Published October 9, 2026

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Updated October 9, 2026

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Participants leave a surprise (generally good-natured) and a note at a neighbor’s, ring the doorbell and run off to avoid getting caught. It’s a bit like chain mail passed around to keep a playful bit going.

In some ways, I see similarities to the ritual in Rivian’s latest effort. After a few seasons of releasing themed software updates alongside rival Tesla, the brand has dropped something that takes the tradition a step further, and I think it demands a response.

That’s because Rivian has finally extended the joke to the physical realm. As part of the reveal for this year’s Halloween Mode, the automaker has worked with Sony Pictures to create a full-scale reimagining of the iconic Ghostbusters ride, cheekily named the Ecto-R1.

While a Rivian R1S is obviously a markedly different vehicle from the original 1959 Cadillac, the SUV is nevertheless committed to its cosplay.

Along with the signature white and red livery, it also wears some 22-inch aero wheel covers painted white and matched to bright silver wheels. Together, the combination is supposed to be a nod to the film car’s chrome hubcaps.

Up top is where the R1 does its most convincing impression. The roof rack’s various accessories, including the sirens, spotlights, radar dish, and side tanks, all reflect those found on the original.

It’s a respectable effort, and it’s made all the cooler given that elements like the vintage emergency lights were sourced and restored. Moreover, Rivian designed the underlying rack structure.

Anchored by the immediately recognizable No-Ghost logo on the hood and front doors, the result is a vehicle that’s perfect for ringing in the season. Rivian even got Bill Murray in on the action.

While the Ecto-R1 is obviously a one-off build, Rivian has carried the theme through to the software in a way that’s bound to be a hit with owners.

As part of the Halloween Mode integration, vehicles get a dedicated Ghostbusters app that transforms the display and ties all the festive features together. Accordingly, along with light and sound sequences like “Proton Pack” and “Ghost Trap,” it also integrates related lock noises.

And that’s not all. There are plenty of other fun seasonal tie-ins, like Slimer scavenger hunts, a spooky voice assistant and a center-screen arcade experience where you pop Mini-Pufts marshmallow men against the clock.

Perhaps the most impactful addition, though, is that the Ghostbusters theme song plays along with synced interior lighting, themed audio and exterior displays the moment you flip a single red toggle switch.

Even looking past the physical Ecto-R1 build, it plays to a kind of popular nostalgia that’s hard to ignore. Your move, Tesla; I’d say there’s been a boo-ing.

Rivian says owners should ensure their vehicle software and Rivian mobile app are updated to the latest versions (R2 is 2026.36.40 version and R1 is 2026.36.0.) to be compatible.

Halloween Mode is live from October 9 through November 2, 2026.

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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