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Rivian Adds Second-Row Captain’s Chairs to R1S and Simplifies Trim Lineup

Rivian’s 2027 R1 refresh signals a push upmarket through trim simplification with higher base prices.

Overview

  • The R1S will offer optional second-row captain’s chairs that convert the middle row from a seven-seat bench to a six-seat layout with a center pass-through, Rivian announced Thursday.
  • Each captain’s chair is heated, folds flat, has an individual folding armrest and a push-to-release cup holder, and retains full child-seat tie-downs (LATCH/top-tether anchors).
  • Rivian requires package bundling for some captain’s-chair choices so the net cost can range from roughly $1,500 to as much as $6,000 depending on trim and interior theme.
  • The company replaced motor-count names (Dual/Tri/Quad) with three curated trims—Premium, Performance and Quad—added a new Esker Silver paint and new 20-inch Goodyear Adventure wheels for the R1T, while published horsepower and EPA range figures remain unchanged.
  • The refresh raises the R1’s entry MSRPs and shifts the model toward a more premium position as Rivian leans on the R1 for high-margin sales while the smaller R2 targets broader volume, a change that could affect buyer demand and option uptake.