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Rivian Unveils New Models with Pleasing Modernist Designs

The R2 and R3 are derivative, but of the right things

By Rain Noe - March 11

in Cars

Rivian has announced two new models, the R2 and R3, that feature pleasingly modernist, nearly bland designs. I mean that as a compliment. Unlike their competitors, Rivian's design team has opted to focus on form over sheet metal tricks, simplicity over chaos, and the results speak of design confidence: They're not trying to induce manufactured emotion, tell you how to feel about the vehicle or disguise its proportions. Instead they deliberately assembled a collection of clean, simple shapes that you can easily understand.

It's the R3 I like the most, but let's start with the R2, with its admittedly more derivative design. It's likely to rankle the designers of the Land Rover Defender. (The R2 is a bit smaller than that vehicle, however; as a crossover SUV it's closer to BMW's X3, whereas the Defender is in X5 territory.) Defender similarity aside, Rivian's designers have maintained their signature front end with its technical-yet-friendly look.

The interior is utilitarian and modernist. Intriguingly, the company says both the front and second row of seats fold completely flat; I can't imagine why they'd not show this in photos.

The R3 is smaller, meant to be an entry-level vehicle. Its roofline instantly recalls the pleasing lines of Giorgetto Giugiaro's classic design for the Volkswagen Rabbit, though with a Rivian face.

Roofline aside the vehicle is not Rabbit-sized, of course; it's still an SUV, just an entry-level one.

The interior appears to offer more storage than the R2's; the R3 even has dual gloveboxes.

The R2 is meant to launch in 2026, with a price "expected to start around $45,000." Rivian is taking $100 deposits for the R2 now. As for the R3, they're scheduled to be released "after R2," and that's as specific as the company gets. No price for the R3 has been announced.

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marc b

8 months ago

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The R3x is exactly what I want in an EV: reasonable size, awd & clearance for trailhead access and winter driving, and looks that evoke both a Lada and a Lancia Delta (in a good way).

But the (physical) button-free interior? That's a non-starter from an ease of use and safety perspective. Bring back physical controls, folks.

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Alan Nomoto

8 months ago

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I want to like it but I can't get past those headlights. Not one nanometer.

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Michael DiTullo

8 months ago

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sign me up for an R3X!

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Sean Thackston

8 months ago

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Both beautiful autos. I particularly like the proportions of the R3. Just need to know how much cargo room they have before I give up my Tacoma! I would love for someone to come out with and SUV that has a tailgate, like the old Bronco. I was so disappointed when the new one opted for a swing out door.

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Yardley Yardley

8 months ago

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really nice design EXCEPT those headlights, still so unattractive

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