If you want a new car that spends more time on your driveway than at the dealer, Consumer Reports has some familiar advice. Stick with the usual suspects, be suspicious of shiny new tech, and maybe don’t volunteer to beta test an automaker’s latest big idea.

At the top of the pile, Toyota grabbed first place with Subaru second and Lexus third. Honda and BMW rounded out the top five. Consumer Reports based the study on survey data covering about 380,000 vehicles, so this is the kind of league table that has credibility, and isn’t just the result of an angry guy yelling into a forum thread about his rogue SUV.

Related: A CX-90 Owner Returned His New SUV After One Day, Bought Another, And Got The Same Problem

If you’re wondering who had the best transformation, that would be Tesla. It jumped eight places from last year’s study to ninth overall, helped largely by stronger showings from the Model 3 and, in particular, the Model Y. That doesn’t mean everything in Tesla land is suddenly flawless, because the Cybertruck still landed below average, but it does suggest the company is finally getting a better grip on some of the fit, finish, and hardware gremlins that used to follow it around.

Mazda’s PHEV Nightmare

The brand that took the awkward tumble was Mazda, which dropped eight spots to 14th. Older Mazda models still did reasonably well, but the newer, more complicated CX-70 and CX-90, especially in plug-in hybrid form, apparently kept causing trouble.

That’s a classic case of what happens when an automaker gets ambitious with new platforms, new drivetrains, and new tech all at once. Sometimes the engineering team nails it. Sometimes the owners become unwitting, unpaid members of the R&D squad.

Consumer Reports also says hybrids continue to be a safe option for ICE fans looking for better economy. EVs and PHEVs, meanwhile, remain overrepresented among the least reliable models in the survey, especially when they’re brand new or heavily redesigned.

Buick Leads Detroit Brands

There were a few other eyebrow raisers in the rankings. Buick was the highest placed traditional Big Three Detroit brand at eighth, Ford landed 11th, and relative newcomer Rivian brought up the rear, though it’s worth pointing out that Jaguar, Land Rover, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and more were excluded from the study due to a lack of data.

Consumer Reports also found Asian brands still dominate on reliability, Europeans sit in the middle, and domestic brands trail overall, even if Tesla’s jump gave Team America something to celebrate. 

And reliability is worth celebrating. No, it’s never going to be sexy, but unless your idea of excitement includes hanging around in waiting rooms and constantly swapping into loaner crossovers, Consumer Reports has a pretty clear message: maybe let somebody else test the cutting edge first.

Consumer Reports Reliability Study

Consumer Reports

We already had a solid picture of the new Rivian R2, but fresh EPA testing data fills in a few remaining gaps. Positioned below the R1S in price yet still focused on performance and practicality, the all-electric R2 is shaping up to be a crucial model for the brand.

According to internal reports shared on the Rivian Forums, the range-topping Performance variant will use an 86.8 kWh usable battery pack and come with a choice of 20-inch or 21-inch wheels. Wheel and tire setup makes a noticeable difference. Models fitted with 20-inch wheels and all-terrain rubber are rated at up to 314 miles (505 km), while versions on 21-inch, road-focused tires stretch that to 335 miles (539 km).

Read: Rivian’s Most Affordable Model Arrives First In Its Most Expensive Form

While the R2 looks quite boxy, it has a better range than the Tesla Model Y Performance, which comes with an EPA-estimated range of 306 miles (492 km). The Tesla, however, is significantly lighter, weighing 4,466 lbs (2,025 kg), making it 784 lbs (356 kg) lighter than the R2 Performance at 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg) when equipped with 21-inch wheels.

The published documents also reveal that Rivian has developed a proprietary heat pump for the R2, aimed at improving cabin cooling in hot weather while reducing NVH levels. It should also perform better in cold climates, thanks to a high-voltage coolant heater. The R2 will also feature an integrated battery health monitoring system.

There’s More To Come

The only R2 variant referenced in the EPA tests is the $57,990 Performance, which will be the first to launch. Later this year, Rivian plans to introduce the more affordable R2 Premium, starting at $53,990. It’s expected to produce 450 hp and 537 lb-ft (727 Nm), compared to the Performance model’s 656 hp and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm). There’s no official range estimate yet, though it should exceed that of the R2 Performance.

A more accessible R2 Standard is also scheduled for 2027. It will deliver 350 hp and 355 lb-ft (481 Nm), with early estimates pointing to a 345-mile (555 km) range. The lineup is expected to be completed in late 2027 with an entry-level R2 featuring a smaller battery, believed to offer around 275 miles (443 km) of range.

Photos Rivian

First-quarter sales are in, and they come with a few surprises. One of the more unexpected outcomes is Rivian edging past several established players in the U.S. EV market. During Q1 2026, Rivian managed to outsell Kia, Ford, Toyota, and BMW in electric-vehicle deliveries across the United States.

More specifically, the California-based automaker delivered 10,365 EVs between January and March. During the same period, Rivian produced 10,236 vehicles, 129 fewer than it sold, likely drawing from existing inventory to close the gap. This comes just ahead of the launch of the more affordable R2, which is set to begin deliveries later this spring as a Tesla Model Y rival.

More: Rivian Won Direct Sales In Washington With A Threat That’s Coming For Dealers Everywhere

Following these results, the company has raised its annual delivery guidance to 67,000 units for 2026, an increase of 5,000 units over its previous estimate. Rivian will report its full financial results for Q1 2026 on April 30.

Rivian Sales Momentum

While Rivian remains a relatively small player compared to legacy automakers, it still managed to outsell several of them in the EV race.

More: Rivian R2 And Jeep Recon Solve The Same Problem, But Which One Solves It For You?

Kia America reported 2,023 sales for the EV6 and 2,740 for the EV9, totaling 4,763 units in Q1 2026. The brand also offers an electric version of the Niro in the US, though this likely accounts for only a small portion of the model’s 7,455 total sales, leaving Kia well short of the 10,000-unit mark.

Still, the upcoming Kia EV3, expected in late 2026, could change the narrative. It is also worth noting that Kia’s hybrid models set new Q1 sales records, marking a 73% increase over the same period last year.

Ford’s EV lineup saw an even steeper decline, with sales dropping 70% in Q1 2026 to 6,860 units in the US. The Mustang Mach-E made up 4,600 of those sales, while the F-150 Lightning and E-Transit contributed 2,060 and 200 units, respectively.

Toyota opened the year on a strong note, with the bZ, including the bZ Woodland, reaching 10,016 units in the first quarter, a 79% increase year over year. However, with only 13 units of the newly introduced C-HR arriving in March, Toyota’s total BEV sales reached 10,029 units, just behind Rivian’s 10,365. As the company expands its EV lineup in the US, that gap may not last long.

More: Toyota’s bZ Outsold The Prius, And Now A Second US-Made Electric SUV Is Coming

Finally, BMW recorded 9,856 combined BEV and PHEV sales in the US during Q1 2026, marking a 50% drop compared to last year. This slowdown may prove temporary, as the upcoming Neue Klasse BMW iX3 is expected to play a central role in the brand’s next phase of electrification when it arrives in late 2026.

Rivian didn’t just win a fight in Washington this week when it was granted the right to sell cars directly to consumers. It might have started a war that will leave dealer groups across America far less powerful and profitable 10 or 15 years from now.

After years of getting blocked by dealer laws in Washington state, the EV startup pushed hard enough that the opposition simply stepped aside. The turning point came when Rivian threatened to take the issue to voters, a gamble that could have cost it up to $30 million. Faced with an expensive ballot battle, dealer groups backed off and supported a narrow law letting Rivian and Lucid – but no other brands – sell directly.

Related: More VW Dealers Sue, Say Scout Is A Shell Company Built To Cut Them Out

“The writing was on the wall,” said lawmaker Andrew Barkis to The Wall Street Journal. Once the resistance faded, the bill sailed through.

It’s a big moment in a long-running tug of war over how Americans buy cars. For decades, laws in most states have forced automakers to sell through independent dealers. That system isn’t going quietly, but Rivian just proved it can be bent, something Tesla already does, and VW is also trying to do with its new Scout brand.

Buyers Backed The Move

And the reason is simple. Buyers don’t love dealerships as much as the system assumes. Rivian’s own polling showed nearly 70 percent of people support direct sales in the same way that they like to get their sneakers from the Nike store or their new iPhone from an Apple outlet.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe says selling direct means more control, better margins, and a cleaner customer experience. But not everyone’s thrilled. Traditional automakers and dealer groups argue this creates an uneven playing field. They say franchise networks keep prices competitive and provide essential services like repairs and financing.

Limited Freedom

“The franchise model continues to be the ideal system,” Vicki Giles Fabré of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association told the WSJ in a statement. Still, even dealers seem to recognize the tide is turning. The Washington compromise is tightly limited, applying only to Rivian and Lucid, but it cracks the door open.

Now Rivian is eyeing other states where voters can be brought into the fight. Places like Ohio and Oklahoma could be next, and if this strategy keeps working, the patchwork of sales laws might start to unravel.

Rivian

Rivian introduced the highly anticipated R2 last week and a lot of people got sticker shock. While the company had promised a starting price of around $45,000, the launch model costs $57,990.

Price, Performance And Range

That’s significantly more expensive than expected, but it looks like a bargain compared to the 2026 Jeep Recon. It starts at $65,000 and has a 100 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 650 hp (485 kW / 659 PS) and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in as little as 3.6 seconds and travel up to 230 miles (370 km) on a single charge in Moab trim.

More: Rivian’s Most Affordable Model Arrives First In Its Most Expensive Form

The R2, on the other hand, has an 87.9 kWh battery and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 656 hp (489 kW / 665 PS) and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque. Those numbers are nearly identical to the Jeep and so is the 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 3.6 seconds.

The models also offer a similar recharging experience as the Recon’s battery goes from 5-80% in around 28 minutes, while the R2 goes from 10-80% in as little as 29 minutes. However, there’s a big difference as the R2 Performance has 330 miles (531 km) of range. That’s 100 miles (161 km) more than the Recon Moab and 80 miles (129 km) more than future versions of the SUV.

Off-Road Chops

Speaking of capability, the Recon Moab has 9.1 inches (231 mm) of ground clearance as well as approach, departure, and breakover angles of 33.8, 33.1, and 23.3 degrees. While the R2 sits higher off the ground at 9.6 inches (244 mm), it offers far less impressive angles of 25, 26, and 20.6 degrees. The Jeep rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch tires, while the Rivian has 21-inch wheels and 32-inch rubber.

Size And Cargo Space

In terms of size, the Recon measures 193.3 inches (4,911 mm) long, 87.4 inches (2,221 mm) wide, and 73.8 inches (1,875 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 112.9 inches (2,868 mm). This means it’s 7.4 inches (188 mm) longer than the R2, despite having a 2.7-inch (69 mm) shorter wheelbase.

Despite being smaller, the Rivian has more cargo space thanks to a 5.2 cubic foot (147 liter) frunk and a rear cargo compartment that can hold 79.4 cubic feet (2,248 liters) of luggage. The Recon, on the other hand, has a smaller 3 cubic foot (85 liter) frunk and a boot that holds 65.9 cubic feet (1,866 liters) of gear.

Equipment

While the R2 seems to be wiping the floor with the Recon, Jeep has a few tricks up its sleeve. The most notable is doors, rear quarter glass, and swing gate glass that can be removed without tools. This open air experience can further be enhanced by an optional Sky one-touch power top. That sounds a lot more fun than the R2, which has a drop down rear window and a panoramic glass roof.

Rivian hasn’t said much about the crossover’s cabin, but buyers will find a Black Crater Signature interior with Birch wood trim. They’re joined by 12-way power front seats with heating and ventilation as well as heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Other highlights include a nine-speaker premium audio system and a flashlight integrated into the driver’s door.

The Recon’s interior looks a little less glamorous, but it has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment system. They’re joined by Capri leatherette front seats with heating and eight-way power adjustment. Other highlights include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, ambient lighting, a wireless smartphone charger, and an 11-speaker Alpine premium audio system.

Customers will also be able to get a Comfort Package, which includes ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a digital rearview mirror, and a passenger camera.

With all that being said, which one interests you the most?

Following yesterday’s leak, Rivian has officially introduced the R2. It arrives this spring with a $57,990 price tag, although an entry-level model is slated to arrive in late 2027 and cost around $45,000.

The R2 rides on an all-new platform and is being launched in Performance guise, which has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 656 hp (489 kW / 665 PS) and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in as little as 3.6 seconds.

More: Rivian Is Killing Off The Entry-Level R1 Just Before R2 Launch

The crossover is said to have a 87.9 kWh battery pack, which enables it to have a range of up to 330 miles (531 km). When the battery is low, it can reportedly go from a 10-80% charge in as little as 29 minutes. Other highlights include a semi-active suspension and eight drive modes known as All-Purpose, All-Terrain, Conserve, Launch, Rally, Snow, Soft Sand, and Sport.

The model comes standard with an Esker Silver exterior that sports 21-inch Liquid Tungsten wheels as well as Compass Yellow brake calipers and exterior badging. They’re joined by Matrix LED headlights, integrated tow hooks, and a rear liftgate with drop down glass.

Moving inside, there’s a Black Crater Signature interior with Birch wood trim. Buyers will also find 12-way power front seats with heating and ventilation. They’re joined by heated rear seats as well as a heated steering wheel. Other niceties include a nine-speaker premium audio system and a flashlight integrated into the driver’s door.

An assortment of options will be available including Borealis, Catalina Cove, Forest Green, Glacier White, Half Moon Grey, and Midnight paint jobs. They can be paired with black 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. Customers can also get a Coastal Cloud Signature interior, a 4,400 lb (1,996 kg) towing package, and an Autonomy+ subscription that offers monthly or one-time options.

Early models come with a limited edition Launch Package that includes a lifetime subscription to Autonomy+ as well as the aforementioned towing package. There’s also a green anodized key fob and an exclusive Launch Green exterior color, but that’ll cost you extra.

R2 Premium

The $53,990 R2 Premium will follow later this year with a downgraded all-wheel drive system producing 450 hp (356 kW / 456 PS) and 537 lb-ft (727 Nm) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and travel up to 330 miles (531 km) on a single charge.

Equipment largely echoes the Performance variant, but the Premium rides on smaller 20-inch wheels with a Bicolor Carbon finish. Drivers also have to make do with five drive modes known as All-Purpose, All-Terrain, Conserve, Sport, and Snow.

R2 Standard Long Range

The R2 Standard Long Range will arrive in the first half of 2027 and cost $48,490. It comes standard with a rear-mounted motor producing 350 hp (261 kW / 355 PS) and 355 lb-ft (481 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.9 seconds and have a Rivian-estimated range of up to 345 miles (555 km).

However, customers can get an optional all-wheel drive system that produces 450 hp (356 kW / 456 PS) and 537 lb-ft (727 Nm) of torque. It echoes the R2 Premium, so expect a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 4.6 seconds and a reduced range of 330 miles (531 km).

In order to achieve the lower price tag, a number of features have been dropped. This appears to include the fancy lighting system, tow hooks, and drop down rear window. The model also rides on smaller 19-inch wheels.

The cuts continue inside with a cheaper Black Crater interior sporting a basic five-speaker audio system. The front passenger seat also gets downgraded to 8-way power adjustment, while there’s only heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Buyers also lose the flashlight and All-Terrain drive mode.

R2 Standard Short Range

Rivian’s much-hyped entry-level model is coming in late 2027 and it will start “around $45,000.” The company isn’t saying much about it, but promised a range in excess of 275 miles (443 km).

Odds And Ends

While Rivian hasn’t released full details, the R2 appears to be surprisingly spacious as there’s 40.4 inches (1,026 mm) of rear-seat legroom as well as 28.7 cubic feet (813 liters) of cargo space. That expands to 79.4 cubic feet (2,248 liters) by folding the rear seats down. Speaking of space, the model has dual glove boxes and a frunk that provides 5.2 cubic feet (147 liters) of room.

Rivian also touched on capability as the R2 has 9.6 inches (244 mm) of ground clearance as well as approach, departure, and breakover angles of 25°, 26°, and 20.6° respectively. The model also has 32-inch tires and is nearly 2,000 lbs (907 kg) lighter than the R1.

Rounding out the highlights are a panoramic glass roof, digital key technology, and a “Haptic Halo” steering wheel with two large scroll wheels. The R2 also has an NACS port as well as a “Field Outlet” that transforms the charging port into a power station with two 120V outlets.

Rivian is currently accepting reservations for a $100 refundable deposit.

Rivian is gearing up to introduce the highly anticipated R2, but waiting is so overrated. Arstechnica knows that feeling all too well as they jumped the gun and published full details of the crossover a day early.

While the article was quickly removed, the internet never forgets and it was archived for posterity. Thanks to this, we know virtually everything about the upcoming model.

More: Rivian Is Killing Off The Entry-Level R1 Just Before R2 Launch

Set to arrive this spring, the R2 will be launched in Performance guise that starts at $57,990 before a $1,495 destination fee. The range-topping model reportedly has a 87.9 kWh battery pack, which powers a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 656 hp (489 kW / 665 PS) and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque.

The R2 Performance is said to have a semi-active suspension and a range of up to 330 miles (531 km). We can also expect a fast charging capability that will take the battery from 10-80% in as little as 29 minutes.

In terms of equipment, we can expect a stylish interior with birch wood trim as well as heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seats are also heated, while other highlights include a nine-speaker audio system and a flashlight that’s integrated into the front door. They’re joined by matrix LED headlights and 21-inch alloy wheels.

Options include the company’s recently announced Autonomy+ semi-autonomous driving subscription and a tow package that enables the model to haul up to 4,400 lbs (1,996 kg).

R2 Premium

A more affordable R2 Premium is scheduled to arrive later this year for $53,990. Its powertrain largely echoes the Performance variant, but it has weaker motors producing 450 hp (356 kW /  456 PS) and 537 lb-ft (727 Nm) of torque.

Those aren’t the only tradeoffs as the model reportedly eschews the fancy suspension and rides on smaller 20-inch wheels. Buyers will also find three fewer drive modes.

R2 Standard

If that’s still too pricey, you can hold off until the R2 Standard arrives in 2027. It retains the 87.9 kWh battery, but it’s paired to a rear-mounted motor producing 350 hp (261 kW / 355 PS) and 355 lb-ft (481 Nm) of torque. This helps the model to be slightly more efficient as the range climbs to 345 miles (555 km).

The equipment list gets shorter as there’s a basic five-speaker audio system, heated front seats, and an “all-black” interior. The drop-down rear window is also absent, while the crossover is shod in smaller 19-inch wheels.

The base R2 is set to arrive in late 2027 with a smaller battery that provides around 265 miles (426 km) of range. Little else is known about this variant, but it’ll cost $45,000.

Other Details

Trims aside, the model measures 185.9 inches (4,722 mm) long, 78.1 inches (1,984 mm) wide, and 66.9 inches (1,699 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 115.6 inches (2,936 mm). The R2 is also said to have up to 9.6 inches (244 mm) of ground clearance.

Other highlights include a NACS charging port and a cargo capacity of up to 79.4 cubic feet (2,248 liters). However, that falls to 28.7 cubic feet (813 liters) with the rear seats up.

A separate leak also suggested the model will be offered in eight colors known as Borealis, Catalina Cove, Esker Silver, Forest Green, Glacier White, Half Moon Grey, Launch Green, and Midnight.

Rivian is gearing up to launch the highly anticipated R2 on March 12, but it looks like they’re also planning to trim the R1 lineup. This is unfortunate, but the company sent out a rather ominous e-mail announcing the “Dual Standard is ending.”

The R1S Dual Standard starts at $76,990 and offers 270 miles (435 km) of range. The R1S Dual, on the other hand, begins at $83,990 and has a larger battery pack that enables owners to travel 329 miles (529 km) on a single charge.

More: For $50 A Month, Rivian Will Make You A Passenger In Your Own EV

The R1T Dual Standard also has 270 miles (435 km) of range, but it’s even cheaper as pricing starts at $72,990. Its death will force people to get the R1T Dual, which begins at $79,990.

The automaker isn’t saying much, but confirmed “we have changes coming to our vehicle lineup later this year.” They then suggested customers get an R1 Dual Standard “while you can.”

Rivian went on to promote leases starting at $749 per month for 36 months with a $3,000 incentive on R1T and R1S Dual Standard models ordered by March 19. While there’s enough fine print to call in a lawyer, the company suggested customers could get a new vehicle for only $5,644 due at signing – although that appears to exclude a $1,895 destination fee.

While Rivian didn’t say why they’re apparently discontinuing the R1 Dual Standard, it’s likely in response to the R2. The model is slated to begin around $45,000 and this will undoubtedly pull some customers away from the R1. Eliminating the entry-level R1 helps put some distance between the vehicles, while also simplifying production at the company’s plant in Normal, Illinois.

Electric pickups aren’t exactly inexpensive at this stage in history. Now, Rivian, the first automaker to bring an electric truck to market, is trying to lower the barrier to entry. It’s doing so by extending a short-term deal on its 2026 R1 lineup. Buyers can now get monthly payments starting at $749 for 36 months, along with a $3,000 lease bonus on certain configurations.

Naturally, as with most lease deals splashed across a homepage, the headline number only tells part of the story. To secure that $749 per month figure, you need to opt for the Dual Standard versions of the 2026 R1T pickup or R1S SUV, which start at $72,990 and $76,990, respectively.

The Bit They Do Not Put In The Big Font

Then there is the small issue of $5,644 due at signing, and that is assuming you qualify for Rivian’s $3,000 lease contribution. Miss out on that incentive and the down payment climbs to $8,644.

More: That Rivian Bumper Tap Didn’t Look Like An $11,000 Mistake, But Here We Are

Run the numbers and the effective monthly cost lands closer to $906, or $989 if you do not get the $3,000 contribution. In other words, still competitive for a six-figure-adjacent electric truck or SUV, but far from the tidier $749 the banner suggests.

As we have said before, down payments on leases are best avoided. If something unfortunate happens five minutes after you leave the lot, that upfront cash is effectively gone, even if insurance covers the vehicle itself.

Wait, There’s More

Also keep in mind that none of those numbers include the usual extras due at signing, including tax, title, license, registration, and lessor documentation fees. As ever, the asterisk is doing a fair bit of work.

Just as importantly, these trims represent the most affordable way into Rivian’s electric adventure lineup. If you cannot find a base model, the price only moves in one direction. Furthermore, there’s a deadline looming. To qualify, customers must have their lease approved by March 19 and take delivery by March 31. That leaves a fairly tight window to spec it, sign it, and actually get the keys.

This Deal Doesn’t Apply To More Expensive Models

Don’t expect this payment plan to help out on the more luxurious and desirable R1 vehicles. For example, the Dual Large battery versions start around $1,019–$1,029 per month with a hefty downpayment, while stepping into Dual Max models pushes payments past $1,200 monthly. The performance-oriented trims climb even higher.

More: CHP Mocks EV Drivers After Rivian Stalls In Snow

Rivian lists the Tri-motor versions starting around $1,419–$1,469 per month, again with a downpayment, and it doesn’t stop there. The flagship Quad-motor models approach $1,900 per month, depending on whether you choose the truck or SUV. For buyers considering financing instead of leasing, Rivian is also offering APR rates as low as 1.99 percent for 60 months on some configurations.

All of this is no doubt one more example of an electric automaker doing what it can to make payments manageable in a market with cooling demand. That said, interested buyers need to sign up before March 19th if they want to take advantage of the deal.

Rivian has used the FAT Ice Race in Montana to introduce the Rivian Adventure Department, or RAD for short. It’s being billed as a skunkworks team of designers, engineers, and enthusiasts “who spend their days and nights exploring the limits of what a Rivian can do.”

The company said a lot without saying much of anything, but the team is focused on unlocking the next level of capability and performance. They aren’t limited to cubicles either as they’ve “learned there’s no substitute for real-world experience.”

More: Rivian Aiming To Break Its Own Pikes Peak Record With R1T

This has already seen the company enter and win the 2023 Rebelle Rally as well as set records for a production electric truck at Pikes Peak in 2023 and 2024. Learnings from these experiences is then fed back into road-going models.

While win on Sunday and sell on Monday is hardly a new idea, Rivian said their off-road adventures directly resulted in the Desert Rally drive mode as well as the RAD Tuner. The latter debuted on the second-generation R1 Quad lineup and enables owners to customize their driving experience.

While a number of automakers offer a personalization setting, most only let you adjust a few things. Rivian, on the other hand, allows drivers to tweak acceleration and regeneration as well as damping, ride height, brake assist, steering, wheel slip, and torque bias – among other things. In effect, it enables you to fine-tune the vehicle’s characteristics exactly to your liking and the situation at hand.

Will RAD Become Rivian’s AMG?

The Rivian Adventure Department has been around for awhile, but now it’s out in the open. As Chief Design Officer Jeff Hammoud explained, “RAD represents the living, breathing expression of the passion that defines Rivian. That impulse to explore, to push limits, and to embrace the adventure is not confined to one team—it is the very DNA of our entire company, from the designers and engineers to our community of owners.”

The big question is what happens next. Does RAD remain a relatively low-key team focused on improving existing products or do they transform into Rivian’s version of BMW M, Cadillac V, and Mercedes AMG? Only time will tell, but it feels like little more than marketing at this point.