The young American electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian recently unveiled two new models which will seek to generate more sales volume through more attractive price ranges. Based on the manufacturer’s new “intermediate” platform, the R2 and R3 promise a lot, in a smaller format, to expand the brand’s sandbox.
The R2 thus presents itself with dimensions similar to those of an Audi Q5. It is therefore 386 mm shorter, 296 mm lower and 109 mm narrower than an R1S, the only SUV currently marketed by Rivian. The brand has not detailed the dimensions of the R3, but the first published photos suggest that it would slot into the heart of the subcompact SUV segment.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RIVIAN
The Rivian R2 comes in dimensions similar to those of an Audi Q5.
The mechanical angle of the offer has not yet been really exposed, apart from the fact that Rivian will offer rear-wheel drive configurations as well as full-wheel drive units consisting of two and three motors. The most powerful versions promise 0-97 km/h in 3 seconds and we are aiming for a maximum range of 482 km.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RIVIAN
The interior of the Rivian R2
The brand specifies that the R2 will be marketed with a starting price of US$45,000, or around CAN$61,000. This is significantly less than the starting livery of the R1S which is sold for $112,500 in Canada. The North American launch sequence for these models will begin in the first half of 2026.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RIVIAN
Rivian did not detail the dimensions of the R3, but the first published photos suggest that it would slot into the heart of the subcompact SUV segment.
The manufacturer, which has only one store in Canada – in Vancouver – and barely three service points, will therefore have time to expand its footprint in the country before their arrival. Automotive News Canada reported in November that the brand wanted to begin delivery of its R1S and R1T in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec early in 2024. Job offers for Montreal were still visible on its website at the time of writing these lines.