From Car and Driver · Jack Fitzgerald · · 50s
Rivian R2 Seats Now Only Cool Bottom
Rivian removes R2 seat cooling from back due to loud fans.
In brief
Rivian removes R2 seat cooling from back due to loud fans. Rivian R2 SUVs now only cool seat bottoms after excessive cabin noise from back vents. Originally reported by Car and Driver.
Rivian changes R2 seat ventilation
Rivian updated R2 SUV seats to push air only through the seat bottom instead of bottom and back.
“Rivian made a controversial change to the R2 SUV’s seats”
Excessive cabin noise causes change
Rivian says seatback ventilation created excessive cabin noise, so they streamlined the system.
“Because the seatback ventilation generated excessive cabin noise, we streamlined the system”
R2 seats now only cool bottom
R2 ventilated seats now push cool air through seat bottom only, not bottom and back.
“R2 ventilated seats are designed to deliver active airflow through the seat cushion”
Some owners cancel deliveries
Some R2 order holders canceled deliveries or paused schedules due to the change.
“Based on some of the forum posts, the change is enough for some order holders to cancel their R2 deliveries”
Rivian R2 seat heating unchanged
R2 seat heating remains the same despite ventilation changes.
“R2 seat heating is unchanged”
The bottom line
Rivian R2 SUVs now only cool seat bottoms after excessive cabin noise from back vents.
