Rivian has quietly removed the under-seat storage compartment from all second-generation R1T and R1S models, a change that has taken many new owners by surprise. This modification comes several months after the Gen 2 R1 series launched with a range of updates, making the disappearance of this small yet functional feature even more perplexing.
The news of the storage compartment’s removal began circulating on social media platforms, including Twitter, Reddit, and various forums, catching new owners off guard. Some owners were shocked to find that the compartment was entirely missing, while others discovered that their vehicles still contained the drawer, creating confusion and frustration among the Rivian community. In response to inquiries, Rivian confirmed the change, explaining that the storage bin was removed from all R1 variants as of “late 2024,” though a specific timeline was not provided.
No storage pocket under passenger seat
byu/mhespenh inRivian
“Yes, we removed the passenger seat storage bin from production on all R1 variants in late 2024,” a Rivian representative said. “We are constantly evaluating our design and production strategy, and the passenger seat storage bin has a low utilization rate.” The company also noted that items typically stored in the compartment, such as smartphones, would not fit easily, leading passengers to use other storage spaces in the vehicle. The under-seat storage bin on the driver’s side, however, remains available for small items like sunglasses and keys.
Some owners have expressed disappointment over the removal, especially as neither the R1T nor the R1S features a traditional glovebox. Speculation has arisen that this change could be part of a broader cost-cutting effort, though Rivian did not address this in its response. Despite the removal, the company pointed out that other storage solutions are available within both the electric pickup and SUV, including in the door panels and under the rear seats.
The removal of this feature aligns with a broader trend of automakers streamlining vehicle designs. While Rivian’s pricing strategy has not been a significant issue, small adjustments like this could contribute to future cost efficiencies. The second-generation R1 series has also seen several other notable updates, including redesigned battery modules for more efficient packaging, a new heat pump, and a revised electrical architecture that eliminates 10 ECUs and reduces wiring by about 1.6 miles (2.6 km). Additionally, the company has upgraded its semi-autonomous driving system, adding higher-definition cameras and enhanced AI prediction technology to improve the system’s performance.
