✅ Trusted source Software Update

Rivian removes R2 seatback ventilation and rules out retrofits

📍 Drive Tesla Canada October 13, 2026 at 08:42 PM

Rivian has confirmed it will not restore backrest ventilation to newer R2 SUVs after quietly removing one of the fans from the front seats. According to owners, the change affects R2s built from approximately VIN 10,000 onward. Earlier R2s have a fan in both the seat base and the seatback of each front seat; newer models have just one, directing airflow through the cushion. Ventilated front seats and heating are unchanged. Rivian says the change reduced cabin noise, but some owners point out that the fan speed is adjustable and the noise was mainly noticeable at higher settings.…

According to owners, R2s from about VIN 10,000 have one fan per front seat.
Rivian rules out retrofits: owners cannot install the missing seatback fan.

🔎 Why it matters: According to an email from Rivian's customer support, R2s with the updated design will not get seatback ventilation back. The official justification is cabin noise, which some owners question.

📈 Upside: R2s with the updated design keep ventilated front seats and an unchanged heating system.

📉 Risk: R2s with the updated design are left without seatback ventilation and without a retrofit path, while Rivian's website still advertises ventilated seats without clarifying that airflow is limited to the cushion.

Read the original source →

🤖 Editorial summary of the cited source, with AI-assisted analysis -- not HgYperDrive original reporting. The original source is linked above for verification. More on how this works: editorial policy →

Rivian removes R2 seatback ventilation and rules out retrofits

Related news