Rivian rolls out one software stack to R1 and R2 EVs

On a Rivian dashboard, the media player can now sit on either side of the display while a vertical status bar keeps vehicle functions within reach. RivianOS 2, delivered as version 2026.31, has begun reaching eligible R1 and R2 vehicles in what Rivian describes as its biggest in-car software overhaul since the first R1 shipped.

Until now, first-generation R1s, second-generation R1s and the new R2 had software that drifted apart. RivianOS 2 puts them on a common foundation, but “one stack” does not mean one identical display: the R2 and Gen 2 R1 use Unreal Engine 5 for real-time 3D visualizations of the vehicle and its surroundings, while Gen 1 R1s remain on Unreal Engine 4 so their older computing hardware can keep the screen responsive.

The redesign reaches beyond the layout. Settings 2 adds context-aware controls and universal search; navigation’s Real-Time Route Alerts bring police-presence and speed-camera information into Google Maps; Rivian says the data comes from local authorities, third-party sources and community contributions. Rivian Unified Intelligence is the foundation behind the “Hey Rivian” assistant, which can control the vehicle directly. R2 and Gen 2 R1 use hybrid edge compute for low-latency processing, while Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1 get expanded cloud-assisted voice.

In practical terms, an eligible owner gets a more consistent set of controls across Rivian’s lineup, along with live road alerts and expanded voice features where the hardware supports them. Two additions sit behind Connect+: the weather app, with real-time conditions, air quality and a 10-day forecast, and Mobile Live Trips, which lets drivers start, view and update an active trip from the Rivian phone app. The subscription costs $14.99 a month or $149.99 a year. Owners can also toggle hotword wake-words, limit location sharing and adjust what driver-profile data the car keeps.

RivianOS 2 gives the lineup a shared base, but hardware differences remain, and Electrek’s writer says more time in Rivian vehicles is needed to assess the update beyond the visual improvements shown so far.