The Sunday Drive, Rivian Week in Review, July 20 to July 26, 2026
Rivian halts Half Moon Grey R2 deliveries, sues the federal government over tariff refunds, and puts out a charging adapter warning. Plus R2 battery pack costs, a tire efficiency breakdown,… · Rivian
2026.03
Software 2026.03 is a meaningful update for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1 vehicles, bringing clearer cold weather range insights with new battery shading, proactive notifications, and improved charging logic to better prepare the pack in low temps. Performance Dual and Quad models gain Launch mode with track stats, Sport mode expands across Dual variants, Kneel Mode becomes more responsive and easier to trigger, and the entire interface gets smoother thanks to an upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.5, all alongside a new Apple Watch app for remote control and a series of infotainment and driver assistance refinements  .
Rivian R2 vs Tesla Model Y, The EV Showdown That Will Define 2026
For years, the Tesla Model Y has been the default electric SUV choice. Now the Rivian R2 is stepping directly into that territory and this is more than a spec comparison. It’s a battle of philosophy, software strategy, manufacturing discipline, and brand identity. If Rivian executes, R2 doesn’t need to beat the Model Y on every metric, it just needs to become the compelling alternative in every conversation and that alone could reshape the EV landscape.
Rivian Has a Huge Opportunity to Build the Electric Work Truck Ford Walked Away From
Ford’s decision to cancel the F-150 Lightning leaves a major opening in the electric work truck market. A base Rivian R1T work truck with fewer luxury features, lower cost, and expanded onboard power could become the ultimate tool for contractors, fleets, and small businesses.
Rivian Reveals Behind the Scenes Look at R2 Production
Rivian just released new behind the scenes clips of the R2 coming together on the line, highlighting its simplified design and hinting at the start of the official R2 content push.
R2 Hype Begins, Rivian Spotted Shooting Content with Star Wars “R2 Units” Inspired Prototypes
A convoy of colorful Rivian R2 prototypes was spotted on a California highway, hinting that the company’s official R2 content rollout may be just getting started.
Rivian Drops Borealis Purple While Red Canyon Makes a Comeback
Rivian has removed the limited-edition Borealis purple from its online configurator, though a few vehicles are still available in the R1 Shop. Meanwhile, Red Canyon, which disappeared in August 2025, has officially returned as a selectable color.
Rivian Puts Hands-Free Driving Behind a Paywall, Offers Free Trial Through April
Rivian is officially putting hands-free driving behind a paywall. Universal Hands-Free is now part of the paid Autonomy+ package, with existing owners getting a limited free trial through April before subscriptions kick in. After that, drivers can choose between a $49.99 monthly fee or a $2,500 one-time purchase tied to the vehicle’s VIN, signaling a clear shift toward paid software features.
Why Rivian R2’s Success Matters to Every R1 Owner
Rivian’s upcoming R2 has a lot of R1 owners wondering what it means for them. From software and support to resale value and long term brand health, R2 is less about replacing R1 and more about strengthening the entire Rivian ecosystem.
Rivian Offers 0% APR for the First Time Ever on 2026 R1 Vehicles
Rivian is offering 0% APR financing for the first time ever, giving very well-qualified buyers a rare chance to purchase a 2026 R1 with zero interest. Available for a limited time on select Dual, Tri, and Quad configurations, this deal could save buyers thousands, but timing and delivery deadlines apply.
Rivian’s Young Driver Assist Stack Impresses in Winter Conditions
A short clip shared by Scot from Out of Spec shows a Rivian confidently handling lane centering and a lane change in snowy conditions. While Tesla has spent years refining its system with millions of vehicles on the road, Rivian has only been at this for months, making the steady, composed behavior especially notable.