Rivian Recap: 09/26/2025
Hey there,
Here's your weekly Rivian Recap for September 26th, 2025.
Rivian has started to get the hype machine rolling for R2, the latest big software update of 2025.34 starts to go public, and a new R1 shop alert system.
Let's dive in!
R1
While it may be missing CarKey support, 2025.34 has officially started rolling out to the public fleet filled with some pretty huge upgrades.
(Be sure to get alerted when your car is flagged for .34 using Rivian Roamer.)
As stated last week, this may be one of the single biggest updates for Gen2 vehicles ever and really highlights how much a software defined vehicle can improve over time.
- Co-Steer, where you can nudge the lane position of the vehicle without breaking the rest of the assistance support.
- Up to 50% operating domain expansion of Enhanced Highway Assist (hands free), particularly on urban and suburban highways.
- New perception model for improved lane centering, especially on moderate to tight curves.
- Enhanced Audio for Gen2 Premium (finally!!!)
One universal feature available to the entire Gen1 and Gen2 fleet has to do with helping reduce your at home charging costs.
- Smart charging that can save the average driver up to 20% when charging at home.
Here's the official Rivian blog post about it.
You can track the fleet deployment here via Rivian Roamer.
Wanting a special build out of the R1 Shop?
Perhaps something like Red Canyon that isn't a configured color until 2026, but is rolling off in batches from the production line?
Head of Rivian Software, Wassym Bensaid, posted on X that a new alert system has been rolled out where you can be tipped off that your perfect build is in the R1 shop and ready to go.
It would've been neat if they had shipped this sooner with the tax incentive deadline ending in a few days, but better late than never.
Thanks to a post by @Hilbe, it's clear now that Rivian actually has a really clever install path for the new legally compliant brake light.
You can install it without the cable flopping around outside of the vehicle and still use the trailer plug. Pretty neat!
R2 + Beyond
Rivian is ramping up the hype for R2 (as if it wasn't already enough).
A recent posts claims that there are "hundreds" of validation builds of R2 on the roads now, and we are seeing more and more caught in the wild on video as a result.
During the factory shutdown, drone fan @EVguyZach, was able to capture progress on a tunnel Rivian is building.
It's pretty cool to see snapshots of their progress in real time.
Real production is finally getting close!
Autonomy
This is a big week for Rivian autonomy with +50% operating domain for hands-free, better lane geometry and co-steer to adjust lane position without disengaging Highway Assist.
But it's also an announcement week for Tesla as they've announced that FSD v14 starts rolling out next week with two other builds in rather quick succession.
After quite a while of HW4 not getting any meaningful updates (for the better part of a year!), this is noteworthy to see progress again.
It is a shame that HW3 appears to be stuck on FSD v12, and even then it's a smaller model than what v12 was for HW4.
One thing that seems really under accounted for by many buyers is just how quickly your car computer can fall behind on compute and sensors.
The leaps in performance required for ever larger models, not to mention redundancy will make your phone upgrade path look pedestrian.
Community
I have a running bet with @Hilbe that Rivian won't get a binding contract agreement in place before the end of the month/tax credit.
No matter how this goes down, the community will win because the "loser" of this bet will pay for the 1:20 die cast model of an R1T.
(Speaking of which, my two models came in the mail today, I should go open those boxes up...)
Keep your eyes peeled for the contest to go up s00n.
Latest Deals
What is the final push to get an automatic ev tax credit finally expires for good on September 30th.
I expect this will be the best deals we see on R1 until calendar year 2026, unless we see an incentivized interest rate for those who are keen to buy and finance the vehicle.
With that said, it's hard to imagine it could overcome the $7.5k federal incentive + Rivian bonuses on the current lease deals, even if you buy it out immediately at a higher interest rate.
Here are some of the unique/best incentives:
- 2025 Tri-Motors have "stealth" discounts. Things like paint color and wheel upgrades have been zeroed out. One of the better builds now if you were planning on a fancy color and off-road wheels!
Here are the supported builds with offers + my recommended upgrades on audio, tonneau, etc.
2025 Tri-Motor R1S <- Stealth deals (free paint and wheel upgrades)
2025 Tri-Motor R1T <- Stealth deals (free paint and wheel upgrades)
2026 Dual-Max Performance
- 2026 Dual-Max Performance R1S
- 2026 Dual-Max Performance R1T
2025-2026 Dual-Standard (an excellent entry value)
I would highly encourage everyone to lease so you can claim the incentive, even if you plan to buy out immediately.
Here's my video about lease vs buy to help better understand the numbers.
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