Rivian’s latest software update added a ton of new features, including improvements to interior lighting for Gen 1 vehicles, enhanced Google Maps search and traffic data, location photo previews, and climate and Pet Comfort Mode improvements.
With update 2024.31, Rivian added Launch Mode support to their second-gen, Tri-Motor vehicles, including the R1S and R1T.
The first-generation Quad-Motor vehicles don’t have a Launch Mode just yet – but Rivian confirmed they’re working on it, in response to a customer request on X. The Quad Motor configs already come with a Sport Mode preset, which drops the suspension to the lowest, reduces stability controls, provides full power to the motors and warms the battery in preparation for going faster.
With a future update, Gen 1 Quad Motors will have access to Launch Mode – which will bring the maximum possible acceleration to your R1T or R1S. Launch Mode will get you going really fast, really quick.
Rivian already has an older version of Launch Mode on Gen 1 vehicles. You can hold the brake, hold the accelerator, and then release the brake – and off you go!
However, the old launch mode is much simpler and doesn’t offer the full benefits that will come with the new Launch Mode. We’re expecting that Rivian’s new Launch Mode will be even better – with proper UI support, and proper support to get the vehicle motors and batteries to the right temperatures for a perfect launch, every time. Below is a video of Rivian’s old Launch Mode on a Gen 1 R1S.
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Rivian has officially unveiled the full production specs for its highly anticipated R2. While the broad strokes, like the $45,000 starting price and 300+ miles of range, are the dominating headline items, there’s a lot to look at as you go down the spec sheet and compare the variants.
If you are making a reservation for the midsize electric SUV, the trim you select will affect the available features and options. From missing hardware on the base model to optional upgrades, here are all the "little things" you need to know about the R2 lineup.
MagSafe Charging for All
Rivian Wave
One of the most universal complaints about the flagship R1 vehicles has been the notoriously finicky wireless charging pad. Brake too hard, and your phone would go flying off the charging pad if it bothered to charge in the first place.
Rivian has clearly listened to the feedback. The R2 features a completely redesigned center console with integrated magnetic wireless charging. This MagSafe-compatible design keeps your phone locked in place and charging, even when you are throwing the R2 around on an off-road trail.
No Drop Glass on Standard Model
Rivian Wave
One of the standout features of the R2's design is its rear window, which drops completely down into the tailgate to provide an open-air, safari-like driving experience (and allows you to haul long items like surfboards easily).
However, this feature is reserved for the Premium and Performance trims. If you buy the base Standard trim, the rear glass is fixed. This helps reduce costs and opens the door to the $45,000 price point Rivian is looking to meet later next year.
No Tow Hooks on Standard
Rivian Wave
Rivian built its brand on rugged, go-anywhere adventure DNA. Tow hooks are practically a staple of the Rivian aesthetic.
However, to keep costs down on the entry-level configurations, the R2 Standard trim drops the prominent front tow hooks entirely. You will need to step up to the Premium or Performance tiers to get them equipped from the factory.
Between this and the drop glass, Rivian has squarely placed the Standard as a regular vehicle that could do some light adventuring, while the Premium and Performance are your true electric adventure vehicles.
No Adaptive Headlights on Standard
All R2 models come equipped with Rivian's signature stadium-shaped headlights utilizing Matrix LED technology. But there is a software and hardware catch: the Standard trim lacks the Adaptive High Beam functionality found on the upper trims.
If you want your R2 to automatically map and dim specific LED zones around oncoming traffic at night, you have to upgrade to the Premium or Performance models.
Future, Smaller Pack
Rivian is heavily marketing the R2's $45,000 starting price, but that specific vehicle won't arrive until late 2027. When it does, it will be equipped with a smaller battery pack.
The initial Standard Long Range trim (arriving in early 2027 for $48,490) features a larger 87.9 kWh pack capable of 345 miles of range. The delayed $45,000 base model will trade that larger pack for a smaller one, aiming for roughly 275 miles of range to hit its aggressive price target.
Semi-Active Suspension
Because the R2 is built to a much lower price point than the R1, it abandons the complex, expensive air suspension of its bigger sibling. The Standard and Premium trims utilize a traditional, static spring-and-damper suspension setup.
However, the top-tier R2 Performance trim gets a major handling upgrade with an exclusive Semi-Active suspension system, allowing the vehicle to dynamically adjust its damping rates on the fly for better cornering and off-road articulation.
Rivian’s highly anticipated R2 has officially launched, bringing a more compact and affordable vehicle to the brand’s expanding lineup.
While the R2 introduces a host of clever interior storage and seating innovations, one of the most exciting new accessories to debut alongside the vehicle is the "Field Outlet.” This is a plug-and-play device that transforms the R2 into a massive off-grid power bank.
Powering Your Devices
Resigned specifically for the R2's native NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, the Field Outlet accessory provides users with two standard 120V AC outlets. There isn’t support for 240V accessories, and Rivian isn’t specifying how many amps the adapter can deliver. Expect it to be similar to Tesla’s V2L version, which can deliver up to 20 amps at 110V, or about 2,200 watts.
This essentially turns the R2 into a mobile power station, eliminating the need to haul heavy, separate battery packs or gas generators into the wilderness. Whether you need to run lights, power a coffee maker, or charge up laptops and tools, the Field Outlet is tailored for car camping or tackling off-grid outdoor tasks.
Rivian Wave
Supported Vehicles
While current Rivian owners might be eager to get their hands on this accessory, the Field Outlet is exclusively designed for the next-generation R2 architecture.
Unfortunately, it is not backwards compatible with the flagship R1T pickup or R1S SUV, even those with a NACS port. The technical limitation lies within the charging hardware itself. Older R1 vehicles (whether Gen 1 or Gen 2) do not feature the necessary bi-directional AC power conversion hardware integrated into the charge port. Rivian specifically engineered the R2's charging system to support this power export capability from day one.
By integrating bi-directional capability directly into the NACS port, Rivian leans heavily into its signature adventure DNA, ensuring that the smaller, $45,000 R2 doesn't sacrifice the extreme outdoor utility that the brand is known for.
