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Jose Castillo Founder and Editor
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Jose Castillo is the founder and editor of RivianTrackr, an independent publication he started to cover Rivian from an owner's point of view. He has followed the company since early in its consumer history and has owned and leased several Rivians over the years, including multiple R1T and R1S vehicles. Today he drives an R1S and an R2 in Florida and uses Universal Hands-Free for his daily driving.

Most of his coverage comes from firsthand access rather than press releases. He was at the R2 First Drive in Park City for hands-on time with the production R2 and RivianOS 2.0, and he reported from SXSW when Rivian revealed the full R2 lineup. He has spoken directly with Rivian leaders like Wassym Bensaid and James Philbin about where the company is taking its software and autonomy work.

Before RivianTrackr, Jose worked at Apple as a software developer, which is part of why he follows Rivian's software and autonomy side as closely as he does. He has also helped more than 400 people order their own Rivians through the site. The whole thing stays independent, written by an owner for other owners.

R2 Validation Builds

Rivian Invites Influencers to Demo and Off Road the R2

Rivian invited select media and influencers to get behind the wheel of its R2 validation builds, offering the first real world look at the upcoming model. While specs and pricing remain under wraps, attendees were able to demo drive and even take the R2 off road, signaling strong confidence from Rivian as the vehicle moves closer to production.

Rivian Technology

Why Unreal Engine Powers Rivian’s UI

Rivian’s 2026.03 update upgrades the R1 platform to Unreal Engine 5.5, and no, it’s not about gaming. It’s about smoother visuals, faster UI performance, and a more immersive digital cockpit that can scale across Gen 1, Gen 2, and future R2 vehicles. Here’s why this matters more than most people think.

Apple Watch Support Coming to Rivian Vehicles

Rivian Update 2026.03 Brings Apple Watch App

Rivian’s 2026.03 update introduces an Apple Watch app for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1 vehicles, allowing owners to lock and unlock doors, adjust cabin temperature, vent windows, and even set a target state of charge directly from their wrist. With passive entry support on Gen 2 and quick tap controls on Gen 1, this update makes everyday access to your Rivian feel even more seamless and connected.

Rivian Software

What’s Coming In Rivian Software 2026.03

Rivian’s 2026.03 software update brings smarter cold weather range visibility, expanded performance features like Launch mode and broader Sport mode availability, improved Kneel Mode usability, and smoother visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5.5 across both Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1 vehicles. Add in the new Apple Watch app and a long list of stability and driver assist refinements, and this is a well rounded update that quietly improves the entire ownership experience.

R2 Vs. Model Y Interior

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.