The 2025.26 update brings interface changes, performance refinements, and new driver information features to Rivian vehicles
Rivian's 2025.26 software update is a mid-cycle release that modifies how the vehicle's touchscreen displays information, adjusts how certain driving systems respond, and adds or refines features related to navigation and driver information. The update rolls out over several weeks to different vehicles, so your R1T or R1S may receive it on a different schedule than others. This guide explains what changes in the update and what you should know about installing it.
Software updates for electric vehicles work differently than updates for traditional cars. Rivian pushes updates over the air — meaning your vehicle downloads and installs them while parked, usually overnight. You do not need to visit a service center, and the update does not require you to do anything beyond ensuring your vehicle has adequate battery charge and a strong internet connection.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025.26 update modifies the touchscreen layout, adjusts driver information system behavior, and refines navigation features across Rivian R1T and R1S models.
- Updates install automatically over Wi-Fi when your vehicle is parked and plugged in, typically overnight, with no action required from you.
- You can check whether your vehicle has received the update by opening the vehicle settings menu and looking for the current software version number.
- If your vehicle does not receive the update within a few weeks, you can manually prompt it to check for updates through the settings menu.
Changes to the touchscreen interface and display
The 2025.26 update reorganizes how information appears on your vehicle's central touchscreen. Menu layouts shift, and some controls move to different locations than they occupied in earlier versions. The climate control panel, for example, may appear in a different position, and the quick-access buttons at the bottom of the screen may be rearranged. These changes are cosmetic rather than functional — the features themselves work the same way, but you may need a moment to locate them in their new positions.
The update also adjusts how the vehicle displays real-time information during driving. Trip data, energy consumption graphs, and navigation prompts may appear in different formats or locations on the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. If you frequently reference these displays while driving, you may want to spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the new layout before taking a long trip.
Driver information system refinements
The 2025.26 update modifies how Rivian's driver information systems — including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information — respond to road conditions and driver input. The systems may engage or disengage more smoothly, adjust speed more gradually, or respond differently to curves and lane markings. These refinements are based on data Rivian collected from vehicles in the field and are designed to make the systems feel more natural and predictable.
If you regularly use adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping information, you may notice these changes when ready. The systems should feel less abrupt when accelerating or braking, and they may hold their lane position with slightly different steering inputs than before. These are improvements rather than problems, but they do represent a change in how the vehicle behaves, so it is worth taking a test drive on a familiar road to get used to the new feel.
Navigation and routing updates
The update refines how the vehicle's navigation system calculates routes and displays charging station information. The system may now prioritize different factors when suggesting routes — for example, it might favor routes with more available charging stations, or it might recalculate more frequently if traffic conditions change. The charging station map may also display updated information about charger availability and connector types.
These changes are most noticeable if you frequently use the vehicle's built-in navigation for long trips or rely on it to find charging stations. The routes suggested may differ from what you saw before the update, and the charging information displayed may be more current. If you have a preferred route or charging stop, you can still override the vehicle's suggestions and enter a destination manually.
How to check your current software version
To see whether your vehicle has received the 2025.26 update, open the touchscreen menu and navigate to Settings, then About Vehicle or Software (the exact menu name varies slightly by model year). The screen will display your current software version number. If the version reads 2025.26 or higher, your vehicle has the update. If it shows an earlier version, your vehicle has not yet received it.
Write down the version number so you can track when the update arrives. Rivian typically rolls out updates in waves over two to four weeks, so if your vehicle shows an earlier version, checking again in a few days is normal. You do not need to do anything to receive the update — it will install automatically when your vehicle is parked, plugged in, and connected to Wi-Fi.
Manually checking for updates
If your vehicle has not received the 2025.26 update after several weeks, you can manually prompt it to check. Open Settings, navigate to Software or System Updates, and select Check for Updates. The vehicle will connect to Rivian's servers and read the update if one is available. The read and installation process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, and your vehicle must remain plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi throughout.
Do not unplug the vehicle or disconnect from Wi-Fi during an update. If the connection drops, the update may fail and need to restart. If you are concerned about the update process, you can also contact Rivian support through the vehicle's touchscreen or through the Rivian mobile app, and a representative can walk you through the steps or answer questions about what to expect.
What to expect during and after the update
When the update installs, your vehicle's touchscreen will display a progress bar and a message indicating that an update is in progress. The vehicle will be unusable during this time — you cannot drive it, and some features may not respond. This is normal. The update typically completes overnight, and your vehicle will be ready to use the next morning.
After the update completes, your vehicle may take a few minutes to fully restart and initialize all systems. You may see brief loading screens or hear the vehicle's systems powering up. This is also normal. Once the startup sequence finishes, your vehicle will operate normally, and you can begin using the new features and interface changes included in the 2025.26 update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the 2025.26 update delete my saved routes or charging preferences?
No. Software updates do not erase your personal settings, saved locations, or charging preferences. Your vehicle will retain all saved data, and your preferences will carry over to the new software version. If you notice that a setting appears different after the update, it may straightforward be in a new menu location rather than deleted.
Can I drive my vehicle while the update is installing?
No. Your vehicle will be locked and unusable while the update installs. This is a safety feature to prevent the vehicle from being driven while its software is in an incomplete state. Plan to have the update install overnight or during a time when you do not need the vehicle.
What if the update fails or gets interrupted?
If your Wi-Fi connection drops or the vehicle loses power during an update, the installation may fail. Your vehicle will attempt to resume or restart the update the next time it is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. If the update repeatedly fails, contact Rivian support through the mobile app or your vehicle's touchscreen for information.
Does the 2025.26 update change how much range my vehicle gets?
The update may slightly affect how the vehicle calculates and displays range estimates, but it does not change the vehicle's actual battery capacity or efficiency. You may see different range numbers after the update because the calculation method has been refined, but your real-world driving range should remain consistent with what you experienced before.
Can I choose not to install the 2025.26 update?
Rivian does not offer an option to decline updates. However, you can delay the installation by not connecting your vehicle to Wi-Fi or by keeping it unplugged. Eventually, Rivian may require the update for certain features or services, so installing it when it becomes available is recommended.