Rivian Recap: 06/05/2026
Hey there,
Here's your weekly Rivian Recap for June 5th, 2026.
Software bugs impacting feature availability, R2 deliveries and demo drives start Tuesday, wheel range impacts, plus big charging and warranty expansions.
Let's dive in!
Quick note: I'm building a new delivery day inspection tool so you can quickly inspect your new (or used) Rivian end-to-end on delivery day.
What is the ONE thing that would make this incredibly useful for you?
Software
The latest update (2026.15) was one of the more meaningful updates in Rivian history, as it came with the delightfully useful Rivian Assistant.
Deep vehicle integrations and control, coupled with much improved phone support for things like messaging are a welcome upgrade.
Rivian Assistant, while not perfect, is an example of Rivian doing their best work and delivering in-car control that goes further than any other automaker.
And yes, that includes what Tesla is doing with Grok in their vehicles.
Unfortunately, this build also came with a precision location bug that is impacting several features and services in your Rivian.
As noted by our friend, Rivian Roamer, there's an unfortunate bug that requires a few specific steps to get back to working order.
This same bug is impacting things such as lane change on command for Autonomy+, because as it stands today, this feature is geo locked to approved roads and needs the precise location data to operate.
(Unmapped lane changes are due as part of Autonomy+ very soon.)
For those not on Autonomy+, it is impacting Highway Assist (the free lane centering on approved, divided highways) because it uses similar geo locked areas as lane change on command.
Issues like this really underscore that these advanced systems can have layers of dependency, which can lead to disruption in feature availability.
Thankfully, Rivian is now pushing an updated build that should specifically address a number of these issues. But it still highlights the vulnerability for systems like this and the turn around time required to fix them.
Some things, like lane change on command, will soon (rightfully) drop geolocation requirements in future releases.
It also supports the case I've made in the past that hands-on lane centering should not be geo locked in a modern vehicle of this class. When similar features are in a $25k Toyota Corolla, this should at least match.
Rivian is really only one of two companies in North America executing on an ambitious software roadmap. However, the gap between the stability and reliability of what they offer today is leagues behind Tesla.
This latest example of the location bug is emblematic of a recurring issue with paper cuts in software that can wear on customers over time.
Here's a quick example that I run into basically every single time my wife and I are in the same vehicle, and can be reproduced across both:
Being 6' 4" with a 5' 2" spouse, the issue with driver profile selection being so consistently incorrect is one of the most irritating things about these otherwise terrific vehicles.
A quick search shows I'm not alone in this, and I've also seen countless other Reddit users, posts on X, etc all having a similar experience.
Wassym's response to this issue being flagged in the Reddit "Ask Me Anything" was disappointing. These are the paper cuts normal users won't tolerate, and one that premium vehicles like a Rivian should not be held back by.
Given that this problem was reliably solved with standard vehicle key fobs from legacy auto decades ago, while we are using phones and watches that are stacked with Ultra Wideband precision location is unacceptable.
With R2 delivering right around the corner (which I am very excited for!), it is more important than ever that Rivian put the majority of their effort on hardening the user experience and delivering rock solid, reliable features.
Hardware
The time has finally come for R2!
By this time next next week, the first customer deliveries from the "randomly selected" test group will have happened, and the first wave of regular customers will have been invited to place their orders.
I'm hoping to be in one of the early waves so I can bring the community a ton of content around how to get the most out of their new R2.
When it comes down to configurations, last week I shared my desired spec of a Launch Package, 20" All-Terrains, and Catalina Cove.
(Basically the photo above, but that has Coastal Cloud Signature, delivering later in 2026.)
This prompted a number of replies asking about wheel and tire selections, screen protectors, and more. Let's answer those here for everyone.
Wheels & Tires
Chief among the decisions that launch buyers need to choose from is the choice between the 20" All-Terrains, or 21" Sport All-Seasons.
You'll note that the 20" wheels are an extra $1,000 and drop the rated range from 330 miles to 307.
This drop in range completely comes down to the tread on the tire, with the more aggressive all-terrain adding rolling resistance.
Should you later swap the tires with a 20" all-season on the same wheel, you should instantly get that range back to the full 330 miles (as we see on the lower R2 trims).
Unfortunately, unlike the R1S and R1T, the all-terrain tire Rivian selected is a special version that does *not* have 3 peak mountain snowflake rating.
But the 20" wheel size is far more common, and a quick scan of Tire Rack will show you that you have a variety of options. From range optimized treads and compounds to hardcore dedicated winter tires.
Just look at how awesome these Dark Sand wheels are.
Currently, the 21" wheel at launch will essentially have the one option. The Pirelli scorpions are not known for long wear life, but they do offer solid range and I think the updated 21" design (below), also looks great.
In reality, you really can't go wrong with either choice.
Even though historically I don't like to store and swap tires, I really love the look of the Dark Sand wheels.
The added comfort of additional sidewall should be a nice bonus for those going with the smaller wheel size, but that's true of all trims. In fact, the 19" All-Season tires on the R2 standard should be the most comfortable wheel option of all.
Notably, the 21" tire replacements are $442.40 per tire vs $274.99 for the 20" OEM All-Terrains if you keep the factory setup.
Supposedly the bulk of early builds will be shipping with the 21" sport wheels for maximum range, but if possible, I really want to stick with the 20s.
Accessories
Rivian has put together a nice set of accessories for R2 at launch, with the new crossbars and all-weather floor mats sure to top the popularity list.
New for Rivian is the addition of screen protectors (they also just launched for R1), which I've not used in a vehicle before.
I've also never been a phone screen protector guy, either.
That being said, I'm willing to give them a shot here though. Not for the "protection" as none of my vehicles have ever needed that, but to see if it can truly help reduce glare as the spec sheet claims.
I'll be sure to give my review if glare reduction is notable so you can decide if it's a worthy purchase for your Rivian.
(RivianTrackr also posted their feedback on options across the line.)
Next we have some news about some timely milestone expansions.
First is the welcome news that Rivian has reached 1,000 DC fast chargers across 149 sites. Adding quality fast charging capacity is going to be a key part of a stress free Rivian experience going forward.
Interestingly, only about 17% of the cables are using the NACS connector, but given the projected influx of Rivian and other automakers shipping new vehicles using NACS instead of CCS, that is likely to rise rapidly.
Rivian designed their dispensers to easily swap cables, so as newer model utilization goes up, the network can quickly adapt to demand.
I was surprised at the newly opened Ellensburg, WA location for example, that all 8 dispensers were CCS with none equipped with NACS.
There was one exceptional pull through spot open though, which will be very welcome for those with trailers heading across I-90 in Washington.
We also recently learned how many Rivian Adventure Network sites were designed the ability to effectively double ASAP when needed.
The charging network could be a booming business for Rivian in the future, especially given how 97% are open to all other EVs right now.
More of that, please!
Related to charging, I just dropped a video this week discussing the decision for R2 to use the slower and "old" charging architecture.
Check out the video to see what that means for future R2 owners.
The once oddity of "Rivian Care", which was stuck as a Texas only experiment for what felt like ages has finally expanded to 5 more states.
You can now expand your coverage in two specific ways in the following states:
Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Oregon, and Texas.
Having just spent some time researching national availability of insurance, to say it's complicated would be an understatement.
As a result, I'd imagine that additional state roll outs are likely to be slow for these programs, but given how profitable insurance can be, coupled with Rivian making the parts needed for repairs should adequately motivate expansion.
I'd specifically love to see wide availability for a windshield program like we see from Tesla for windshield protection.
Rivian gave some official word on R2 demo drives.
If you're quick on June 9th, you may be able to schedule a demo drive the same day but I expect they will go quickly.
I think it's fair to give priority to reservation holders *with* an order invitation.
People are going to have to make what is likely to be a 60k+ decision (with tax or options), so it's natural to want to drive the vehicle first.
There won't be as many people out there willing to buy sight unseen without a test drive like there were in the early R1 days.
Community
The internet is undefeated in finding the fun and funny things.
First, we have what is probably a little too on brand for Rivian, with a robins nest on top of a level 2 charger.
This kind of reminds me of an early video where an R1T was "communicating" with birds in a nearby tree during lock/unlock.
(Scroll down to the video about midway with the Launch Green R1T)
Next up is the Reddit and the internet at large's obsession with cats.
Above all else, I just love that this community generally doesn't take themselves too seriously and is having fun with things.
That's what it's all about.
Psst... I have several new sticker designs placed in a new order, I can't wait to share them all with you. Here's a RAD inspired one that's coming.
What do you think?
Worth Checking Out - LASFIT
The first thing I do with any vehicle since I live in the Pacific Northwest is swap out the included floor mats for some all-weather mats.
I've had good luck with the Rivian all-weather mats, and they look nice, but they also don't cover quite as much as I would prefer.
Recently, I started working with LASFIT and have had a chance to test the mats which have both a perfect fit, but also cover areas where the Rivian mats miss.
Areas like the dead pedal section, and coverage up under the accelerator, in addition to covering the lip to the door threshold for superior coverage.
Check out the R1S floor mats, R1T floormats, or R1T bed liner.
The R1S version includes coverage for the back cargo area and the backs of the 3rd row when it's down, which is a welcome addition.
My thanks to LASFIT for supporting this newsletter.
Latest Deals
We are officially into the June offers from Rivian, and they've made a few changes that could be a welcome surprise, depending on your trim.
First, I made a dedicated page where you can review current Rivian offers that I manually maintain and should be easier to scan which models quality for what offers in one place.
Here's what's sticking out for deals this week:
Dual Large w/Performance [Lease vs Buy Example]
2026 R1S Dual-Large w/Performance (Premium Audio)
2026 R1T Dual-Large w/Performance (Premium Audio, Utility V2 Tonneau)
Dual Max w/Performance [Lease vs Buy Example]
2026 R1S Dual-Max w/Performance (Premium Audio)
2026 R1T Dual-Max w/Performance (Premium Audio, Utility, V2 Tonneau)
**An interesting note about the Forest Edge configurations, is that they show up as a "cheaper lease" when sorting by lowest lease. However, they don't qualify for the current lease cash or finance incentives.
That makes this misleading as Rivian assumes $3k more cash up front to get that lease number down. Leasing an equivalent Dual Max Performance is $1,300 less over 36 months, and financing is $9,202 less with the 0.99% promotional rate.
As a reminder you always want to do $0 down when leasing to minimize losses in the event your vehicle is totaled or stolen during your lease.
Forest Edge is thousands less if you're paying cash, but all other purchase options are notably better with the current promotions on normal trims.**
Tri Max ($3k Lease or 1.99% for 60 months) [Lease vs Buy Example]
All referrals also get 3 months of free charging on the Rivian Adventure Network.
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: