Run the numbers and it’s not close. A 1.99% loan on a 2026 Rivian R1 beats a 3.99% loan on the 2027 version by roughly $4,450 over five years. That’s on essentially the same truck. Rivian is currently advertising both rates at once, which makes this one of the easiest financing comparisons you’ll see all year.
From October 1 through November 2, 2026, Rivian is offering 1.99% APR for 60 months on select 2026 R1 Dual and Tri configurations. Meanwhile, eligible 2027 R1 Premium and Performance models carry 3.99% APR over the same 60-month term. Both require ordering through Rivian’s own R1 Shop. You’ll also need to finance through its approved lender, with a $500 deposit due at order.
What’s the actual dollar difference in Rivian R1 financing?
On a typical $81,385 loan, the 1.99% rate works out to about $1,427 a month. The 3.99% rate runs closer to $1,502. That’s a gap of roughly $74 every month for five straight years. Multiply that out and the 2027 buyer pays about $4,450 more in interest alone, just for a newer model badge.
| Loan Detail | 2026 R1 at 1.99% APR | 2027 R1 at 3.99% APR |
|---|---|---|
| Amount financed | $81,385 | $81,385 |
| Payment per $1,000 financed | $17.54 | $18.45 |
| Estimated monthly payment | ~$1,427 | ~$1,502 |
| Total paid over 60 months | ~$85,640 | ~$90,095 |
| Total interest paid | ~$4,255 | ~$8,710 |
Does the 2027 R1 even cost more to buy?
No — and that’s what makes the financing gap sting. Rivian held entry pricing flat for 2027. The R1T Premium starts at $79,990. The R1S Premium starts at $83,990. Both match the 2026 Dual Large-battery configurations that became the base models after Rivian dropped the cheaper Dual Standard trim.
The 2027 update mostly swaps trim names. Premium, Performance, and Quad replace Dual, Tri, and Quad. It also adds a genuinely useful feature: second-row captain’s chairs on the R1S. That gives it a six-seat layout for the first time. The R1T also gets new all-season wheel options. Powertrain output and range are largely carried over unchanged from 2026.
Who actually qualifies for the 1.99% rate?
Only “very well-qualified” buyers get the advertised 1.99% rate. Rivian’s own offer language makes that explicit. The rate can vary based on credit history, loan term, and amount financed. If your credit isn’t pristine, the real-world rate you’re quoted could land well above either headline number. It’s worth getting pre-approved before you fall in love with a specific configuration.
It’s also worth noting these rates aren’t fixed policy. They’re promotional, and they’ve swung wildly all year. Rates ranged from as low as 0.99% in the spring to 6.49% on Quad trims this fall. That volatility exists because the federal EV tax credit expired at the end of September 2025. Rivian now funds every incentive itself out of margin. That means the deal on the table this month may not exist next month.
Should you wait for the 2027 Rivian R1 instead?
If you don’t need the six-seat R1S layout, buy the 2026 now. Lock in 1.99% while it’s still on the table. You’re getting the same starting price and nearly identical power and range. You also get a materially cheaper loan. There’s no financial case for paying 3.99% just to get a trim rename and new wheel options.
The one exception is families who specifically want the R1S captain’s chairs. That feature only exists on the 2027. No financing discount makes up for not having seats your kids actually fit into. Everyone else is better off treating the 2026 as the value play it clearly is right now.
Before you commit to either model year, check Rivian’s broader recall history. The company issued a sweeping 100,700-vehicle recall that touched nearly every R1 built. The R1S-specific writeup breaks down what was actually fixed. If you’re weighing a 60-month commitment at all, our look at longer loan terms is a useful gut check on how term length changes your total cost. And if you’re still not sure an EV truck is the right call this year, see our full decision framework for buying an EV in 2026 before you sign anything. You can also check Rivian’s current offers directly on its official offers page, since terms change monthly.
FAQ
Is 1.99% APR actually a good rate for a $80,000 truck loan?
Yes. It’s well below the roughly 7% average new-car loan rate most buyers see in 2026. That makes it one of the stronger manufacturer-subsidized rates available on any EV right now.
Can I combine the 1.99% financing offer with other Rivian discounts?
Generally no. Rivian’s offer terms state the financing deal cannot be combined with other public incentives unless specifically stated. Stacking a lease bonus or cash discount on top usually isn’t possible.
Why is the 2026 R1 Quad stuck at a higher rate than the Dual and Tri?
Rivian has consistently priced its promotional APRs by trim. The flagship Quad is its most powerful and expensive configuration. It has stayed at 3.99% or higher even while Dual and Tri models dropped to 1.99%.
Will Rivian offer 1.99% on the 2027 R1 eventually?
Possibly, once 2027 inventory builds up and Rivian needs to move units. But there’s no guarantee. Rates have moved both up and down throughout 2026 depending on demand and quarter-end push.