4 causes I desire a Rivian R3 as an alternative of the R2

Abstract

Above all, the Rivian R3 looks like a extra financially sound resolution, particularly since I do not want that a lot cargo area.
The R3’s compact measurement is best for metropolis and storage parking, whereas additionally preserving drivers nearer to the street.
Its model feels rather less generic to me, although different opinions are legitimate.

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 ultimate if you need American-made 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, after all, is the large catch with Rivian in 2025. You are taking a look at spending at the 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.

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1

The pricing is extra cheap

A perennial problem of EVs

Rivian

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 provided any specifics but, however for the hole to be significant, the R3 will in all probability should promote for lower than $40,000. Some predictions have put the value nearer to $35,000, not way more than the most cost effective American EVs.

It is simply plain sensible to attenuate your money owed, and for me, a automotive is usually a method for me to get my household and cargo from A to B.

Even when cash is flowing, I favor to be cautious when shopping for a automotive. It is simply plain sensible to attenuate your money owed, and for me, a automotive is usually a method for me to get my household and cargo from A to B. I am prepared 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 power to fold down the entrance seats for a sleepover.

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2

A compact crossover fits me

Greater 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 huge to be sensible, cargo advantages apart. Sitting greater within the cabin, I really feel disconnected from the street, they usually could make parking a critical problem. Again after I lived in Austin, I used to park on the road or in outside tons for some live shows — 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 have to be masochists.

Bigger pickups and SUVs make me really feel disconnected from the street, and might doubtlessly make parking a critical problem.

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

Front quarter view of the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid.

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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 remaining specs, for apparent causes, however each the R2 and R3 are slated to be out there in single-, dual-, and tri-motor configurations. You will additionally have the ability to prime 300 miles (483 kilomters) of vary with higher battery configurations. By the point they’re able to roll, it is potential that every one trims will break 300 miles — the most effective variations of the R1T and R1S already prime 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 exhausting to think about the R2 being dramatically higher than the R3. It ought to — in concept — have extra room for a bigger battery, however that might 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 fashionable

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 degree. Each the R2 and R3 borrow design cues from the R1 sequence — to me, although, the R2 seems a bit an excessive amount of just like the R1S, which in flip seems like a boxy, generic SUV aside from its tires and headlights. Notice that I did not say the R2 and R1S are ugly. Relatively, there’s simply nothing to get enthusiastic about on the surface that you just could not get from rival SUV makers.

I might wish 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.

The R3’s sloped rear hatch provides it a little bit of retro aptitude. In truth, it jogs my memory a little bit of the Plymouth Horizon my mother and father owned after I was child, and I will guess this was deliberate on Rivian’s half. The corporate actually desires to promote us the “journey” side of its autos, and previous hatchbacks actually evoke photographs of 20-somethings hitting the seaside or happening a tenting journey. There is a cause one among its promo photographs prominently options surfboards jutting out the again — although most Individuals stay nowhere close to a surfable tide.

I might wish 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 potential to strip down the Rivian platform any additional.