2026 Rivian R1S Quad Motor Review: The Ultimate Electric SUV?

2026 Rivian R1S Quad Motor: Power and Performance

• 🚀 The 2026 Rivian R1S Quad Motor is the ultimate version, boasting over 1,000 horsepower and achieving 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds, matching high-performance sports cars.
• ⚡ This extreme performance comes with a significant price tag, starting at over $120,000.
• 📊 Other models offer more reasonable power and pricing: the dual-motor has up to 665 hp starting around $80,000, and the tri-motor offers 850 hp.
• 🔋 The R1S maintains an estimated 350 miles of range and is a three-row SUV with a length similar to a Ford Explorer, but weighs nearly 7,000 lbs.

Innovative New Features

• 🔄 The Kick Turn feature allows the vehicle to rotate in place on loose ground up to 10 mph, useful for off-roading tight switchbacks, unlike the Mercedes G Wagon's pavement-bound version.
• ⚙️ Rad Tuner offers extensive customization for drive modes, allowing adjustments to drivetrain bias, wheel slip, and suspension damping, with the ability to save custom presets.
• 🏁 A new Launch Control mode is available in Sport mode for optimal acceleration.
• 🐦 Exterior quirks include flush door handles, a hidden charge port, and a unique bird-like locking sound, which changes to an owl sound at night.

Interior Design and Technology

• ✨ The interior is luxurious, featuring natural wood, quilted leather seats, and a giant, responsive infotainment screen that controls most vehicle functions.
• 💡 Cool features include manually controlled mirror lights for illumination and adjustable sunroof transparency.
• 🐶 Pet Mode keeps the climate control running while the doors are locked, ideal for leaving pets in the car.
• 📱 Climate controls are integrated into the screen, requiring menu navigation for most adjustments, including vent direction.
• 💻 The gauge cluster screen provides essential driving information and a map, complementing the central infotainment system.
• 🚪 Doors are opened via a button that pops them open, with a backup manual handle.
• 📦 The center console offers deep storage, and a pull-out tray provides hidden storage beneath it.

Seating, Cargo, and Practicality

• 💺 The second-row seats are as luxurious as the front, with a rear infotainment screen for climate and audio control, plus USB-C ports and a household outlet.
• 🔌 Additional power ports are located behind the front headrests, near a hook for tablet accessories.
• 🥤 A minor drawback is the limited number of cup holders in the second row, especially for a center passenger.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Third-row access is easy, and while not spacious for adults, it includes its own sunroof, climate vents, cup holders, and a USB-C port.
• 📦 The R1S features a split tailgate, allowing the lower portion to be used as a seat.
• 🧳 There is significant cargo space behind the third row, more than in some larger SUVs, though the floor does not offer additional storage.
• 🛠️ A built-in air compressor is located in the cargo area for tire inflation/deflation.
• 🎒 The front trunk is surprisingly large and includes additional storage space underneath the floor for charging cables and other items.

Driving Experience and Final Verdict

• 💨 While the quad motor's 1,000+ horsepower is astonishing, the reviewer notes it's