Hitechreports

Rivian has made a key design adjustment to the upcoming R2 electric SUV, refining how the rear door manual release works following feedback around safety and usability. The update highlights how the EV startup is fine-tuning details ahead of the R2’s highly anticipated launch, expected to expand Rivian’s reach into a more affordable segment of the electric vehicle market.

The change centers on the rear passenger emergency door release, an important feature in modern EVs where traditional mechanical systems are often replaced with electronic door latches.

Why the Rear Door Release Matters

Like many new electric vehicles, the Rivian R2 uses electronic door mechanisms instead of fully mechanical handles. While these systems offer sleek design advantages and integration with vehicle software, they require manual overrides in case of power failure or emergency.

In earlier iterations of Rivian vehicles, including the R1T and R1S, some users and safety observers noted that emergency door releases were either not clearly labeled or required pulling a concealed cable, raising concerns about passenger awareness in urgent situations.

For the R2, Rivian has reworked the rear manual release to make it more intuitive and accessible, addressing potential confusion while maintaining the clean interior design the brand is known for.

What’s Changed on the R2

On the Rivian R2, the rear door manual release is now designed to be:

• More clearly identifiable within the cabin
• Easier to operate without tools
• Distinct from the standard electronic door control

Rather than relying on a hidden or minimally marked mechanism, the updated system makes the emergency release more visible to rear passengers. This ensures occupants can quickly exit the vehicle if electronic systems fail.

Importantly, Rivian appears to have balanced accessibility with child safety considerations, ensuring the manual release isn’t accidentally triggered during normal driving.

Learning From Industry Feedback

The change reflects broader industry scrutiny around electronic door systems. Several automakers have faced criticism after drivers and passengers struggled to locate emergency releases in EVs during power failures or crashes.

Rivian has demonstrated a willingness to incorporate feedback into product updates. The R2, positioned as a smaller and more affordable SUV than the R1 lineup, represents a critical vehicle for the company’s next growth phase. Refining safety features before launch is likely part of ensuring smoother regulatory approval and stronger consumer confidence.

R2: A Pivotal Model for Rivian

The R2 is expected to play a major role in Rivian’s expansion strategy. Designed as a midsize electric SUV with a lower starting price than the R1T and R1S, the R2 aims to attract a broader customer base while retaining Rivian’s adventurous, design-forward identity.

Key highlights of the R2 include:

• A compact SUV form factor
• Advanced driver assistance features
• Rivian’s signature rugged styling
• Competitive projected pricing compared to earlier models

With production slated for the coming years, every refinement, including something as specific as a rear door release, signals Rivian’s attention to detail.

A Small Change With Big Implications

While the rear manual door release update may seem minor, it underscores a larger shift in how automakers approach EV design. As vehicles become increasingly software-driven, ensuring that essential mechanical backups remain simple and accessible is critical.

By improving the R2’s rear emergency exit system ahead of launch, Rivian reinforces its focus on safety, usability, and responsiveness to real-world concerns.

For a company competing in a rapidly evolving EV market, thoughtful adjustments like this could make all the difference in building long-term trust with drivers and passengers alike.