Halloween Mode 2026 transforms every Rivian into a ghost-hunting machine. Starting today, Rivian drivers can access The Ghostbusters App. Open the app while your car is parked, and your driver display transforms into something straight out of the Ecto-1. A single red toggle switch triggers haunting lights, feel ghoul-d audio, and spooky exterior displays.
The company celebrates Halloween with a cheeky update most years.
To help launch Halloween Mode 2026, Rivian even called on a couple of familiar faces, Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) and Slimer, to scare up some excitement.
I Ain’t Afraid of No Ghost
Engage Trick or Treat Mode, and the “Ghostbusters” theme song plays while lights and sound effects switch over to match. You can customize these effects from inside the car or through the Rivian App.
Ghostly goodies in the app include:
- Lights and sounds such as Ecto-1, Proton Pack, Slimer, Ghost Trap, Peter Venkman, or Random.
- Give passersby a jump scare by triggering a show on demand or enable Motion Mode to let your vehicle react whenever someone walks past.
- Swap your lock sound to Ecto-1 on R1 Gen 1 or choose between Ecto-1, Proton Pack, or Chant on R1 Gen 2 and R2.
- Interactive clue cards allow you to hunt for hidden characters inside Drive Modes, Gear Guard settings, side cameras, and the Energy app. Uncovering a Ghost Guard or Slimer character triggers a unique animation and audio.
- Rivian Assistant gets an eerie tone for the season. Ask it to run an exterior light show, read a hunt clue, or play a specific sound effect.
- Enjoy a center-screen arcade experience where you pop Mini-Pufts marshmallow men against the clock while parked.
Something Strange in Your Neighborhood
Rivian went all out this year by creating an homage to Ecto-1, the Ghostbusters’ vehicle of choice. The Ecto-R1 features everything a Ghostbuster needs, including sirens, spotlights, a radar dish, and side tanks. The roof rack structure is pure Rivian, while the vintage emergency lights were sourced and restored. Rivian’s Special Projects team resurrected the look of the iconic vehicle from the 1984 movie by fabricating the custom frame and every accessory housing.
Rivian retailers in Laguna Beach, Austin, Venice, Miami Brickell, San Francisco, and New York City Meatpacking District will feature the Ecto-R1 on display.
Are You Ready to Believe?
Make sure your vehicle software and Rivian mobile app are updated to the latest versions (R2 is 2026.36.40, and R1 is 2026.36.0) to take part in this paranormal activity. Once updated, a prompt will appear on your display asking if you’d like to “hunt some ghosts.” This takes you straight to the Ghostbusters app.
Halloween Mode is live from Oct. 9 through Nov. 2, 2026, for happy haunting and hunting.
Cox Automotive, the parent company of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, is a minority investor in Rivian.
