Rivian has been drawing plenty of attention in the automotive space ever since its first vehicle came off the production line in 2018. The California-based electric vehicle start-up appears to be in a stronger position than ever following the recent arrival of the R2 range, but the company has not taken its focus away from the flagship R1T and R1S. For the 2027 model year, both the electric pickup and SUV siblings are receiving an update, with a more straightforward trim-level strategy forming a major part of the changes.

Rather than identifying each version by its drivetrain as it did earlier, Rivian will now offer the R1 in Premium, Performance and Quad forms. Premium variants will use the dual-motor powertrain producing 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque. Performance variants will get the tri-motor setup delivering 850 horsepower and 1103 lb-ft of torque. As the name suggests, Quad trim models use a four-motor arrangement, and together those motors generate 1025 hp and 1198 lb-ft.

Rivian is also aligning interior packages with each trim level. Performance and Quad versions of the R1 can be specified with Slate Sky Signature, Black Mountain Signature and Ocean Coast Signature interiors. Premium versions of the R1 will now be available with Black Mountain or Ocean Coast interiors, though these do without some of the richer materials and textures found in the Signature cabin themes.

In a significant move for buyers, Rivian will also introduce second-row captain’s chairs for the R1S in 2027. The carmaker says dual second-row seats have been by far the most requested cabin feature from customers, and it is now bringing them in at a starting price of $4000 for Premium models and $1500 for Performance and Quad trims. The new six-seat layout is centred around a pass-through in the middle, and Rivian says it has ensured that a surfboard and skis can still slide through the centre of the cabin even when all six seats are occupied. Each seat is heated, folds flat, and still keeps full car-seat tie-down provisions. A second-row bench remains available with both interiors on the R1S Premium, and with Black Mountain Signature on the R1S Performance and Quad.

Other important updates for the 2027 model year include a new Goodyear all-season tyre paired with a 20-inch wheel. This setup comes as standard on the R1T Premium and is available as a no-cost option on the R1T Performance. That tyre-and-wheel package is also behind revised range figures across the line, with EPA-estimated range rated at 300 miles for Premium, 380 miles for Premium Long Range, and 348 miles for Performance models.

Lastly, the colour palette gets a new addition. Esker Silver, first introduced on the R2 earlier this year, is now being added to the R1 range. It will take over from LA Silver as the standard silver shade across all R1 trim levels. Pricing has also gone up slightly for the 2027 model year, with the R1S now starting at $83,990 and the R1T starting at $79,990. That represents an increase of $5105 for both models.