6 Accessories You Should Definitely Install on Your Rivian

 

Until Elon Musk gets around to giving us the flying cars from The Jetsons, Rivian will continue to produce some of the coolest vehicles around. (No offense, Tesla.) Rivian has certainly set a high bar for the rest of the electric vehicle category with its two entries, the R1T and the R1S. (The former is a pickup model while the latter is Rivian’s SUV.) The first models have been well received.

It is an understatement to say that Rivian hit it out of the park with their latest vehicles. The R1T was named Edmunds Top Rated Editors’ Choice for 2022. The R1S has been noted as “quick, stable, and fun” to drive on pavement by Kelley Blue Book—and a “perfectly capable off-road machine.” Both EVs have some of the best ranges around and are compatible with CCS charge ports. (Giving the manufacturer a massive built-in network for charging compatibility.)

Still, there are some accessories that Rivian owners may find lacking, along with items that are nice to have. Whether it is an R1T or an R1S, there are a few accessories that every Rivian owner should have:

 Emergency Car Kit

Please don’t toss a few water bottles in the back of your Rivian and consider yourself “prepared for the worst.” The R1T has over 800 hp, and with all that power comes a lot of responsibility. Items such as a high-beam flashlight, emergency flares or cones, an insulated blanket, and a first aid kit can be good to have in a pinch.

Window Tinting

When it comes to privacy, window tinting is a must-have accessory. In addition to the increased discretion that comes with window tinting, some just enjoy the look of a tinted window for its sleekness. (After all, the lines of any auto are often ruined by the cluttered look of a car’s interior.) And besides offering solitude and hiding seatbelts, there can also be energy savings when windows are tinted with certain products.

 

Of course, when it comes to installing tinting on something as precious as your new vehicle, it is always best to work with a pro. A capable professional should always do the installation of Rivian window tinting for several reasons. First, professional window techs will know the rules and regulations governing window tinting in your area besides doing a superior job. (Rules for opacity will be defined differently and vary widely from locale tolocale.) In short, installing window tinting on a Rivian vehicle is a delicate process best handled by specialists with experience.

Detailing Tools

No matter what rules you make about eating in your new vehicle, the siren call of the drive-thru will always be there. And while we all like to think we are careful eaters, spills and crumbs are facts of life. Therefore, a few indispensable items can come in handy as part of your very own DIY Rivian detailing kit. Be sure to have items such as a portable vacuum, microfiber clothes, and cleaning solutions at the ready. Also helpful can be tools that can fit into tight crevices and remove debris and gunk that gets stuck there—there are many providers of gels and putties that can be useful in this task.

Take Advantage of Built-In Tricks

Rivian vehicles have desirable options such as heated and ventilated seats, a Meridian Stereo system, and improved battery capacity. However, a lot of tech is built into Rivian’s vehicles from the get-go. For example, the 16-inch dashboard screen has all the bells and whistles that one would expect from the world’s first electric truck maker. There may even be a few tricks you don’t know about:

• Self-Leveling: One cool new thing Rivian’s autos can do is self-level on an uneven surface. (A godsend for those that want to enjoy a level night’s sleep on a camping trip.)
• Pet Mode: Rivian’s UI has been updated with a climate control mode for those that want their pets comfortable when left in the vehicle. This mode will keep the truck or SUV cooled while displaying a helpful message to soothe the concerns of passersby.
• Media, Directions, and Climate Control: There is also a surprising amount of complexity and depth to Rivian’s media and climate control options. For example, a fully rendered version of the vehicle is featured throughout the media center, with details that mimic what drivers and passengers are experiencing, down to the color of the car and any surrounding objects. And, because the system uses Unreal Engine, the fidelity is superior to anything you’ve likely seen.

Quality Floor Mats

Rivian’s trucks already come with floor mats. However, many other options are available for those looking for an upgrade—including Rivian’s own all-weather floor mats (which are coming soon).

A Phone Holder

Finally, distracted driving has been way up in recent years—often with fatal and tragic consequences that are wholly avoidable. One of the biggest culprits is the ever-present cellphone. A sound method for dealing with an alert’s temptation is to secure the phone out of reach. There are plenty of places for phone storage already in the car, but a secondary barrier may be necessary for those with poor self-control. This can be anything simple, but for those that really struggle with temptation, something like a cell phone locker can be a practical tool, too!