Rivian, the electric vehicle startup, has revealed its latest offerings: the R2 and R3 SUVs. These models are aimed at providing more affordable options to consumers compared to Rivian's current lineup, which includes the R1T truck and R1S pickup. The R2 SUV will be priced starting at around $45,000 and will be available for purchase in early 2026. The R3, which will be even cheaper, has not yet had its pricing disclosed. Both SUVs will be smaller in size compared to Rivian's existing models.

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The R2 and R3 SUVs will be smaller than the R1T and R1S, with the R2 roughly the length of a Chevrolet Equinox. Additionally, neither the R2 nor the R3 will have a third row of seats, unlike the larger R1S. This sets the R1S apart from other electric SUVs, as most of them can only accommodate up to five passengers. The R2 and R3's smaller size makes them more maneuverable and suitable for urban driving.

The R2 and R3 SUVs will be available in single-motor versions with rear-wheel drive, as well as all-wheel-drive versions with either two or three motors. Rivian claims that the three-motor versions will be capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds. When equipped with larger optional battery packs, both SUVs will have a range of over 300 miles on a full charge. They will be compatible with Tesla's NACS chargers and the industry-standard CCS chargers.

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Rivian will face competition from other automakers in the EV market, such as Kia, Hyundai, and Volkswagen's new Scout EV brand. However, Rivian differentiates itself by offering off-road capable vehicles, which is a unique feature among electric SUVs. The company also has plans to open a second factory in Georgia, although the timeline for this expansion has been postponed. Despite the introduction of the R2 and R3 SUVs, Rivian's 2024 sales are not expected to increase significantly from the previous year.