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When Rivian first revealed its R2 electric SUV on March 7, 2024, it also unveiled the R3 and R3X — two models that were in the works and due out sometime after the R2 was launched. The R3 is a five-door SUV that is expected to be the least expensive model Rivian offers. The R3X variant will target those who want a performance or off-road capable vehicle. The R2 is in production, which means the company can now take the next step in its quest to become a viable mass market manufacturer.
In an interview with The Drive last week, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe confirmed that his company still plans to put the sporty compact SUV into production — probably before the end of the decade. Prices for the new models have not been announced, but Rivian claims the R3 will start at less than the R2’s starting price of around $45,000. Car and Driver this week estimated the price of the R3 at between $37,000 and $47,000.
The R3 and R3X will likely be built at the company’s new manufacturing facility in Atlanta, Georgia, which is expected to be completed in 2028. That factory is being funded in part by the billions of dollars Volkswagen is investing in the company to help it create a glitch-free software platform for its electric cars. There are reports that the Rivian-developed zonal architecture may be made available to other manufacturers.
