Rivian plans to revise the door handle design on its upcoming R2 SUV in response to safety concerns raised by employees and customers, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Over the past few years, many automakers, including Rivian, have adopted electronically latched door handles to achieve a sleeker look and improved aerodynamics. However, the trend has led to manual emergency door releases being placed in obscure places. As electric door mechanisms become more common in vehicles, the importance of easily accessible manual releases has become critical for passenger safety. Manufacturers have struggled to strike a balance between stylish interior design and the visibility of emergency releases, often resulting in confusing layouts.
In response, Rivian is now taking a proactive approach with its R2 lineup by designing a new manual door release that is easier to see and reach compared to the one found in its R1 vehicles.
Rivian’s upcoming R2 SUV will feature the redesigned interior door handle layout, setting it apart from the current R1 models. The company intends to incorporate a clearly visible manual door release positioned near the electronic handles. Expected to launch in the first half of 2026, the R2’s updated handle design addresses concerns from the previous R1 redesign, which relocated the rear manual releases to a less accessible spot. In the R1, passengers must remove an unmarked panel and pull a release cord to manually open the rear doors if the electrical system fails, as outlined in the owner’s manual.
This design update follows growing concerns over electronic door handles. A recent Bloomberg report highlighted incidents where Tesla owners and passengers were trapped in the vehicles after the electronic door handles failed to function due to low battery voltage. Following this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation, and Tesla has revealed plans to overhaul the system.
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