 |
| A picture of the 2027 Rivian R1S |
The adventure EV maker answers customer demands with second-row captain's chairs, new trim naming, and significant price adjustments.
Rivian has finally given upcoming customers and fans of its EV truck and SUV a host of features they had been asking for, including captain's chairs. The adventure EV truck and SUV company has announced its latest models: the 2027 R1T and R1S, unveiling a significant refresh that reimagines how customers configure their vehicles.
A New Naming Convention Takes Center Stage
Rivian has finally retired motor-based trim naming; it now offers Premium, Performance, and Quad trims, and the R1S now seats six passengers. Rivian announced the 2027 R1T and R1S on August 13 and has retired the Dual and Tri naming convention, replacing it with Premium and Performance. The company also opened orders the same day.
"This change represents a shift in what we ask customers at the top of the order flow," a Rivian spokesperson explained. "Instead of 'How many motors?' it's now 'How does the vehicle fit my life?'" The powertrain specs and configurations remain unchanged from the 2026 variants, but the presentation reflects a more lifestyle-focused approach to vehicle selection.
Power and Performance Across All Trims
Currently, the Quad features a four-motor drivetrain that delivers a combined 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque. The Performance package produces a slightly lower but still beefy 850 hp and 1,103 lb-ft of torque. Last but not least, the entry-level Premium trim, featuring a dual-motor setup, delivers a respectable 533 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque.
Performance figures are equally impressive across the lineup. The Premium trim can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, while the Performance configuration achieves the same in 2.9 seconds. The Quad maintains its name as the halo trim with 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque, clocking a 0-to-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds—a fraction of a second slower than the R1T Quad, mostly due to the R1S's extra weight, different aerodynamics, and the add-on second-row captain's chairs.
Second-Row Captain's Chairs Finally Arrive
For the first time, Rivian R1S owners will get second-row captain's chairs, starting at $1,500 on both the Performance and Quad trims. However, Premium R1S customers will have to pay a "premium" of $4,000. This is because this configuration requires adding the Sound + Vision package to the base cost of the captain's chairs, i.e., $1,500. Unfortunately, the R1T doesn't get the highly requested second-row captain's chairs.
Adding second-row captain's chairs to Rivian's lineup took several years, which is ironic given the company and its vehicles have long prided themselves on comfort and capability. The long wait may have been worth it for enthusiasts, however. Rivian calls them a "gear-friendly pass-through," as owners can now fit long equipment straight through the center of the cabin, including skis, surfboards, and longboards, without having to readjust the second-row seats. Each captain's chair folds flat, is heated, and comes with full car-seat tie-downs.
For the complete announcement and full vehicle specifications, visit Rivian's official stories page.
Inconsistent Pricing Leaves Some Models Taking a Bigger Hit
The pricing model, however, isn't consistent across the R1S Premium and Premium Long Range. Captain's chairs, as previously mentioned, require the Sound + Vision package, and the combo runs $4,000 with the Black Mountain interior colorway and $6,000 with the Ocean Coast interior trim.
Sound + Vision is standard on the R1S Performance and Quad, with the bench available in both body styles across every trim. Nevertheless, customers will still have to fork over an additional $1,500 for the Black Mountain Signature colorway on every trim and more for Sky Ocean.
R1T Updates and Range Trade-Offs
The R1T doesn't get the captain's chairs upgrade but still gets a meaningful update in the form of fresh 20-inch Adventure All-Season wheels and Goodyear tires, which are standard on Premium and a no-cost option for the Performance trim.
The trade-off is clear: Premium buyers give up nearly 20 miles of EPA range with the 20-inch package compared to the 329 miles quoted for 22-inch road wheels. EPA-estimated range on the 20-inch combo is 300 miles on Premium, 380 miles on Premium Long Range, and 348 miles on Performance.
Price Hikes Across the Board
Pricing has also shifted upwards, with the R1S now starting at $83,990 and the R1T at $79,990. That is a substantial bump from 2026 models, with the R1S getting a flat $7,000 increase and the R1T a slightly larger $9,000 bump as EV makers, including Rivian, navigate a post-tax-credit world.
The 2027 Rivian R1T and R1S represent the company's most significant refresh since its debut, balancing customer-driven features with the economic realities facing the EV industry. While the captain's chairs and streamlined trim structure will likely please adventure enthusiasts, the price increases may give some potential buyers pause as they consider their options in an increasingly competitive electric vehicle market.
Source(s): Rivian Website