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.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Rivian news, upcoming features and software updates.
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.
Q1 2026
Q4 2025
Q1 2025
Deliveries
10,365
9,745
8,640
Production
10,236
10,974
14,611
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.
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.
![Meet the Rivian R2 Frunk: In-Depth Look at Size and Features [VIDEO]](https://www.rivianwave.com/img/paths/storage/r2/r2-frunk-trims_launchpkg_lauchgreen_still_3_2_02.webp/4df1b5a3ca0aae55db2b3a1390b2477c/r2-frunk-trims_launchpkg_lauchgreen_still_3_2_02.jpg)
![Rivian 'Max Power' Simpsons Easter Egg [VIDEO]](https://www.rivianwave.com/img/paths/storage/rivian-reference/max-power-easter-egg-2.jpg/79787b66f4314fb5c00baeedffe59646/max-power-easter-egg-2.jpg)
