Rivian is getting into the Halloween spirit in a big way this year, and fans of the iconic Ghostbusters movies are in for a pretty entertaining treat. The electric vehicle manufacturer has teamed up with Sony Pictures to introduce a special Ghostbusters-themed Halloween Mode that transforms its EVs into modern-day ghost-hunting machines. Complete with eerie sound effects, animated characters, customized lighting, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, the update brings a little Hollywood magic to Rivian’s growing lineup. Better yet, the experience isn’t limited to a special-edition vehicle or an expensive option package. Owners of compatible Rivian R1T, R1S, and R2 models can enjoy the festivities through an over-the-air software update rolling out October 9, 2026. It’s another example of how automakers can use software to keep vehicles feeling fresh and entertaining long after they’ve left the dealership.
Once activated, Rivian’s Halloween Mode gives the vehicle’s digital displays a full Ghostbusters makeover, complete with familiar characters, interactive features, and surprises hidden throughout the infotainment system. Owners can hunt for Slimer and other ghostly figures tucked away inside different vehicle menus, with each discovery unlocking entertaining animations and sounds. There’s even a themed arcade-style game called ‘Mallow Mash, where players try to catch mischievous Mini-Puft marshmallow characters before time runs out. Rivian’s voice assistant also gets in on the action, adopting a suitably spooky personality while offering clues, triggering sound effects, and controlling exterior lighting sequences. It’s the kind of quirky feature that might seem unnecessary in an everyday vehicle, but it’s also something that families and longtime fans of the movies will probably get a real kick out of.
The fun really gets going when the vehicle is parked and Trick or Treat Mode is switched on. With the push of a virtual button, the familiar Ghostbusters theme song plays while the vehicle’s exterior lights flash in coordination with themed sound effects. Owners can select different lighting and audio experiences inspired by the Ecto-1, Proton Pack, Ghost Trap, Slimer, and even Peter Venkman. There’s also a motion-activated feature that can trigger a spooky greeting when someone approaches the vehicle, making a parked Rivian an entertaining addition to a Halloween driveway display. Many of these features can be operated remotely through the Rivian smartphone app, so the vehicle can seemingly come to life without anyone sitting behind the wheel. Custom lock sounds add another playful touch, replacing the usual confirmation chirp with something much more appropriate for the season. Naturally, the more elaborate animations and entertainment functions are reserved for when the vehicle is parked, keeping distractions to a minimum while driving.
For those who want something a little more dramatic than a software update, Rivian has also created a collection of custom Ecto-R1 vehicles based on its R1S electric SUV. These special builds pay tribute to the legendary Ecto-1, the unmistakable 1959 Cadillac ambulance that became one of the most recognizable movie vehicles of the 1980s. Rivian’s interpretation features white wheels, distinctive Ghostbusters graphics, roof-mounted equipment, emergency-style lighting, and various accessories inspired by the original movie car. The result is an electric SUV that looks ready to respond to paranormal emergencies rather than tackle an off-road trail. Rivian even recruited original Ghostbusters star Bill Murray for a promotional video featuring the customized SUV, adding another layer of nostalgia to the campaign. While the Ecto-R1 isn’t a production model that customers can purchase, Rivian plans to display the vehicles at select retail locations and special Halloween events, including the New York City Village Halloween Parade.
What’s particularly interesting about Rivian’s latest Halloween promotion is how it demonstrates the growing possibilities of software-defined vehicles. Not too long ago, getting your vehicle ready for Halloween meant attaching a few decorations or perhaps installing some novelty accessories. Now, an automaker can completely change the personality of a vehicle overnight with new graphics, sounds, lighting sequences, and interactive experiences. Rivian has experimented with similar seasonal features before, including entertainment inspired by Knight Rider and Back to the Future, but the Ghostbusters collaboration takes the concept to another level. There’s certainly a marketing angle here, but there’s also something genuinely appealing about a vehicle that can occasionally surprise its owner with a new experience. In an EV market where manufacturers are constantly competing over range estimates, charging speeds, and acceleration figures, Rivian is finding creative ways to make its vehicles stand out beyond the usual specifications.
The Ghostbusters Halloween Mode officially arrives October 9 and remains available through November 2, 2026, giving owners a few weeks to enjoy the supernatural festivities before everything returns to normal. Access requires the latest Rivian vehicle software and mobile app updates, with version 2026.36.0 designated for R1 models and 2026.36.40 for the R2. Rivian is also hosting Halloween-themed celebrations at several retail locations across the country, providing opportunities for fans to see the custom Ecto-R1 vehicles in person. While none of this will make a Rivian travel farther on a charge or tackle a tougher trail, that’s hardly the point. Sometimes a vehicle feature can simply be about having fun, and Rivian seems to understand that better than most. For Ghostbusters fans who happen to own one of the company’s electric vehicles, this might be the closest they’ll ever get to having their own Ecto-1 parked in the driveway.
