Rivian launches desert-themed R1S and R1T California Dune editions
Ever wonder why established auto brands like Chevrolet, Jeep or Toyota continue to crank out badge-and-trim special editions with names like Midnight, Nighthawk and Nightshade? Well, it’s because consumers love them. Rivian may’ve just started selling vehicles this decade, but it’s learning quickly from older automakers. Today it unveiled its first themed special edition vehicles, the 2025 Rivian R1S and R1T California Dune Edition, with the aim to entice new customers with some tasteful desert-inspired design upgrades.
Based on the R1S and R1T Tri-Motor models, the California Dune Edition is a mix of existing Rivian accessories and trim-exclusive jewelry. All R1S and R1T California Dune editions come standard in Rivian’s new California Dune paint — a distinctive neutral-grayish take on the ever-popular desert tan — with black exterior accents, and a set of Maxtrax with mounting bars. Wheel choices include a stylish new rally-inspired wheel that is exclusive to the California Dune Edition, in black or matching tan, with a large surface area that will naturally discourage sand from getting packed into the wheel spokes. The R1T California Dune Edition also gets a power tonneau cover that’s been redesigned to simplify factory installation, ease of maintenance and quieter operation as standard, too.
Inside, Rivian’s new R1 special edition features a two-tone black and tan — dubbed “black mountain and sandstone” — interior, matching sandstone Chilewich floor mats and a new floor material that’s designed to be easy to clean sand off of.
Like other R1 Tri-Motors, the R1T and R1S California Dune Editions ought to be plenty capable when out in the sand. A tri-motor set up utilizing a single front and dual rear motors combine to give the rigs 850 hp, 1,103 lb-ft of torque and all-wheel drive, while the included All-Terrain package adds full length skidplates, all-terrain tires, a spare and an on-board air compressor. There are no drivetrain tweaks to California Dune Edition Rivians, with the company’s All-Terrain, Rock Crawl, Rally, Drift and Soft Sand modes likely sufficient enough to help R1 owners stay out of trouble.
Rivian says the California Dune Edition will be a “limited edition,” but won’t tell us what that actually means. Based on what the rest of the industry is doing, expect to see the sun to set on the California Dune Edition after a year or two, with a new limited run model taking its place. Both R1S and R1T models are available starting today, with the electric SUV starting at $107,700 and electric pickup at $101,700.
Photos by MotorTrend