Over-the-air (OTA) software updates allow car brands and automakers to enable amazing themes and features in vehicles. Tesla and Rivian are two of the most innovative car brands when it comes to vehicle software.
Both electric vehicle brands have released different Halloween themes for 2026. These themes transform the user experience of both vehicles. Here's how the software updates and themes compare this spooky season.
Tesla's festive update: Spooky season on wheels
Tesla's Halloween Mode is a "spooky update that turns your Tesla into a haunted house on wheels," according to the company's X post. It can also activate a custom-themed light show using the vehicle's exterior LED lights. The mode features a ghost car avatar that replaces the vehicle's normal display icon on the infotainment screen.
Tesla's festive update also includes a Trick-or-Treat function that automatically flickers lights and plays spooky sounds when the Tesla is approached. Owners can use the Tesla app to activate Remote App Scaring. This feature captures spoken words, processes them and plays them through the speakers in a frightening voice.
Halloween Mode is one of many modes the electric vehicle and clean energy company offers its drivers. These features add entertainment value to Tesla EVs and separate them from rivals. Tesla's closest competitor in the software category is fellow American electric-vehicle brand Rivian.
Rivian's 'Ghostbuster' theme is spooktacular
Rivian may not be as established as Tesla, but it quickly became the runner-up for best-selling EV brand in the country in 2026.
The brand went all out for its seasonal software update this fall. The company's officially licensed "Ghostbusters" theme is unlike anything else in rival electric vehicles.
Rivian owners can tap a big red switch to instantly transform the EV's interior into an Ecto-1 from the "Ghostbusters" film. The theme song plays at the touch of a button, and the digital instrument cluster also changes, so surrounding vehicles are displayed in a ghoulish green color.
The "Ghostbusters" theme comes with different LED and sound shows to spook and entertain pedestrians as they walk by. These LED and sound shows can be set to activate once the Rivian EV senses motion. There's also an entertaining mini-game called Mallow Mash. It features custom "Ghostbusters" lock and unlocks sounds as well.
I tested the "Ghostbusters" theme in a Rivian R2 and used it on several different occasions. It made the EV more fun to drive and I can see how owners would enjoy the update after trying it for a week.
Which electric vehicle brand has better software?
Tesla's software platform is an industry benchmark, built on more than a decade of fine-tuning in the EV space. Its Full Self-Driving supervised driving assistance feature is among the most advanced available. Additionally, the brand regularly introduces new modes and capabilities that are exclusive.
Rivian's modern user interface and frequent OTA updates are making waves among auto enthusiasts, but the brand has a long way to go to catch up to Tesla. As for the brand with the most fun software, that's completely up to drivers. Ultimately, OTA updates and innovative themes benefit the market as car brands keep pushing the envelope and setting the bar for rivals.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tesla vs. Rivian: Which EV wins the Halloween mode showdown?
