Rivian R1S Captain's Chairs: What's Confirmed for 2027
Updated August 21, 2026.
It finally happened. On August 13, 2026, Rivian announced that the 2027 R1S will offer second-row captain's chairs — the single most requested feature from R1S owners since the SUV launched. If you've been holding off on an R1S order because a three-across bench was the only choice, this is the update you were waiting for.
What Rivian confirmed
- A six-seat layout: two captain's chairs in the second row replace the bench, keeping the third row behind them.
- A center pass-through: the chairs are spaced so passengers can walk between them to reach the third row — no folding a seat, and no disturbing a child seat installed in the second row.
- Real chair amenities: each captain's chair gets an individual armrest that stows flush into the seat and a cup holder that folds down from the inside edge.
- 2027 model year only: this arrives as part of Rivian's 2027 lineup update, which also simplified the trim structure.
What it costs
Reported pricing puts the captain's chairs at $1,500 on the Performance and Quad trims, while Premium-trim buyers reportedly pay more (around $4,000, where it's bundled with a larger interior package). As always with options, confirm current pricing in the Rivian configurator — option pricing moves.
Can I add captain's chairs to my current R1S?
No. There is no retrofit for 2022–2026 R1S models — the second-row bench is structural to those builds, with its own airbags, belts and child-seat anchors. If captain's chairs are a must-have, the only path is a 2027 order.
Does the R1T get them too?
Also no. The captain's chairs are an R1S feature — the R1T pickup keeps its five-seat cab. The R1T's 2027 update was about the simplified trim lineup, not seating.
What this means if you're cross-shopping
The bench was the R1S's biggest family-hauler weakness against three-row rivals that have offered captain's chairs for years. With a pass-through six-seat layout, the R1S closes that gap while keeping the things that made it compelling — the ~10 cu ft frunk, up to 90.7 cu ft of cargo with the rear rows folded, and real off-road capability.
Already own an R1S, or have a 2027 on order? See our Rivian R1S accessories guide — fit-checked floor and cargo mats, frunk protection, and the glass-roof sunshade owners recommend most.