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The recently revealed Rivian R3 and R2 have been making waves for their size and style, and if their infotainment interface is anything to go by, they have plenty of substance, too. The new screen is modern and controls multiple vehicle features. The display previews general information, such as the time, weather, and connectivity status, with commonly used controls positioned in a single row below, including the heated seats, climate, and entertainment, among others.

Designed to be more ergonomic and intuitive than the existing systems, the changes seen here will reportedly roll out to the larger Rivian R1T and R1S SUV later this year.

Better To Use, Nicer To Look At

Things have been subtly revised for the R2. Take the Drive Modes screen, for instance. There are new menus for the Ride, Regen, and Stability settings. It would appear there are two settings within each menu. The available Drive Modes on the screen are ‘All-Purpose,’ ‘All-Terrain,’ and ‘Snow.’ The display also provides the driver with important information, like a live battery efficiency readout, battery and motor temperature, and tire pressure.

The UI is very detailed, as shown in the climate control display. The driver can control the airflow direction, temperature, heated seats/steering wheel, and even the rear climate settings. Elsewhere, the music/entertainment interface now has controls on the left side, making it easier for the driver to make changes quickly.

As mentioned during the R2 reveal, the new steering wheel design features haptic control scrollers that allow the driver to navigate through vehicle functions without taking their hands off the wheel. These will be customizable, reducing irritation.

Rear Screen Also Benefits From New User Interface

Rivian owners have been asking for some time when the second-row display will be updated. It seems an update is coming shortly with the 2024.11.0 update. Currently, rear passengers can control the heated seats and temperature settings. The latest improvements will introduce more functionality, reportedly adding the ability for those seated in the rear to lock/unlock the vehicle and even take control of the music. We expect the compact Rivian R3 and R3X to make use of the same user interface, but it may have fewer features and functionality owing to its entry-level status.

The Rivian R2 is expected to arrive in 2026 with a starting price of around $45,000. Of course, that’s just the base MSRP, with more exciting models expected to command more cash. The automaker says we can expect three models – single-motor RWD, dual-motor AWD, and tri-motor Performance configurations – as well as two battery sizes and a range in excess of 300 miles.