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- The R1T Quad Max uses Rivian’s new internally developed electric motors — one at each wheel — to deliver outrageous power.
- I tested an R1T Quad Max for a week in serious winter weather.
Rivian will hit the heart of the vehicle market later this year, when the R2 compact electric SUV goes on sale starting around $45,000.
But before then, the electric vehicle specialist swings for the fences with the 2026 R1T Quad Max, a super truck with an electric motor at each wheel, 1,025 horsepower, hands-free highway driving, the smartest headlights you’ve ever seen and more.
Is $115,990 an absolute ton of money?
Sure. Let me know when you find a pickup with the R1T Quad Max’s power, imaginative features and advanced tech for less.
I tested an R1T Quad Max — top of the line, with Rivian’s new internally developed electric motors, the electrical architecture VW is paying $5 billion to share and lots more — for a week in Great Lakes winter weather: frequently cold, windy, snow and icy roads.
It passed every test, though I’d like a few minor tweaks.
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: EdmundsNote: All prices exclude $1,895 destination charge
R1T Quad Max: More of everything
The R1T Quad Max uses Rivian’s new internally developed electric motors — one at each wheel — to deliver outrageous power. While figures like 1,025 hp and 1,198 pound-feet of torque exist more for bragging rights than real-world use, the Quad Max will never leave you wishing 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 tunes the lights to avoid the eyes of oncoming drivers without turning off the high beams.
That’s on top of features like Rivian’s signature “gear tunnel,” for locked storage and big clear screens for audio, nav, etc.
The Quad Max’s big 141kWh battery delivers 338 miles in EPA estimates. Less powerful R1Ts go up to 420 miles.
The Quad Max — and other Rivians going forward — has a Tesla-style NACS charging port for access to the simplest and most reliable DC fast charging network.
Rivian’s controls aren’t that big of a deal
Rivian takes a minimalist approach to controls: Screens are good, buttons and dials are to be avoided.
The California-based automaker doesn’t take that to the absurd lengths of some European brands, attempting to control four windows with three buttons. I’m looking at you, VW, Volvo and Polestar.
Rivian’s approach led to a mostly reasonable approach to controls. Using the touch screen to adjust the HVAC vents may seem complicated, but the vents return to my chosen positions every time I drive. I like that.
There’s also been a lot of angst about adjusting the side mirrors and steering column, accomplished with rockers and rollers on the steering wheel’s horizontal arms. Also relatively simple, and linked to the driver’s profile, you shouldn’t need to use the controls often.
Those controls on the steering wheel also manage speed, following distance and more for adaptive cruise control and the hands-free system. Not to mention audio volume and track.
I wouldn’t mind dedicated controls for some of those features, but it didn’t take me long to learn Rivian’s layout.
2026 Rivian R1T Quad Max key features
- 338-mile range
- All-wheel drive
- Built-in NACS Tesla-style charging port.
- CCS charger adapter available
- 1,025 hp, 1,198 pound-feet of torque
- 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds
- Hands-free highway driving system
- Adaptive high beams
Driving impressions
I used Rivian’s app to enable my phone as a key. The app worked flawlessly, locking and unlocking as I departed and approached and remembering my systems.
An amusing simulated owl’s “Who? Who?” sounded each time I walked away, reassuring me the R1T had locked.
The app kept me posted on charging progress when I used DC fast chargers while shopping. Charging was quick and the R1T’s range was in line with the projected 338 miles.
The cabin is comfortable and quiet. Heated front seats and steering wheel kept me warm without relying too much on battery-draining, forced-air heat.
The four motors managed power for smooth, controlled traction on a slippery surface.
The hands-free highway driving system worked well enough that I look forward to using it on a daylong drive, but it lacks the most advanced systems’ automatic lane change capability. The front sensor was blocked by relatively light snow once, disabling the feature.
“Kick turn,” which turns the wheels in opposing directions and essentially spins the pickup on its own axis, is a unique feature that’s equal parts parlor trick and an enabler navigating very tight off-road conditions. The driver controls it from the R1T’s 15.6-inch touch screen
What could be better? Connectivity, sensors
The hands-free driving system’s sensors were very susceptible to blockage by slush and sleet, rendering the system inoperative in conditions when I expect competitors like GM’s Super Cruise would still work.
Like some other automakers — Tesla and General Motors, for instance — Rivian has chosen not to enable CarPlay, the feature that gives you access to all your iPhone’s features.
Rivian does enable “Hey Siri,” but some features I use frequently — having text messages read to me and programming the nav system with my contacts’ addresses, for instance — are lacking.
Rivian plans to add its own virtual assistant through an over the air update later this year. That may help.
Why buy a 2026 Rivian R1T Quad Max?
The R1T is the only midsize electric pickup. Its range and charging capability should serve owners well. Owners will rely on and appreciate features like hands-free driving and adaptive high beams.
The pickup’s size, power and features make it unique. Rivian’s unique styling and inventive features like Kick Turn, the hoot owl and Gear Guardian, Rivian’s virtual sentry, add quirky appeal.
2026 Rivian R1T Quad Max at a glance
All-wheel-drive electric midsize pickup
Seats 5
On sale now
Base price: $115,990. All prices exclude $1,895 destination charge
Price as tested: $121,995
Power: Four electric motors, one at each wheel.
Output: 1,025 hp; 1,198 pound-feet 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: 141 kWh
Estimated charging time: 20%-80% in 38-40 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 (side mirrors folded)
Height: 78.2 inches (with antenna)
Ground clearance: 14.9 inches
Bed: 4.5 feet
Curb weight: 6,898pounds
Towing capacity: 11,000 pounds
Payload: 1,764 pounds
Cargo: 9.9-cubic-foot front trunk; 11.7-cubic-foot gear tunnel
Assembled in Normal, Illinois
Contact Mark Phelan: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
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