American electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is rolling out 2027 model year updates to the R1S SUV and R1T pickup this week. Alongside a revised trim-level naming scheme that brings the R1 models in line with the newer R2, Rivian’s R1S can now be had with a new second-row captain’s chair configuration that trades a bit of seat capacity for improved comfort and convenience. Meanwhile, the R1T electric truck gets a new all-season wheel-and-tire option, rebalancing on-road range with off-road capability.
Upgraded seating
The biggest material update affects the full-size R1S, which is now available with a six-seat configuration that swaps the SUV’s second-row bench for captain’s chairs. The new buckets get individual armrests that fold flush when not in use and a push-to-release cupholder that accommodates large water bottles, while retaining the bench’s heated surfaces and car-seat tie-downs. The fold-flat design makes way for bulky cargo, but the unobstructed center pass-through allows long, narrow gear like surfboards or skis to stretch through from the rear without having to fold the seats down or give up its six-passenger capacity.
Pricing for the new seat setup ranges from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on the trim level and required and optional equipment.
Renamed trim levels
Other changes bring Rivian’s flagship trim naming scheme into alignment with the R2. The automaker is largely retiring the Dual, Tri and Quad motor-count naming for most trims. The dual-motor models are now called Premium, offering the same 533 horsepower, 610 pound-feet of torque, and up to 329 miles of range as before. Premium buyers can spec an optional power upgrade that bumps output to 665 hp and 829 lb-ft or upgrade to a bigger battery that stretches the cruising range to 410 miles on the R1S or 420 miles on the R1T.
Performance is the new moniker for the 850-hp tri-motor layout, with 1,103 lb-ft of torque and 371 miles of range. Finally, at the top of the line, the 374-mile Quad trim’s name goes unchanged. It’s still good for 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft, hitting 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds in its Launch Mode — a claim I previously verified on a prepped drag strip.
The interior color and material themes for the R1 models have also been renamed to match R2. Premium models are available with Black Mountain (black) or Ocean Coast (gray) upholstery, while Performance and Quad buyers can choose from Slate Sky (gray with walnut wood), Black Mountain Signature (black with ash wood accents) and Ocean Coast Signature (gray with weathered driftwood).
R1T and R1S are now also available in the Silver Esker paint option, a liquid-metal finish first introduced on R2, which replaces LA Silver as the standard no-cost paint option for the 2027 model year.
Adventure wheel and tires
R1T gains a new “Adventure” 20-inch all-season wheel-and-tire package as standard equipment on the Premium trim level, trading some on-road range for added off-road traction and grip when compared to some of the larger, lower-friction options available. This combo is also available as a no-cost option on the R1T Performance. That is, unless you count the cost to EPA-estimated range, which drops to 300 miles on the R1T Premium, 380 miles on the Premium Long Range, and 348 miles on the Performance with the new rolling stock.
The 2027 model-year Rivian R1T and R1S are now available to configure on Rivian’s website and in showrooms. R1S starts at $83,990, and R1T starts at $79,990, pricing that is also unchanged from the 2026 model year.
Antuan Goodwin
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