Rivian will put out the R3X subcompact SUV before the regular form. In a recent episode of Decoder, the CEO of Rivian I revealed the schedule for production. Scaringe again said that the Rivian would not have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay when the production news was made. After successfully selling the R1S and R1T for almost three years, Rivian is now gearing up for a period of expansion. The company is set to introduce the small R3 and the sporty R3X to its lineup after the 2026 release of the R2 SUV. RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian, is confident in the company’s ability to succeed with the faster version of the R3 before adding the regular R3 to its lineup. In a recent episode of The Verge’s Decoder show, Scaringe told everyone what he knew. According to him, the company hopes to make the R3X “as soon as we possibly can” after the bigger R2 comes out. A lot is known about the new cars, but the R2 and R3 share the same chassis. The R3’s wheelbase is five inches shorter than the R2’s. When it comes out in 2026, the bigger version, which is meant to be cheaper, will likely cost around $45,000. Rivian made the R2 smaller and cheaper than similar cars like the Porsche Macan and BMW X3 so that it would appeal to a wider range of people. Few people may like Rivian’s decision not to add Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for phone mirroring. In a podcast chat with popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee last year, Scaringe said that a desire for control drove the brand’s choice. In a recent Decoder show, he talked about Rivian’s goal of making its software as integrated as possible. He thinks that Rivian can only reach this goal by keeping a tight grip on things.
