Rivian R1T Dual Motor vs Quad Motor: A Complete Performance and Capability Comparison

As an innovative newcomer in the electric pickup segment, Rivian‘s R1T has created major buzz. This futuristic truck combines up to 400 miles of zero-emission range with legitimate off-road talent rivaling icons like the Ford F-150 Raptor.

But when configuring your R1T, one key decision is whether to upgrade from the standard Dual Motor powertrain to the flagship Quad Motor system. What‘s the difference, and is the additional $8,000 investment worth it for your needs?

This in-depth guide examines how these unique EV architectures work, along with their respective strengths and limitations, so you can determine the best R1T configuration to suit your lifestyle.

Overview: The Rivian R1T Pickup

Before analyzing motor configurations, let‘s recap what makes the R1T itself so special in the shifting pickup landscape…

A Brief Rivian History

Founded in 2009, Rivian is a US automaker focused exclusively on capable and connected electric vehicles optimized for off-road utility (think EVs you‘d actually want to take camping or tow boats with).

The company operates design and engineering hubs in key tech centers like San Jose, Irvine, metro Detroit, Vancouver, and the UK.

Rivian‘s first vehicle, the 5-passenger R1T pickup truck, debuted in 2018 to rave first impressions for its rugged style, impressive performance claims, and robust feature set.

R1T Quick Facts

• Seating for 5 adults
• Up to 400 miles EPA-estimated driving range
• 0-60 mph as quick as 3 seconds
• 11,000lb max tow rating
• Up to 16in of suspension travel for off-road
• Wading depth of 3+ feet
• Available slide-out camp kitchen
• 565 cu-ft "gear tunnel" storage bay

After initial delays from the pandemic, Rivian commenced R1T deliveries to customers in late 2021. The brand has seen demand outpace expectations, with over 90,000 preorders now on the books.

How Electric Motors Work: Centralized vs Distributed

Unlike a gas vehicle that uses a large engine to turn gears and push power through a driveshaft, electric vehicles have flexibility in where they locate motor(s) to spin the wheels.

Two primary configurations exist in EVs today:

Centralized: A single higher-powered motor situated centrally, often mounted near the rear axle. Power gets routed through a differential to turn wheels. Used in lower-end EVs.

Distributed: Smaller, individual motors directly integrated into each wheel hub or on separate axles. Enables precise torque vectoring between wheels and superior traction control. Used in performance EVs.

Distributed setups come in two flavors:

Dual Motor: motors mounted separately on front and rear axles. Provides AWD traction.

Quad Motor: a dedicated motor powering each individual wheel; maximum precision.

With this context around EV powertrain architectures established, now let‘s see how Rivian leverages both dual and quad motor configurations uniquely for the R1T…

Rivian R1T: Dual Motor AWD vs Quad Motor Specs

The Rivian R1T pickup offers customers choice between two motor system offerings:

Dual Motor

• 1 Motor per axle (front + rear)
• 600+ HP & 600+ lb-ft torque (est.)
• 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds (est.)

Quad Motor

• 1 motor powering each wheel
• 800+ HP & 900+ lb-ft torque
• 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds

So in summary – buyers opting for the Quad Motor upgrade net over 200 additional horsepower, quicker acceleration, and more direct control over power delivery to each corner.

Dual Motor: The Sensible Pick for Most R1T Buyers

The R1T‘s standard Dual Motor AWD configuration offers an enticing blend of real-world capability and value.

With 300+ kW motors split front/rear, torque rips to both axles. That gifts the Dual Motor with confident all-weather traction and strong towing capacity up to 11,000 pounds; more than enough for boats, ATVs, snowmobiles or trailer builds.

Its 600+ horsepower still trounces rival gas trucks off the line and out of corners, hitting 60 mph in just over 4 seconds – sensationally quick for a vehicle approaching 3 tons curb weight.

Dual Motor models also eke out 10+ more miles of driving range over the Quad Motor variant, according to Rivian. That‘s valuable buffer during remote off-grid adventures.

Rivian range estimates (Large pack, 21" AT wheels):

• Dual Motor: 314 miles
• Quad Motor: 304 miles

Finally, choosing the Dual over Quad motor option saves you $8,000 upfront. That‘s cash which could instead upgrade your R1T‘s paint, wheels, off-road accessories or camper configuration.

While not charts-topping, the Dual Motor R1T still outpaces any gas-powered truck across performance, technology and electricity costs. For shoppers wanting capable and efficient no-compromises daily transportation plus some weekend warrior flexibility, it‘s a savvy option.

Quad Motor: Ultimate R1T Performance and Capability

Gearheads craving extreme power, acceleration and off-road talent need look no further than the R1T‘s range-topping Quad Motor configuration.

Here, Rivian outfits each wheel with its own separate drive unit. Four motors x 150 kW apiece gives this pickup a staggering 835 horsepower output and 908 lb-ft of torque.

Such instant-on grunt translates straight to pavement-ripping performance. The Quad Motor R1T blitzes 0-60 mph in a physics-defying 3.0 seconds. It passes the quarter mile in about 11 seconds – a time that would leave some supercars in its dust.

Beyond straight line speed, the Quad Motor also introduces sophisticated torque vectoring technology not seen on any rival pickup. Power flows dynamically between all 4 wheels based on available traction, literally pulling the truck through corners. Expect sharp turn-in response and confident grip even at this R1T‘s 5,884 pound curb weight.

Ramp articulation, ride height adjustability, and other off-road upgrades further augment the Quad Motor‘s four-corner torque distribution – enabling Rivians to scramble up obstacles and across harsh terrain at remarkable pace. Even novice adventurers can conquer tough trails thanks to the computerized systems‘ smooth power modulation. Rivian vehicles have already passed extreme hot and cold weather testing with flying colors.

There‘s no question the Quad Motor epitomizes the R1T lineup with ultimate power and cross-country competence. But that signature Rivian experience demands an $8,000 entry premium over the Dual Motor – a maximum pack price just kissing $93,000 before any options.

Nevertheless, for truck enthusiasts after authoritative EV acceleration paired with hardcore off-grid ability, the Quad Motor R1T rewrites expectations.

Comparing Towing and Payload Capacities

Thanks to instant high torque output, both Dual and Quad motor R1T configurations offer robust tow ratings meeting full-size truck standards.

Tow/Payload Ratings

• Max Towing – 11,000 pounds
• Max Payload – 1,760 pounds

Impressively, the max tow figure matches top ratings from gas trucks like the Ford F-150 Raptor or Ram TRX. So whether you opt for the more affordable Dual or wicked-fast Quad motors, your toy hauling needs look covered.

Utilizing Rivian‘s optional slide-out camp kitchen or gear storage upgrades does diminish payload capacity slightly. But that versatile utility enhances adventures.

Dual vs Quad: Reviewing Key Tradeoffs

In summary:

• The Dual Motor offers… better value, marginally more range and road trip refueling flexibility suited to daily commuting. Its towing/hauling abilities still meet or exceed gas counterparts.

• The Quad Motor brings… supercar-humbling acceleration, tenacious off-road grip and suspension articulation for the ultimate go-anywhere truck escapades.

Key Takeaways: Who Should Go Dual or Quad?

If your priorities are affordability, road trip range and well-rounded utility… the Dual Motor R1T beautifully fills that role as a next-gen adventure truck.

But for R1T shoppers obsessed with tire-shredding speed, cornering grip, and tackling rugged terrain wherever it leads… the Quad Motor‘s additional $8k entry cost brings dynamic talents no rival pickup can currently touch.

Both configurations still trounce any fossil fuel competition on performance and tech. But upgrading to Quad Motors elicits a R1T so adept across road and trail, it redefines your relationship with driving completely. An experience no stats sheet or rival test drive can adequately convey.

If that sounds intriguing to you, lock eyes with the Quad Motor at your nearest Rivian showroom. Or schedule an on-road/off-road test drive when ordering. Let the truck‘s capabilities speak volumes themselves before committing fully. But prepare to be wowed.

For EV early adopters and adventure-seekers ready to drive boldly into the future, this neo-retro electric pickup now exists to enable your dreams. The only question is: will you choose to believe?