Rivian became the second-most-popular EV brand in America in terms of Q3 deliveries, according to an electric vehicle sales report from Cox Automotive. The company delivered 19,248 vehicles in the third quarter, including commercial vans and early sales of the Rivian R2 electric SUV.
I've tested every Rivian passenger vehicle that the automaker has produced thus far. Here's why the EV brand leapfrogged competitors, and which drivers should consider Rivians.
Rivian is outselling EV rivals
Cox Automotive says the American electric vehicle company's sales rose 26.8% year-to-date in Q3. Rivian sold more than 41,009 EVs in 2026 so far, beating out Hyundai (39,121 units), Chevrolet (38,298 units), and Ford (22,653 units) for the second-place position.
Tesla leads EV sales in 2026,
with more than 386,194 sales so far. Rivian is one of the few EV brands to increase sales year over year, making 2026 a major comeback story for the brand.
Why drivers are buying Rivian electric vehicles
There are a few major factors contributing to the American EV brand's huge sales boost. First, the company's delivery vans have become much more popular year over year. Fleet and commercial sales play a major role in Rivian's rise to second place.
Next, Rivian launched the R2 SUV nameplate. The R2 is the brand's smallest and most affordable EV yet. An affordable EV option makes the brand much more competitive, since the R1T and R1S cost more than $70,000 before taxes and additional fees.
Why you should consider Rivian EVs
Rivian electric vehicles aren't for everyone, but they can be amazing cars for drivers with home chargers or access to fast public chargers. If you can look past the high prices of the R1T and R1S EVs, they're the most capable models in their segments for ground clearance and off-road capability.
If you live an adventurous lifestyle, understand the hardships of EV ownership, and aren't afraid to pay a premium for performance, the R1T and R1S are true automotive marvels. Thankfully, the R2 SUV will offer an entry-level option starting at $44,990 once it launches.
The best Rivian options for drivers
My experience with Rivian EVs dates back to testing the Rivian R1T Launch Edition in 2022. Even early on, the power, standard tech and software impressed me. That said, I always found them to be too expensive for the average driver, until the brand announced the R2.
The Rivian R2 is an excellent option for average EV buyers because it balances impressive performance specs with practicality and advanced tech. Drivers can order the Performance model ($57,990), which has 330 miles of driving range. It produces a massive 656 horsepower and rockets from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
Rivian's R2 Premium trim starts at $53,990. This trim drops to 450 horsepower but offers the same range as the Performance model. The Premium trim is slated for late 2026. The R2 Standard base model is expected for spring 2027. It starts at just under $45,000 and has 275 miles of driving range. The base model produces 350 horsepower. Every Rivian R2 can connect to Tesla Superchargers thanks to a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.
The R2 Standard is the best option for average drivers because it's affordable and has balanced performance specs. Rivian may not outsell Tesla in 2026, but 2027 could be an even bigger year for the car brand once the R2 Standard is available for purchase.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rivian just passed major EV rivals. Here's why sales are surging
