Rivian Is Going Ghostbusting This Halloween

Ghostbusters Halloween Mode syncs Rivian R1 and R2 lights, sounds, and displays, with extras owners can trigger remotely through the mobile app.

Rivian Ghostbusters Ecto-R1

Photo by: Rivian

Brian Potter

By: Brian Potter

Oct 9, at 3:18am ET

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Rivian has flipped the switch on a Ghostbusters takeover that turns the R1T, R1S and R2 into rolling tributes to the 1984 film. The over-the-air update arrives for the Halloween 2026 season.

Owners get a red toggle that syncs interior lighting, themed audio and exterior light shows, plus a dedicated Ghostbusters app built into the driver display. The whole package runs through a free software update. No dealer visit or paid add-on is required.

Ghostbusters Halloween Mode: What It Adds

Rivian Ghostbusters Ecto-R1

Rivian Ghostbusters Ecto-R1

Photo by: Rivian

Flip the red toggle and the Ghostbusters theme song kicks in while Trick or Treat Mode takes over the driver and rear displays. Exterior lights and sound effects sync to the same cues. The result turns a parked Rivian into a small show for anyone walking by.

Rivian says Halloween Mode layers Ghostbusters light and sound sequences over an Ecto-1-style presentation, with exterior LED animations matched to coordinated soundtracks. Motion Mode can trigger the display automatically when someone walks past the vehicle.

Custom lock sounds round out the cabin experience. First-generation R1 trucks get the Ecto-1 chime, while second-generation R1 vehicles and the R2 add Proton Pack and Chant as extra options, along with a scavenger hunt and a parked-display game among the extras.

Rivian's Ghostbusters collaboration also includes Ecto-R1 builds based on the R1S, with 22-inch aero wheels, No-Ghost badging and a roof rack carrying sirens, spotlights and a radar dish. The rack and its housings were built in-house by Rivian's Special Projects team.

Bill Murray appears in a companion commercial reprising his Peter Venkman role.

Gallery: Rivian Ghostbusters Ecto-R1

Rivian Ghostbusters Ecto-R1

Source: Rivian

Software Versions And Availability

The update requires specific software on both ends: version 2026.36.0 for R1 vehicles and 2026.36.40 for the R2, Rivian says. Owners need the vehicle software and the current Rivian mobile app before a driver-display prompt opens the Ghostbusters experience.

Most of the deeper features are designed for a parked vehicle. The in-car app transforms the driver display fully when the Rivian is stationary, while key visual cues stay active once the driver shifts into gear. The full set returns the moment the truck or SUV is back in Park.

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The Rivian app extends the fun beyond the cabin, letting owners trigger Trick or Treat Mode, exterior light effects, music and sound effects remotely from a phone. That remote reach is there for anyone wanting to surprise trick-or-treaters without sitting behind the wheel.

Rivian retail locations list Ghostbusters-themed events at Rivian Spaces in several cities across the Halloween season, including screenings and Ecto-R1 appearances. Anyone who wants to try Halloween Mode on their own vehicle should make sure their Rivian is running the required software version and that their mobile app is fully updated.