Rivian Unveils New Mid-Size Platform

Rivian unveils an all-new midsize platform for the North American market. The platform will launch with three variants: the R2, the R3 and R3X.

The R2 SUV delivers a combination of performance, capability and utility in a five-seat package. The silhouette and face of R2 are distinctly Rivian. The powered rear glass fully drops into the liftgate for carrying all types of gear and enabling a unique open air driving experience. 

The interior is designed for ease of use while being uniquely Rivian through inviting design and premium, sustainable materials, according to the company. R2 features first- and second-row seating that fold completely flat for cargo and car camping.

“I have never been more excited to launch new products – R2 and R3 are distinctly Rivian in terms of performance, capability and usability,” said Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. “Our teams are extremely focused on driving innovation into not only the product features but also manufacturing to achieve dramatically lower costs. R2 provides buyers starting in the $45,000 price range with a much-needed choice with a thoroughly developed technology platform. I can’t wait to get these to customers.”

R3 is a midsize crossover that offers performance, off-road capability, passenger comfort and storage. R3X is a performance variant of R3 offering even more dynamic abilities both on- and off-road. 

R3 demonstrates the scalability of Rivian’s brand across different form factors while continuing to be immediately recognizable.

R2 and R3 will feature two battery sizes. The larger pack will achieve over 300 miles of range on a single charge and offer 0-60-mph acceleration in under 3 seconds for the quickest powertrain configuration.

R2 is expected to start around $45,000, and R3 will be priced below R2, making Rivian vehicles more accessible. Rivian’s teams have been intensely focused on cost through manufacturing, design, and development.

R2 is available to reserve today in the U.S. for $100 with deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2026. R3 and R3X deliveries will start after R2, to ensure a smooth launch of R2 – learning from Rivian’s simultaneous launch of R1T, R1S and EDV. R2, R3, R3X will be available internationally following their North American launch.

Developed to deliver amazing performance, range, and cost efficiency, R2 and R3 were built on an all-new midsize vehicle platform. This platform consolidates parts thanks to intelligent design, including the use of high pressure die castings, a structural battery unit, and closure systems that dramatically reduce complexity. R2 and R3 also utilize Rivian’s drive unit platform and network architecture, computer topology and software stack.

R2 and R3 Highlights

• Three Motor Variants: there will be Single-Motor (RWD), Dual-Motor (AWD), and Tri-Motor (two motors in rear and one in front) configurations, with the quickest configuration delivering 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds. 
• Structural Battery: Utilizes an all-new 4695 cell that offers significant improvements, estimated to deliver over 300 miles of range on a single charge.
• Fast Charging: DC fast charging with both NACS (native) and CCS (with adapter), charging from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. 
• Self Driving: Utilizing 11 cameras, five radars and a more powerful compute platform, R2 and R3 will provide dramatically enhanced autonomous capabilities. 

“Our R1 flagship vehicles served as our handshake with the world – with R2 and R3 our obsessive goal is to stay true to Rivian’s product attributes while making our products more accessible,” said Rivian Chief Design Officer Jeff Hammoud. “Through a tight integration of hardware, software and human-centered design, we designed R2 by building on our inviting and iconic design language.”

R2 Production to be Launched in Normal, Illinois

To enable R2 to be launched earlier and with a considerable reduction in the capital required for its launch, Rivian plans to start production of R2 in its existing Normal, Illinois, manufacturing facility, and has expanded the total capacity for the site to 215,000 units per year.

Rivian’s Georgia plant remains an important part of its strategy to scale production of R2 and R3, according to officials. The timing for resuming construction is expected to be later to focus its teams on the efficient launch of R2 in Normal.