Rivian has officially revealed its second-generation Quad-Motor powertrain, bringing a significant performance boost and a host of design and software upgrades to the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. Deliveries of the 2026 Rivian R1 vehicles equipped with the new Gen 2 Quad-Motor system are set to begin in July, starting with exclusive Launch Edition trims.
The Gen 2 Quad-Motor system delivers an impressive 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds when using Launch Mode. Power is delivered through four independently controlled motors—one at each wheel—offering true torque vectoring for maximum control across varying conditions.
Rivian’s new in-house designed and built front and rear drive units have been engineered for both high performance and efficiency. A key innovation is an automatic rear motor disconnect in Conserve mode, which helps maximize range by using only the front motors when full all-wheel-drive isn’t needed. The system is also oil-cooled to maintain thermal stability during high-torque, low-speed off-road use.
Drivers can expect up to 602km (374 miles of EPA-estimated range, or up to 644km (400 miles) in Conserve mode—making this Rivian’s longest-range configuration yet.
Upgraded Interior Design
The Gen 2 Quad-Motor R1S and R1T come standard with Rivian’s new “Ascend” interior. This new cabin option includes quilted seats, extended stitching, and luxurious cut-and-sew material across door panels and consoles. Buyers can also pick from a choice of three nature-inspired colour palettes—Ocean Coast with Driftwood, Black Mountain with Brown Ash Wood, and Slate Sky with Walnut Wood.
Exterior updates are subtle yet distinct, with Laguna Beach Blue accents on the brake calipers and Quad-specific badging. A playful nod to the vehicle’s speed can be found in the animated Gear Guard character, now with windswept hair. New 20″ and 22″ wheel options cater to both on-road and off-road enthusiasts, with standard configurations including Burnished Bronze and Super Sport wheels, along with rugged all-terrain choices.
New Software Features and Driving Modes
Rivian is also introducing a series of performance-enhancing software updates exclusive to the Quad. “Launch Cam” automatically records high-speed launches with overlay stats, and the upcoming “RAD Tuner” will allow drivers to customize suspension and handling dynamics with sliders and preset drive modes such as Rally and Sport.
Two competition-tested modes—Desert Rally and Hill Climb—were born from Rivian’s participation in the Rebelle Rally and the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, respectively.
Another exclusive for the Quad Motor is “Kick Turn.” After a teaser a few days ago, everyone thought Tank Turn, a feature that was supposed to launch with the original quad motor but never made it into production vehicles for a variety of reasons, was going to finally make its debut. Instead, Rivian is re-branding it and releasing Kick Turn, but not until September.
With Kick Turn drivers will be able to make tighter turns with just a simple button press. When you engage Kick Turn, the system smartly adjusts the power to the inside wheels, slowing them down or even reversing them, allowing for precise control over wheel slip. Here’s a video demonstrating the feature in action.
Charging and Connectivity
For 2026, all R1 vehicles will come equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, offering seamless access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Rivian also includes a complimentary CCS adapter, ensuring compatibility with virtually all DC fast-charging stations.
Launch Edition and Pricing
The Launch Edition marks the return of a celebrated Rivian configuration and includes special touches like Launch Green or Storm Blue paint, a unique dashboard badge, and bundled extras such as a Gen 2 key fob, lifetime Autonomy Platform+ and Connect+ access, and a portable Camp Speaker.
Canadian pricing for the Gen 2 Quad R1S starts at C$201,990, or $121,990 if you live in the U.S. Meanwhile the R1T starts at C$190,990, or $115,990 in the U.S. Launch Edition pricing is obviously a little more expensive, starting at C$207,990/US$125,990 for the R1S and C$196,990/US$119,990 for the R1T.
| Model | Horsepower | 0–60 mph | Range | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1T Quad-Motor | 1,025 hp | 2.5 sec | Up to 602 km (644 km w/ Conserve) | C$190,990 /US$115,990 |
| R1S Quad-Motor | 1,025 hp | 2.5 sec | Up to 602 km (644 km w/ Conserve) | C$201,990 /US$121,990 |
| R1T Launch Edition | 1,025 hp | 2.5 sec | Same as above | C$196,990 /US$119,990 |
| R1S Launch Edition | 1,025 hp | 2.5 sec | Same as above | C$207,990 /US$125,990 |
