Rivian is preparing to phase out its most affordable R1 configuration, just as the company is about to launch its newest vehicle, the R2.
In an email sent to customers on Tuesday titled “Dual Standard is ending,” Rivian confirmed that the Dual Standard versions of the R1T pickup and R1S SUV will soon be discontinued. The configuration has served as the entry-level option for Rivian’s flagship vehicles, offering buyers the lowest price point into the brand’s premium electric lineup.
The company is now encouraging customers to take advantage of final lease incentives before the trim disappears. According to the email, buyers can lease a 2026 R1 Dual Standard starting at US$749 per month for 36 months, along with US$3,000 off the lease.
However, the offer comes with a tight timeline—leases must be approved by March 19 and vehicles delivered by March 31.
Entry-Level R1 Configurations Being Retired
The Dual Standard models have been Rivian’s most affordable R1 variants since their introduction. Pricing previously started at US$72,990 for the R1T Dual Standard and US$76,990 for the R1S Dual Standard.
Once the configuration is removed from the lineup, the starting price of Rivian’s R1 vehicles will move higher. The new base trims will be the Dual Motor versions, beginning at US$79,990 for the R1T and US$83,990 for the R1S.
R2 Launch May Be Driving the Decision
The timing of the move is particularly notable as Rivian prepares to launch the R2, its upcoming midsize electric SUV.
The R2 was expected to start around US$45,000, but that figure was recently removed from the company’s website. With that, along with killing off the Dual Standard, Rivian is likely signaling the R2 price will be much higher. In this new structure, the R2 becomes the brand’s attainable entry point, likely in the mid to high $60Ks.
Keeping the Dual Standard at US$72,990 may have complicated their strategy, especially as it was one of Rivian’s lowest-margin configurations. By eliminating it, Rivian can maintain clearer pricing tiers between its current flagship models and its upcoming mass-market SUV.
Rivian is expected to unveil the final production version of the R2, along with specs and pricing, later this week on Thursday at SXSW.
