Rivian Recap: 03/13/2026
Hey there,
Here's your weekly Rivian Recap for March 13th, 2026.
Well the day R2 fans have waited for is finally here with a big info dump, a peek into the 2026 autonomy roadmap, and some R1 models get axed.
Let's dive in!
Software
Last weekend I was able to attend a community event at the local Seattle U-Village showroom for a peek into the 2026 autonomy roadmap directly from members of the autonomy team.
One of the members was kind enough to give me a few minutes to run through the highlights of what's coming by the end of the year.
We were able to cover the near-future of Autonomy+ for the existing fleet, and how LiDAR on future models will actually help existing Gen2 vehicles.
With the big info dump for R2 down at SXSW, Rivian finally gave a demo of the new "Rivian OS 2.0" that is shipping on R2 and coming to R1 later in 2026.
A few things that stood out from this video by Riviantrackr:
- The re-orientation we saw of the menu to the left bar is nice
- An audio panel that can be left or right adjusted
- Pending changes to Pet Comfort Mode, including a full color interior camera!
- There were hints at other apps (Apple Podcasts, Zoom?) to use new features
- Integration of weather, AQI and other rich environmental data in-car
It's also worth noting that the overall responsiveness of the infotainment demo appears very snappy, especially for an early build.
This would indicate that the XMM3 infotainment chip powering the new software stack is putting in some real work.
Wassym mentioned a similar software update will come to R1 later this year.
Hardware
This was the big day many R2 holdouts have been waiting for.
We finally have some clarity into the lay of the land for trims, features, price points, colors, the works. There were a few surprises baked in, so let's get to it.
First, the really good news. The launch package comes in at $57,990.
This is right in the sweet spot of where it needed to be after I laid out how the current Model Y Performance and Model Y Launch Series were in that upper-mid 50's range, and going beyond that would be a tough sell.
For that price, you're getting:
- Some truly outstanding colors
- Autonomy+ lifetime (launch package only, up-sell on other configs)
- Special launch key fob that is green/yellow anodized aluminum
- Tow package w/2" receiver and 4,400 lb rating
- Available Launch Green color (but weirdly... it's the only paid upgrade)
The launch edition is also a performance trim that has some options (such as Autonomy+) included as a bonus.
But in general, the performance model is quite compelling.
- Semi-active suspension (changes based on speed or drive modes)
- Great looking wheel choices
- Full 656 hp from the dual motor setup for 3.6s 0-60
- The widest range of colors (including Borealis/Purple)
- Matrix LED headlights (more on that later)
With performance, you have the choice between 21" mud/snow tires (all-seasons) or 20" BF Goodrich all-terrains.
The 20" option cuts your range from 330 miles to 307.
(Can I just say as a Rivian Blue R1T owner how smitten I am with this colorway? It looks a lot like the R3X I saw in early 2024.)
The premium trim mostly cuts peak power output, a color (purple), the semi-active suspension, and a bit off the 0-60 time.
I fully expect the premium to be the most popular configuration, as it is for the Tesla Model Y Premium.
Both tire configurations for R2 Premium seem to offer the same 330 miles of range with the road oriented tire, and pricing starts at $53,990.
Then, you have the R2 standard.
This one seems to be a bit of a surprise, because of the timing, what's missing from the website as it stands today, and what was cut for cost.
R2 Standard is presented starting as a a RWD model sporting the same 87.9 kWh battery as the Premium.
Being a RWD vs AWD actually means this configuration can offer the most range of up to 345 miles, but it comes at a cost.
- No ventilated seats
- No matrix headlights (this one is a real bummer!)
- No premium audio
- No heated rear seats
- Less premium interior
RWD Standard launches early 2027, starting at $48,490
There will also be an AWD Standard in the future, and you may be wondering about the promised $45k model.
Despite removing the $45k mentions from the website, it seems like Rivian (as of now anyway) still plans to offer the base trim by the end of 2027.
Is it worth waiting that long for ~70 miles less range and to save $3.5k?
Probably not for most buyers, as you get a lot more value for the money in the model with the bigger battery.
For those looking to get into a lower cost Rivian, I feel like they delivered here at least based on the first impressions flowing in and the spec sheet on hand.
Some big questions I have are:
- Is the sound system actually good? The premium audio spec shows dual-sub woofers in a force balanced configuration, similar to Apple's approach to audio.
Early reports are promising, but fool me twice...
- How much does the 400v charging actually impact road trips? I'd love to do a longer road trip in one to see how it fares. They claim 10-80% in "under 30 minutes", which is fairly in-line with the existing Model Y. (Fine, not great.)
The R2 has theoretically improved thermals that may be able to hit that time extremely consistently. This would mean the mid-pack charge times won't matter as much as they do on R1 models that get stressed in hot conditions.
- What's the real world highway efficiency?
If the early numbers pencil out to be as Chad has highlighted here, it could be a shocking performer in the real world. I can't wait to test it at 70 mph sustained.
And lastly... if you have an R2 reservation and you think the Launch Package looks good, you actually have two questions you need to answer in your account to help Rivian know you're ready.
You'll want to login, set your delivery address and let Rivian know if the performance launch sounds good to you.
After submitting, you'll get an email that makes it sound like configuration opens up more broadly in June.
I'm basically in the camp that people get the best deal with the launch package... or waiting until Gen3/LiDAR ships in early 2027.
Oh.. and leasing will be available at launch according to multiple sources! 👌
Community
With as many EVs as you see roaming around the state of Washington, you'd think we'd have a great model for EV buyers.
But in fact, we've spent years with protectionist dealership laws, with only Tesla being the exception when auto dealers thought Tesla wasn't a real threat.
Finally, after years of failed starts, it seems we've made some progress.
This legislation, while flawed, is still progress all the same.
It's written in such a way that effectively only means Rivian and Lucid will be allowed to get direct sales status, but that's still a win.
Both companies can now:
- Legally discuss price in their showrooms
- Sales people can actually do normal sales activations
- And importantly... lemon law protection!
Given how much normal consumers loathe working with dealerships, I'm hopeful we can see a march of progress over time for this to be more open.
Worth Checking Out - VION
I've had our VION sunshades in both our R1S and R1T for months now. They're custom-fit for Rivian's expansive glass roof, and honestly, they can make a big difference on hot days or when the vehicle is parked.
VION sponsored my 1-year review video, and they're offering Rivian Recap readers 10% off anything site wide with code "TRAVIS".
Check out their sunshades, carbon activated air filters, and more:
VION Sunshade // VION Air Filters
My thanks to VION for helping make this newsletter possible.
Latest Deals
The big news on deals is that Rivian has started telling people that the Dual-Standard R1S and R1T are being discontinued.
I assume this is in large part due to the release of R2 filling in the lower price brackets, allowing R1 to remain upmarket.
This explains a lot as to why dual-standard trims are incentivized again for a lease. I am particularly sad to see the dual-standard R1T go though as there is no equal in the lower price range for a truck.
Should you be interested in one of the dual-standard deals, now would be the time to snag a lease for a lower cost of entry in the short term.
Here's what's sticking out for deals this week:
Dual Standard ($3k lease bonus):
2026 R1S Dual-Standard (Premium Audio)
2026 R1T Dual-Standard (Premium Audio, Utility, V2 Tonneau)
Get 1.99% financing for 60 months on these builds:
Dual Large w/Performance ($5k lease bonus):
2026 R1S Dual-Large w/Performance (Premium Audio)
2026 R1T Dual-Large w/Performance (Premium Audio, Utility V2 Tonneau)
Dual Max w/Performance ($6.5k lease bonus):
2026 R1S Dual-Max w/Performance (Premium Audio)
2026 R1T Dual-Max w/Performance (Premium Audio, Utility, V2 Tonneau)
Tri-Max (PURCHASE):
Quad-Max (PURCHASE):
*If you need to chat with a sales advisor and want a direct introduction, I'm happy to make that happen, just reply and I'll get you in touch.*
All referrals also get 3 months of free charging on the Rivian Adventure Network, which is handy when the cold weather impacts range.
I hope enjoyed this weeks edition of the Rivian Recap. Let me know what you'd like to see more of in future editions!
Even if you just want to say hi, hit reply – I'd love to get to know you 👋
Stay curious ✌️,
Travis Ketchum
P.S. Thinking about buying a new Rivian?
Make sure you use a referral code. A friend, a neighbor, or someone who has helped you along the way.
Here's mine: TRAVIS4699411
P.P.S. Here are some tools and resources you may find useful: