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NACS, Gen 2 Quad, and More – What’s Coming to the 2026 Rivian R1T and R1S
We’re getting closer to the 2026 Rivian R1T and R1S, and while it won’t be a full redesign, there are some meaningful updates on the way. Some are confirmed, some are likely, and some things definitely aren’t happening.
What’s coming
The biggest change is NACS—Rivian is switching over to the Tesla-style charging port starting in 2026. That means easier access to Superchargers without an adapter.
The new Gen 2 Quad-Motor setup is also confirmed and already detailed. Now we’re just waiting for Rivian to officially launch it.
We’ll also get some new paint colors. Rivian does this pretty much every year, so expect a few new shades to choose from.
What’s rumored but makes sense
There’s a good chance Rivian drops the Standard battery pack that uses LFP cells. That pack is made in China, and with new tariffs, it might not be worth keeping around.
The R1T Gear Tunnel could get a redesign too. The new tonneau cover doesn’t take up as much space, but Rivian hasn’t adjusted the tunnel layout to match. A refresh would make better use of the space.
Other rumors include an upgraded sound system and a faster infotainment chip—nothing official, but both are realistic quality-of-life improvements.
What probably isn’t coming
Some big upgrades just aren’t on the table. No rear-wheel steering, no 800V architecture, no big charging curve improvements, no new power outlets in the bed or frunk, and no charge port relocation. Battery swapping also isn’t part of Rivian’s plan.
What are some realistic things you’d like to see come to the model year 2026 R1T and R1S?
Apple CarPlay
HUD
Digital Rear View Camera
R2s steering wheel buttons
Carplay and Android Auto are great. Likely not a thing on Rivian though (sadly).
++ Would like to see the R2 steering wheel as well
++ Also interested in how the NACS plug changes charging curves
Wondering about next gen processors and lifecycle of the existing CPUs. Meaning each CPU is likewise tied to the ECU count. If Rivian changes ECU count again, this is going to open the option of a newer, faster CPU.
++ little thing, often not asked for but can Rivian finally work on a better way to charge/dock cellphones? Seems short-sighted to have docks that don’t stay connected to the device for charging or the continued refusal to get mag-safe dock/charging.
I could see them going back to Standard+ with NMC (Software locked Lrg Pack) giving the owner an option to unlock for a fee in the future if they have any range anxiety. Otherwise, you will still charge to 100% everyday since you are technically only charging it up to 80-85% of the actually battery present. I think the Standard+ & Lrg+’s are a sweet set-up leaving future options
No 220/240V would be a complete disgrace!
V2X is all I want. It’s been promised and not delivered. Free the electrons!!
I’m with you on V2X. I’m mostly interested in V2L using the charge port due to the current 1500W limitation. I’m interested in V2H but less so as I don’t need seamless switching. For new vehicle upgrades, it’ll take a 15 minute 10-80 for me to give up my Gen1 large pack. I do enough long distance towing, that’s what I need for a quality of life improvement. Either that or give us two more modules in the R1T!
I’m hoping for a surprise charging curve improvement. We’ve seen Lucid improve charging speed with just port improvements. Without that I’m unlikely to purchase our second one yet
+1 for a Digital Rear View Camera. I always have a dog crate in the back of my R1S that blocks my view.
Large+ battery would be great as well
I’d love to see a more basic R1T. It doesn’t make sense to build a R2T since the bed on the R1T is fairly small. Bring us a cheaper R1T with coil suspension, ditch the electric opening front trunk, no lfp then maybe a smaller battery pack, throw in the smaller R2 display, and if it’s cheaper maybe offer wool interior.
Controllable parked suspension. To load truck easier, drop rear to stops, max out nose. Increase top speed to 115 true, hits limiter prior to 1.4 mile trap lights. Load bar dividers to secure load. Instant charge icon shows nearest 2 dcfc sites, 2 L2 sites. Conserve rear mode, to balance wear, and rwd use.
Considering 2025 quad r1x reservation holders are still waiting on deliveries to start, all of the things listed like V2X, rear wheel steering, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay would be nice though in my opinion the HP game seems to be the low hanging fruit. Tesla will proabably sit the next round out for updates as Q1 2025 for Ford shows they have taken the lead for everyday/work EV pickup truck. GMC just released specs for their 2026 Hummer EV. If you notice the major hardware update was mainly an increase in HP, likely to respond to Rivian and capitalize on Tesla’s situation. I know many Rivian enthusiasts don’t care for more HP, but this is were Rivian could score an easy win. One of the greatest challenges with increasing HP is traction. Almost all EVs with more than 1300 HP use four motors because traction is a limiting factor as power increases. All Rivian has to do is match or have slghtly more HP and eventually the strictly tri-motor designs will hit a wall before Rivian’s quad implementation and with less effort.