Rivian’s 2026.03 software update is here and it’s a big one. In this video I break down the Dual-Motor updates, improvements to Kneel Mode, the move to Unreal Engine 5.5, new Apple Watch support, and smarter cold weather range transparency. From performance tweaks to UI upgrades, this is one of those releases that quietly makes your R1 feel more refined…
Rivian’s R2 introduces a simpler semi-active coil suspension system compared to the air suspension setup found in R1, focusing on comfort and control without adjustable ride height. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what that means and why it matters for everyday drivers.
Tesla delivered fewer than 2,000 Model 3s in its first six months on the market back in 2017, a reminder of just how brutal scaling a mass market EV can be, so if Rivian manages to deliver 25,000 R2s between June and December 2026 it would represent a dramatically faster ramp, not because it is easy, but because Rivian is entering its scale phase with years of production experience and an industry that has matured since Tesla fought through production hell.
Doug DeMuro gave the Rivian R2 a strong 70 Doug Score and says its launch edition pricing is “quite compelling,” adding even more momentum ahead of Rivian’s full March 12 reveal.
Rivian has quietly removed the 2027 timeline from its European R2 website, replacing it with a simple sign up page and no official launch year. While nothing has been formally announced, the move follows Canada’s shift to a 2027 release and suggests Rivian is concentrating heavily on a US first rollout, leaving Europe’s R2 timing increasingly uncertain.
