Rivian discreetly postpones the introduction of the Kick Turn feature for the R1T and R1S models.
Joel Feder
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This past weekend, I was with friends who had exchanged their first-generation Rivian R1T Quad for a second-generation R1S Quad. When I inquired if they had tried a 360 using the Kick Turn feature, they looked at me in confusion and responded with, “What?!” After I showed them a video of me executing a Kick Turn in a 2026 Rivian R1T Quad, we headed to their R1S for me to demonstrate where the feature was located. However, it wasn’t there, which was perplexing.
During the June launch of the 2026 Rivian R1T and R1S Quad, the automaker introduced the Kick Turn and RAD Tuner features. At that time, Rivian stated that both features would be available through a free over-the-air (OTA) software update in September. Now in October, these features have yet to appear. Rivian confirmed to The Drive that both Kick Turn and the RAD Tuner have been postponed and were indeed not released in September.
A Rivian representative informed The Drive, “We know many of you are eager to experience Kick Turn and RAD Tuner on the all-new Quad. These features are unique, and we’re taking a bit more time to enhance their performance. That’s why we’re slightly adjusting the launch date from September to by the end of this year. We promise it will be worth the wait!”
Having tried both Kick Turn and experimented with the RAD Tuner, I can confirm they are worth the wait.
When I tested Kick Turn back in June, the feature was reportedly limited to around 15 mph and 20 seconds per attempt. The team made it clear that the previous figure might change for production. Here’s hoping it increases rather than decreases.
While it’s not confirmed, the RAD Tuner may also be available in other Performance Rivian models in the future, which would be quite impressive. However, it’s unlikely to coincide with the launch of the feature for the newest Quad models.
As for Kick Turn, it will only be accessible to those who purchase a 2026 R1T or R1S Quad, as it will not be available for the first-generation Quads equipped with Bosch-sourced motors and the original electrical setup.
For now, owners of the 2026 Rivian R1T and R1S Quad have something to eagerly anticipate as the holiday season draws near.
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Rivian discreetly postpones the introduction of the Kick Turn feature for the R1T and R1S models.
The 360-degree kick turn feature and the RAD powertrain tuner were expected to be enabled through a software update in September, but they are still absent.