2027 Rivian R3: The Compact Electric SUV That Folds Flat for Adventure

Rivian’s about to roll out its smallest SUV yet—the 2027 R3. This little electric powerhouse looks rugged but refined, with a jacked-up hatchback vibe, chunky off-road tyres, and enough clearance to tackle rough terrain. Details are still fuzzy, but we know it’ll share its platform with the bigger R2 SUV. And for those craving more excitement, an R3X performance model is also in the works.

Word is you’ll get to pick between one, two, or three motors—each setup offering different levels of oomph and grip. Battery-wise, expect two options, with the beefier pack likely pushing past 300 miles on a single charge.

Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that blends outdoor toughness with premium touches. Everything feels practical yet stylish, with quality materials and smart storage everywhere. My favourite part? Both front and rear seats fold completely flat—perfect for road trips, hauling stuff, or even spending the night under the stars.

As launch day approaches, Rivian will probably start taking reservations online with a deposit to hold your spot. Once they hit the streets, the R3 and R3X will compete with other compact electric SUVs like the Kia EV6 and Volvo EX30.

What’s New for 2027?

The R3 and R3X are new additions to Rivian’s expanding electric family. They should start rolling off the assembly line in late 2026 or early 2027. Interestingly, Rivian plans to build the spicier R3X first, with the standard R3 following shortly after.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Expect to shell out around $37,000 for a base R3, while the sportier R3X will likely start closer to $47,000.

• R3 – Roughly $37,000 to start
• R3X – Around $47,000 to start

If you’re all about squeezing out maximum range, the standard R3 is your best bet. But if you’re itching for more thrills and sharper handling, the R3X might be worth the extra cash. We’ll update this as Rivian spills more details about features and options.

EV Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Rivian hasn’t shared the full battery specs yet, but we’re expecting two pack sizes—standard and large. Your actual range will depend on which battery and motor setup you choose.

Since the chunkier R2 is supposed to travel 300 miles per charge, there’s a good chance the sleeker, lighter R3 will go even farther. Plus, Rivian’s cutting-edge battery tech should allow for quick charging stops on long trips.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Though smaller than the R2, the R3’s cabin doesn’t feel like a downgrade. It strikes a nice balance between ready-for-adventure toughness and upscale comfort. Being shorter than its big brother means less cargo space, but clever packaging should make the most of what’s there.

The coolest trick? Those fully flat folding seats front and rear—perfect for hauling long items or creating a makeshift bed for camping adventures.

Early models showcase a massive glass roof, sporty ribbed seats, and Rivian’s signature woven floor mats. Smart storage spots throughout, including two gloveboxes in the dash, are also present. For smaller gear, the front trunk under the hood is also handy.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A floating touchscreen dominates the dash and controls pretty much everything in the R3. In addition to the usual navigation and music, it handles steering wheel adjustments, drive modes, and mirror settings.

The interface looks clean and straightforward, with expandable tiles for different functions. Instead of burying controls in deep menus, they slide out from the sides of tiles—much quicker to use on the go.

Unlike many competitors, the R3 does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Instead, it offers built-in Wi-Fi, wireless phone charging, and Amazon Alexa as standard.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Like all Rivians, the R3 comes with solid warranty protection:

• Limited warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty: 8 years / 175,000 miles
• No free scheduled maintenance

We’ll share more about maintenance costs and extended warranty options once Rivian releases that info.

More From Rivian

Rivian’s electric ambitions go well beyond the R3. Here’s what else they’re cooking up:

• 2026 Rivian R2—Starting around $45,000, this mid-size SUV aims to balance affordability and capability.
• 2025 Rivian Commercial Van – Finally available to businesses beyond Amazon’s fleet.
• 2025 Rivian R1S—Their flagship electric SUV starts at $77,700. It packs a serious punch with impressive range and premium features.
• 2025 Rivian R1T—Rivian’s electric pickup begins at $71,700 and offers blistering acceleration, a 400+ mile range, and clever storage solutions.

The R3 looks set to be an exciting addition to Rivian’s lineup—blending adventure-ready features with next-gen electric performance. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for more details as they emerge.

Watch the Rivian’s new upcoming R3 compact SUV video –

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