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- The R1T Quad Max uses Rivian’s new in-house developed electric motors (one for each wheel) to deliver incredible power.
- We tested the R1T Quad Max for a week in some serious winter weather.
Rivian will become a mainstay in the car market later this year with the release of the R2 compact electric SUV starting at about $45,000.
But first, the electric vehicle specialist swings for the fences with the 2026 R1T Quad Max, a super truck with electric motors in each wheel, 1,025 horsepower, hands-free highway driving, the smartest headlights you’ve ever seen, and more.
Is $115,990 definitely a lot of money?
of course. If you find a pickup with the R1T Quad Max’s power, imaginative features, and advanced technology for less, let us know.
I spent a week testing the top-of-the-line R1T Quad Max, which includes Rivian’s new in-house developed electric motor and an electrical architecture that VW is paying $5 billion to share, in cold, windy, often snowy and icy Great Lakes winter weather.
All tests passed, but some small adjustments are required.
2026 Rivian R1T Trim Levels and Prices
- R1T Dual Standard: $70,990
- R1T Dual: $77,990
- R1T Tri: $100,990
- R1T Quad: $117,885
- R1T Quad Launch Edition: $119,990
Source: Edmunds Note: All prices exclude $1,895 destination charge
R1T Quad Max: Everything More
The R1T Quad Max uses Rivian’s new in-house developed electric motors (one for each wheel) to deliver incredible power. Numbers like 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque are there more for bragging rights than actual use, but with the Quad Max, you’ll never wish for more acceleration or towing capacity.
The Quad Max also offers Rivian’s new hands-free highway driving feature and an adaptive headlight system that adjusts the lights to avoid the eyes of oncoming drivers without turning off the high beams.
It has features like Rivian’s signature “gear tunnel,” plus a large clear screen for locked storage, audio, navigation, and more.
The Quad Max’s large 141kWh battery delivers an EPA-estimated 338 miles of driving range. The less powerful R1T has a range of 420 miles.
The Quad Max (and other future Rivians) feature a Tesla-style NACS charging port for accessing the simplest and most reliable DC fast charging network.
Rivian’s controls aren’t that big deal
Rivian takes a minimalist approach to controls. The screen is good, buttons and dials should be avoided.
The California-based automaker doesn’t do something as preposterous as some European brands, trying to control four windows with three buttons. I’m looking at you, VW, Volvo, Polestar.
Rivian’s approach led to a mostly rational approach to control. Adjusting your HVAC vents using the touch screen may seem complicated, but the vents will return to the selected position each time you drive. I like it.
I also have a lot of concerns about side mirror and steering column adjustments, which are done using rockers and rollers on the horizontal arm of the steering wheel. It’s also relatively simple and linked to the driver’s profile, so you don’t have to use the controls often.
These controls on the steering wheel also manage adaptive cruise control, hands-free system speed, following distance, and more. Not to mention audio volume and tracks.
Some of these features could use dedicated controls, but it didn’t take me long to learn Rivian’s layout.
2026 Rivian R1T Quad Max Key Features
- Cruising range 338 miles
- all wheel drive
- Built-in NACS Tesla style charging port.
- CCS charging adapter available
- 1,025 horsepower, 1,198 pound-feet of torque
- 0-90mph/2.5 seconds
- Hands-free highway driving system
- adaptive high beam
Driving impression
I used Rivian’s app to enable my phone as a key. The app worked perfectly, locking and unlocking as I left or approached, and remembered the system.
A funny pseudo-owl’s “Who? Who?” sound went off every time I walked away, reassuring me that the R1T was locked.
When I used the DC fast charger while shopping, the app kept me informed of the charging progress. Charging was quick and the R1T’s range matched the projected 338 miles.
The cabin is comfortable and quiet. Thanks to the heated front seats and steering wheel, I was able to keep myself warm without relying too much on forced air heat, which drains the battery.
Four motors managed the power, providing smooth and controlled traction even on slippery surfaces.
The hands-free highway driving system worked well enough that I’m looking forward to using it for all-day driving, but it lacks the auto lane changing ability of state-of-the-art systems. Once, the front sensor was blocked by relatively light snow, disabling its functionality.
The “kick turn,” which rotates the wheels in opposite directions and essentially spins the pickup on its own axis, is a unique feature that serves as the equivalent of a parlor trick, and is an enabler for navigating the toughest off-road conditions. The driver is controlled via the R1T’s 15.6-inch touchscreen.
What could be better? connectivity, sensors
The hands-free driving system’s sensors were highly susceptible to blockage from mud, snow and sleet, rendering the system inoperable in conditions where competing cars such as GM’s Super Cruise would still function.
Like other automakers (Tesla and General Motors, for example), Rivian has chosen not to enable the CarPlay feature, which gives you access to the full functionality of your iPhone.
Although “Hey Siri” is enabled on the Rivian, it’s missing some features I use frequently, like reading text messages aloud and programming the navigation system with contact addresses.
Rivian plans to add its own virtual assistant via an over-the-air update later this year. it might help.
Why buy the 2026 Rivian R1T Quad Max?
The R1T is the only medium-sized electric pickup. Its range and charging capacity should serve owners well. Owners will trust and appreciate features like hands-free driving and adaptive high beams.
The pickups are unique in size, power, and functionality. Rivian’s unique style and inventive features like Kick Turn the Owl and Gear Guardian, Rivian’s virtual watchman, add a touch of whimsy.
2026 Rivian R1T Quad Max Overview
All-wheel drive electric mid-size pickup
5 seats
Now on sale
Base price: $115,990. All prices exclude $1,895 destination charge
Test price: $121,995
Power: 4 electric motors, one for each wheel.
Power: 1,025 horsepower. 1,198 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: Single speed direct drive automatic
EPA estimated range: 338 miles
EPA estimated annual fuel cost at current prices: $1,050
Battery capacity: 141kWh
Estimated charging time: 20% to 80% in 38 to 40 minutes at 220 kW. 14 hours at 240V
0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds
Top speed: 130 mph
Wheelbase: 135.8 inches
Length: 217.1 inches
Width: 82 inches (with side mirrors folded)
Height: 78.2 inches (including antenna)
Ground clearance: 14.9 inches
Bed: 4.5 feet
Vehicle weight: 6,898 lbs.
Towing capacity: 11,000 lbs.
Payload: 1,764 lbs.
Cargo: 9.9 cubic feet of front trunk. 11.7 cubic feet gear tunnel
Assembled in Normal, Illinois
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark ferran. read more car and sign up for our service automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
