Rivian is keeping the updates coming for its R1 lineup. The company’s Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, announced that software update 2026.03 is scheduled to hit both Gen 1 and Gen 2 vehicles later this week.
This latest over-the-air (OTA) release is packed with community-requested features and refinements aimed at making the R1T and R1S even more capable. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect when the notification pops up on your screen.
Cold Weather Improvements
As we navigate the tail end of winter, Rivian is rolling out smarter range and battery insights. Cold weather is notoriously tough on EVs, often leading to reduced range as the battery uses energy to keep itself warm.
With this update, both the in-car display and the Rivian app will offer more detailed visibility into how the temperature is affecting your battery. You’ll now see blue shading on the battery graphic to indicate exactly how much energy is temporarily unavailable due to the cold, along with preemptive tips on how to manage your range.
Kneel on Demand
Rivian Wave
One of the most significant changes is a complete overhaul of Kneel Mode. Originally launched in 2022, this feature lowers the vehicle’s air suspension when you park to make it easier to get in and out or load up the front trunk.
The 2026.03 update introduces "Kneel on Demand," which adds a one-tap button to the Quick Controls menu in the UI. You can also trigger the lowering process while traveling under 20 mph to ensure the car is ready the moment you stop. Plus, the R1 can now go even lower than before and will kneel across all on-road drive modes — even on steep 15% grades and 25% side tilts.
Launch Mode
Rivian Wave
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the neck-snapping acceleration Rivian is known for, Launch Mode is your ticket. Previously restricted to certain high-end builds, Launch Mode is now expanding to all Performance Dual-Motor variants.
This mode actively lowers the R1, stiffens the suspension, and optimizes torque to each wheel to help you achieve the fastest possible 0-60 mph sprint. It also provides a cool visualization on the driver display to track your stats.
Sport Mode
Rivian Wave
Finally, Sport Mode is coming to all R1T and R1S variants. This mode optimizes the vehicle for maximum on-road performance by sharpening throttle response and providing more direct steering feedback.
The new update also adds more flexibility to Sport Mode, including options for better ride comfort so you can enjoy the extra performance without feeling every single pebble on the road.
Beyond these headline features, the update will include plenty of "under the hood" refinements and a new Apple Watch companion app. We’ll have the full breakdown for you once the update officially starts rolling out.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Rivian news, upcoming features and software updates.
Rivian is officially shifting into high gear as it prepares to put the R2 into the hands of customers. Following a strong first quarter where the company beat delivery estimates, the focus has moved entirely to the launch of its first mass-market SUV.
Reservation holders have started receiving emails from the automaker to confirm their delivery addresses and provide an update on the next steps. According to a screenshot shared by @gdann27 on X, Rivian has informed fans that "in June, we’ll be reaching back out with a date for when you can configure and order your R2."
The Road to June Deliveries
The timing of this email is critical. Rivian has consistently maintained that the R2 is on track for late spring 2026 deliveries. Opening the order configurator in June suggests that the actual delivery dates for the first wave of customers won't be far behind.
This update follows a recent executive interview, where it was revealed that employees would receive their units first to help validate the software before the public launch. For those who can't wait until June, Rivian is currently hosting a series of cross-country R2 viewing events to let people see the SUV in person.
R2 Lineup and Specs
When the configurator finally goes live, the R2 Performance will be the first model off the production line. Starting at $57,990, this top-tier trim features a dual-motor AWD system capable of 656 horsepower and a blistering 3.6-second 0–60 mph time. It also includes the signature "Drop Glass" rear window and 21-inch all-season wheels.
Rivian Wave
The rest of the R2 variants announced last month will follow a staggered rollout:
R2 Premium ($53,990): Expected late 2026 with 450 hp and 330 miles of range.
R2 Standard Long Range ($48,490): Arriving early 2027, this will be Rivian’s range leader at 345 miles.
R2 Standard ($45,000): The most affordable base model is currently slated for late 2027.
The Performance trim will also feature an exclusive Launch Package for the very first group of reservation holders. If you are still trying to decide which model fits your lifestyle, you can check out our R2 vs. R1S comparison for a better idea of the size and feature differences.
A Critical Milestone
The R2 is more than just a new car for Rivian; it is a volume play designed to make the company profitable. By moving toward a June ordering window, Rivian is proving it can stick to a tight manufacturing schedule even while overhauling its platform for a new generation.
As we enter the spring window, Rivian’s lucky first customers are just weeks away from finally locking in their builds. Stay tuned, as the launch of the configurator will likely reveal even more granular details about interior materials and final accessory options for the R2.
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.
![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's Upcoming AI Assistant: First Look [VIDEO]](https://www.rivianwave.com/img/paths/storage/rivian-screen/rivian-ai-assistant-search.webp/c89f7eefe92d9acd1a1ab3d5574e43ea/rivian-ai-assistant-search.jpg)
