Are You in the Market for A (Slightly) Smaller Hot Hatch With Big EV Dreams? ...And a Sprinkle of Retro Cool?
Well, the folks at Rivian have just the thing for you! Meet the R3. No, it's not some sort of BMW sports coupe gone electric. If you think 'jacked-up VW Golf with a bit of Italian flair', you're getting warmer. Seriously, I'm getting a hint of Lancia Delta HF Integrale in this thing, and that's no bad thing in my book.
While the R2 crossover (yawn, just another Tesla Model Y fighter) revealed alongside it left me feeling a bit meh, the R3 genuinely puts a smile on my face. It's got personality. It's smaller, with a shorter 110-inch (2,800 mm) wheelbase and a wickedly sloping roofline finished with a one heck of a nice rear. This my dear friends, is not just another generic crossover, and for that, Rivian, I salute you.
And speaking of the rear, Rivian's done some neat tricks there. You've got what they call "flipper glass", where only the glass portion of the hatch opens. It’s like a throwback to old-school SUVs and wagons. Brilliant if you need to carry around a surfboard but still want access to odds and ends in the back. The real bonus is that the seats all fold flat – car camping, here we come! And, because it's an EV, you've got a frunk for more storage. Talk about win-win!
Now, the standard Rivian R3 already looks like a bit of a hoot, but hold on to your charging cords. The cool-looking R3 has a rebellious twin. Rivian's also throwing us the R3X – sort of a sportier, more rugged version of the standard R3. We're talking a tri-motor setup, beefier tires for off-road adventures, and – I assume – a slightly raised ride height. So, basically, a jacked-up EV hot hatch that can scramble over rocks, all without burning a drop of fossil fuel. Now, that's the kind of quirky I can get behind.
But hang on a second. As much as this plucky little thing excites my inner overgrown boy racer, let's sprinkle in a healthy dose of skepticism here. For starters, this isn't exactly coming to a dealership near you tomorrow. If the R2 rolls out in 2026, expect the R3 to debut sometime after that. Could be worth the wait, or the EV landscape could be a whole different animal by then.
Also, there's the lingering matter of Rivian's, shall we say, less-than-stellar record with their first round of vehicles, the R1S SUV and R1T truck. The price hikes and production issues were a bit of a mess, weren't they? Hopefully, they've learned their lessons, because a lot is riding on the R3 and R2 for the company's survival - they need a win.
Here's the thing, though: If Rivian plays this right, the R3 could be a total sleeper hit. Think back to the Hyundai Ioniq 5. It had pizzazz, a unique design, and just enough practicality to stand out. The R3 has that same potential. A dash of retro rally-inspired looks, clever features, and – if they don't get too ambitious with the price tag – it could attract those who want their EVs with a healthy side of fun.
Rivian, I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt here. Don't screw this up. Keep it simple, price it right, and if this thing drives even half as good as it looks, you might just have a winner on your hands. I'm cautiously optimistic, folks. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to dust off my old rally gloves…
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
