New Software: Soft Sand Mode

Digging in on the Newest Rivian Drive Mode

By Rivian

May 27^th, 2022

Our latest Rivian software update delivered a new Drive Mode aimed at some of the trickiest terrain to navigate: soft sand.

When you push the button to put your R1 in Soft Sand mode, you are optimizing traction and stability control to make up for the limited traction and increased drag of driving in deep sand, which also helps decrease your chances of getting stuck.

Soft Sand mode is the ninth Drive Mode – four for the road, and now five for when it ends – to allow you to adjust vehicle dynamics for virtually any terrain. We designed our hardware and software platforms with plenty of room to be able to continually enhance your experience over the lifetime of the vehicle. With each software update, we add new features, evolve our UI and enhance existing capabilities—all software updates the vehicle can download and implement wirelessly right in your driveway.

Here's what you need to know about Soft Sand mode.

What it does

Increase drive and maneuverability through deep sand.

What it does to the vehicle

The driver's inputs are softened, accelerator pedal mapping tuned to initiate and maintain momentum over sand by allowing a gradual buildup of throttle at low speeds and then a more aggressive delivery at higher speeds, softer regenerative braking is available to the driver to avoid digging into the surface. The suspension's damping and ride characteristics are tuned for driving over the rough, undulating surface of wind-blown sand at high speeds, soaking up ruts and holes.

When to use it

Soft Sand mode really shines brightest in deep sand, specifically sand dunes, and can also help the driver regain momentum and unstick the vehicle by moving large amounts of sand at each wheel in a controlled fashion.

When not to use it

Soft Sand mode is not optimal for most other off-road terrains, even areas with sparse or shallow sand or gravel. For those situations, use Off-Road All-Terrain mode instead. But whether driving off-road in Soft Sand or All-Terrain mode, never drive off-road in restricted areas.