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
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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.
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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.
After years of anticipation, the Rivian R2 is finally approaching its official debut. The company recently offered a nostalgic look at where the midsize SUV began by sharing early design sketches on social media. "R2 was once just a collection of sketches by our design team. Coming Spring 2026," Rivian posted on X.
R2 was once just a collection of sketches by our design team. Coming Spring 2026. pic.twitter.com/saMlCeUbNd
Comparing those early drawings to the final production units seen in recent media drives shows a design team that stayed remarkably true to its original vision. The R2 maintains the signature stadium headlights and clean lines that defined the sketches, though the final version looks a bit more rugged and ready for the real world.
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The development process for the R2 has been a marathon. While Rivian has started organizing soft launches and small media events to drum up buzz, the SUV hasn't officially launched yet. We are still waiting for the big unveiling event on March 12, where Rivian is expected to drop all the final details on pricing, trim levels, and option packages.
For those who need a refresher, the R2 is built on an entirely new platform that is much lighter than its R1S sibling. Rivian is targeting a starting price of roughly $45,000 for the single-motor base model. The dual-motor, all-wheel drive Launch Edition — which Rivian has confirmed will be the first to roll off the production line — is expected to be a performance beast with an 87.4 kWh battery, putting out 656 horsepower and hitting 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
The R2 is also packed with an improved infotainment system and clever utility features like a rear window that rolls completely down into the tailgate and front seats that fold totally flat for car camping. It even features a native NACS charging port, meaning it will be ready to use Tesla's massive Supercharging network right out of the box.
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While production in Illinois is slated to begin in mid-2026, the global rollout has hit a few snags. Canadian fans recently learned that their launch has been pushed to 2027, as Rivian focuses on making sure the U.S. launch goes perfectly first. European product pages for the R2, meanwhile, simply note that it is “Coming to Europe.”
The March 12 event will be the moment we finally see if the R2 can live up to the massive expectations set by those early sketches. Are you planning to place a reservation for the R2 once the full details are out, or are you holding out for the R3? Let us know in the comments.
