In addition to developing a steer-by-wire system, Rivian also appears to be working on rear-wheel steering, two features that could significantly impact how its EVs handle. That said, there’s no clear timeline for when these updates might roll out, so current Rivian owners probably don’t need to consider trading in their vehicles just yet.

News about Rivian’s latest developments doesn’t come from a press release or a comment made by an executive, but rather from a job listing that the automaker recently posted. In the listing, it says it is looking for an engineer to join the Vehicle Hardware Engineering – Chassis – Product Development team.

Read: Rivian’s R2 Spotted With A Very Interesting Rear Window

Their work will include the product development of important chassis steering hardware components, “such as steer by wire, rear wheel steering, and advanced ADAS steering technologies.”

Given that the current R1S and R1T are both big vehicles with a keen focus on off-roading, it’s somewhat surprising they don’t already have a rear-wheel steering system. The Tesla Cybertruck debuted with rear-wheel steering a couple of years ago, helping its maneuverability on tight trails, as well as in carparks and on the road.

Following In The Footsteps of Tesla and Lexus

Adding steer-by-wire also seems like a logical development for Rivian to make, allowing i t to completely remove any physical link between the steering wheel and the wheels. Like Tesla and Lexus, it would need to add redundancies in case the system fails. Steer-by-wire would also allow Rivian to adjust the steering ratio depending on vehicle speed, something both Tesla and Lexus have done.  

As mentioned, there’s no word on when the systems could be ready, but if Rivian is only now starting work on them, they’ll likely still be a few years out. They could conceivably debut on the R1T and R1S, although they were only recently updated, meaning another significant update would be needed. The smaller R2 and R3 are also possible candidates for the new steering systems.

A recent software update intended to improve Rivian’s navigation system has instead sparked frustration among some owners. Last month, the company rolled out an upgrade that brought Google Maps integration to its in-built navigation, including features like Google Places and real-time data on lane closures and accidents reported by the Google Maps community.

However, some Rivian owners have begun reporting that following the update, their GPS systems frequently freeze, leading to concerns that the rollout may have been a bit rushed by the carmaker.

Some Owners Affected, Others Not

Several Rivian owners have taken to Reddit to detail their experiences with the system. According to the original poster, their GPS has been freezing every other day after the Google Maps update. The only way to fix it is to perform a soft reset of the infotainment system, which can be done by holding down the far left and far right buttons on the steering wheel for roughly 15 seconds.

Read: Rivian’s Lawsuit Exposes The Car Industry’s Most Absurd Barrier

Multiple users have confirmed the same issue, reporting that a soft reset is the only way to get the navigation back on track. Interestingly, the glitch doesn’t appear to affect all Rivians. Owners of newer Gen2 R1S and R1T models say the updated system with Google integration works without problems. A few drivers of earlier Gen1 vehicles also reported no issues post-update.

In one case, an owner said the navigation tab on their infotainment display becomes unresponsive every two to three days and must be reset. Even when it does work, it keeps thinking their current location is at home, even if it’s not. Another R1S owner on the Reddit thread says they haven’t experienced any freezing issues, but the system’s search function no longer works.

Temporary Fixes While Rivian Investigates

In all likelihood, a software issue is to blame for the bug, and if Rivian is aware of the fault, it may already be developing a fix. Carscoops has reached out to the carmaker for a comment. In the meantime, owners dealing with the bug may have to continue resetting their systems every few days.

For years, Rivian has gone it alone with its infotainment system, refusing to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, much like Tesla. However, things are changing. Kind of. As of Tuesday this week, new Rivian models will come with a new and improved in-built navigation system using Google Maps technology.

Read: This CEO Just Called Out The Biggest Threat To EVs And It’s Not Trump

The update is not quite Android Auto, but it’s a step in the right direction. The news is not so good for iPhone users accustomed to using Apple Maps, however, and they’ll just have to get used to using Google.

Google Maps at the Core

Rivian says it has worked directly with Google to create a navigation system specifically designed to support its EVs. Thanks to Google, the new system includes real-time traffic and place information. It also supports reports made by the Google Maps community for updates like lane closures and accidents. Google Places has now also been incorporated, providing Rivian owners with information about roughly 250 million locations around the world, including details like opening hours, contact information, and reviews.

Importantly, the system retains all of Rivian’s in-built navigation features. These include the ‘range on arrival’ function that provides accurate range information depending on an owner’s driving style and whether they are using accessories, like a trailer. All Rivian models can also curate charging stops for the fastest-possible trip and will provide real-time data for compatible charging networks, including Tesla Superchargers and the Rivian Adventure Network.

Updates Beyond the Dashboard

All updates made to the infotainment systems of the R1T and R1S will be incorporated into the Rivian mobile app, making it easier for owners to manage navigation and settings remotely.

This isn’t the first time Rivian has rolled out a new Google feature to its vehicles. Late last year, it announced that it would add Google Cast. It’s unlikely that any kind of Apple CarPlay support will be added in the future, even though Rivian’s system does include Apple Music. By keeping its infotainment software in-house, Rivian says is able to better tailor the experience to suit its customers.

Rivian introduced the second-generation R1S and R1T last summer and now the company has unveiled the new quad-motor variants. They’re high-performance EVs that start at $115,990 for the truck and $121,990 for the SUV.

Designed to be more powerful and capable than ever before, the models are equipped with four electric motors that produce a combined output of 1,025 hp (764 kW / 1,039 PS) and 1,198 lb-ft (1,622 Nm) of torque. This enables the R1T to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.5 seconds, while the R1S can accomplish the same task a tenth of a second later.

More: 2025 Rivian R1S Is An Imperfect But Promising Look At The Future

Rivian was coy on full details, but claimed both variants have an EPA-estimated range of up to 374 miles (602 km). That increases to 400 miles (644 km) in Conserve mode, which disengages the rear drive unit. However, Rivian’s configurator lists less impressive ranges of 338 and 360 miles (544 and 579 km) for the Launch Editions.

Putting that aside, Rivian said the vehicles are equipped with their newest drive units. Each features two electric motors that were designed and manufactured in-house. The company added the “rear drive unit has a larger gear ratio and is built for maximum performance and torque delivery, while the front drive unit is optimized for maximizing efficiency at cruising speeds.”

Rivian went on to say the new motors are oil-cooled, which helps to significantly improve their thermal performance during “high-torque, low-speed driving such as rock crawling.” They also help to improve efficiency during high-speed driving on highways.

Familiar Looks With A Handful Of Special Touches

Besides the new powertrains, there isn’t much to report as first- and second-generation R1s look virtually identical. That being said, the Quad variants feature an Ascend interior with quilted seats, extended stitching, and fancier door panels. They’re joined by plaid accents, bronze flourishes, and new fabric on the front seat backs. Other highlights include Brown Ash, Walnut, or Driftwood trim.

Moving outside, there are new 20- and 22-inch wheels that are backed up by Laguna Beach Blue brake calipers. Customers can also get Dark or Dune Satin Graphite wheels wrapped in 34-inch all-terrain tires.

Other highlights include a glass roof and a standard Darkout Package. They’re joined by an air compressor and underbody protection. More notably, there’s a rear-mounted Gear Guard mascot with “wind-swept hair” that hints at the vehicle’s performance.

Rivian is throwing in a number of high-tech toys including a Launch Mode with a Launch Cam. As the name implies, it records your Launch Mode adventures and then displays real-time stats when showing replays in the Videos app.

Quad-Specific Features Including A Kick Turn Function

More interestingly, Rivian announced a RAD Tuner is coming in September. It promises to give drivers “better control over their vehicle’s dynamic behavior” as there will be “intuitive sliders” that can be used to create personalized and savable driving modes. These can be built from scratch or based on presets such as Sport or Rally mode.

A Kick Turn function is also coming this fall and it promises to make tight off-road turns easier. As the company explained, “When you engage Kick Turn, your R1 Quad smartly adjusts the power to the inside wheels, slowing them down or even reversing them. This precise control over wheel slip ensures your vehicle turns exactly as quickly and smoothly as you intend.”

A more useful addition is a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, which will come standard on every 2026 R1. It provides easy access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, although Quad-Motor variants will also come with a complimentary CCS adapter.

Launch Edition Arrives First

To celebrate the introduction of the new Quad, Rivian has announced a Launch Edition. It offers an exclusive Launch Green exterior and special badging on the dashboard. Buyers will also find added equipment including a Camp Speaker, a Gen 2 key fob, and lifetime access to Connect+ as well as the Rivian Autonomy Platform+.

The Launch Editions are unsurprisingly more expensive as pricing starts at $119,990 for the R1T and $125,990 for the R1S. The special edition will also be offered in Canada for $196,990 CAD and $207,990 CAD.

Deliveries of the R1 Quad will begin later this month and the initial focus is on Launch Editions. Rivian’s website shows customers can expect them to be available in two to three weeks.