Rivian has announced a collaboration with Pantone to develop a custom color designated “Rivian Green.” The automaker revealed the partnership on January 20, 2026, positioning the color as a core brand identifier expected to debut on the upcoming R2 SUV when production begins in the first half of 2026.
Highlights
- Rivian co-developed “Rivian Green” with Pantone as the automaker’s signature brand color, evolving from the original Launch Green introduced with R1 vehicles
- The color originated from Rivian’s manufacturing process, specifically the E-coat primer applied during chassis production
- R2 production is imminent following completion of validation builds at the Normal, Illinois facility
- Current R1 color palette includes LA Silver, Glacier White, Forest Green, El Cap Granite, Midnight, Rivian Blue, and Storm Blue
Color Development Rooted in Manufacturing
According to Rivian, the development of Rivian Green traces back to the company’s factory floor during early R1 production. The design team identified a distinctive hue created when vehicle chassis received their protective E-coat primer dip—an electrified coating applied before final paint.
That manufacturing byproduct evolved into Launch Green, Rivian’s original brand color. The new Pantone-certified Rivian Green represents a refinement of that heritage, described by the company as balancing “the tension between engineering and nature.”
Strategic Timing for R2 Launch
The color announcement coincides with Rivian’s preparation for R2 production. The company confirmed last week that manufacturing validation builds have been completed at its Normal, Illinois plant, with customer deliveries scheduled for the first half of 2026.
Rivian Green is expected to serve as a brand anchor as the automaker expands its market reach with the more affordable R2 platform.
Current Model Color Availability
Launch Green remains exclusive to Quad-Motor R1 variants. Rivian streamlined its color offerings for the 2026 model year, discontinuing Limestone and Red Canyon from the standard palette.
The company has indicated Red Canyon will return in 2026, though availability across R1 and R2 models has not been specified. Compass Yellow, which appears in Rivian’s brand logo, was permanently discontinued in 2023 due to low demand.
Limited Edition Color Programs
Rivian has previously released limited-production color variants for its R1 lineup. The California Dune Edition offered a sand-toned exterior on Tri-Motor R1S and R1T models at standard pricing.
Late in 2025, the company introduced Borealis, a purple exterior inspired by the Aurora Borealis. More recently, Rivian unveiled a 10-unit Miami Edition R1S featuring white paint with blue accents.
Whether Borealis or similar limited editions will extend to R2 has not been announced.
Design Philosophy Differentiation
In a January 2026 interview with Access, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe discussed the company’s approach to color and design language. Scaringe characterized Rivian’s aesthetic as “calming” and “approachable,” contrasting it with competitors who pursue bolder styling.
The CEO noted this design philosophy extends beyond vehicle colors to retail environments, events, and overall brand presentation.
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