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
Rivian
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.
Standard Audio
Premium Audio
Speakers (R1T)
10
16
Speakers (R1S)
12
18
Output
600 watts
960 watts
Dolby Atmos Support
No
Yes
Price
Included
$1,750 USD
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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The unveiling of the Rivian R2 gave us an incredible look at its mass-market future. But Rivian didn’t just unveil a new vehicle; they also unveiled an entire suite of accessories designed to lean heavily into the adventure lifestyle.
Chief among them is the highly anticipated Treehouse rooftop tent. While Rivian has previously partnered with third-party companies like Yakima and iKamper for R1 rooftop tents, the Treehouse is a completely bespoke, deeply integrated piece of hardware that essentially makes your future R2 into a luxury camper.
Seamless Connection
The biggest pain point with traditional powered rooftop tents is cable management. You often have to awkwardly route an extension cord down the side of the vehicle, through a cracked window, and into a 12V or 120V outlet to get power up top.
Rivian has solved this problem. The Treehouse is designed to plug directly into the proprietary electrical connections integrated right into the R2’s roof structure. This allows the Treehouse to pull power directly from the R2’s massive battery pack and straight up into the tent - no loose wires or dangling cables involved.
Climate Control & Connectivity
Because the Treehouse has a direct connection to the R2’s battery, it also has a direct connection to a lot of the R2’s functions.
With the Treehouse, you don’t need to bring a tent liner or sleeping bag in the winter. The tent features integrated fan and heating controls, allowing you to dial in the perfect temperature for sleeping or relaxing, whether it's chilly in the mountains or warm in the forest.
Rivian Wave
Alongside that, Rivian has included four integrated USB-C ports, two per side, enabling you and your camping partner to get set up and charge your phones, cameras, tablets, and even power a Starlink while you take a break.
Of course, like other high-end rooftop tents, the Treehouse also features integrated lighting, both inside and outside the cabin, so you can easily climb up or find whatever you need during the day or night.
Interior Luxury
Rivian didn’t just stop at power; they designed the entire interior of the tent to feel like you’re still inside a Rivian vehicle. Essentially, they translated their premium interior directly from your cabin to your tent.
That means hard-molded touchpoints throughout the tent, including dedicated trays and cupholders, as well as a mounting system for their optional projector. A screen can be rolled down over one of the side windows, and it can quickly turn your backcountry adventure into a movie night with a few buttons.
Of course, if you’re in the outdoors, what better to do than gaze outdoors? The large glass window panels on the roof and sides give you unobstructed views of the night sky and the terrain around you, while keeping bugs and elements out.
Aerodynamic Hardshell
Efficiency is everything for an EV, especially when you strap a large box to the roof rails. The Treehouse features a sleek, hard-shell exterior that’s designed to minimize drag and preserve as much of the R2’s range as possible while you exit suburbia and make it to your camping destination.
Rivian Wave
Will It Be Produced?
Rivian’s accessory team has a history of dreaming big and sadly falling flat. Early R1T reservation holders will painfully remember the original Camp Kitchen and Gear Tunnel Shuttle, which never materialized in their original forms due to cost and manufacturing complexities, or even the removable roof Rivian prototyped for the R1.
Rivian Wave
However, the Treehouse might actually make it as-is, because the R2 is specifically designed with those integrated power ports specifically for a powered tent. The fact that the most recent prototypes that reviewers went hands-on with still had the ports means that Rivian is clearly committed to getting this tent to market.
If they can execute and keep the price reasonable, the Treehouse might just become the must-have accessory for the R2.
Rivian owners have long asked for a way to leave their iPhones at home without losing access to their vehicles, and that day has finally arrived. Rivian announced the launch of its official Apple Watch app today, bringing a highly requested suite of remote controls and digital key features directly to your wrist.
The app is designed to be a seamless extension of the Rivian ecosystem. While the automaker famously continues to skip Apple CarPlay in favor of its own software, it is clearly leaning into Apple's hardware integrations. This launch comes at a busy time for the brand, arriving just as the new 2026.03 software update begins rolling out and ahead of the high-stakes R2 SUV unveiling scheduled for next month.
Your Wrist is Now a Digital Key
Rivian Wave
The standout feature of the new app is the expanded Digital Key functionality. Rivian first brought Apple Wallet-based digital keys to second-generation (Gen 2) vehicles in December, but the new watch app brings similar power to everyone.
For Gen 1 owners (2021–2024 models), the app acts as a bridge to enable digital key support. By keeping the Rivian app open on the watch, you can lock, unlock, and even start your vehicle without your phone. Gen 2 customers get an even smoother "passive entry" experience, where the car automatically unlocks as you approach using Ultra-Wideband technology — no tapping required.
Customizable Quick Controls
Rivian Wave
Rivian understands that a watch app needs to be fast, so they’ve made the interface highly customizable. You can choose up to four "Quick Actions" to live on the main screen of the app. This allows you to lock or unlock the doors, vent the windows, or sound the alarm with a single tap.
Beyond these basics, the app uses the hardware of the Apple Watch in clever ways. For example, you can rotate the Digital Crown to precisely adjust the cabin temperature or set a target state of charge for your battery. It’s a tactile way to interact with your car that feels much more natural than swiping on a phone screen.
Glanceable Vehicle Status
Rivian Wave
The integration goes beyond just buttons. Rivian has introduced a dedicated Apple Watch complication that you can add to your favorite watch face. This lets you see your vehicle’s range and battery percentage at a glance, sitting right next to your weather or activity rings.
Inside the app, the design mirrors the iPhone experience perfectly. You’ll see your specific vehicle color and configuration visualized on the screen, and even the "Gear Guard Yeti" makes a guest appearance to let you know your car is being watched.
Looking Forward
This app is launching just as Rivian prepares to start rolling out its 2026.03 OTA update, which is bringing other major improvements like a revamped Kneel Mode and better cold-weather range transparency. Rivian’s Apple Watch app is launching with a host of new features, and the company has confirmed that more functionality is on the way.
