Rivian adds captain’s chairs to 2027 R1S at no extra cost

Rivian announced on Monday that its 2027 model lineup will feature captain’s chairs in the R1S SUV, the company’s most requested upgrade. The price of the R1S will stay at $70,000, the same as the current model, and the R1T truck will remain at $67,500. The new seats will be available for the first time in the 2027 version, with no change to battery size or range.

The R1S has sold well since its launch, but customers have repeatedly asked for a more comfortable, family‑friendly interior. The original R1S offered a single row of seats, a design that suited off‑road use but left little room for rear passengers. Rivian’s decision follows a pattern of listening to buyers and adding features that were previously only available on the company’s luxury models, such as the R1T truck’s optional captain’s chairs. The move also positions Rivian closer to competitors that offer standard rear‑seat options, like Tesla’s Model X and Ford’s Bronco.

The new captain’s chairs add a few hundred dollars to the cost of the vehicle, but Rivian said the price will remain unchanged. The company will offset the extra cost with a streamlined manufacturing process that reduces labor and material waste. The R1S will still ship with a 140‑kWh battery that gives an estimated 300‑mile range, and the 4.5‑second 0‑60 time will stay the same. Rivian’s software team will also roll out a new infotainment update that supports the extra seats, allowing rear passengers to control climate and media.

Rivian plans to start producing the updated R1S in late 2025, with deliveries kicking off in the first quarter of 2027. The company said the change is part of a broader strategy to make its vehicles more versatile for families and adventure seekers. By keeping the price steady, Rivian hopes to attract buyers who have been waiting for a more comfortable interior without paying a premium. The move underscores the company’s focus on customer feedback and its intent to compete more directly