The thing about the Rivian R1S quad motor is that it’s usually described in ways that make it sound like a math problem. Four motors. 1,025 horsepower. 2.5 seconds to sixty. But honestly? Those numbers are kind of a distraction. When you’re behind the wheel of this 7,000-pound beast, you aren't thinking about the 1,198 lb-ft of torque. You’re mostly just trying to wrap your brain around how something this big can move like a startled cat.
It's weird.
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For a long time, the quad-motor setup was the only way to get the "real" Rivian experience. Then things got complicated. Rivian introduced the Dual-Motor, then the Tri-Motor, and suddenly, everyone started asking if the quad was even necessary anymore. Most people will tell you it’s overkill. They’re probably right. But there’s a massive difference between what you need and what this specific machine actually does when you find yourself on a muddy switchback or a wide-open highway ramp.
The Gen 2 Shift: Why the New Quad is a Different Animal
If you’re looking at a used 2022 or 2023 model, you’re looking at the Bosch years. Those early Rivian R1S quad motor units were basically four independent "black boxes" bolted together. They were fast, sure, but they were also heavy and prone to getting a bit sweaty (thermal throttling) if you pushed them too hard for too long.
The new "Ascend" Quad-Max is a whole different story.
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Rivian brought the engineering in-house. These are their own "Ascent" motors now. They didn't just add more power; they changed how the car thinks. By moving to a zonal architecture, they ripped out 1.6 miles of wiring. Think about that. That is a lot of copper. They also swapped the old cooling system for a pressurized oil-cooled setup that sprays oil directly onto the motor internals. It’s the same kind of tech Tesla uses to keep their Plaid models from melting.
What You’re Actually Buying (Besides Bragging Rights)
- True Torque Vectoring: This isn't the "brake-based" trickery you see in most SUVs. Each wheel has its own brain. If the front left wheel is on ice and the other three are on dry pavement, the car doesn't just tap the brakes; it sends zero power to the spinning wheel and 100% of the available juice to the others instantly.
- The "Kick Turn": This is the party trick everyone talks about. It’s basically a tank turn. You can pivot the vehicle on loose dirt by spinning the wheels in opposite directions. Is it useful? Maybe once a year on a tight trail. Is it cool? Absolutely.
- Conserve Mode That Actually Works: The old quads had a "Conserve" mode that just disconnected the rear motors to save range, but it felt a bit clunky. The new Gen 2 system uses an automatic rear disconnect that is much more seamless. You can actually hit an EPA-estimated 374 miles (or up to 400 in certain modes) without feeling like you're driving a golf cart.
Is the Tri-Motor Actually Better?
Here is the dirty little secret in the Rivian community right now. For a few months in late 2024 and early 2025, the Tri-Motor was actually faster than the old Quad-Motor. It had more torque and less weight.
But the 2026 Rivian R1S quad motor reclaimed the throne.
The Tri-Motor is fantastic—it gives you two motors in the back for great rotation and one in the front for efficiency. It’s the "rational" high-performance choice. But the Quad is for the people who want the absolute ceiling of what physics allows. It’s the difference between a very fast luxury SUV and a physics experiment.
One thing people get wrong is the ride quality. Early R1S models were criticized for being "porpoising" or bouncy. Rivian heard the complaints. The new Quad-Motor comes with a completely recalibrated air suspension and hydraulic roll control. It’s much more "planted" now. You don't feel like you're on a boat in high seas every time you hit a pothole.
Real-World Range and the "Energy Hog" Myth
Let’s be real: if you buy the Rivian R1S quad motor, you aren't buying it to win an efficiency award. This thing consumes energy. In independent testing by groups like Edmunds and Out of Spec, the R1S often struggles to hit its peak efficiency numbers if you’re wearing the 20-inch all-terrain tires. Those tires look amazing, but they’re like running in combat boots.
If you want the range, you have to go with the 22-inch range-optimized wheels.
Even then, you’re looking at roughly 43-47 kWh per 100 miles. For context, a smaller EV might use half that. But you aren't hauling seven people and a mountain of gear in a smaller EV. The Max battery pack (roughly 141.5 kWh) is a beast, and while it takes a while to charge—about 30 to 40 minutes at a fast charger to get back to 80%—it’s the only way to make the Quad-Motor a viable long-distance road tripper.
The Software Gap
One thing that still bugs people? No Apple CarPlay. No Android Auto.
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Rivian is stubborn about this. They want you to use their interface. To be fair, the interface is beautiful. It uses Unreal Engine for the graphics, so the little 3D model of your car on the screen looks better than most video games. They’ve added Google Cast and Apple Music support natively now, which helps, but if you’re married to your phone's UI, the Rivian R1S quad motor might frustrate you for the first week.
Why the Quad Still Matters
- Resale Value: Historically, the top-tier trims hold their value better because they’re the "halo" cars.
- Towing: Having four motors means better heat management when pulling 7,700 pounds up a mountain pass.
- The "Oh S*" Factor:** There is a specific feeling when you floor a Quad-Motor Rivian. It’s not just speed; it’s the lack of drama. No engine roar, no gear shifts—just the horizon coming at you very, very quickly.
What to Do Before You Buy
Don't just look at the 0-60 times. Most people will never use Launch Mode (which, by the way, now has a "Launch Cam" that records your face while you scream).
Instead, look at your charging situation. If you don't have a Level 2 charger at home, owning a Rivian R1S quad motor is going to be a chore. It’s a big battery to fill.
Check the tire options carefully too. If you spend 99% of your time on the pavement, the All-Terrain tires are a waste of range and add a lot of road noise. The new 22-inch "Super Sport" wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires are actually the secret sauce for making the Quad feel like a sports car.
If you’re hunting for a deal, look for the "Gen 2" updates (mid-2024 and later). You can tell by the silver/bronze accents and the new lighting signatures. The internal changes—the stuff you can't see—are what make the Quad-Motor finally feel like a finished product rather than a very fast prototype.
Practical Next Steps
- Verify your charging: Ensure your home electrical panel can handle a 48-amp or 60-amp circuit.
- Test drive the Tri vs Quad: Most people find the Tri-Motor is plenty, so only pull the trigger on the Quad if you truly value that 1,000+ hp threshold.
- Check the insurance: A 1,000-hp SUV isn't cheap to insure; get a quote using the VIN before you sign the papers.