Rivian R3/R3X features, specifications, price and release date.

Rivian R3 is EV maker Rivian’s smallest SUV yet. The 2027 R3 takes the shape of a tall hatchback with meaty tires and some ground clearance. Details are murky, but at the R3’s reveal event, Rivian announced that it will ride on the same platform as the compact R2 SUV and that a performance-oriented R3X model will be included in the lineup as well. Single-, dual-, and tri-motor configurations are likely along with two different battery sizes. The largest battery should provide an estimated driving range of over 300 miles. The interior design is similar to other Rivian models, mixing rugged and upscale elements. The R3’s front and rear seats can also fold flat to accommodate car-camping adventures. Rivian will likely open order books closer to the R3’s launch date, with online deposits likely required to secure a spot in line. When the R3 and R3X go on sale, they’ll compete with similarly sized EV SUVs such as the Kia EV6 and the Volvo EX30.

Rivian R3 release date

The R3 and R3X models will be new additions to the Rivian lineup. We expect to see production start sometime in late 2026 or early 2027.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2027 Rivian R3 is expected to start around $37,000 and go up to $47,000 depending on the trim and options.

The higher-performance R3X tugs at our car-enthusiast heartstrings, but it’s the standard model that’s likely to offer the longest driving range. Rivian hasn’t announced pricing for either model yet, and we don’t have details on what features will be standard or optional. When we find out more, we’ll update this story with more details.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Rivian hasn’t released official specs for the R3 and R3X’s batteries yet, but we suspect they will be available with two different-sized packs—Standard and Large—with varying driving ranges depending on the powertrain. Since the boxier and slightly larger R2 is said to have an estimated range of over 300 miles per charge, we think it’s possible that the smaller R3 may slightly exceed that figure.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The R3’s cabin appears smaller than that of the boxier R2, and its shorter overall length means cargo capacity isn’t likely to be as generous. Still, the cabin finishings look similar, and the front and rear seats both fold flat like the R2’s to accommodate long items and create a spacious area for car-camping. The model that was used for the R3’s debut featured a large glass roof, sporty-looking seats with ribbed detailing and Rivian’s signature thatch-work floor mats. Storage cubbies dot the interior, and two gloveboxes are incorporated into the dashboard. Plus, there’s a frunk storage area accessed by popping the SUV’s hood.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A large rectangular infotainment display floats just above the surface of the R3’s dashboard. This screen also serves as the sole point of access for controls such as steering-wheel and mirror adjustments and drive-mode selections. The user interface features expandable tiles for individual features with the main options (navigation, media, and climate controls) always available at the bottom of the display. Instead of delving into submenus, options slide out of the side of the tiles to reduce the complexity of the system. Neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto is included. Instead, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless smartphone charging, and Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant are all expected to be standard features.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

All Rivian models come with a generous standard warranty that includes bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles as well as a battery and drivetrain policy that lasts for eight years or 175,000 miles.

Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain warranty covers eight years or 175,000 miles

No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Tags: Electric CarsElectric VehiclesRivian