The fully electric SUV is up for a refresh, only two years after the start of production
- Prototypes of the 2025 Rivian R1S were spotted without camouflage, revealing mild exterior updates.
- The highlight is the new LED headlights and new wheels, with the rest of the bodywork being largely carried over.
- According to earlier information, the Standard Range Rivian R1S and R1T will switch to a new 92.5 kWh battery pack.
Update June 1: We’ve added fresh, revealing photos of the facelifted 2025 R1S, courtesy of Rivian Forums user @HAL9000. Additionally, a large group of R1S SUVs from the first production batch were photographed at the Rivian factory.
The updated Rivian R1S and R1T models are approaching their debut, as prototype sightings of the SUV reveal subtle visual refinements. What appears to be the 2025 Rivian R1S was spotted without any camouflage, showcasing its redesigned LED headlights.
The fully electric model is expected to retain the characteristic outline of the headlights, albeit with new LED graphics. The close-up photo also shows that the new clusters will be more sculpted than before, giving it a more high-tech look.
More: The 2026 Rivian R2 Looks Even Better Up Close
This marks the second sighting of the updated Rivian R1S, following another red prototype photographed during filming in Seattle. While the earlier photos were blurrier, they indicated that the overall bodywork will remain largely unchanged compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the red EV was equipped with the Black Package, which includes dark trim on the bumpers, black wheels, and chrome delete on the profile.
The spy photos were posted on a Rivian Forums thread by user Peytonrg, garnering a lot of attention from the community. It’s mentioned that the upcoming refresh will introduce “new lightning capabilities, black badges, no chrome, and silver wheel calipers.” Additionally, they suggest that the EV will receive a heat pump, a tri-motor setup, and faster charging capabilities.
Rivian Forums
Another forum user, going by the name Canthoney, said that they encountered a prototype of the 2025 Rivian R1S in person a few days ago. They corroborate the earlier reports, noting the presence of a new camera module for the mirrors, a “charger disconnect” button near the port, new alloy wheels, and a slimmer lightbar.
A recently leaked Rivian document contained technical details regarding the upcoming facelift. In addition to the new heat pump, the standout feature is a new 92.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack for the Standard Range models. This new battery is reported to be 69 kg (152 lbs) lighter compared to the current 105.9 kWh unit.
Rivian’s own range estimates indicate approximately 380-405 miles (612-652 km) in city driving and 322-340 miles (518-547 km) on the highway, depending on whether the EV is equipped with 20-inch or 22-inch wheels. It’s anticipated that the official EPA estimates will be slightly lower.
Rivian has not announced a specific date for the debut, but rumors suggest it could be as soon as next month. Although prototypes of the 2025 R1T have not been spotted yet, it is reasonable to assume that the updates on the truck will mirror those of its SUV counterpart.
