02:40 21-07-2026

Rivian R2: software update fills in the features early buyers were missing

Rivian's 2026.24 update brings Launch Mode, Pet Comfort, Gear Guard security and garage door pairing to the R2, a month after deliveries began.

Rivian has begun rolling out software update 2026.24 to customer R2 vehicles, closing several functional gaps from the electric crossover’s first production units. The update adds a Launch Mode for quick starts, the Pet Comfort climate feature, the Gear Guard security suite, garage door pairing, and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. The rollout started roughly a month after public deliveries of the model began.

Pet Comfort holds a chosen cabin temperature while a pet stays inside the car, and the central display lets passersby know the climate system is running. The feature doesn’t remove the need for owner oversight: Rivian recommends using remote monitoring only for brief periods. Viewing the cabin through the app requires an active Connect+ subscription.

Gear Guard records drives and watches over the vehicle after it’s parked. If it detects motion, the system can trigger an alert and send a notification to the mobile app. Remote camera viewing is also a paid Connect+ feature: the subscription costs $14.99 a month or $149.99 a year.

Garage door pairing automatically opens the door as the car approaches and closes it after leaving. The updated digital key recognizes which user is walking up to the driver’s door and loads their profile — useful for a family vehicle with several regular drivers.

Customers are currently receiving the R2 Performance, with dual motors, all-wheel drive and 656 horsepower, starting at $57,990. More affordable versions priced from $53,990 and $48,490 are slated for late 2026 and the first half of 2027, respectively.