Rivian R3X Is A Rally-Inspired Crossover EV Designed For Maximum Fun

Yesterday, electric truck maker Rivian held an event in Laguna Beach where they unveiled the R2, their all-new midsize SUV. It’s basically a smaller version of the R1S, nothing too exciting there. But then, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe surprised the crowd by saying “one more thing”, and pulling the covers off of the Rivian R3, a midsize crossover that nobody even knew about.

Riding on the same midsize platform as the R2, the R3 is small in size but delivers big in terms of performance, off-road capability, passenger comfort, and storage. It also promises to be more affordable, coming in below the R2’s $45,000 starting price, making Rivian vehicles more accessible to more people.

But wait, there’s more! As if the surprise R3 wasn’t enough, Scaringe dropped yet another “one more thing” and introduced the world to the rally-inspired Rivian R3X performance variant, which naturally whipped the internet into a frenzy of surprise, delight, and excitement. Oh damn, I most definitely did not see that one coming!

Looking at the Rivian R3X reminds me of Group B rally cars like the Lancia Delta Integrale or Audi Quattro, a cross between a serious off-roader and a hot hatch. Think of it like an all-electric Subaru WRX STI or Golf R, but with more of a rally slant, and you can understand the appeal of this rugged little EV.

While Rivian didn’t reveal too many details about the R3 and R3X, here’s what we do know. Its wheelbase is about 5 inches shorter than the R2, which is already a good deal smaller than the larger R1S. To put that into perspective, it’s basically the size of a Volkswagen Golf, but with more storage and interior space since it’s an EV with a frunk (front trunk) and flat floor.

Like the R2, the R3 will come with three motor variants (Single-Motor RWD, Dual-Motor AWD, and Tri-Motor) and two different battery size options (the larger one pushing it past 300 miles of range). Performance should be blistering, with a 0-60 time of 3.0 seconds. And in R3X form, you get more ground clearance, bigger wheels, and higher performance. This former Subaru WRX owner is foaming at the mouth over this bad boy!

“I have never been more excited to launch new products – R2 and R3 are distinctly Rivian in terms of performance, capability, and usability, yet with pricing that makes them accessible to a lot of people,” said Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. “Our design and engineering teams are extremely focused on driving innovation into not only the product features but also our approach to manufacturing to achieve dramatically lower costs. R2 provides buyers starting in the $45,000 price range with a much-needed choice with a thoroughly developed technology platform that is bursting with personality. I can’t wait to get these to customers.”

Unfortunately, we’ve got awhile to wait for the Rivian R3 and R3X. The R2 isn’t scheduled to ship until at least 2026, with the R3/R3X to come after that. Two years is a LONG time in the world of EVs, and Rivian is still a niche player with low volume sales. Will they go the way of Fisker, or can they weather the storm and continue to grow? Only time will tell.

Here’s hoping that they do make it, as Rivian does seem to be marching to the beat of their own drum, and it’s nice to see something outside of the norm. And seeing from the reactions over the R3X so far, they’re clearly onto something here!

What do you think of the rally-inspired Rivian R3X?