Video Summary
- The vehicle reviewed is a Rivian R1T dual motor.- The dual-motor R1T has lots of power.
- Unlike the quad version, the dual-motor version does not have a "conserve mode" option to go into front-wheel drive. However, the rear motor automatically disconnects when its power is not needed for a more efficient front-wheel drive experience. The computer automatically engages the rear motor and all-wheel drive during acceleration or whenever needed.
- There are two versions of the dual motor available with one hardware version but two software packages which change the drive modes. One software package is the regular package, and another is a performance version that can be purchased as a software download.
- The sport mode locks the truck into all-wheel drive mode and gives more performance. The mode lowers ride height, stiffens the suspension, gives more torque, increases speed, and reduces 0-60 time.
- Acceleration in sport mode with the software change performs pretty good.
- For normal use in "all-purpose" mode, the quad and dual motor R1Ts feel similar. If you want more performance, you can upgrade to the more expensive Quad motor R1T version.
- The quad motor offers greater individual wheel control, more off-roading modes, and a conserve mode to turn off rear wheels for a more efficient front-wheel drive experience.
- For rock crawling, you can use the built-in cameras to see the wheel locations.
- For the R1T launch, Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, had never gone off-roading. This speaks to his trust in the designers and engineers of the truck, whose efforts led to this being one of the most capable off-road trucks on the market.
