The 2027 Rivian R1S finally offers second-row captain’s chairs, creating a six-seat alternative to the familiar seven-seat SUV. For families with child seats installed, the practical benefit is an open aisle to the third row without moving the second-row seats.
That cabin change arrives alongside new trim names and a new standard silver paint color. The all-electric R1S starts at an advertised $83,990, and shoppers can still choose a bench if carrying seven people matters more than having a center aisle.
Captain’s chairs open a path to the third row
Rivian calls captain’s chairs its most-requested R1S interior feature. The new six-seat arrangement separates the second row into two heated chairs, each with an individual armrest that stows flush and a folding cup holder on its inner edge.
Both chairs fold flat and retain child-seat attachment points. The center aisle lets passengers reach the third row while those child seats remain installed. Rivian says the change does not reduce storage space behind the third row.
The tradeoff is straightforward: one fewer passenger position in exchange for easier access. Rivian’s September announcement says a seven-seat bench remains standard on Premium with the Black Mountain interior and on Performance and Quad with Black Mountain Signature. Configuration choices matter, so check the seating layout alongside the interior color.
Existing owners should note that Rivian says these captain’s chairs cannot be retrofitted to earlier R1S models.
Premium, Performance and Quad replace motor-count shopping
The 2027 R1 lineup uses three trim names: Premium, Performance and Quad. The first two replace the emphasis on Dual and Tri branding, although the underlying motor arrangements remain important.
Premium uses dual-motor all-wheel drive with 533 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque. An optional power upgrade raises those figures to 665 horsepower and 829 pound-feet. Performance steps up to three motors, 850 horsepower and 1,103 pound-feet.
Quad remains the four-motor flagship, rated at 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet. Those headline figures vary in practice with configuration and conditions; buyers do not need to choose the fastest version to get the new seating option.
Range and size still matter more than the badge
Premium’s available Long Range configuration delivers up to an EPA-estimated 410 miles in the R1S. Rivian lists up to 371 miles for Performance and 374 miles for Quad. Those published figures apply to specified 22-inch road-wheel configurations, so an all-terrain setup should not be assumed to deliver the same range.
The R1S specifications page lists a 200.8-inch overall length and a 121.1-inch wheelbase. Maximum height, including the antenna, is 77.3 inches. Moving to captain’s chairs changes the passenger layout, not the SUV’s basic footprint.
For a family deciding between trims, passenger access and the selected battery and wheel combination deserve separate consideration. The highest-output model is not the longest-range choice, and the six-seat cabin is not automatically better for a household that regularly fills all seven positions.
2027 Rivian R1S prices and new Esker Silver paint
Rivian’s current U.S. model page advertises starting prices of $83,990 for Premium, $106,990 for Performance and $121,990 for Quad. Options, taxes and applicable fees can change the final amount; these figures are starting prices rather than out-the-door totals.
Esker Silver replaces LA Silver as the included paint choice across the R1 lineup. Performance and Quad also use Signature interior names: Black Mountain Signature, Ocean Coast Signature and Slate Sky Signature. Premium retains Black Mountain and Ocean Coast interior choices.
The 2027 R1S with captain’s chairs is available to configure now. The most useful first step is deciding between six and seven seats, then comparing range, equipment and price within the new trim structure.
