Rivian presented a new electric car R3, the design of which is very similar to Niva (12 photos)
The Rivian startup announced the expansion of its product line with two new models: the mid-size battery crossover R2 and the compact SUV R3. You shouldn’t expect these models to go on sale any time soon: deliveries of the R2, priced at $45,000, will start in the first half of 2026, and the more affordable R3 will hit the roads even later. Nevertheless, one can really see something in common in the design of cars of different eras - RIvian and Niva. 
There are few technical details. Both SUVs will be offered in one-, two- and three-engine versions with a power reserve of at least 483 km. It is known that the R3 is built on the same platform as the R2, but its wheelbase is 5 inches shorter, that is, about 2800 mm.
The company plans to release not only the regular R3, but also a sporty version with the prefix X in the name, three electric motors, increased ground clearance and reaching hundreds in less than 3 seconds.
Meanwhile, the outlines of the R3 in profile prompted analogies with the Soviet Niva VAZ-2121, developed half a century ago - a flat hood line, a short passenger compartment with an inclined tailgate, deep cutouts in the wheel arches. Fans of the Lada Niva, known far beyond its homeland, expressed wishes that the model’s successor would be tailored in approximately the same spirit, and not necessarily with an electric power plant.
Rivian R3 
Rivian R2 
