Introduction

Rivian, known for its electric adventure vehicles, has exciting plans to expand its lineup in the coming years. After three years of selling the R1S and R1T, the company is gearing up to introduce new models. According to Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, the sportier R3X will launch before the standard R3. This news was revealed during a recent episode of The Verge’s Decoder podcast.

R3X to Lead Rivian’s New Offerings

During the podcast, Scaringe emphasized the company’s eagerness to build the R3X “as soon as we possibly can” following the release of the larger R2 SUV. The R3X is expected to offer a sportier alternative to the standard R3, appealing to a different segment of the market. Although information about the new models remains limited, it is known that the R2 and R3 will share a platform, with the R3 featuring a wheelbase five inches shorter than that of the R2.

R2 SUV: A More Mainstream Offering

Rivian’s R2 SUV is scheduled to arrive in 2026, priced around $45,000. This model aims to compete with rivals such as the Porsche Macan and BMW X3, targeting a more global audience. The R2 is designed to be a more mainstream option, with a friendlier price point to attract a wider range of consumers.

Control Over Software Integration

One notable decision by Rivian is to push forward without incorporating phone-mirroring software like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In an interview on popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee’s podcast last year, Scaringe explained that this decision was driven by the need for control. He reiterated this stance on the Decoder podcast, stating that Rivian aims to maintain a high level of software integration by keeping control in-house.