I got to experience Rivian's spooky season software update in the R2 electric SUV, and it blew my mind. The new "Ghostbusters" theme reaffirmed my belief that Rivian is one of the best in the game for innovative, fun software features.
Rivian isn't the only car brand with a Halloween theme for drivers to enjoy in 2026, but it may have the best theme this October. Here's what drivers, car buyers and fans need to know about the software update.
What is Rivian's Halloween software update?
Rivian's recent Halloween software update, rolled out Oct. 9, includes an officially licensed "Ghostbusters" theme. To activate the theme, drivers can simply press the "Ghostbusters" icon at the bottom center of the touchscreen infotainment system. This reveals a display with a big red switch.
Tap the big
red switch and the Rivian electric vehicle instantly transforms into an Ecto-1. Drivers can toggle the official "Ghostbusters" theme song on and off. The digital instrument cluster also changes so surrounding vehicles are displayed in a ghoulish green color.
The 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 senses motion. There's even a built-in mini-game called Mallow Mash (which thoroughly entertained me). The theme also activates custom "Ghostbusters" lock and unlock sounds.
My experience using Rivian's 'Ghostbusters' theme
As an expert car reviewer who has tested nearly 30 brand-new cars, trucks, SUVs and even a transit van this year, the "Ghostbusters" theme is one of the quirkiest car features I've experienced. We regularly test Rivian models for USA TODAY Cars, and I'm always impressed by how advanced their software is compared with other car brands.
Unlike most car features, I went out of my way to show the Rivian R2's Ghostbusters theme to friends and family because of its novelty. Software shouldn't be the only factor when considering a new vehicle, but Rivian along with several other electric vehicle brands are changing the way occupants can interact with their cars.
How Rivian is changing the way drivers experience cars
Over-the-air (OTA) updates allow car brands to deliver updates to vehicles without owners having to bring their cars into service centers. Brands and automakers can send software patches as well as roll out updates that unlock new features and capabilities like the "Ghostbusters" theme. Tesla also gave owners a Halloween update that changes the user experience.
While some drivers can find these updates invasive, they're a great way to keep cabin software interesting and administer quick, convenient fixes. As an expert car reviewer, I find OTA updates to be a great tool for automakers to provide value to their customers long after they've purchased their vehicles.
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: Rivian went full 'Ghostbusters' for Halloween. I had to try it
