2026 Rivian R1T Quad Initial Drive Review: When Excess Is Just Sufficient
Joel Feder
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The Rivian king is back, and this time, the 2026 Rivian R1T Quad is quicker, more potent, more efficient, and features motors developed in-house. Naturally, it's also pricier.
The R1T pickup and R1S SUV are the top models in the lineup. The new four-motor variants come with a standard NACS charging port for 2026, available across the lineup. However, it’s the additional motors, new software features, and pricing that distinguish the R1 Quads from others. And did I mention it delivers 1,025 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds (2.6 for the R1S)?
The Basics
In what could be a redefined version of Stealth Wealth (especially after the discontinuation of the 200-Series Toyota Land Cruiser), it might take a discerning eye to differentiate the Quad from the rest of the lineup. Five subtle visual elements identify the Quad: blue brake calipers, blue accents on the front door badges, a small blue badge on the tailgate, a windblown Gear Guard emblem (I’d love to be friends with the Gear Guard guy), and Quad-specific 22-inch wheels, with 20-inch options available. The standard wheel design resembles other R1s, but features a bronze finish. When paired with the 34-inch all-terrain tires, the 20-inch design is similar to the limited-edition Dune model, but with a fresh finish. Choosing staggered tires with 275s in the front and 305s in the back, the Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires will fit around a specific 22-inch wheel design for the Quad. All wheel and tire options come without additional costs. Besides these five minor updates, the Quad appears like any other R1T (and R1S), which received a visual refresh for 2025 with new, more refined lighting.
Inside, the four-motor R1T and R1S share the same upgraded Ascent interior as the Tri-Motor. This includes quilted stitched seating and front seat backs wrapped in denim-like material. Overall, it offers an inviting ambiance reminiscent of an upscale ski resort cabin. The same 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 15.6-inch touchscreen that control vehicle functions sit neatly within the dashboard, but the Quad introduces two new features on the touchscreen: Kick Turn and the RAD Tuner.
The RAD Tuner (Rivian Adventure Department) is currently exclusive to the Quad. This new powertrain tool allows the driver to completely tweak parameters from power distribution and wheel spin to roll stiffness and damping. A total of 10 variables can be adjusted independently and saved for future use. It’s impressively advanced, surpassing anything else available in production vehicles today, and elevates custom powertrain and vehicle dynamics settings to a whole new level. The modes feature little racing helmet icons, which have typically belonged to McLaren but now also belong to Rivian. I’m fully on board with this. The RAD Tuner comes pre-set with Hill Climb and Desert Rally modes, with the Hill Climb mode utilizing the same settings Rivian employed to break records at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The Desert Rally profile was tested at the Rebelle Rally. Rivian plans to provide current owners with the RAD Tuner through an OTA software update in September.
Then there’s Kick Turn, which many may refer to as Tank Turn. Kick Turn fulfills the original promise of Tank Turn, but in a much cooler and less gimmicky manner. Tank Turn was not implemented in the original Quad due to concerns that users might damage trails. After experiencing Kick Turn, it seems they’re quite similar. To activate Kick Turn, just tap the button in the Off-Road driving screen and slide it to confirm. Then, hold the left or right buttons on the steering wheel and accelerate to have the vehicle spin and change directions. This feature allows the Quad to spin around or take a tight turn off-road. It only functions in low-friction conditions, so it’s not usable on dry pavement as a party trick like in the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Importantly, unlike with the G-Class, it operates smoothly at speeds of up to 15 mph, though this could be adjusted before its rollout via OTA in September.
Driving Experience
Getting behind the wheel of the R1T Quad feels familiar for anyone who has previously driven a Rivian, but the experience is more intense due to the new oil-cooled Ascent motors. The previous Bosch motors were water-cooled and could overheat if someone attempted to repeatedly ascend Hell’s Gate at Moab, according to R1 Chief Engineer Luke Lynch.
As expected, the combination of 1,025 hp and
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