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Rivian

In this section of Torque News we report the latest news and developments about Rivian electric vehicles and trucks. Rivian is an American electric vehicle automaker and automotive technology company founded in 2009. Rivian is building an electric sport utility vehicle and pickup truck on a "skateboard" platform that can support future vehicles or be adopted by other companies.

2026 Rivian R2 in Rivian's HQ parking lot
I Stopped At Rivian HQ in Irvine To See If There Were Any R2s in The Parking Lot, And Took These Pictures
By Armen Hareyan on
A San Diego Rivian reservation holder detours to Rivian HQ in Irvine and discovers several R2s in the parking lot, sparking urgent questions about when reservation holders will finally get to order theirs.
A sleek, gray 2026 Rivian R1S is parked on a wet driveway in front of a rustic wooden structure. Bare trees and a calm, overcast sky create a serene backdrop.
2026 Rivian R1S Owner Walks Away After 3 Months and 10,000 Miles Due to Repeated Half Shaft Failures
By Aram Krajekian on
This Rivian R1S owner expected cutting-edge performance and capability, but early issues quickly changed that experience into something far more frustrating than they ever anticipated.
White Rivian R2 electric SUV driving on a scenic mountain road under cloudy skies.
Rivian Has No R2 Configurator 2 Months After Reveal, So a Fan Made One That Just Works
By Noah Washington on
Rivian says the R2 configurator is coming soon, but one impatient fan already built his own. The unofficial tool shows trims, colors, wheels, interiors, and estimated pricing before Rivian’s public version arrives.
Rivian Versus Scout Motors Is The New Off Road EV Rivalry Benefitting Car Buyers
Scout Motors Has a Clear Mechanical Edge Over Rivian's Off-Road Hardware, and AI Claims This Part Is Softened in The Media
By Armen Hareyan on
Rivian has owned the luxury electric off-road market for years, but now Scout Motors is back with a rugged, heritage-backed vehicle that is forcing Rivian to rethink everything from battery range to price tags. This rivalry is good for your valet.
Green Rivian R1S driving through a downtown city street, shown from a low front three-quarter angle.
Rivian R1S Owner Swapped Pirellis for Michelin Defenders and Lost 25% Efficiency
By Noah Washington on
A Rivian R1S owner expected smoother, quieter Michelin Defenders. Instead, his EV efficiency dropped by 25%, proving tires can change an electric SUV overnight.
Rivian R2 Starts Production
Rivian Offers Discounts on R1s Now that R2 is in Production
By Mary Conway on
Despite a tornado damaging the main plant in Normal, Illinois, the long-awaited R2 is finally in production. The demand for the smaller SUV is good news for buyers who want a discount on a R1 truck or SUV.
White Rivian R2 driving on a road next to a side-by-side comparison of Rivian R1 and R2 roof crossbar mounts.
Rivian Test Engineer Says R1 Crossbars Won't Mount on R2 Despite Similar Look
By Noah Washington on
Rivian's R1 crossbars cost up to $720. The mounting points look identical to the R2's. But a test engineer confirmed they won't physically fit, and Rivian is still selling them with no R2 alternative.

Rivian L2 EV Chargers at Yosemite
Attorney Says Trying To Charge His EV at Yosemite at a Rivian L2 Chargers Showed Him What's Wrong With How We're Building EV Charging Infrastructure
By Armen Hareyan on
A New York attorney's failed charging attempt at Yosemite Rivian L2 Charger put a spotlight on a problem that EV drivers across the country already know too well. The technology that finally worked was not smarter. It was simpler.
Rivian R2 cargo area measurements showing 36-inch headroom, 36-inch rear opening height, and 34-inch width at upper and lower points.
R2 Buyers Measured the Cargo and Found More Space Than Model Y, But the 29-Inch Hatch Opening Excludes Large Dog Crates.
By Noah Washington on
A Rivian Forum's user measured the R2's cargo area at a preview event: 41 inches wide, 36.5 inches deep, but only a 29-inch hatch opening. Here's what fits, what doesn't, and how it compares to the Model Y and Mach-E.
Rivian R2 electric SUV driving on a two-lane road with rolling green hills in the background.
4XL Driver Says Rivian R2 Fits Where Other EVs Don’t, but Its Tight Cargo Opening and Closed Tech Stance Still Raise Questions
By Noah Washington on
4XL Driver Says Rivian R2 Fits Where Other EVs Don’t, but the First Version Buyers Get Is Far From the $45,000 Promise
2026 Rivian R2 SUV
Denver Gets a Sneak Peek of the 2026 Rivian R2 - Block Party Draws Crowd to See the Smaller SUV
By Mary Conway on
Rivian invited journalists to see the smaller R2 before the potential buyers could experience the all new SUV. Fans started lining up hours before the Rivian space's special event showcasing the SUV that will go on sale this year.

Forest green Rivian R1S Gen 2 electric SUV driving through downtown city street with glass skyscrapers in background
Rivian R1S Owner Hits 90,000 Miles In One Year, Reports 2.74 mi/kWh And $14K Fuel Savings Running 300 Miles A Day
By Noah Washington on
The R1S is being hailed as a potential "Lincoln Navigator replacement" for the chauffeur industry, provided Rivian can fix its glitches. From inaccurate in-car efficiency data to a "ghosting" sales process.
White Rivian R2 compact electric SUV concept on display in Rivian design studio alongside teal R2 and R1S prototypes with design sketches on wall in background
Rivian’s R2 Interior Was Decided by the CEO, Not the Market or Customers
By Noah Washington on
Rivian's lead interior designer, Andrew Morandi, has confirmed that the R2’s minimalist, screen-heavy interior was a direct choice by CEO RJ Scaringe. While the design team explored physical buttons and exposed cupholders.
2027 Rivian R2 electric SUV driving on a dusty dirt trail with rolling green hills in the background
Rivian’s R2 Has an Off Road Hardware Problem Nobody Wants to Say Out Loud
By Noah Washington on
The upcoming Rivian R2 is losing the "locker" to save on costs. Unlike its big brother, this SUV skips mechanical locking differentials, relying instead on its brakes to manage wheelspin.
Rivian R1S electric SUV front view parked in a forest setting with soft sunlight
6-Foot Rivian Fan Says He Was Taller Than the R2’s Roofline but Still Shocked by How Roomy It Felt Inside
By Noah Washington on
Standing taller than the roof of the new Rivian R2 didn't stop one fan from being blown away by its interior room. It turns out shrinking the frame doesn't mean shrinking the space, if you can handle the lower, car-like stance.
Rivian R1S electric SUV driving on highway with mountains and cloudy sky
“Shadow Looked Like A Car” R1S Slams Brakes At 70 MPH… “Dropped 20 MPH” With Highway Assist, Owner Reports
By Noah Washington on
Imagine cruising at 70 mph when your car slams the brakes because it's afraid of an overpass shadow. One Rivian owner’s terrifying highway glitch exposes the messy reality of paying for "beta" autonomy features in 2026.
White Rivian R2 electric SUV driving head-on on a two-lane highway under dramatic overcast skies with green hills in background
Rivian R2 Feels Smaller Than R1S but Keeps “Plenty of Legroom,” Early Preview Shows
By Noah Washington on
The R2 is finally here, and it’s a masterclass in space. Early testers say this compact SUV somehow keeps the "roomy" soul of its massive R1S sibling, offering a leaner, smarter path for families who don't need a tank.
Green Rivian R1S SUV driving past modern buildings in city
Rivian’s Free Highway Assist Uses the Same AI Model as Its $2,500 System, So What Are You Paying For?
By Noah Washington on
Rivian’s “free” driving system just got a serious upgrade. Now the $2,500 version has to justify why it exists at all.
Rivian R1T parked on sandy beach with coastal trees
Rivian R1T Spare Tire Jack Fails Under Load, Covered by Only 2-Year Warranty
By Noah Washington on
A Rivian R1T owner reports the factory jack failed during use, causing the vehicle to drop while being lifted under controlled conditions.
Rivian Filled a Void in the Electric SUV Market That Tesla Couldn't Compete With
Rivian Filled a Void in the Electric SUV Market That Tesla Couldn't Compete With
By Armen Hareyan on
A Rivian owner's Facebook comment just exposed the one glaring mistake Tesla may have made that handed a startup billions of dollars in sales and sent loyal Tesla fans straight to a competitor, like the Rivian's R1S.
Tesla Cybertruck driving off road in desert kicking up dust trail
Cybertruck vs Rivian R1S Test Drive Favors Tesla on Ride and Simplicity
By Noah Washington on
A test drive comparison suggests the Tesla Cybertruck offers smoother ride comfort and easier maneuverability, while the Rivian R1S delivers a more traditional interior and sharper camera system.
Rivian R1S electric SUV driving through a modern city street
7 Cents Per Mile in a Rivian R1S Over 1,909 Miles With $133 in Charging
By Noah Washington on
A Rivian R1S owner completed a 1,909-mile road trip for $133 in charging, showing how overnight and destination charging can significantly reduce long-distance EV travel costs.
The $25,000 EV Is Still a Myth in The USA Due To 4 Constraints, But China Is Playing a Different Game
The $25,000 EV Is Still a Myth in The USA Due To 4 Constraints, But China Is Playing a Different Game
By Armen Hareyan on
The $25,000 EV America has been promised for years runs straight into four unlikeable economic walls that China quietly demolished a decade ago and the math will amaze you.
Tesla, Rivian And Lucid Motors Are Rewriting the EV Endgame, And It's Happening Faster
Tesla, Rivian And Lucid Motors Are Rewriting the EV Endgame, And It's Happening Faster
By Armen Hareyan on
Rivian is quietly borrowing Tesla's most powerful weapon to make the R2 the most unexpected threat to Model Y dominance, and Lucid is making a calculated bet in Europe that could either cement its luxury legacy or expose its most unlikeable vulnerability.
Rivian R2 electric SUV shown from the front three quarter angle outdoors
Rivian Says R2 Could Lose Up to 23 Miles of Range With All-Terrain Tires
By Noah Washington on
Rivian says the upcoming R2 may lose up to 23 miles of driving range when equipped with all-terrain tires instead of standard all-season tires.
A Rivian R2 all-electric SUV is shown in a tranquil camping scene
Rivian R2 Deliveries Starting This Spring Feature a Surprising Launch Sequence for Reservation Holders
By John Goreham on
While Rivian targets a sub-$60,000 entry point for the R2, initial Spring 2026 deliveries will prioritize high-margin premium configurations.
Scout Traveller (SUV) and Terra (Pickup truck)
Scout Is About To Give Us One Of The Most Unique Vehicles For One Very Specific Reason, But That Same Thing Already Spells Trouble, And It Might Just Be The Beginning
By Dimitar Angelov on
The revived Scout Motors promises to roll out the most unique EVs on the market, but the cocktail of engineering challenges and legal drama raises a valid question about the future of this VW spinoff.
Rivian R1S electric SUV driving along a tree lined residential street in a suburban neighborhood
$280 Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 Tires Could Improve Efficiency for Rivian R1S Owners
By Noah Washington on
Rivian R1S owners are noticing surprisingly strong efficiency after switching to Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 tires.
Rivian R1S electric SUV driving through a modern city street with glass skyscrapers and urban traffic.
25,000-Mile Rivian R1S Tire Test Shows Hankook iON HT Outperforming OEM Pirelli Scorpions by $1,000 in Savings
By Noah Washington on
Faced with a $1,800 quote for OEM Pirelli tires, one Rivian R1S owner discovered the Hankook iON EVO HT for just $950 a set. After 25,000 miles, this EV-specific alternative offers identical range and lower road noise for half the cost.
2024 Rivian R1S green electric SUV driving in urban city setting, front three-quarter view
After a $6,500 Transport Fee to Washington, a Rivian R1T Owner in Alaska Says His Truck Is “Stuck” in Seattle Over a Second Warranty Issue and Shipping Dispute
By Noah Washington on
One Rivian R1T owner in Alaska is living a logistical nightmare, facing $6,500 shipping bills and a corporate standoff that has left his vehicle stranded in Seattle.
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