4 causes I need a Rivian R3 as a substitute of the R2

If Rivian is not the electric car maker du jour, it is actually within the operating. Lots of people are flocking away from Tesla, and Rivian’s R1T and R1S are just about excellent if you’d like American-made alternate options to the Cybertruck and Mannequin X. Heck, whereas I keep away from pickup vans as a rule, I might nonetheless gladly think about an R1T if it was a straightforward swing in my finances.

That, in fact, is the large catch with Rivian in 2025. You are taking a look at spending at the very least $71,700 on an R1T, and much more on an R1S — far more than the common American can afford. The corporate is aiming to carry costs again all the way down to Earth with the R2, due in 2026, and the R3, which ought to be out by 2027.

Personally, if I do get one of many new Rivians, it’s going to virtually actually be the R3. That is regardless of the R2 nominally being the higher automobile on paper, as I will clarify.

1

The pricing is extra cheap

A perennial problem of EVs

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You have been in all probability anticipating this level, but it surely’s nonetheless value making. The R2 ought to be comparatively inexpensive for an electrical SUV at $45,000 — however the R3 is slated to be even cheaper. How a lot? Rivian hasn’t supplied any specifics but, however for the hole to be significant, the R3 will in all probability need to promote for lower than $40,000. Some predictions have put the worth nearer to $35,000, not far more than the most affordable American EVs.

Even when cash is flowing, I want to be cautious when shopping for a automotive. It is simply plain sensible to attenuate your money owed, and for me, a automotive is generally a method for me to get my household and cargo from A to B. I am keen to spend a bit extra on applied sciences like an all-electric drivetrain, but when I can get away with the bottom model of that, I’ll. I do not want the cargo area of the R2, and I actually do not want the flexibility to fold down the entrance seats for a sleepover.

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2

A compact crossover fits me

Larger is not at all times higher

Rivian

Having been inside just a few, I’ve lengthy felt that the majority pickups and SUVs are too large to be sensible, cargo advantages apart. Sitting increased within the cabin, I really feel disconnected from the highway, and so they could make parking a severe problem. Again after I lived in Austin, I used to park on the road or in outside heaps for some concert events — and I had a hell of a time doing that with a Honda Match or Nissan Leaf typically, by no means thoughts selecting a mid-sized SUV. Cadillac Escalade homeowners should be masochists.

Being a compact crossover, the R3 is a lot better suited to my life-style than the R2. That features caring for it at residence. Right here in Edmonton, it is an absolute should to maintain an EV inside through the winter while you’re not driving. The R2 would in all probability be too large to slot in my single-car storage, whereas the R3 at the very least has a hope of becoming in with a bit room to stroll round.

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3

Efficiency shall be shut sufficient

Not making an attempt to do a coast-to-coast run, right here

Rivian

Rivian continues to be being cagey on last specs, for apparent causes, however each the R2 and R3 are slated to be obtainable in single-, dual-, and tri-motor configurations. You will additionally be capable of high 300 miles (483 kilomters) of vary with higher battery configurations. By the point they’re able to roll, it is attainable that every one trims will break 300 miles — one of the best variations of the R1T and R1S already high 400 (644 kilometers). Rivian would additionally look a bit weak if it could not beat the Chevy Equinox EV, which will get 319 miles regardless of beginning underneath $34,000.

From a efficiency perspective, it is onerous to think about the R2 being dramatically higher than the R3. It ought to — in principle — have extra room for a bigger battery, however that could possibly be offset by elevated weight. Regardless, I do not want an EV to go a lot previous 300 miles — I might make it from Edmonton to Calgary in January with cost to spare.

I will fear about hitting 400 miles after I’m loopy sufficient to drive all the way back to Texas.

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4

The R3 is definitely extra trendy

Cash does not purchase you style

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That is extraordinarily subjective, however I do discover the R3 extra interesting on an aesthetic stage. Each the R2 and R3 borrow design cues from the R1 collection — to me, although, the R2 seems to be a bit an excessive amount of just like the R1S, which in flip seems to be like a boxy, generic SUV aside from its tires and headlights. Observe that I did not say the R2 and R1S are ugly. Somewhat, there’s simply nothing to get enthusiastic about on the surface that you just could not get from rival SUV makers.

The R3’s sloped rear hatch offers it a little bit of retro aptitude. In truth, it jogs my memory a little bit of the Plymouth Horizon my dad and mom owned after I was child, and I will wager this was deliberate on Rivian’s half. The corporate actually desires to promote us the “journey” facet of its automobiles, and outdated hatchbacks actually evoke photographs of 20-somethings hitting the seashore or occurring a tenting journey. There is a motive one in every of its promo photographs prominently options surfboards jutting out the again — even supposing most Individuals dwell nowhere close to a surfable tide.

I might prefer to see Rivian push its design additional, however that is in all probability going to have to attend for an R3 Gen 2, or possibly an R4 — assuming it is attainable to strip down the Rivian platform any additional.

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