- Rivian has revealed the R3 and R3X that will enter the company’s lineup in the next few years, likely as 2027 models.
- The subcompact Rivian R3 shares a platform with the R2 model that was also revealed today, but its wheelbase is five inches shorter.
- The Rivian R3X is sportier and geared more towards adventure than the regular R3, with three electric motors, wider wheels and tires, and higher ground clearance.
Rivian today not only unveiled the eagerly anticipated R2 SUV, but it also surprised everyone including us by introducing the smaller R3 and R3X models. The duo share the same platform as the larger R2, but they are said to have a wheelbase about five inches shorter. They also will be positioned as entry-level models when they reach production sometime in the next few years, like as 2027 models.
The Rivian R3 has the company’s familiar face and smooth body panels. The wheels are pushed out to the corners and the rear overhang is extremely short. The power-operated rear hatch features a full-width taillight as well as smaller section that contains the rear glass that opens independently, which Rivian suggests is useful for people who have to haul longer items like surfboards.
Since the R3 is based on the R2, it’ll likely offer the same drivetrain configurations and battery-pack options. Expect the R3 to have an estimated driving range of over 300 miles and the ability to charge from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. Customers should also have a choice between either a single electric motor powering the rear wheels or dual motors that constitute all-wheel drive. We know that a three-motor setup is offered on the more rugged R3X.
The R3X model is essentially a beefier version of the R3. It features the tri-motor powertrain from the highest-output Rivian R2. The R3X also has wider wheels and tires and a higher ground clearance than the regular R3. We dig the X’s teal paint job that also includes orange accents on the exterior side mirrors and the front tow hooks. The tires have more aggressive tread than its sibling, and the wheels have an ’80s rally-car aesthetic.
Inside, they give off Italian vibes with the ribbed seats. There’s also a large glass roof that helps make the cabin feel airer, and just like in the standard R3, the R3X’s front and rear seats fold flat. That’s perfect for providing a makeshift sleeping area.
We don’t yet have pricing on the 2027 Rivian R3 or R3X, but they’ll definitely cost less than the larger R2 model. We wouldn’t be surprised if the R3 starts between $35K–$40K and the R3X starts somewhere between $45K–$55K.
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.