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

Abstract

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

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

That, in fact, is the massive catch with Rivian in 2025. You are spending not less than $71,700 on an R1T, and much more on an R1S — far more than the typical American can afford. The corporate is aiming to convey costs again right 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 definitely be the R3. That is regardless of the R2 nominally being the higher car on paper, as I will clarify.

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1

The pricing is extra affordable

A perennial problem of EVs

Rivian

You have been most likely anticipating this level, nevertheless it’s nonetheless price making. The R2 ought to be comparatively reasonably priced 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 most likely should promote for lower than $40,000. Some predictions have put the worth nearer to $35,000, not way more than the most affordable American EVs.

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

Even when cash is flowing, I desire 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 means for me to get my household and cargo from A to B. I am keen to spend somewhat 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 house of the R2, and I definitely do not want the flexibility to fold down the entrance seats for a sleepover.

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2

A compact crossover fits me

Greater is not all the time higher

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Having been inside a couple of, I’ve lengthy felt that almost all pickups and SUVs are too massive to be sensible, cargo advantages apart. Sitting greater within the cabin, I really feel disconnected from the street, they usually could make parking a severe problem. Again after I lived in Austin, I used to park on the road or in out of doors heaps for some concert events — and I had a hell of a time doing that with a Honda Match or Nissan Leaf generally, by no means thoughts selecting a mid-sized SUV. Cadillac Escalade house owners should be masochists.

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

Being a compact crossover, the R3 is a lot better suited to my life-style than the R2. That features caring for it at dwelling. Right here in Edmonton, it is an absolute should to maintain an EV inside in the course of the winter if you’re not driving. The R2 would most likely be too massive to slot in my single-car storage, whereas the R3 not less than has a hope of becoming in with somewhat room to stroll round.

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

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3

Efficiency will probably be shut sufficient

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

Rivian

Rivian continues to be being cagey on closing specs, for apparent causes, however each the R2 and R3 are slated to be accessible 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 potential that each one trims will break 300 miles — the perfect variations of the R1T and R1S already high 400 (644 kilometers). Rivian would additionally look somewhat 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 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 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 degree. Each the R2 and R3 borrow design cues from the R1 sequence — to me, although, the R2 appears somewhat an excessive amount of just like the R1S, which in flip appears like a boxy, generic SUV aside from its tires and headlights. Be aware 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 simply could not get from rival SUV makers.

I would wish to see Rivian push its design additional, however that is most likely 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 reality, 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” facet of its autos, and outdated hatchbacks definitely evoke photographs of 20-somethings hitting the seaside or happening a tenting journey. There is a cause one in all its promo photographs prominently options surfboards jutting out the again — even if most People reside nowhere close to a surfable tide.

I would wish to see Rivian push its design additional, however that is most likely 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.