Rivian provides two audio options on all its new vehicles – a standard audio package, and the premium audio package. The amount of time that is spent listening to audio in a vehicle makes the audio system an important decision in a new vehicle purchase.
So, grab your favorite music track (preferably with Dolby Atmos), and let’s take a listen at what Rivian is packing in their vehicles.
Rivian Standard Audio
Rivian offers a standard audio package by default, which was previously a system by Meridian, but was later replaced by an in-house solution in February 2023, so all second-generation Rivians will include the newer system. Rivian’s in-house standard audio is the one we’ll be looking at here, not the older Meridian system.
Rivian’s new in-house system is named Elevation and has had mixed reviews after the removal of the Meridian system – which also went by the name of Elevation. Rivian’s standard audio tends to distort sounds at higher volumes — regardless of the audio source. In addition, the bass response is muddier and weaker than one might expect, especially given the internal size of the R1T and R1S. This is likely due to the base sound system only including 10 speakers on a 600-watt system, which doesn’t include a dedicated subwoofer.
However, the standard audio setup on a Rivian is far better than the standard or even premium setups from many other manufacturers. Many owners have noted that when transitioning from vehicles at or below the price point of the R1T or R1S Dual Large, the standard audio system is not only better designed, but also delivers superior sound quality.
Overall, for what you get by default with Rivian’s standard offering, you’re getting a pretty good – but not fantastic – audio system that can keep up with other manufacturer’s standard offerings. However, don’t expect to get anything premium here and Dolby Atmos support is not included – after all, that’s the next package up.
Rivian Premium Audio With Dolby Atmos
Rivian
The other package that Rivian offers on all its vehicles is the Rivian Premium Audio Package, which costs an additional $1,750 USD or $2,600 CAD. Audio fans and Rivian fans alike were quite happy when Rivian unveiled this new Premium Audio package, which promised to solve all the gripes people have had with Rivian’s standard offering.
One of the biggest pluses for the premium package is the inclusion of Dolby Atmos – an immersive, 360-degree experience that adds more depth, clarity, and details to songs that support its use. Users on X have found that the new Dolby Atmos support – which was just enabled a short while ago in update 2024.27 – has been fantastic.
As a note, Dolby Atmos support is only available in Apple Music and Audible only for now. While Tidal does support Dolby Atmos, there isn’t support for it within your Rivian just yet. The last option – Spotify – doesn’t support Hi-Fi audio or Dolby Atmos. Keep in mind that you’ll need a subscription to Rivian’s Connect+ in order to take advantage of Dolby Atmos.
Standard Audio
Premium Audio
Speakers (R1T)
10
16
Speakers (R1S)
12
18
Output
600 watts
960 watts
Dolby Atmos Support
No
Yes
Price
Included
$1,750 USD
Overall, the updated premium audio system has been extremely well reviewed so far, with many mentioning that the updated 18-speakers and 960-watt output feel like they properly fill the soundstage within the R1S. The smaller cabin of the R1T features a 16-speaker system with the same 960-watt output.
If you love listening to music and are on the fence about which audio package to choose, we recommend visiting a Rivian Space or Service Center and asking to listen to both versions – and make sure to listen to a song with Dolby Atmos support. The surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos is one of the things that helps differentiate Rivian’s audio system.
If you’re someone who loves modding or upgrading your vehicle’s audio, we still recommend picking up Rivian’s Premium system. Having access to all 18 speakers, as well as Dolby Atmos support is something you’ll want, even if you’re putting in more power than Rivian’s 960-watt system.
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Earlier this year, CEO RJ Scaringe addressed the topic of autonomy at the San Francisco Rivian Space opening, revealing that Rivian plans to add hands-free highway driving this year. Yesterday, during its earnings call, Rivian shared even more information, saying that their hands-free feature arriving on Gen 2 vehicles in just a few weeks.
Autonomy Light
Rivian plans to leverage the light bar on their Gen 2 vehicles to show other drivers when the vehicle’s Autonomy Platform+ feature is enabled. This feature has been adopted by a few brands, including Mercedes-Benz in its Drive Pilot ADAS, and some Chinese brands as well.
Hands-Free 2025
While RJ revealed that Rivian will be launching a hands-free ADAS system this year in San Francisco, he has now added that it’s coming in the next several weeks. If you’ve used a recent version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised), the experience will likely feel familiar.
For those who haven’t, Rivian’s Autonomy Platform+ will enable hands-free highway driving, including automatic lane changes and exit maneuvers. However, drivers will likely need to take control upon reaching their exit—more on that later.
Similar to Tesla, while the driver is hands-free, attention to the road is required. Rivian’s Driver Monitoring System (DMS) ensures this by combining seat weight sensors with a camera embedded in the rearview mirror.
This is the video Rivian uses to demonstrate the Rivian Autonomy Platform+ (RAP+) capability called Enhanced Highway Assist. See the cars icon slide out up by the speed bubble? I wonder what they're trying to showcase here... pic.twitter.com/YZv3rjZtmH
The most interesting part of the announcement was that Rivian plans to launch an “eyes-off” system in 2026. That means that you won’t need to keep an eye on your vehicle as it navigates the highways - you’ll be able to take your eyes off the road, send some texts from your phone, and perhaps watch a movie or play a game on your center display.
The DMS will be disabled, and you’ll only be notified if you need to take over.
Highways or Streets?
Rivian has previously indicated that its autonomy efforts are focused on highways rather than the complexities of city streets. RJ Scaringe didn’t specify whether Rivian plans to expand beyond highway driving.
Highways are significantly easier to navigate than urban environments, so it’s reasonable to assume that the upcoming features and timelines will apply to Platform+ on highways—the only place Rivian originally intended for hands-free operation.
This means the system will handle driving from on-ramp to off-ramp, making long highway commutes and road trips far easier and more enjoyable.
Gen 2 Only
Unfortunately for early adopters, these improvements are exclusive to the Autonomy Platform+, which means that they won’t apply to any Gen 1 vehicles built before 2025.
Free Trial & Price
Rivian also shared that all Gen 2 owners will receive a free trial that includes these new features, hinting that they may soon start charging for their ADAS. Rivian has yet to announce pricing for their Autonomy Platform+ features, but to remain competitive we expect them to be similar to Tesla’s. Tesla currently costs $8,000 to buy FSD or $100 per month to subscribe to the service.
Liability
Liability is a major question when it comes to autonomy. While Rivian’s hands-free system will undoubtedly hold the driver responsible, the stakes change with an eyes-off system. Who assumes liability when the vehicle is fully autonomous? Will it be Rivian, or does responsibility still fall on the driver?
In Germany, Mercedes-Benz takes full liability when Drive Pilot is engaged within its strict operating conditions. As ADAS systems push closer to fully autonomous capabilities—Tesla’s FSD included—these questions become even more critical.
Regardless, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Rivian with the launch of the hands-off feature many drivers have been waiting for. We’re eager to see how it performs and what other innovations Rivian has in store.
Every company has a logo—an emblem that instantly conveys its identity. These small yet powerful symbols often fade into the background, but they play a crucial role in branding.
Surprisingly, Rivian operated without a logo for a significant portion of its early years. When RJ Scaringe founded the company in 2009, there was no official emblem. It wasn’t until 2017 after Rivian acquired its manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois, that the logo design process began. A year later, in 2018, Rivian’s now-iconic logo was unveiled to the public.
Rivian is built on the spirit of adventure, and its logo reflects that ethos. So grab your compass—and let’s explore the story behind the Rivian Compass.
The Compass
While some companies incorporate hidden meanings into their logos, Rivian’s design is more straightforward. Inspired by adventure, the Rivian logo features a distinctive squared-off compass, symbolizing the essence of adventure and exploration.
It represents the drive to go beyond the beaten path and forge new journeys where few have ventured. Just as the magnetic compass once revolutionized navigation, Rivian seeks to redefine how people explore today.
With its electric vehicles and cutting-edge technology, Rivian empowers people to experience the world sustainably and responsibly. By providing access to remote and wild places, Rivian inspires a deeper connection with nature and rekindles the thrill of adventure—something more essential than ever in today’s fast-paced world.
Breaking Down the Rivian Logo
Rivian’s logo features four arrows, each mirroring the many directions an adventure can take—north, south, east, west, and everywhere in between. It’s a visual commitment to exploration, reinforcing Rivian’s identity as the go-to EV brand for adventurers. With the R1S and R1T already among the best off-road vehicles available and the upcoming R2 and R3 promising to follow suit, that promise is well on its way.
According to Rivian, the outer north and south arrows symbolize their mission to make the world a better place through innovation and adventure, while the inner east and west arrows represent their goal to be both inspiring and inviting to everyone.
As Rivian puts it, a logo is more than just a design on a vehicle or a piece of swag—it’s a promise. A promise that no matter where your journey leads, Rivian will help point you in the right direction.
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