Someone spied the new R1S already and it’s more of an evolution than a revolution
- Updates are coming for the 2025 Rivian R1 series including styling and efficiency changes.
- Most noticeable is a new light bar that gives the R1S and R1T a slightly more premium look.
- Some models appear to have better overall range than in the past too.
The Rivian R2 and R3 platforms might get most of the hype these days but the R1 is getting a refresh soon. Keen-eyed fans of the brand have found both a facelifted model in the flesh alongside the current version and some statistical improvements online. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look out for in the updated Rivian R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV.
Kicking things off, let’s talk a bit about styling and design aesthetics. Before the Tesla Cybertruck, the R1T was perhaps one of the most dramatically styled EVs out there. The bumper-spanning lightbar and oval lighting elements are unique and make it easy to identify the brand’s products. As we’ve spotted before, these are mildly updated for 2025.
Read: Rivian R1T, R1S, EDV Recalled Due To Headlight Level Error
First spotted by a user at RivianForums, the R1S pictured below shows off the changes. The lightbar itself is split into two sections, one upper and the other lower. The headlight assemblies appear to have new elements in them as well. Beneath the lighting appears to be a secondary bar that could house additional lighting or sensors.
Only two other major changes exist on the front end. First, the tow hooks that sit so prominently in current R1 models are gone in lieu of a flat bumper. Notably, a small round cover denotes that one could add a tow hook in a time of need.
Photos Rivianforums
Secondly, the lower lighting elements that bookend the bumper trade multiple lights for a single wide element. The exterior door handles also have a slight change. They now feature a tiny dimple but it’s unclear what functionality it adds. Interestingly, the rear end looks untouched but there are reportedly other changes afoot.
According to the sleuths over at Rivian Forums, some models now feature enhanced range too. For example, the R1T All-Terrain with 20-inch wheels now achieves up to 363 miles of range. That’s up from 355 miles for the 2024 version of the R1S. For a full detailed breakdown of the figures reported to the EPA, see this thread.
