How a Costco Partnership Could Make Rivian’s More Accessible

Rivian should seriously consider teaming up with Costco to offer vehicle discounts. It just makes too much sense. Costco has been helping people score deals on cars for years, and a partnership like this could be a huge win for both brands.

First off, Costco’s Auto Program moves a ton of vehicles. Their members get prearranged pricing that’s usually better than what they’d negotiate on their own, and let’s be real—buying a car can be a hassle. Rivian’s direct-to-consumer model already simplifies things, but adding a Costco discount would make it even easier for people to pull the trigger. EVs aren’t cheap, and even a small price break could be the final push for someone who’s on the fence.

Then there’s the Costco crowd. These aren’t just bargain hunters—they’re professionals, families, and adventure-loving folks who appreciate quality without unnecessary markups. That’s exactly Rivian’s target audience. If Rivian partnered with Costco, it wouldn’t just be about saving money; it’d be about reinforcing the brand as a smart, high-value choice for people who want a premium EV without the luxury-car pretentiousness.

And let’s talk exposure. Costco doesn’t just quietly offer deals; they actively promote them through emails, in-store signage, and online advertising. Rivian has relied a lot on word-of-mouth and social media, but Costco’s massive marketing machine could introduce the brand to thousands of new potential buyers—many of whom might not have even considered an EV yet.

Tesla has always avoided programs like this, but Rivian doesn’t need to follow that playbook. The EV market is evolving fast, competition is heating up, and getting more people into Rivians should be the priority right now. They’ve already tested limited-time discounts for certain groups—why not take it a step further with Costco?

At the end of the day, it’s about making Rivian vehicles more accessible without cheapening the brand. Costco could be the perfect partner to help make that happen.