FIRST LOOK: Rivian R2 (and R3!) | $45k Tesla Model Y Slayer
Not one, not two, but three new Rivian electric crossovers have just been unveiled.
Up first (and expected) is the R2, a shrunken follow-up to the full-size R1T and R1S that originally launched the Rivian brand. It’s the first vehicle on their new ‘mid-size’ platform, so think of it as Rivian’s Tesla Model Y rival. It’ll come in single-, dual- and tri-motor forms, with pricing from around $45,000 when deliveries kick off in the first half of 2026. It’ll eventually make its way to Europe, too.
The surprises at the launch event in California, USA were the R3 and R3X. Also built on the new platform, they’re smaller again than the R2 and are more akin to raised-up hatchbacks. We won’t see them until at least 2027, but the R3 should come in under $40,000, while the R3X is the performance version, with a tri-motor set-up for 0-62mph in under three seconds.
It's a lot to take in, not least for Top Gear Magazine’s editor-in-chief, Jack Rix, who got a sneak peek of the R2, R3 and R3X ahead of the official unveil. Join him for a breathless tour of what lies ahead for Rivian.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Rivian R2
03:24 Rivian R2 Interior
06:04 Rivian R3
07:44 Rivian R3X
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Which one would you choose: R2, R3 or R3X?
R3
SUV = 🥱
R3X
It’s giving me major golf country 4x4 vibes 😂
R3x. It makes me think of a Lancia Delta.
The R3 looks retro in a fresh way. I like it.
Its giving Ioniq 5 vibes, but in a rounder way
and i love the design of it.
Retro-modern.
Its just a house brick, its truly awful. Love the super daft oversized wheels ... Yuk!
The R3 looks like a MKI Golf. Not a bad thing.
I said the same thing when I saw it. I love it!
Like a Mix between Golf1 and a hint of Fiat Ritmo
THATS WHAT I THOUGHTTT
it also gives me honda E vibes
A bit of Lada Niva or Lancia Delta
I work at Rivian and everyone was very excited to finally show these
Tell them the R3X is adorbs.
Simply beautiful!
wouldn't mind if Rivian push R3 in production before R2 lol.
I work at Tesla…so jealous of Rivans design. I’d chose an r3 over a model y with free fsd any day
Well done keeping this a secret so awesome
The R3x looks like it would be a killer rally car.
Yes, and it's 3 motors.
Going to see it zipping around PNW forest roads just like Crosstreks
Wow. That's unexpected and a lot. Sounds promising.@@aaronliu4924
Way too heavy. Weight is the enemy on loose surfaces even more so than on tarmac. WRC cars weigh
It’s like if 1970s boxy design and futuristic tech had a baby. ❤
Exactly. It brings back that passion my generation had for the Bronco and Scout. The good news is you don't have to spend double the price trying to customize or upgrade it, it's ready to use. I'm loving the R3X.
It's the car Buck Rogers would drive.
It reminds me of a Lada Niva
@@Whatdumb The American Lada owners club could hold a meeting in a very small room 😂
a perfect combination
The R3 was unexpected
I don't care much about the R2 but if they manage to produce the R3 & R3X, it would be a best seller. Bring back the hatchbacks, budget & rally.
Everyone wants a Midsize though the RS2 will sell like hot cakes especially if they keep the $7500 EV credit . A lease could be in the low $400 a month for sub 4 second car with 300 + miles.
it will be 2027 until the R3, R3X will be in production. BY then the company will be bankrupt
@@trustandbelieve9173 Dude, not in Europe. If you want a small car (because everything else doesn't make sense in EU cities) then the R3X is really compelling.
R3X looks like an old VW Golf/Rabbit, I like it!
Lancia Delta Integrale vibes with the R3.
Except for the Rivian front, which somehow doesn't gel with the rest of the R3.
The R3x speaks to me in a way no electric car has so far. If I’m in the market when it goes on sale it’s going on my short list
Okey gay head.
I reserved one. I am REALLY praying that this skyrockets the company to where they need to be. Such a deserving company.
Love the retro looks of the R3!
That R3 is going to look amazing in black.
And very gay
@andreasI4507…. I don’t exactly agree with you but your comment was funny as hell. Made me laugh
Love the R3X. I'm having a great time with my R1S. And I am infatuated with this brand!
Holy crap, the passenger seat folds flat! That's a common feature you see in a lot of tiny Japanese cars, but never here in the states. I've always wondered why big work trucks and SUVs never did that.
Both front seats fold flat. Double bed. And with the roof tent, sleep four easily…
I've had several American cars with flat- fold seats. Even better, Stow and Go!
5:31 even if pre production: it’s all fun and games until you hear that door closing sound.
That was bone jarring 😮
The window down and a bit loose in the door
nice catch, haha that was scary
Preproduction 🤷♂️
My R1S sounds nothing like that. In fact the waterproofing and fit make it a very satisfying door close. I expect production versions will be the same on these.
So stoked for the R2 and R3/R3X and so stoked for Rivian and their world recognition. Been a fan since the beginning, happy to be an ambassador
I'm probably one of very few people who has driven a rivian r1t in the UK they are amazing vehicles. When the R3 comes to the UK I will be after one
The R3X looks like proper fun. Man I already want to throw it around on a dirt track
I’d honestly pick up a R3/R3X over any other electric car as my first EV. Honestly love the designs of Rivians. Imma buy some Rivian stocks now haha.
...being a big Tesla fan, I'm very happy to see this nice advancement for Rivian. I have an R2 on order already. Love the size, price and adventure readiness. Here is the big thing. Rivian is having a tough time as a company and has not made a profit yet. This moment reminds me of when Tesla introduced the model 3, which turned the company around nicely and made them profitable. I'm really really hoping the R2 and R3 do the same for Rivian. I have a feeling it will. ....time to invest in Rivian again at bargain basement prices. RJ just needs to get their manufacturing process tightened and the new plant back on track.
r3 looks awesome
They have indicator stalks... take my money!
and front dash and parking sensors. The big things that stop me from getting a tesla.
What's wrong with that?
@@omphiledirero5622 New Tesla Model 3 is eliminating turn signal stalk, it's now buttons on the wheel.. Why do that? The wheel rotates, so the turn signal location is always changing. I'm also assuming they removed the gear lever stalk that also works with the auto pilot, so yet another button to find while the steering wheel moves about.. Also the windshield wiper button on the turn signal stalk must have also been relocated. I bet it's now some scroll wheel option instead of a quick button press, especially when you only need a wipe or two.
@@marcusdamberger hey I really don't understand what you talking about,I have never been inside of a Tesla 🤣🤣never seen one,but after reading your explanation I'm assuming that everything is on the steering wheel..unlike traditional cars??where indicators are on the side???I iDrive a 2012 Cruze,so I'm not so familiar with the lastest car models.Thanks for taking your time to reply,I really appreciate it.
@@omphiledirero5622 Tesla started with stalks behind the steering wheel that control wipers, turn signals, and putting the car in gear; however, starting a few years ago with the Model S, they removed the stalks and started putting those functions on either touch-buttons on the steering wheel or on the touch screen itself. Cybertruck has that 'feature', along with the Model X, and the newly refreshed Model 3. The Model Y is the only Tesla you can still get with stalks, and not for much longer! I have a 2018 Model 3 and a 2023 Rivian R1T because of stupid things like removing the stalks. Tesla's mantra of the "the best part is no part" has been taken too far. They have stopped caring what the customer wants and are now in the business of innovation for the sake of innovation. Rivian pays attention to what is usable - I far prefer my Rivian to my Tesla.
If rivian survives financially and can get that Georgia plant up and running these will sell like crazy IMO. I’ve driven I think 5 EVs all from different companies and so far the rivians have felt the most high end. Everything is solid. No creaky plastics or cheap materials. I will absolutely purchase that R3x if it’s under 65k
Was thinking the same thing. I have a reservation on the R2 (I’m in a hatchback now and looking for more space), but I can see the R3 selling like hot cakes.
If the r3x comes in under $40k that would be amazing
no way with the tri motor, try atleast 70-100k
R3 base RWD, maybe. Not the R3X. That thing is going to be a rally beast. Tri Motor Sub 3 second. I would guess $70k as it is fully optioned in terms of battery size and motors and probably different suspension than R3 as well.
it will proobably cost them 120K to make and they will sell to you 70K. 50K lose on each car. THis company will go bankrupt soon
ford probably gonna buy it@@pitech4446
I want a Rivian the size of a Crosstrek. I just want a cute lil AWD hatch with the cute headlights
That would be the R3X. But way better looking.
@LuxOnFiyah > I just want a cute lil AWD hatch with the cute headlights I just want a car with a 10,000 mile range which it can accomplish with 3-5 minute recharging events every 300-odd miles, even in winter with heating and heated seats on, or in summer with the A/C on full blast. Is that too much to ask?
Im waiting for the loaded version with sentient AI self driving, the R2D2
Same 😊
Love the look of the R3. Retro modern. Still looks like a Rivian, and yet something else entirely. Betting it'll be super fun to drive.
That R3 looks like an old school hot hatch, I'm super interested!
Very MK1 Golf from the rear 3/4 view. Liking that...
Omg...that that little R3 X is admazing! Not only is it stunningly beautiful but the specs are out of this world. That's my car!
R3 looks more retro and i like the design.
R3x is fantastic. Spectacular design. Exactly what I’ve been wanting in an ev.
R3 has Mk1 Gold vibes from at the rear. R2 is the love child of a Bronco and Grand Cherokee
The R3 is giving early Fiat Panda styling vibes, but as a 4 door. Very similar rear hatch shape, very similar side line for the hood, and I'd say not the same, but similar bumper designs. I personally find it more interesting and better looking than the R2, or really either of the two current Rivian models.
R3 rear gives me mk1 golf vibes. Love it!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, stop calling every single EV a "Tesla rival"
It's just publicity stunt
Why? Tesla is the largest EV OEM in the western hemisphere. Any brand that comes out with an EV will always be compared to Tesla, for better or worse.
@@enda0man with that logic every ICE car should be called a "Toyota rival"
Why not? Tesla are the standard for EV's just like how the Ford F150 is the standard for pick up trucks.
@@yissibiiyte thankfully, not every car is a Toyota rival. These EVs are Tesla rivals.
RIVIAN is hitting some real home runs here! Im ready to throw my money at a R3X right now!!!
In love with that R2, thanks for bringing it into the UK
love both. well done Rivian. can't wait to drive both.
Lada Niva reimagined = Rivian R3 This is arguably the best looking Ev right now
@amwajameen > Lada Niva reimagined = Rivian R3 > This is arguably the best looking Ev right now And in the red corner, the Rimac Concept One.
I really like both the R2 and R3, but when I saw the R3, I was like, "I'm sorry, Tesla, WHO!?" I love it!
The R3 looks amazing!
That rear on the R3 is giving me Brubaker vibes. LOVE IT
Im gonna choose R3X, because is a offroad version of R3.I love it!
R3 is the greatest car release in the last 20 years.
😂😂😂 The greatest joke the last 20 years.
@@beehappy7797 what about it is a joke?
That R3 looks amazing. Something about modern, smaller electric cars is just so cool. Honda E being the best example. Love it
The Honda e is a joke though. vene if it looks good.
R3 Trunk is like my 3 Series Touring. I love it!
Shut up and take my money! (I may not have enough though)
The way that everyone is getting priced out of homes, the car camping feature will come in handy
congrats on 8.88 Million Subs!
These are gorgeous. I hope hey make it for years to come.
R3 is giving soviet Lada Niva vibes😅
R3 is my dream car, love the size and the box shape design! Can't wait!
Beautiful interior.
2026! If Rivian is still around.
nice we found a human with common sense in the section
That R3 boot 🤩 It's design is Golf 1-ish. like much.
i love the design language of Rivian, and the R3 is just a cool mix of futuristic and retro. Strong VW Golf vibe on the back. Nice.
I know someone who's getting the R2!!!! Thanks for sharing
Rear end of R2 looks a lot like the end of the Land Rover Discovery
really hard to care about anything that delivers in 2026
More a concept car. Could be bust by then
R3 is looking 🔥 Also love how the door handle on R2 kept sticking out 😅
Sick dude!
For shareholders, the only thing that matters is profit. And guess what? Rivian loses on every car they sell. This is true with more expensive models, which implies higher margins. And will be even more true with these smaller cheaper ones and with even narrower margins. I love their cars and especially their design language. But I wouldn't buy their shares at even a fraction of the current price because they just can't get the business side of things right. And before anyone says something stupid, this is not exclusive to Rivian. ALL manufacturers still can't profit from EVs except Tesla. Hopefully they will all find a way. The more competition, the better!
The best part about it being $45k is it absolutely won't be $45k
For the reservation holders at least, they delivered on price with R1.
The R3X is a LITTLE bit like a re-imagined Lancia Delta Integrale...or could be with a few changes. Definitely has some excellent potential as a 2027/8 hot (big) hatch.
Looks amazing!
I would wager that it's quite a dangerous thing to solidify the spec in 2024 for an EV that's due to be released in 2027. So much will have changed by then that it'll be outdated before it even hits the road.
Very nice !
6:47 that short overhang is impressive.
r3x looks amazing
Absolutely love the look. My favourite car is the mark1 golf and the r3 reminds me of it. Bring them to Europe!
Just love it can't wait for R3 and to hopefully get it here in Europe ❤😊😊
As a Tesla owner, I love both these models and I think Rivian nailed the design. If they can get profitable, i will definitely be buying one of these two - likely the R2.
R2 looks like an XJ Cherokee and I’m here for it!
Simply elegant
Wow good job Rivian, not bad. I like the first one.
Like these for sure!
Love the R3 rear.
I worked on the R2! So cool to see Top Gear talk about it.
Charge port is on the right for curb side charging which Rivian sees as the future. Won’t be a problem with V4 chargers which have longer cables
Massive GOLF 1st generation inspiration for the R3! but.... I LOVE IT!!!
R3 looks epic
Glad hatchbacks are coming back
R3 looks like a mixture of Amc Gremlin and Pacer 😂
@CenturyVox > R3 looks like a mixture of Amc Gremlin and Pacer 😂 Oh be fair - it's not *that* ugly.
Is it just me or @2:00 the light bar and edges around back glass not line up with the rear quarter panel. Not sure why my eye caught that but I cant unsee it once I did. Maybe just needs a slight adjustment.
Yeah, it's quite a glaring fault. But I guess it only a pre-production issue. And Jack was probably too jetlagged to notice heh
The R3 and R3X remind me of a modern-day Lada Niva 4x4. They're very cool looking!
timeless MK1 Golf with a new front end and big wheels. I like it.
the R3 !!!! looks like frim an other era you know Golf mark 1 era yess please and thank you
Was excited about the R2 but the R3 was a surprise and may be what I'm looking for instead. Would be interested to see the dimension and the space for car camping.
Can’t wait for these cars to go on sale. Very promising products, that will, hopefully, help to the brand to grow and sell more cars.
R3X is awesome 👍🏻
R3 makes me think of the Honda E. Love these modern, retro cars.
It will be very popular among moms and women. My wife says the car looks very cute. 😂
Super cool hyper luxury piece of kit, but brother, I hope they decide to recreate the Cien concept, maybe in super-performance hybrid form. Thanks, Ollie! Awesome, interesting look at something completely different.
The R3 Looks like a lada from the side🔥
That R3X is it! It is the first EV I truly covet. I reckon it wont hit Australian roads for at least 4 years (if it ever does) and I'll be scrimping and saving, starting now!
Is the R2 the size of a Fisker Ocean?
The R3 hatch reminds me of my BMW wagon