Just weeks after the first Rivian R2 deliveries reached customers, the electric automaker has begun rolling out the SUV’s first major over-the-air (OTA) software update.
The release brings several highly anticipated features that were unavailable at launch, while also addressing dozens of bugs and usability issues reported by early owners.
Launch Features Finally Arrive
When the R2 launched, many owners noticed it lacked several software features already available on the larger R1T and R1S. Rivian had previously acknowledged those omissions, explaining they would arrive through future OTA updates.
With software version 2026.24, many of those promises have now been fulfilled.
Launch Mode is among the headline additions, unlocking the R2 Performance Launch Edition’s full acceleration potential with a 0-60 mph sprint of 3.6 seconds, although the electric SUV has been clocked even lower at 3.45 seconds.
Pet Comfort also makes its debut on the R2. Similar to Tesla’s Dog Mode, the feature keeps the cabin at a safe temperature while displaying a message on the center screen letting passersby know the climate system remains active and any pets inside are safe.
Owners also gain Gear Guard, Rivian’s built-in security system that can monitor the vehicle while parked, record events, and send alerts through the Rivian mobile app if suspicious activity is detected.
Convenience Improvements
The update introduces several everyday quality-of-life improvements as well.
Garage door pairing is now supported, allowing compatible HomeLink-style systems to automatically open when arriving home and close when leaving.
The R2 also gains an in-vehicle WiFi hotspot, giving owners another benefit through Rivian’s Connectivity+ subscription.
Digital Key functionality has also been refined. If multiple paired phones are nearby, the vehicle now identifies which key is closest to the driver’s door and automatically loads the corresponding driver profile, making the feature much more seamless for households that share a vehicle.
Dozens of Bug Fixes Included
Beyond the new features, Rivian has packed the update with improvements throughout the vehicle’s software.
Adaptive High Beams receive a fix after some owners reported the matrix LED headlights weren’t functioning correctly. Rivian has also refined hands-on-wheel detection to reduce unnecessary driver alerts and addressed issues affecting passive entry, NFC unlocking, rear door handles, liftgate operation, climate controls, navigation guidance, Apple Music, Spotify, charging information in the mobile app, and steering wheel controls.
The update also restores navigation chimes, improves charging route estimates, lowers turn signal volume, and resolves an issue that forced some owners to recalibrate the driver’s seat at every startup.
More To Come
While this is the first substantial software update for the R2, more features are still on the way. Bensaid has previously confirmed Pet Cam remains scheduled to arrive later this year, while deeper integration with A Better Route Planner is also expected in a future release.
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