Rivian's Quad-Motor Tech: 2026 Truck & SUV Details

Rivian's 2026 Quad Motor Vehicles: Beyond Raw Power

With order books now open for the 2026 Quad Motor pickup and SUV, initial customer interest will likely center on the substantial performance capabilities offered by these revamped electric vehicles.

The combined output of 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque, generated by the four motors, is undeniably impressive. Furthermore, the ability to achieve 0 to 60 mph acceleration in under 2.5 seconds is a significant draw.

The Importance of Software Control

However, prospective buyers should also give considerable attention to the underlying software architecture.

Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s head of software, emphasized this point to TechCrunch, outlining the vehicle’s acceleration, speed, torque figures, and an anticipated range of 374 miles. He highlighted that having in-house motor development provides complete control over both the hardware and software components.

This level of control has enabled Rivian to introduce a suite of new features, scheduled for deployment via software updates starting this September. Deliveries of the quad-motor trim are beginning as early as next week, following the opening of orders today.

Introducing "Kick Turn"

Among these features, “kick turn” is poised to become a viral sensation, inspiring numerous social media posts. This function modulates power delivery to the inside wheels, allowing the vehicle to rotate around its central axis, even while in motion.

During a press event in June, TechCrunch experienced the kick turn firsthand. When traveling under 20 mph on unpaved surfaces, the vehicle can initiate a rear-end swing to the left or right without steering input. This capability aims to simplify tight turns on off-road trails, eliminating the need for multi-point maneuvers.

From "Tank Turn" to "Kick Turn"

Long-time Rivian enthusiasts may remember a previously advertised feature known as “tank turn.” Kick turn represents a refined and more practical implementation of this concept, focusing on precise power and tire grip management.

Rivian explained to TechCrunch that the original tank turn feature was shelved due to concerns from founder and CEO RJ Scaringe regarding potential damage to off-road trails. The company prioritizes outdoor recreation and environmental preservation, and a trail-damaging feature would have been inconsistent with its brand identity.

Software Safeguards

While kick turn could potentially be misused by prolonged spinning, Rivian has implemented software-based limitations. These include speed restrictions and functionality limited to dirt surfaces.

A Comprehensive Second-Generation Upgrade

Rivian initially unveiled its next-generation quad-motor setup during a press event held in Washington in May 2024. This demonstration served to highlight a complete redesign of its flagship R1 vehicle line. The extensive revamp encompassed all internal systems, including the battery pack, suspension, electrical architecture, seating, sensor array, and software interface.

This undertaking, which has prompted the company to increase its in-house production of key components, is strategically focused on lowering manufacturing expenses and simultaneously enhancing the performance and overall attractiveness of its electric vehicles.

Initial deliveries of the dual-motor and performance dual-motor configurations commenced promptly. The tri-motor variant followed in August 2024. However, the quad-motor, representing the most powerful and costly trim level, required an additional year for software refinement and the integration of embedded systems alongside the motors, suspension, and thermal management systems, as stated by the company.

Successfully implementing the quad-motor system is paramount for Rivian. The much-awaited and more affordable R2 vehicles are not projected to begin production until the first six months of 2026. Rivian anticipates that the new quad-motor, priced between $115,990 and $125,990 depending on the specific vehicle trim, will stimulate sales growth. Software plays a crucial role in this objective.

While the four motors – positioned individually at each wheel – constitute the core of this second-generation quad-motor system, the software acts as the central intelligence coordinating its operation.

Advanced Torque Vectoring and Balancing

Bensaid emphasized the development of sophisticated torque vectoring and balancing algorithms incorporated into the second-generation quad-motor configuration.

“This can be visualized as intricate mathematical processing occurring in the background, enabling real-time utilization and decision-making based on data received from all four wheels and motors, all while maintaining robust safety protocols,” he explained.

In practical terms, a multitude of sensors within the quad-motor R1S SUV and R1T truck gather data on yaw rate, steering angles, and other relevant parameters. This information is then channeled into software models to precisely control torque distribution. Essentially, Rivian’s internally developed hardware and software collaborate in real-time to electronically manage power delivery to each wheel.

The Synergy of Software and Hardware

Rivian has successfully integrated software and hardware capabilities, leading to the introduction of features like 'kick turn' in its quad-motor vehicles.

This integration is further exemplified by the RAD Tuner, a system allowing drivers to modify the vehicle’s performance characteristics directly through the central touchscreen.

Development of the RAD Tuner

The RAD Tuner originated from internal testing procedures, as described by Bensaid.

During software and vehicle qualification, engineers utilized a hidden engineering screen accessible via a secret code. Early Rivian engineers, Max Koff and Luke Lynch, would customize vehicle settings on this screen, frequently exploring the limits of performance.

This practice ultimately sparked the concept of offering a similar tuning capability to customers.

Customization Options

The RAD Tuner empowers drivers to design personalized driving modes from the ground up.

Alternatively, users can refine existing presets such as “Rally” or “Sport” to suit their preferences.

Bensaid highlighted that this feature provides users with comprehensive control, enabling them to tailor the vehicle’s behavior to their individual driving style, though it is primarily intended for experienced drivers.

Underlying Technology

Bensaid stressed that the RAD Tuner represents more than a superficial user interface adjustment.

It involves a complex technological foundation, allowing for precise manipulation of parameters like balance, stability, and ride height.

The ability to adjust torque balance via a simple slider is the result of years of engineering effort focused on developing a sophisticated torque vectoring algorithm.

This algorithm provides high-precision control, enabling real-time adjustments while driving – a technically challenging feat.

Launch Cam Feature

Alongside the RAD Tuner, Rivian is also launching a 'Launch Cam' feature.

This system utilizes an external camera to automatically record 'Launch Mode' activations.

The new R1T quad-motor can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds using Launch Mode, and the Launch Cam captures this performance.

Captured videos can be replayed with real-time data overlays, including speed and distance, calculated by Rivian’s in-house controls software.

Users can export these videos via USB to their mobile devices for saving and sharing.

NACS Charging and Further Developments

The upcoming 2026 R1T and R1S models, encompassing the quad-motor variants, are now equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS).

Originally pioneered and widely adopted by Tesla, this integration provides vehicle owners with access to Tesla’s extensive network of rapid charging stations, commonly referred to as Superchargers.

Expanded Charging Compatibility

To ensure continued flexibility, Rivian is also providing quad-motor vehicle purchasers with a complimentary CCS DC adapter.

This adapter allows compatibility with other charging networks, as CCS DC was the predominant EV charging standard prior to the recent shift.

Software Enhancements for Trip Planning

Alongside the hardware modifications, Rivian has refined its software capabilities, particularly the EV charging trip planner.

When users select a NACS station within the trip planner, the system now automatically recognizes that no adapter is required, updating the displayed information accordingly.

This streamlined process enhances the user experience and simplifies the charging process at NACS-compatible locations.

The software update ensures accurate and convenient trip planning for owners utilizing the expanding NACS infrastructure.