Rivian Discontinues Entry-Level R1T, R1S Trims Ahead of R2 Launch

Rivian Wave
Nehal Malik

Rivian is simplifying its lineup just as it prepares for one of the most significant product launches in its history. The company has officially confirmed that the "Dual Standard" configuration is being pulled from the R1 lineup, effectively raising the entry price for both its electric pickup and SUV.

According to a report from RivianTrackr, this move marks the end of the road for the $72,990 R1T Dual Standard and the $76,990 R1S Dual Standard trims. These base models utilized an LFP battery pack that has recently faced calibration issues, which may have contributed to the decision to retire the configuration.

The New R1 Price Floor

With the Dual Standard trims gone, the starting prices for the R1 series have seen a notable jump. The new entry points for the lineup are as follows:

  • R1T Dual: $79,990

  • R1S Dual: $83,990

To clear out remaining inventory, Rivian is offering a final lease deal on 2026 R1 Dual Standard units starting at $749 per month for 36 months, with an additional $3,000 off the lease. However, the clock is ticking, as leases must be approved by March 19 and vehicles delivered by March 31. This move creates a much clearer "premium" gap between the R1 series and the upcoming, more affordable R2.

The Upcoming R2 Unveil

The primary catalyst for this lineup shift is likely the R2 midsize SUV, which is set to be unveiled this Thursday, March 12. The R2 is a critical project for Rivian, as the company is banking on the new platform and its autonomy stack to reach profitability by the end of 2026.

Rivian Wave

Rivian is targeting a starting price of roughly $45,000 for the single-motor base model. While that entry-level trim won't be the first to arrive, the pricier dual-motor, all-wheel drive R2 Launch Edition is expected to be a performance beast. That version will reportedly feature an 87.4 kWh battery, 656 horsepower, and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds.

The R2 also brings several clever utility features to the table, including front seats that fold totally flat for car camping and a rear window that rolls completely down into the tailgate. It will also feature a native NACS charging port, allowing it to use Tesla's Supercharger network from the first mile.

Volume production for the R2 is expected to begin in Illinois in mid-2026. By removing the cheapest R1 trims now, Rivian ensures that its older, more expensive models don't step on the value proposition of the R2. If you want to see the new SUV in action, make sure to check out our guide on how to watch the R2 launch event.