Learning All About the R3 and R3X With Rivian’s Design Chief

The Rivian R3 and R3X took the automotive world by storm when they arrived this spring, the ostensible subcompact crossovers looking for all the world like elegant hatchback rally cars. Equal parts cute and athletic, they exude adventure—particularly the R3X, which sports elevated ride height and a tri-motor setup.

We had the opportunity to take a deep dive into the Rivian R3 with Jeff Hammoud, Rivian’s chief design officer. He walked us through the ins and outs of the small crossover, offering insights into its design and engineering.

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What Exactly Is It?

When I saw the R3X in person for the first time, the rally vibes were strong, but Hammoud says impressions of the vehicle vary widely. “The thing I love about the R3 is when people see it, I ask them: ‘What vehicle segment do you think it belongs to? What does it look like to you?’” he shared. “I hear hatchback, CUV, SUV, crossover—and the fact that no one can pin it down is exactly what we wanted.”

The differences between the R3 and R3X become immediately apparent when you see them side by side. The R3X stands out with its higher ground clearance and beefier, wider wheels and tires; there’s nothing quite like it on the market today. The closest comparison might be the Subaru Crosstrek, but that vehicle lacks the distinct sporty flair of the R3X. Meanwhile, a Volkswagen GTI captures some of the R3X’s sporty essence, but it doesn’t fully represent the Rivian’s rough-and-tumble side.

“It’s its own thing. It’s unique,” Hammoud said. “And in my career, I’ve never worked on a product that’s gotten so much love from car enthusiasts—specifically the R3X.” The R3X has indeed garnered widespread attention from diehard car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.

“I think it's hard to do something that's simple and [also] modern and recognizable,” Hammoud said. “So as recognizable as the front is, I think the back end, if you saw it from a distance, you'd be like, ‘I know what that is. It’s an R3.’”

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The Dual Flipper Glass

When the Rivian R1T made its debut, it wasn’t just its design and engineering that turned heads—it introduced some genuinely cool, innovative features. The gear tunnel, for instance, was a game-changer. Not only was it entirely new in the truck segment, it also proved incredibly practical. Hidden storage is always a win, and the gear tunnel offers functionality drivers didn’t know they needed but instantly loved.

Although the R3 doesn’t feature a gear tunnel, it offers its own clever innovation: a height-adjustable pop-up glass hatch. The dual-function tailgate can be opened traditionally or via the glass hatch, which adds versatility for carrying longer items like surfboards or plywood. What sets it apart from other vehicles with similar but simpler setups is Rivian’s use of software to control the height of the glass hatch, so you don’t have to fully open it every time—an elegant solution that blends functionality with convenience.

“We [programmed] the software [so that you] basically lower it to where you want it, and then it locks in that position,” Hammoud said. “So [we] try and make a small car feel big.” While bungee cords may be useful in some situations, the glass will protect your stuff from flying out.

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Accessories for All

Unlike most automakers, which typically leave accessory development to third parties, Rivian has taken a hands-on approach: The Rivian R3 showcased in the studio was equipped with a Rivian-branded rooftop tent designed specifically for the model. Rivian has already dived headfirst into the parts and accessories market with its R1 line, and the R3 and the R2 compact SUV will follow suit. The tent is stored in a sleek rectangular tube, has a built-in six-step ladder, and can accommodate two full-size adults. Rivian also says it can serve as a screen for a projector, turning any campsite into an outdoor theater.

Rivian’s design team is also working on other accessories for the R3, including power banks that double as hand warmers, a water module, and even a fully integrated travel kitchen.

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Recycled Content

Every automotive brand is exploring innovative ways to incorporate sustainable materials, but Rivian touts this as central to its mission. The real challenge lies in finding materials that are not only eco-friendly but also meet standards for aesthetics and tactile quality.

In an EV like the R3, where customers demand premium materials, this aspect becomes crucial. While advancements in technology have made sustainable materials more accessible and affordable, there's still work to be done in ensuring these materials meet high expectations for look and feel.

Hammoud: “One example is our second-generation vegan leather, which we call Advantex, and is made from a 100 percent recycled PET plastic bottles with 50 percent sustainable polymer coating. When we go to the third generation, our goal is to get up to an additional 20 percent using natural fillers, so having 70 percent sustainable content. And our goal is eventually to get 90 percent. It'll be very difficult to get to 100 percent, but this is what we're trying to do for every single version.”

While the Rivian R3 and R3X don’t yet have a release date, the excitement surrounding them is palpable. Getting this up-close look has provided a clearer picture of what’s to come, and we can’t wait to see these standout crossovers on the road—and exploring the trails.