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The Rivian R1T accelerates like a supercar, attacks off-road trails like a Jeep Wrangler, and rides like a family sedan. Those strengths earn it a 9 for performance.
Thus far, we’ve only driven the R1T with its Quad-Motor AWD powertrain. It has two motors on each axle. The front motors make 415 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the rears produce 420 hp and 495 lb-ft for totals of 835 hp and 908 lb-ft. It can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.0 seconds, according to Rivian, and we believe it. Power comes on quickly and smoothly and feels relentless. No gas-powered truck is this fast, not even the 702-hp Ram TRX.
The new Dual-Motor AWD powertrain produces more than 600 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque (precise figures aren’t yet available). It hits 60 mph in a still-quick 4.5 seconds, according to Rivian.
Is the R1T 4WD?
Yes, all versions of the R1T are all-wheel drive standard. The dual-motor models have a motor powering each axle, while each of the quad motors controls a half shaft, and they provide torque vectoring that optimizes grip at each corner.
The R1T employs a lot of suspension technology to make it drive lighter than its roughly 7,000-pound curb weight. It comes with a four-corner air suspension, adjustable dampers, and a McLaren-sourced hydraulic roll control system that resists roll better than anti-roll bars. The resulting handling won’t be confused for a sport sedan, but it’s sufficiently controlled, especially in Sport mode, and it doesn’t lean as much as its ride height would suggest.
The air suspension gives the R1T a standard ground clearance of 11.4 inches, and it can lower it to 7.9 inches for entry and exit and raise it to 14.4 inches (14.9 inches with the off-road tires) to clear rocks when off-roading. It also lowers to 10.1 inches automatically at speed for battery aerodynamic efficiency.
Sport is one of five standard drive modes that can be teamed with five ride heights to give the R1T lots of versatility. Three settings of regenerative braking let the truck coast like a vehicle with an automatic transmission or offer one-pedal driving.
The R1T’s steering isn’t variable. It has a fixed ratio, a stable on-center feel, and direct responses. Some drivers might want more heft and road feel, though.
R1T off-roading and towing
Buyers planning to off-road their R1Ts should opt for the 20-inch wheels with the 34-inch Pirelli Scorpion 275/65 tires and the optional underbody shield. Even without those items, the R1T has lots of inherent off-road capability. Its design gives it approach, breakover, and departure angles of 34.0, 25.7 and 29.3 degrees, respectively, which puts it between the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon four-door and the Ford F-150 Raptor. Neither of those vehicles can match the R1T’s almost 15 inches of ground clearance.
The Rock Crawl mode teams with the Max regen braking to simulate low-range gearing for control on hill descents. It does require a bit more two-foot driving than in a gas-powered vehicle with a 2-speed transfer case, though.
Eleven total cameras help place the vehicle when the confines get tight off-road. Side-mirror cameras provide views forward and back, as do the front and rear cameras. Using the screen can be an important part of the R1T’s off-road experience.
We haven’t towed with the R1T, but it can handle up to 11,000 pounds, which is full-size pickup territory in a mid-size truck. The suspension auto levels when towing, but the range will be greatly reduced.
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