Cheaper than flagship models and with the R4 model upcoming: Rivian is preparing its most affordable electric vehicle
September 28, 2026, 16:00
Serhii Ivanov – reviewer for autocentre.ua. He specializes in covering major events in the global automotive industry and reviewing new models. An expert in automobile history, he is the author of numerous publications and books on this topic.
The American startup Rivian has confirmed its intention to enter the mass-market and more affordable segment, where the new model is set to become the brand’s main commercial success. In an interview with The New York Times, the company’s founder and CEO R.J. Scaringe said that the compact crossover Rivian R3 will have a price that is “significantly lower” than that of its higher-end R2 model.
Experts expect the retail price of the base version to remain between $35,000 and $40,000. For comparison, the higher-end R2 model is currently priced between $45,000 and $57,990, serving as a direct competitor to Tesla’s best-selling Model Y.
The exterior design of the compact Rivian R3, first unveiled over two years ago, features a style reminiscent of classic retro hatchbacks, but with full off-road ground clearance and protective plastic trim. The interior will boast premium finishes made from sustainable materials, while the onboard software and media system will be fully compatible with the architecture of the larger R1 and R2 models. The lineup will include two options for lithium-ion battery packs and three different configurations of electric motors: one, two, or three motors.
The technical specifications of the most long-range variant will enable it to cover over 483 km on a single charge. Meanwhile, the extreme three-motor R3X version will be able to reach 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds. The company’s CEO also officially announced the development of an even cheaper vehicle labeled Rivian R4, which will push the starting price point even lower.
Electric Vehicles
Rivian
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