Thursday was reveal day for the Rivian R2, in addition to the R2’s shock sisters the smaller R3 and R3X, and we like what we noticed. Deliveries gained’t start till 2026, so it’ll be some time earlier than we really get to drive one, however with at the very least 300 miles of vary and a $45,000-ish beginning value, at the very least on paper, it appears fantasticOne factor it didn’t reveal, although, was a truck model of both the R2 or R3.
That will have come as a shock to lots of people who assumed that as a result of Rivian sells each the R1S and R1T, there could be an R2T, as nicely. From a enterprise perspective, although, it’s most likely smarter for Rivian to give attention to crossovers. As AutoPacific’s Robby DeGraff identified on BlueSky, there could also be loads of demand for vehicles basically, however demand for electrical pickup vehicles is lots decrease. So it is smart for Rivian to give attention to crossovers as a substitute of attempting to construct one other truck alongside the R1T.
However simply because we are able to perceive why Rivian would wish to give attention to the R2 and R3 over including one other truck to its lineup doesn’t imply we don’t nonetheless need one. Come on! It might be so cute! The Ford Maverick wants some extra competitors, and the Rivian R2T could possibly be that competitors.
OK, it might be much more costly than the Maverick, so it wouldn’t be a direct competitor. Nonetheless, we are able to think about loads of individuals who would possibly in any other case purchase a Maverick could possibly be satisfied to purchase the R2T as a substitute. And with a beginning value within the $40,000 vary, it might be much more reasonably priced for extra individuals than the $70,000 R1T.
A very powerful factor, although, is that the R2T could be lovable. Only a cute little truck doing cute little truck issues. With so many offended, aggressively styled automobiles on the street, the U.S. may at all times use extra cuteness.
Come on, Rivian. Don’t hearken to the accountants. They’re boring and at all times complaining about numbers. Hearken to us as a substitute. Auto journalists make glorious product planners, and we’re telling you the R2T could be superior. So are you able to construct it for us? Please? Fairly please? Fairly please with whipped cream and a cherry on prime?