Around two years after it was first revealed, Rivian is finally about to start delivering the first units of the R2, its more affordable compact SUV that aims to take the startup from niche luxury player to a true Tesla competitor. When Rivian originally showed the R2 back in 2024, the automaker unveiled an even smaller EV called the R3, which drew plenty of interest for styling that evoked old-school hatchbacks. Now, The Drive reports that the R3X performance variant is not too far away.
The Drive sat down with Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe for an interview on the website’s The Drivecast podcast, and Scaringe confirmed that the company is still working on the R3X. When it was shown alongside the regular R3 in 2024, Scaringe said that the .When the subcompact EVs were revealed two years ago, we expected them to arrive for the 2027 model year, but it seems we will have to wait a little longer.
“Rivian has a really clear idea on timeline,” Scaringe told The Drive. “We just haven’t announced it yet.” Still, while Scaringe wouldn’t give an official launch date, he gave a good idea of when to expect the R3X. “It’s a couple of years away,” he divulged.
That probably means at least two years, leading us to expect production to start sometime in 2028, with the R3X likely going on sale for the 2029 model year. That aligns with the expected timeline for production to begin at Rivian’s new factory that it’s building near Atlanta, Georgia. The plant is expected to have a capacity of 300,000 vehicles per year and will build both the R2 and R3.
The R3X and R3 share a platform with the R2 but feature a wheelbase that is about five inches shorter. The prototype Rivian showed in 2024 had a rear window that could open independently from the rear hatch and seats that could fold flat to create a bed. The R3X will feature a tri-motor setup, while the regular R3 is expected to offer both single- and dual-motor powertrains.
Other upgrades for the R3X include wider tires and higher ground clearance. Pricing is still to be determined, but with Rivian targeting a $46,985 starting price for the entry-level R2 coming next year, we expect the R3 to start in the mid-$30,000 range and the R3X to cost at least $45,000. Still, a lot can change in the next couple of years.