Rivian is giving its flagship R1S electric SUV and R1T electric pickup a series of updates for the 2027 model year, focusing on comfort, usability, off-road capability and a simpler way to configure the lineup.
The biggest change for the R1S is the arrival of an optional second-row captain’s chair configuration, while the R1T gains a new 20-inch Adventure All-Season wheel and tire setup. Rivian is also reorganizing its trim structure, introducing new interior names and adding the Esker Silver exterior color.
The changes are evolutionary rather than a complete redesign, but they target several areas that matter to buyers of a premium electric SUV or pickup.
Rivian Simplifies the R1 Trim Lineup
For 2027, Rivian is moving away from using motor count as the primary trim naming strategy.
The previous Dual-Motor designation becomes Premium, while the Tri-Motor version is now called Performance. The range-topping Quad name remains unchanged.
The new structure is designed to make the R1 lineup easier to understand while bringing it closer to the naming strategy used for Rivian’s newer R2.
The Premium configuration continues with dual-motor all-wheel drive, producing 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque. An available power upgrade raises output to 665 horsepower and 829 lb-ft, while the Long Range option can deliver up to 410 miles of EPA-estimated range in the R1S and 420 miles in the R1T, according to Rivian.
Performance moves to a three-motor setup with 850 horsepower and 1,103 lb-ft of torque. Rivian lists up to 371 miles of EPA-estimated range for both R1 models, while 0-60 mph can take as little as 2.9 seconds.
At the top of the lineup, Quad delivers 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft of torque. The configuration can reach 60 mph in as little as 2.5 seconds on the R1T with Launch Mode, while Rivian lists up to 374 miles of EPA-estimated range.
Rivian’s current specifications likewise list 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft for the Quad, along with 374 miles of EPA-estimated range under applicable configurations.
2027 Rivian R1S Adds Captain’s Chairs
The 2027 R1S gets one of the most meaningful updates for families: an available six-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs.
The new arrangement replaces the standard second-row bench with two individual seats. Each captain’s chair features its own armrest and a fold-out cupholder, while the seats remain heated and retain child-seat attachment points.
The configuration also creates a center pass-through between the second-row seats. That makes it possible for passengers to access the third row without moving the second-row seats, which can be particularly useful when child seats are installed.
The open center section also provides a practical advantage for carrying long items. Equipment such as skis and surfboards can extend through the cabin while all six occupants remain seated.
Buyers who need maximum passenger capacity can still choose the traditional seven-seat second-row bench on eligible R1S configurations.
For an electric SUV positioned as an adventure vehicle, the captain’s chair option adds a useful combination of passenger comfort and cargo flexibility rather than simply changing the seating layout.
R1T Gets a New Adventure All-Season Wheel and Tire Setup
The 2027 R1T also receives an update aimed at drivers who regularly leave paved roads.
A new 20-inch Adventure All-Season wheel and tire package is standard on the R1T Premium and available as a no-cost option on the Performance model. The setup uses Goodyear all-season tires and is intended to provide a balance between traction, everyday driving and efficiency.
The new rolling stock changes the truck’s EPA-estimated range depending on configuration. Rivian lists 300 miles for the R1T Premium, 380 miles for Premium Long Range and 348 miles for Performance with the Adventure setup.
The approach is consistent with the R1T’s broader mission. Instead of focusing exclusively on maximum range or road performance, the new configuration is intended to offer more balanced capability for drivers who mix highway travel with trail use.
Rivian also currently offers 20-inch all-season tires designed around traction and range efficiency, including a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for its all-season wheel-and-tire set.
Esker Silver Joins the R1 Color Palette
Another 2027 update is the addition of Esker Silver, a liquid-metal exterior finish previously introduced on the R2.
Esker Silver replaces LA Silver as the included paint option for the R1S and R1T. The finish uses metallic flakes to give the silver bodywork additional depth and is available across the R1 lineup.
The color also creates a stronger visual connection between Rivian’s flagship R1 models and the upcoming R2, reinforcing the company’s effort to establish a more unified design and configuration strategy across its electric vehicle lineup.
New R1 Interior Themes
Rivian is also updating the names of its R1 interior themes to align with R2.
Premium models offer Black Mountain and Ocean Coast, while Performance and Quad versions can be equipped with three Signature interiors: Slate Sky Signature, Black Mountain Signature and Ocean Coast Signature.
The Signature options place greater emphasis on distinctive materials and textures.
Slate Sky Signature combines gray tones with plaid details and walnut wood. Black Mountain Signature uses darker upholstery with ash wood accents, while Ocean Coast Signature combines lighter tones with weathered driftwood.
The changes help distinguish the higher-performance versions without requiring a completely different cabin design.
Still Focused on Range and Performance
Despite the new trim names, Rivian has not fundamentally changed the R1’s performance character.
The R1S and R1T continue to combine substantial electric power with long-distance range and off-road capability. Depending on configuration, the lineup offers up to 420 miles of EPA-estimated range, while the Performance and Quad models provide extremely quick acceleration.
The Quad remains the headline performance configuration. Its four-motor system independently controls torque at each wheel, giving the R1 models a combination of acceleration and traction that is central to Rivian’s performance strategy.
The current R1 lineup also retains dedicated drive modes for different surfaces and conditions, including All-Terrain, Snow, Rally, Rock Crawl and other modes depending on configuration.
2027 Rivian R1S and R1T: What’s New?
The 2027 model-year changes can be summarized as follows:
– R1S captain’s chairs: New six-seat configuration with heated second-row individual seats.
– Center pass-through: Allows easier third-row access and makes it possible to carry long gear through the cabin.
– Simplified trims: Dual becomes Premium, Tri becomes Performance, while Quad remains the flagship trim.
– New R1 interiors: Interior names and themes are aligned more closely with R2.
– R1T Adventure wheels: New 20-inch all-season setup designed to balance traction and efficiency.
– Esker Silver: New exterior color replacing LA Silver as the included paint option.
– Performance remains strong: Up to 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft of torque in Quad configuration.
– Long-range capability: Select configurations offer more than 400 miles of EPA-estimated range.
The 2027 R1S and R1T Are More Refined, Not Reinvented
Rivian’s 2027 updates show a company refining the R1 formula rather than attempting to reinvent it.
The R1S becomes more family-friendly with captain’s chairs and a useful center pass-through, while the R1T gets a new wheel-and-tire combination aimed at buyers who want additional trail capability without abandoning everyday usability.
The simplified Premium, Performance and Quad structure should also make the lineup easier to understand. Combined with the updated interior themes and Esker Silver exterior color, the changes bring the R1 family closer to Rivian’s newer design and product strategy.
The result is a more coherent R1 lineup that continues to emphasize what has distinguished the R1S and R1T from the beginning: electric performance, long-distance capability, premium comfort and genuine adventure-oriented hardware.
While powertrains remain mostly the same, steep price hikes bring the starting cost of the R1T to $79,990 and the R1S to $83,990.
