Rivian R2 unveiled at $45,000 price alongside cheaper Rivian R3 line with Golf Country looks

While Rivian's financials aren't a rosy picture at the moment, with Elon Musk trolling it with bankruptcy predictions, the company just unveiled its first EVs in a sub-$50,000 price tier that might stabilize its revenue and cost structure.

The Rivian R2 will be priced as a direct Tesla Model Y competitor with 300+ miles of range, sub-3 seconds acceleration, and a $45,000 starting tag.

It will ship directly with a NACS port that will allow it to take advantage of Tesla's Supercharger network without an adapter. Hopefully, there will be more powerful piles that will be able to take advantage of the R2's 800V fast charging architecture by then.

The Rivian R2 comes with a panoramic view and even a powered rear window. All of its 5 seats can lie flat, too, for all of the stargazing camping comfort available in the first half of 2026 when the R2 will start shipping to those who plunk the $100 reservation fee now.

While the R2 announcement just confirmed its leaked specs and price, Rivian kept a "one more thing" ace up its sleeve, its true mass market R3 line. After the R2, Rivian will apparently start shipping a rugged "rally-inspired" R3X with design that mimics the iconic Volkswagen Golf Country offroader.

That's not all, though, as it will be joined by a Rivian R3 crossover built on the same midrange R2 platform, but more compact and at a much lower price, just like the Tesla Model 2 is expected to be a cheaper, smaller version of the Model Y. Unfortunately, it seems that the NACS port has been moved to the rear like on Tesla cars, but on the passenger side, which may present challenges for plugging into older Superchargers with the shorter cable.

Rivian stayed mum on the R3X and R3 starting price, though, as well as the rest of the specs like range and exact dimensions. CEO RJ Scaringe did post a family photo of all the current and future 5 Rivian electric vehicles that are expected to keep it in business and grow its appeal in all target markets. 

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