competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Tesla Model 3.
The R3, while sharing a family resemblance with the larger Rivian R2, boasts its own unique design elements. Although retaining a boxy silhouette, it’s less pronounced than the R2. The hatchback design features a sloping rear and a small spoiler seamlessly integrated into the roofline. A distinctive feature is the rear gate window that lifts up, offering convenient access for loading items and accommodating extra-long cargo. The R3 also incorporates design cues from previous Rivian vehicles, including oval headlights and a long light bar at the back, albeit not extending to the sides like the R2.
For those seeking a sportier experience, the R3X, a performance-oriented variant, offers design tweaks that set it apart. The launch event showcased an R3X with a vibrant teal paint job and orange accents, creating a striking visual impact. Overall, the R3X is envisioned as a rally-inspired version of the R3.
The interior of the R3 presents interesting design choices. Unlike the R1S or R1T, it features dual glove boxes for front storage and a large front-facing display for infotainment purposes. A large glass roof enhances the sense of spaciousness within the cabin. The car door accommodates a large water bottle and houses Rivian’s signature flashlight. The R3X maintains the same overall interior design as the standard R3, but with sportier seats and a more colorful aesthetic.
Rivian’s signature infotainment system is expected to be integrated into the R3, offering a well-designed user experience. However, CarPlay and Android Auto support remain unavailable. The extent of driver-assist technology in the R3 is currently unclear. While the R2 boasts the ability to drive autonomously on highways, it’s uncertain if the R3 will inherit this feature.
Performance details are still under wraps. The R3 will be available with three powertrain options: single-motor rear-wheel drive, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and tri-motor all-wheel drive. The R3X will exclusively feature the tri-motor configuration. Expectations are high for a rapid acceleration, especially in the more powerful variants. Rivian is positioning the R3X as a performance-oriented vehicle, facing stiff competition in the EV space.
While the exact range of the Rivian R3 remains unknown, the car shares the same platform as the R2 but with a smaller battery. Rivian’s history of prioritizing range in its vehicles leads to expectations of at least 300 miles for even the base models. Charging capabilities are anticipated to be robust, with support for the North American Charging Standard, allowing compatibility with Tesla Superchargers. An 80% charge in under 30 minutes is anticipated, though precise figures are yet to be confirmed.
Pricing for the Rivian R3 is yet to be finalized, but it’s confirmed to be more affordable than the R2. This means a starting price below $45,000, which is already competitive for a modern EV. Hopeful aspirations place the starting price around $35,000, with the R3X commanding a higher price. The R3 is slated for release shortly after the R2, which is projected to reach customers in the first half of 2026. However, a 2026 release for the R3 seems unlikely, with 2027 being a more realistic timeline. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has confirmed that the R3X will precede the standard R3.
The Rivian R3’s eligibility for the federal EV tax credit is currently uncertain, given the rapid changes in the credit program. While Rivian has stated that the R2 qualifies for the full $7,500 tax credit, the R3’s status remains unpredictable.
Desirable features for the Rivian R3 include a range of at least 300 miles across all variants, both the most affordable and the most powerful. Ideally, the highest-range models would achieve closer to 350 miles. Regarding pricing, a realistic aspiration is a base model price in the $35,000 range. The R3X, being a performance-focused model, could reasonably be priced around $45,000, similar to the R2. However, these are mere speculations, and the actual price of the R3 remains to be seen.
