Rivian is taking one of its most helpful accessibility features and giving it a massive overhaul. In a recent post on X, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid announced that the upcoming 2026.03 software update will completely revamp "Kneel Mode" for both first and second-generation R1 vehicles.
Bensaid noted that these improvements were refined based on user feedback, specifically thanking users like tech YouTuber JerryRigEverything and his partner Cambry for their input. While we don't have an exact release date yet, this update will follow the v2025.46 release from December, which brought major autonomy upgrades like Universal Hands-Free driving.
What is Kneel Mode?
If you’re new to the brand, Kneel Mode is a handy feature available for both the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. Originally released in October 2022, it uses the vehicle’s independent air suspension to lower the ride height when you park. The goal is simple: make it easier for people and pets to hop in and out, and make loading gear into the front trunk or rear cargo area less of a chore.
Currently, when the mode is toggled on, the car drops about 1.4 inches (35mm) within five seconds of shifting into park. To keep things safe, it only works in "All-Purpose" and "Conserve" modes at a standard ride height. It won't activate if you’re in Off-Road or Towing modes, as a sudden height change could damage the underbody or your trailer.
If someone opens a door before the car finishes lowering, the process pauses until everyone is out and the doors are shut. Once you start driving again, the car automatically raises back up to its standard height as you hit 5 mph.
What’s Changing in the 2026.03 Update?
The upcoming revamp makes the feature much more flexible. According to Bensaid, the R1 can now go even lower than before, providing a truly "lower profile" for entry and exit.
One of the biggest usability upgrades is a quick control option, which adds a dedicated button to the user interface for one-tap access to Kneel Mode.
Rivian is also releasing what they’re calling a rolling trigger, which sounds like it allow the user to enable Kneel Mode on Park if the vehicle is traveling below 20 mph.
Perhaps most importantly, Rivian is expanding where you can use it. The updated Kneel Mode will be available across many different ride heights and all on-road drive modes — including Sport Mode, which previously didn't support it because the car was already low. It even gets a boost for adventuring, staying active on 15% grades and 25% side tilts.
These changes will make the once-niche setting into a much more useful setting that works when and where you actually need it.
