High-Performance High-End All-Electric SUV
If you are looking for a three-row, seven-passenger SUV to haul your family around that goes like a bat-out-of-hell and has all the latest technology, then the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad-Motor AWD could be for you.
Yes you read that right. Four motors, one for each wheel, which makes it one of the premier all-wheel drive off-road capable SUVs.
Power, Torque and Range
Power, torque and range are a big part of the R1S. It is available in three power and all-electric driving range (AER) options.
R1S Dual-Motor AWD
- 1 front, 1 rear
- Horsepower: 533
- Torque: 610 pound-feet of torque
- 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
- AER: 329 miles
R1S Tri-Motor AWD
- 1 front, 2 rear
- Horsepower: 900
- Torque: 829 pound-feet of torque
- 0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
- AER: 371 miles
R1S Quad-Motor AWD
- 2 front, 2 rear (One motor for each wheel)
- Horsepower: 1,025
- Torque: 1,198 pound-feet of torque
- 0-60 mph: 2.6 seconds
- AER: 374 miles
Clean Fleet Report spent a week in the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad-Motor testing the massive horsepower and torque while getting a feel for freeway and in-town driving, We were searching to discover if this 8,532-pound SUV (GVRW, fully loaded) could become your everyday driver. Quick answer: It is, but read on.
Efficiency
We drove 367 miles through Southern California averaging 2.4 miles per Kilowatt hour. The R1S Quad-Motor AWD, with 20-inch wheels, is rated at 325 all-electric miles with a combined 67 MPGe. MPGe is a measurement of how efficient a car powered by electricity is using the same amount of energy as is contained in one gallon of gasoline. Use MPGe to compare to other electric vehicles for efficiency.
Performance Excitement
If you have driven an electric vehicle, you know acceleration is fast and quick, with some manufacturers trying to out-do each other with the shortest time to 60 or 100 mph. Rivian has ended this conversation—the 2026 R1S Quad-Motor is the fastest SUV you can buy.
After initiating the launch mode (demonstrated in the sister R1T pickup), tromp the accelerator for a push-you-back-in-your-seat 2.6 seconds to 60 miles per hour from a dead stop. Whoosh! If this doesn’t equate to your everyday driving for getting eggs and bread, chauffeuring the kids and even commuting, then maybe opt for the R1S Dual-Motor that is fast but doesn’t have such outrageous performance.
We ended-up driving it like a conventional SUV quietly knowing it had the ability to smoke pretty much all other cars on the road.
Handling and Ride
The R1S Quad-Motor has four-wheel independent suspension with adjustable air suspension and on and off-road driving modes. Most EVs have a conserve or efficiency drive mode, but in the case of the R1S Quad-Motor, Rivian has developed an automatic rear motor management system that automatically engages or disengages the rear motors based on the driving and terrain conditions. This system maximizes efficiency by becoming front-wheel drive only when driving situations do not demand the rear motors. The process is seamless.
The on-road handling was neutral (body roll, pushing, lane creep) around corners with no lack of road feel thanks to the 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, all-wheel drive, traction and stability control.
Our R1S Quad-Motor was shod with 275/65 Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain tires on 20-inch alloy wheels. Unless you plan on doing a significant amount of off-road driving, which this R1S trim is fully capable of, it is recommended to order the all-season tires. The ride with the all-terrain tires was loud, hard and harsh on the freeway and around town.
When leaving gravel or dirt forest service roads and seeking some trail driving, getting dirty in the R1S Quad-Motor is aided by the rock crawl mode. Rivian even says large boulders and stone faces can be challenged. A feature called Kick Turn, activated on the touchscreen, assists in making sharp, 90-degree turns when on dirt. This video shows what it does in the sister R1T pickup.
Re-engineered for 2026, the R1S has air suspension with new springs and spring rates, new adaptive dampers and a hydraulic anti-roll system. The suspension can adjust the ground clearance from 7.9 inches to 14.9 inches and has settings which go from soft to stiff based on the driving conditions.
The R1S has driver-selectable on-road drive modes of All-purpose, Sport, Conserve and Snow. Off-road modes are All-terrain, Rock Crawl, Soft Sand and Rally/Drift. The 7,700-pound tow rating is with a 2-inch Class V receiver rated with an 810-pound tongue weight, a weight distributing hitch, a 7-pin connector for lights and brake controls and a high-definition back-up camera to aid in hitching.
Charging
The R1S has a battery management system for thermal management that handles heating and cooling automatically. The battery can be trickle-charged with a 120V common wall plug, but expect replenish times to be long and slow. The best bet for owners will be to install a Level 2 240V home charger, which is what we did with the ChargePoint Home Flex charger, that delivered a full charge in 12-14 hours, based on the charger’s amps.
The 2026 Rivian R1S uses the North American Charging System (NACS), giving it access to thousands of high-speed Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide. If you can find a 350 kW DC fast charger, a 10-80% charge will take approximately 27 minutes. The more commonly available 150 kW public charger will extend that time to just past one hour.
Charging is also accomplished through regenerative braking that converts kinetic energy into electric energy when applying the brakes or coasting, and stores it in the battery. The strength of the regeneration is set in the center screen with low, standard or high options. I always choose the highest setting and then learn to modulate the accelerator pedal when slowing or coming to a full stop through one-pedal driving.
Software-Defined
The relatively new term, software defined vehicle, refers to software having taken the lead in vehicle controls and functionality. Rivian takes this a step further, saying their vehicles are Always Connected through cloud connectivity and the Rivian Connect+ subscription service. Probably best to go here to learn about what Rivian offers.
Modern, Clean Interior
With the key in the cabin, step on the brake pedal and the Rivian starts up. The R1S is more computer than machine, so maybe the better description is booting-up.
The R1S interior is well laid-out with premium touches, including plaid textiles with Black Mountain and Brown Ash wood grain accents. Perforated vegan leather is on all seats with the fronts having power adjustments along with heat and ventilation. The legroom of 36.6-inches and 32.8-inches for the second- and third-row passengers will be more than enough for three adults in the second row and two, for short distances, in the third.
The second and third rows are heated; the second row sliding for third-row seat access. The configurable ambient lighting is a nice touch. The second-row passengers get a 6.8-inch touchscreen with climate and audio controls.
Storage options are excellent with cargo space going from 17.6 cu. ft. with the third row up, increasing to 46.7 cu. ft. when folded and then, for maximum open space when the second row seat is laid flat, 104.7 cu. ft. But that’s not all as the front trunk/frunk adds 11 cu. ft. and there is an additional 5 cu. ft. under the seats.
There is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.6-inch center touchscreen for apps, vehicle and audio system operations. There are two audio systems with the base having 12-speakers and 600 watts.
The R1S Clean Fleet Report drove included the Sound and Vision Package and the in-house developed 16-channel Premium Audio system with 18 speakers, 960 watts, subwoofer and Dolby Atmos. Along with FM and SiriusXM there are built-in apps including Apple Music, Audible, Spotify, Tidal, Tunein, YouTube and Google Cast. With Connect+ (monthly or annual subscription) you can download your own apps and content. Software updates are through LTE and streaming uses a Wi-Fi hot spot that can handle up to eight devices. AM radio is not available.
Not having Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is curious and could be frustrating for consumers. The Rivian strategy is to have owners use Rivian’s in-house software, which allows them to control user data and purchase subscription services they offer.
The Sound and Vision Package also comes with the very cool electrochromic Dynamic Glass Roof that with the push of a button goes from clear to opaque.
Nothing Else Looks Like It
The Rivian R1S has a look all its own. The boxy shape, with a high ride height, large wheels and tires makes for a premium SUV. The exterior features unique vertical oblong matrix LED headlights that adapt to road conditions, and a horizontal light strip extending the across the complete width where the hood and front fascia meet. The bold red LED light strip running the width of the power remote tailgate makes no mistake there is a R1S ahead.
Features include an on-board air compressor, heated steering wheel, reinforced underbody shield and a very convenient split tailgate for easy cargo-area access.
Safety
Safety is found in the Rivian Autonomy+ system. Additionally, there are front and side curtain airbags, electronic stability, traction and kinetic roll control. The 2026 Rivian R1S has not been rated by the National Highway and Safety Administration (NHTSA), but has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Pricing
These base prices include the $1,895 destination charge.
| R1S Dual | $85,885 |
| R1S Tri | $108,885 |
| R1S Quad | $123,886 |
The 2026 Rivian R1S Quad driven by Clean Fleet Report, with one option of $2,500 for the Rivian Blue exterior paint, had a final price of $126,385.
Observations: 2026 Rivian R1S Quad-Motor AWD EV
The 2026 Rivian R1S is modern and not extravagant, even though it has all the premium touches anyone could want. Seven occupants can enjoy supportive and comfortable synthetic leather seats, spacious second and third-row heated seats, an excellent sound system and storage space for all seven plus some.
The R1S is in the same price range with other midsize, three-row all-electric SUVs such as the Kia EV9, Lucid Gravity, Cadillac Lyriq and the Genesis GV70 Electrified. Comparing apples-to-apples, not all of these have the off-road capability of the Rivian R1S. So do your homework and take multiple test drives.
When visiting your local Rivian Space, which is their version of a dealer showroom, request a lengthy test drive to get the feel of this very nice all-electric SUV.
If you drive home in the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad-Motor AWD, you will not be disappointed. It is fast, technologically on the cutting edge and efficient.
But do you need 1,000+ horsepower to drive your family around town or on a weekend vacation? If so, the R1S Quad-Motor will satisfy your itch. However, after further consideration, maybe opt for the R1S Dual-Motor AWD. With a mere 533 horsepower. You will still get quick acceleration and very good all-electric driving range wrapped in a pretty cool looking SUV. Oh, and leave the dealership with about $38,000 still in your checking account.
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Story and photos by John Faulkner.
