Rivian Audio Options: Standard vs Premium Audio With Dolby Atmos

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Rivian provides two audio options on all its new vehicles – a standard audio package, and the premium audio package. The amount of time that is spent listening to audio in a vehicle makes the audio system an important decision in a new vehicle purchase.

So, grab your favorite music track (preferably with Dolby Atmos), and let’s take a listen at what Rivian is packing in their vehicles.

Rivian Standard Audio

Rivian offers a standard audio package by default, which was previously a system by Meridian, but was later replaced by an in-house solution in February 2023, so all second-generation Rivians will include the newer system. Rivian’s in-house standard audio is the one we’ll be looking at here, not the older Meridian system.

Rivian’s new in-house system is named Elevation and has had mixed reviews after the removal of the Meridian system – which also went by the name of Elevation. Rivian’s standard audio tends to distort sounds at higher volumes — regardless of the audio source. In addition, the bass response is muddier and weaker than one might expect, especially given the internal size of the R1T and R1S. This is likely due to the base sound system only including 10 speakers on a 600-watt system, which doesn’t include a dedicated subwoofer.

However, the standard audio setup on a Rivian is far better than the standard or even premium setups from many other manufacturers. Many owners have noted that when transitioning from vehicles at or below the price point of the R1T or R1S Dual Large, the standard audio system is not only better designed, but also delivers superior sound quality.

Overall, for what you get by default with Rivian’s standard offering, you’re getting a pretty good – but not fantastic – audio system that can keep up with other manufacturer’s standard offerings. However, don’t expect to get anything premium here and Dolby Atmos support is not included – after all, that’s the next package up.

Rivian Premium Audio With Dolby Atmos

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The other package that Rivian offers on all its vehicles is the Rivian Premium Audio Package, which costs an additional $1,750 USD or $2,600 CAD. Audio fans and Rivian fans alike were quite happy when Rivian unveiled this new Premium Audio package, which promised to solve all the gripes people have had with Rivian’s standard offering.

One of the biggest pluses for the premium package is the inclusion of Dolby Atmos – an immersive, 360-degree experience that adds more depth, clarity, and details to songs that support its use. Users on X have found that the new Dolby Atmos support – which was just enabled a short while ago in update 2024.27 – has been fantastic.

As a note, Dolby Atmos support is only available in Apple Music and Audible only for now. While Tidal does support Dolby Atmos, there isn’t support for it within your Rivian just yet. The last option – Spotify – doesn’t support Hi-Fi audio or Dolby Atmos. Keep in mind that you’ll need a subscription to Rivian’s Connect+ in order to take advantage of Dolby Atmos.

Overall, the updated premium audio system has been extremely well reviewed so far, with many mentioning that the updated 18-speakers and 960-watt output feel like they properly fill the soundstage within the R1S. The smaller cabin of the R1T features a 16-speaker system with the same 960-watt output.

If you love listening to music and are on the fence about which audio package to choose, we recommend visiting a Rivian Space or Service Center and asking to listen to both versions – and make sure to listen to a song with Dolby Atmos support. The surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos is one of the things that helps differentiate Rivian’s audio system.

If you’re someone who loves modding or upgrading your vehicle’s audio, we still recommend picking up Rivian’s Premium system. Having access to all 18 speakers, as well as Dolby Atmos support is something you’ll want, even if you’re putting in more power than Rivian’s 960-watt system.

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Rivian Beats Q1 Delivery Estimates as R2 Launch Nears

Rivian Wave

Rivian is kicking off 2026 with some much-needed momentum. While the electric vehicle industry has faced plenty of "doom and gloom" headlines lately, the Irvine-based automaker managed to beat Wall Street’s expectations for the first quarter, signaling that demand for its adventurous R1T and R1S is finally stabilizing.

According to the official announcement, the company produced 10,236 vehicles at its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, and delivered 10,365 vehicles during the quarter ending March 31, 2026. These delivery figures comfortably surpassed analyst estimates of roughly 9,678 vehicles, proving that Rivian is effectively navigating a market recently hampered by the expiration of U.S. federal tax credits.

Breaking Down the Growth

When we look at the numbers year-over-year, the delivery growth is impressive. Rivian delivered 1,725 more vehicles than it did in Q1 2025, representing a 19.9% year-over-year increase. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, deliveries rose by 6.4% compared to the 9,745 units handed over in Q4 2025.

Production, however, saw a slight strategic dip. The 10,236 units produced this quarter represent a 30% decrease compared to the 14,611 units built in the same period last year. This suggests Rivian is focusing more on clearing out existing inventory and balancing its supply with current demand before its next massive manufacturing ramp.

Stabilizing Demand and Global Factors

Several factors are helping Rivian find its footing. While the loss of the $7,500 federal tax credit last fall initially hurt sales, rising gasoline prices — driven largely by the ongoing Iran war — have reportedly pushed more buyers back toward electric options.

Additionally, Rivian is making huge moves in the software and autonomy space. Just last month, the company signed a massive $1.25 billion deal with Uber to deploy R2 SUVs as robotaxis starting in 2028. This partnership, combined with Rivian’s reaffirmation of its 2026 delivery guidance of 62,000 to 67,000 vehicles, suggests the company’s long-term outlook remains incredibly strong.

The Road to R2

Everything Rivian is doing right now is essentially a warm-up for the all-important R2 launch. This midsize SUV is the company's first true mass-market play, and it officially begins deliveries later this spring with the $57,990 Performance Launch Edition.

To build excitement, Rivian is currently taking the R2 on a cross-country viewing tour, giving potential customers a chance to see the vehicle's features — like its spacious frunk and signature Drop Glass — in person. While the more affordable $45,000 R2 Standard won't arrive until late 2027, the success of the current R1 lineup provides a solid foundation for Rivian to eventually take on the Tesla Model Y.

Rivian will release its full first-quarter financial results after the market closes on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Investors will be watching closely to see if these higher delivery volumes are translating into the profitability targets the company has set for the end of the year.

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Top Gear Names Rivian's RJ Scaringe 'Influencer of the Year'

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Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe is picking up a major accolade just as his company prepares for its most important launch to date. Top Gear magazine has officially named Scaringe the "EV Influencer of the Year" as part of its 2026 EV Awards, highlighting his role in shifting the electric vehicle landscape.

According to a recent Rivian blog post, the award recognizes Scaringe’s visionary leadership during the buildup to the R2 midsize SUV. The recognition follows a pre-production media drive event held in February, where journalists got their first real taste of the dual-motor AWD “Performance” variant that will soon hit the streets.

In response to the win, Scaringe shared his excitement for the team’s progress:

It’s incredible to be recognized by Top Gear at such a pivotal moment in the R2 launch journey. This award is a testament to the entire Rivian team for their passion and their relentless focus on bringing this vehicle to life. I couldn't be more excited to introduce the Rivian brand to a broader audience and to see R2 in customer hands soon.

Building the Hype for R2

The timing of this award couldn't be better. Rivian is currently betting its entire future on the R2, which is designed to be the high-volume, mass-market hit that finally carries the company to profitability.

To keep the momentum going, Rivian is taking the SUV on a cross-country viewing tour, giving reservation holders and fans a chance to see the vehicle in the "wild" before deliveries begin. It’s a smart move that builds a personal connection with buyers, something Scaringe has been very intentional about since starting the brand.

The R2 Launch Roadmap

If you’re looking to get behind the wheel, Rivian has a very specific rollout timeline planned. The first units off the line later this spring will be the $57,990 R2 Performance, with initial orders also including a special Launch Package.

Following the flagship's release, Rivian will fill out the rest of the R2 lineup over the next couple of years:

• R2 Premium: Arriving in late 2026.

• R2 Standard Long Range: Slated for early 2027.

• R2 Standard: The most anticipated $45,000 base model, expected in late 2027.

While we don't know every detail about the base trim yet, the Performance model has already set a high bar with a 3.6-second 0–60 mph time and the clever "Drop Glass" rear window. With the R2 set to become a common sight on North American roads, Scaringe’s "influencer" status is likely only going to grow. It’s an exciting chapter for the brand, and we’re looking forward to seeing if the production units live up to the high praise Top Gear has already given the prototypes.

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