Latest Rivian software update includes ‘Kneel Mode’ for easier entry and exit by lowering EV’s height
Rivian has begun rolling out over-the-air software update 2022.39.03 to both its R1T pickup and R1S SUV. In addition to updates to its EV’s user interfaces and Gear Guard security system, Rivian has put a spotlight on its new “Kneel Mode,” which can lower the EV’s height down to about ten inches, making it easier for drivers and their passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. You can see the new mode in action in the video below.
If you’ve seen either of Rivian’s flagship EV’s up-close , you can’t help but marvel at the sheer number of intuitive design features inside and out, not to mention the customizations and add-ons available to consumers configuring their own R1T pickup or R1S SUV.
The R1T pickup has been making its way to consumers for about a year now, and its R1S sibling has an even shorter delivery span. While these EV’s already come loaded with unique technology, their room for growth (from both a hardware and software standpoint) only adds to the brand’s foresight and hopes for longevity.
For instance, Rivian rolled out an exciting new feature in a September update called “Camp Mode,” which utilized the vehicle’s independent air suspension to level itself out, ensuring a more comfortable space to lie down when out in nature.
Furthermore, Camp Mode also gives Rivian owners the ability to light the area around them with flood lights located in the side mirrors – hardware that was activated entirely through an over-the-air (OTA) update, again showcasing how Rivian is repurposing existing components for new uses.
With its latest software update, Rivian is once again using its existing technology in new ways to enable an easier EV experience for its customers and their passengers, human or pet.
Rivian software update includes several improvements
Rivian has shared a full breakdown of its software update as it pertains to both the R1S and R1T separately, in addition to a full blog post specifically dedicated to Kneel Mode. When the new mode is activated, it will lower your Rivian truck 10 inches (if you have 21″ or 22″ inch wheels), and stay put until you once again enter drive mode.
Similar to the aforementioned Camp Mode, this update utilizes Rivian’s air suspension to ensure your EV is easy to exit or enter during a multitude of circumstances, including help with pets, elderly or disabled passengers, or loading luggage and other cargo.
Activating it is simple:
- Tap the “Settings” gear icon in the lower center display of your R1 EV.
- Next, navigate to the “Vehicle and Access” screen.
- From there, you can toggle Kneel Mode on and off.
Rivian states that the lowering process usually takes about five seconds.
Be aware that this new accessibility tool in the latest update is only available when your Rivian is in Conserve or All-Purpose drive mode set at “Standard” height. Sport mode already puts your EV at a lower height, so Kneel Mode not necessary.
The new height feature is also not available when your EV is in Off-Road or Towing mode, as it could do damage to the vehicle or the load you are towing. You can see Kneel Mode in action in the short video shared by Rivian below:
Before that however, there are a lot of additional perks to Rivian’s latest update you should check out:
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If you’re considering going electric, May will be a great time to score a deal on an EV lease. Automakers are slashing lease prices on some of the most popular EVs to move inventory – here are four standouts.
Nissan Ariya SUV
The Nissan Ariya SUV has an MSRP of $41,805. Its lease term is 36 months, with $4,409 due at signing and a mileage allowance of 10,000 a year. Monthly payment? A sweet $129!
Nissan cut the 2025 Ariya Engage’s price by $144 in April, so it now has an effective monthly cost of $251 – that’s seriously affordable for an electric SUV. If you’re already a Nissan driver, then you’re going to get an even better deal, because Nissan is offering a $1,000 loyalty discount on the Ariya, which brings its effective cost down to $224 per month.
CarsDirect, which sniffed out this deal, thinks this Ariya deal will be in place until Memorial Day, so take advantage of tariff-free pricing while you can.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Nissan Ariya in stock. –trusted affiliate copy
Honda Prologue SUV
The Honda Prologue SUV has an MSRP of $48,850. Its lease term is 36 months, with $1,399 due at signing and a mileage allowance of 10,000 a year. The monthly payment on the Prologue is $239.
The 2024 Honda Prologue has up to $18,800 in rebates, and the price includes a $1,000 lease loyalty discount or conquest offer. In California and other ZEV states, the EX has an effective cost of just $278 per month; in other parts of the US, pricing will be around $30 higher. This offer ends July 7.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Honda Prologue in stock. –trusted affiliate copy
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 has an MSRP of $43,880. Its best lease term is 24 months, with $1,044 due at signing and a mileage allowance of 10,000 a year. The monthly payment on the Model 3 is $349.
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 still has the $7,500 federal government EV rebate. Several months ago, Tesla reduced the amount due at signing on all Model 3s. And for those who want to lease a Long Range Model 3, the effective cost can be as low as $393 per month.
You can lease the Model 3 for 36 months, but the folks at CarsDirect found that the better deal will be had on 24-month leases. They compared the Model 3’s MSRP to the 2025 Lexus IS 300 F Sport’s MSRP, which is nearly identical, and the Model 3 was around 30% cheaper to lease.
Acura ZDX
The 2024 Acura ZDX has an MSRP of $65,850. Its best lease term is 36 months, with $4,699 due at signing and a mileage allowance of 7,500 a year. The monthly payment on the ZDX is $299.
The 2024 ZDX is Acura’s cheapest vehicle to lease because it features up to $29,450 in lease cash. However, the best deal is limited to California and ZEV states. If you cash in on a loyalty discount or conquest cash, the effective cost is $430 per month. This offer runs til June 30.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Acura ZDX in stock. –trusted affiliate copy
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Ford (F) reported its first-quarter earnings, beating Wall Street’s revenue and EPS expectations. However, with Trump’s auto tariffs, Ford is suspending full-year guidance. Here’s a breakdown of Ford’s Q1 2025 earnings
Ford Q1 2025 earnings preview
After crosstown rival General Motors cut its full-year financial guidance last week, investors are waiting to see if Ford will follow suit.
Ford’s previous 2025 forecast called for EBIT of $7 billion to $8.5 billion and capital expenditures between $8 billion and $9 billion.
The biggest threat is Trump’s new auto tariffs, which include a 25% duty on imported vehicles and many parts. Since Ford builds a greater percentage of vehicles in the US than any other major automaker, outside of Tesla, it isn’t expected to see as big of an impact.
CEO Jim Farley called it “an opportunity for Ford,” during an interview with CNN last week, saying the company has a “different footprint, a different exposure for tariffs.”
Ford imports around 21% of the vehicles it sells in the US, while GM imports around 46%. According to Estimize, Wall St expects Ford to post Q1 EPS of $0.0 on revenue of $38.02 billion.
The company reports earnings for each of its three business units, Ford Blue (gas-powered vehicles), Model e (electric vehicles), and Ford Pro (commercial and software business).
In the fourth quarter, Ford’s EV unit (Model e) lost another $1.4 billion while Pro and Blue each reported an adjusted EBIT of $1.6 billion.
Financial breakdown
Ford beat Wall Street estimates, reporting first-quarter revenue of $40.7 billion with an adjusted EPS of 0.49.
- Q1 2025 Revenue: $40.7 billion vs $38.02 billion expected.
- Q1 2025 Adjusted EPS: $0.49 vs $0.0 expected.
The company posted adjusted EBIT of $1 billion, down 63% from Q1 2024. Ford said its first-quarter EBIT suffered a nearly $200 million hit from added tariff costs, primarily in Ford Blue and Ford Pro.
Ford Pro generated an EBIT of $1.3 billion, Ford Blue $96 million, and Ford Model e reported an EBIT loss of $849 million.
For Model e, the company is focused on improving gross margins and “exercising a disciplined approach to investments in battery facilities and next-generation products.” Although still a nearly $1 billion loss, it’s still a $500 million improvement from Q1 2024.
Ford said higher Model e revenue was driven by new EVs launching in Europe, like the electric Explorer and Capri.
The company said its “Power Promise” promotion, which includes a free home charger and several other benefits, has helped drive demand in the US.
Although it’s tracking within its previous full-year adjusted EBIT guidance of between $7 billion and $8.5 billion, Ford is suspending full-year guidance due to the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Ford estimates the full-year gross cost of tariffs to be around $2.5 billion. It expects a tariff-related net adverse adjusted EBIT impact of about $1.5 billion for the full year 2025.
Ford also extended its “From America, For America” campaign last week. The promo includes employee pricing on most 2024 and 2025 models and now runs through July 4.
Check back for more info from Ford’s first quarter conference call. Ford is also hosting its annual meeting on Thursday, May 8, where we should learn more about its EV plans and how it will navigate the new tariffs.
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