Rivian’s Stylish RAD Tuner Might Be Available for Other Performance Models

      Joel Feder

      Get The Drive’s daily newsletter

      Stay updated with the latest car news, reviews, and features.

      The emerging standard for automotive drive mode customization could soon expand beyond just two vehicles, depending on developments at Rivian. There’s a possibility of it happening.

      While inside a 2026 Rivian R1T Quad in Lake Tahoe, California, Rivian's Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid informed The Drive that the new RAD Tuner feature is being considered as an upgrade for other models.

      The RAD Tuner functions like an equalizer for the EV's powertrain, allowing customization and fine-tuning of drive modes through ten different performance parameters, but Bensaid mentioned it would likely be restricted to “performance models.”

      Currently, Rivian offers four powertrains: Dual Standard, Dual, Tri, and Quad. One could argue that the Dual with the $5,000 Performance upgrade represents a fifth powertrain, as it primarily involves a software adjustment that enhances motor output, improves the 0-60 mph acceleration time, and adds drive modes. According to Bensaid, the Dual Performance, Tri, and Quad powertrains are all classified as “performance models” within the company.

      Upon closer examination, aside from variations in battery, motor, and power output, there are notable differences in drive modes that set the Rivian team's defined “performance model” apart. Dual Standard models are restricted to All-Purpose, Snow, and All-Terrain drive modes. The Dual Performance model introduces Rally, Sport, and Soft Sand modes, indicating that the presence of Sport mode may be a decisive factor in classifying a Rivian as a performance model.

      Regarding the RAD Tuner, while the team is discussing the potential for its introduction in other performance models—presumably for an added cost—it won’t provide the same features. In the Quad, the RAD Tuner unlocks a range of variables such as acceleration, region, brake assist, steering assist, ride height, torque balance, wheel slip, stability control, damping, and roll stiffness. Bensaid explained that the Quad's four-motor setup allows for this level of customization. In contrast, Dual-motor models with the Performance upgrade or the Tri would offer fewer variables and customization due to having less control from fewer motors. However, Bensaid did not specify which variables might be omitted in a simplified version of the RAD Tuner for other models. All R1T and R1S vehicles come standard with adaptive dampers, air suspension, and electric power steering.

      Soon, these three performance variants will be joined by smaller models. Next year, the Rivian R2 will debut with single-, dual-, and tri-motor options. Rivian has previously stated that the tri-motor variant will achieve 0-60 mph in under three seconds, and it will undoubtedly be regarded as a “performance model” by Bensaid and the team. It remains uncertain if there will be an R2 with a dual-motor performance upgrade, but it seems likely.

      This is just the beginning, as the same three powertrains are expected to make an appearance in an even smaller model called R3, which will come after the R2. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has already mentioned that the elevated hot-hatch R3X (featuring a tri-motor powertrain, all-terrain tires, and a rally-car aesthetic) will be released before the more basic R3, generating excitement among enthusiasts. The potential for RAD Tuner functionality also adds to this excitement.

      For now, the RAD Tuner is set to launch in September for the R1T and R1S Quad as a complimentary over-the-air (OTA) software update. Bensaid did not specify a timeline for when the RAD Tuner might become available in the other performance variants. This, of course, hinges on the team's decision to pursue that path. A larger question may arise regarding how much one would be willing to pay to have the RAD Tuner included in their Rivian.

      Have a tip? Email us at [email protected]