Here’s How to Activate Rivian’s Kick Turn on the First Generation R1T and R1S Quad.

      Joel Feder

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      Owners of the original four-motor Rivian R1T and R1S who have been awaiting the promised Kick Turn feature (essentially a 360-degree “tank turn” by another name) may soon find themselves quite frustrated. The answer to what many first-generation Rivian R1T and R1S Quad owners are likely searching for is: to access this feature on their older models, they would need to purchase a new 2026 Rivian R1T or R1S Quad.

      This is precisely what Rivian representatives informed me when I inquired. Despite the fact that the first-generation quad-motor Rivians are equipped with the necessary hardware to drive their left and right wheels in opposite directions and perform a smooth spin, Kick Turn—detailed here—will not be available for these models. It will remain exclusive to the newer models, due to both hardware and software limitations.

      The crux of the issue lies in control, at various levels. The first quad-motor Rivians utilized water-cooled Bosch-sourced motors, while the new 2026 Quads employ the in-house designed and engineered oil-cooled Ascent motors. Additionally, the 2026 models feature a new electrical architecture that was introduced in the refreshed 2025 R1T and R1S, which includes just 7 ECUs and a zonal system, as opposed to the original Rivian’s 17 ECUs.

      Joel Feder

      Ultimately, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid told The Drive that “we don’t have the same level of control on gen-one Quad” to enable the feature. It is also implied that they have greater confidence in their custom motors to handle the associated stress, as Kick Turn can be activated at forward speeds of up to 15 mph.

      This makes Kick Turn quite an expensive addition for any current owners wishing to upgrade after Rivian had announced the feature prior to its initial launch, only to cancel it amid backlash regarding potential trail damage contradicting its environmentally friendly ethos. The R1T Quad will be priced at $117,885 and the R1S Quad at $123,885, including an $1,895 destination charge upon their release this month. While some may scoff at the thought of spending six figures merely to perform spins, rest assured, there will be buyers.

      One might attribute the trend (or hold it accountable) to the electric Mercedes G-Wagen and a selection of Chinese EVs, which have popularized tank turns and compelled Rivian to reevaluate, even after CEO RJ Scaringe stated in a 2023 Q&A session that the feature would not be introduced.

      At one time, the initial first-gen R1T with its quad-motor powertrain had a price tag of $67,500, providing only 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque. Today’s Tri-Motor variant, costing about $105,000, boasts greater power, similar quickness, and a substantially higher price. Although the enhancements may appear minor, the 2026 Quad represents a significant advancement for Rivian and offers much more than just an off-road gimmick. Be sure to check out our full review for additional details.

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