Q&A Portion
With Rivian updating the 2027 R1 lineup, customers on demo drives and across social media had questions about the changes. The California-based company addressed them, which should help buyers decide amid more challenging EV market conditions in the U.S., where hybrids have gained momentum.
When asked what changed for 2027, Rivian gave a short rundown: a simplified trim structure, a new seating configuration, a standard 20-inch Adventure All-Season wheel-and-tire setup for the R1T Premium, and a new paint color. The seating configuration is particularly notable, as the R1S now offers second-row captain’s chairs – an option long requested by customers. It also gives the R1S a feature unavailable in the Lucid Gravity, while the Cadillac Escalade IQ takes things further with its available Executive Second Row package.
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Filling in the Blanks
Rivian was also asked what happened to the Dual- and Tri-Motor designations. Those powertrains now sit under the Premium and Performance trims, respectively, bringing the R1’s naming structure in line with the R2’s. As the company puts it, “So the language is consistent across the Rivian family.” This could mean the even smaller R3, expected to enter production in 2028, may adopt similar trim names. The Esker Silver paint introduced on the R2 also replaces LA Silver on the R1.
Someone asked which R1 would best suit them, to which Rivian offered five recommendations. The first is Premium Long Range for those who take longer trips. It offers the most EPA-estimated range in the lineup: up to 410 miles for the R1S and 420 miles for the R1T. Secondly, the company said the R1S Premium with second-row captain’s chairs is ideal for those with a full house and plenty of gear, thanks to its six-seat layout, center pass-through, and cargo capacity.
For those whose homes may be reached by a dirt, gravel, mud, or otherwise unpaved driveway, there’s the R1T Premium with the standard 20-inch Adventure All-Season wheel-and-tire setup. It provides more traction, though at the expense of some range. On the R1T Premium Long Range, the more rugged setup cuts EPA-estimated range by 40 miles – from 420 miles with the 22-inch road wheels to 380 miles.
For buyers wanting maximum performance, Rivian points to the Quad, which uses a quad-motor setup capable of 1,025 horsepower and a 0-to-60 sprint in 2.5 seconds. Lastly, those looking for a middle ground can opt for the Performance trim, which offers 850 horsepower, up to 371 miles of EPA-estimated range, and an upscale interior.
As for the interior changes, Rivian noted that the second-row bench, which creates a seven-seat configuration, remains available with both R1S Premium interiors and with Black Mountain Signature on the R1S Performance and Quad. Premium buyers can choose between Black Mountain and Ocean Coast, while Performance and Quad models receive three Signature versions, including the Slate Sky Signature option with gray tones, plaid accents, and walnut trim.
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Nothing Important Left Behind
Rivian says the reshuffle hasn’t removed any of the R1 lineup’s core capabilities.
Pricing starts at $79,990 for the R1T and $83,990 for the R1S, both before a $1,895 destination charge. They can now be configured on Rivian’s customer-facing website alongside the R2, its latest addition to the brand lineup and expected volume seller.
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