Rivian R3 and R3X debut as electric hot hatches

At the debut of the R2 electric SUV, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe pulled a Steve Jobs-like 'one more thing' moment.

Right after the R2 rolled onto stage, Scaringe introduced its smaller, sportier sibling, the R3, along with a performance variant named R3X.

Details on the R3 are still limited, but its design certainly makes a statement.

Rivian R3X

Sitting lower and with a squatter stance than the R2, the R3 is 5.0 inches shorter and resembles a hot hatch. In 2018, Scaringe hinted that the automaker's third vehicle would be a rally car-like model.

The front of the R3 shares similarities with the R2, thanks to the automaker's trademark lighting signature. The roofline tapers into a rear hatch with proportions that are not as squared off, resembling a Subaru Outback Wilderness version of a Volkswagen Golf.

Rivian R3

The rear hatch opens like a traditional hatchback but conceals a neat trick. The glass can open separately from the hatch, a feature Rivian calls Flipper Glass, allowing long items, such as surfboards, to fit within the R3's compact footprint.

Rivian's packaging innovation extends to the R3 with dual glove boxes, fully flat folding first and second-row seats, and a spacious front trunk for secure storage.

The simple dashboard features a digital gauge cluster and a large touchscreen that houses most vehicle controls.

The R3X will feature cork and anodized metal in its cabin, while on the outside, it has rally-style wheels, although it remains unclear if it will be a performance variant.

Rivian R3

The R3 will be built on the same skateboard chassis as the R2 with 4695-style battery cells. Power outputs haven't been released yet, but we know the R3 will be available with a single rear motor, dual motors with one at each axle, and a tri-motor powertrain with one motor in front and two on the rear axle. Given the R3's performance intent, it will likely feature at least the dual-motor powertrain, if not the tri-motor setup. Rivian has stated that the R3X will have more dynamic capabilities both on-road and off.

Rivian has committed to the Tesla NACS charge port, and the R3 is expected to have its charge port on the passenger-side rear fender like the R2. CCS charging will likely work via an adapter. Rivian claims it will charge from 10-80% in about 30 minutes on a fast charger.

Rivian plans to equip both the R3 and R2 with five radar units and 11 cameras as part of its active safety technology suite.

While the R2 will go into production in Normal, Illinois in 2026, it is unclear where and when the R3 will be built. However, Rivian has confirmed that it will cost less than the R2, which starts at $45,000.