FIRST LOOK: Rivian R2 (and R3!) | $45k Tesla Model Y Slayer

Not one, not two, but three new Rivian electric crossovers have just been unveiled. Up first (and expected) is the R2, a shrunken follow-up to the full-size R1T and R1S that originally launched the Rivian brand. It’s the first vehicle on their new ‘mid-size’ platform, so think of it as Rivian’s Tesla Model Y rival. It’ll come in single-, dual- and tri-motor forms, with pricing from around $45,000 when deliveries kick off in the first half of 2026. It’ll eventually make its way to Europe, too. The surprises at the launch event in California, USA were the R3 and R3X. Also built on the new platform, they’re smaller again than the R2 and are more akin to raised-up hatchbacks. We won’t see them until at least 2027, but the R3 should come in under $40,000, while the R3X is the performance version, with a tri-motor set-up for 0-62mph in under three seconds. It’s a lot to take in, not least for Top Gear Magazine’s editor-in-chief, Jack Rix, who got a sneak peek of the R2, R3 and R3X ahead of the official unveil. Join him for a breathless tour of what lies ahead for Rivian. Subscribe to Top Gear for more videos: WATCH MORE TOP GEAR: First Looks:   First Drives: American Tuned ft. Rob Dahm: LISTEN to the Top Gear Magazine Podcast: Sign up for our newsletter: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Rivian R2 03:24 Rivian R2 Interior 06:04 Rivian R3 07:44 Rivian R3X MORE ABOUT TOP GEAR: Welcome to the official home of Top Gear on YouTube. Here you’ll find all the best clips from your favourite episodes, whether that’s Ken Block drifting London in the Hoonicorn, Chris Harris in the latest Porsche 911 GT3 or classic Top Gear clips from Clarkson, Hammond and May. You’ll also find the latest performance car reviews from the crew, our brand new series American Tuned with Rob Dahm and the fastest power laps from our in house performance benchmark: The Stig. This is a commercial channel from BBC Studios. Service & Feedback