For the eco-conscious adventure seeker, electric vehicle start-up Rivian aims to electrify your off-roading dreams. Rivian‘s revolutionary R1T pickup can traverse rugged terrain absent noise, fumes or compromise thanks to a flexible skateboard platform hiding batteries, motors and systems below the chassis.
But when configuring your R1T, you‘ll need to decide between three motor arrangements escalating in performance:
- Dual Motor
- Performance Dual Motor
- Quad Motor
This guide compares the Performance Dual Motor against the base Dual Motor spec. Which configuration matches your needs on and off the beaten path? Let‘s hit the trail to find out…
Rivian R1T: Redefining the Electric Pickup
The Rivian R1T debuted in 2018 to upend expectations of what an electric pickup could enable. Like your favorite Swiss Army knife, the R1T anticipated needs owners didn‘t even know they had.
Clever features include a battery-powered built-in flashlight that inductively charges, a bluetooth speaker tailgate perfect for camping, and a gear tunnel storage compartment running between cabin and bed accessing things like hiking packs.
Rivian vehicles emphasize sustainable adventure with off-road enhancements like increased ride height and spot lights to illuminate those barely-there forest paths.
Three Motor Setups to Upgrade Your Adventure
The Skateboard Foundation
All Rivian models center around a flexible skateboard platform housing the battery pack, drive units, suspension, braking and thermal systems. This creates immense interior space by keeping components below the height of the wheel hub.
Dual Motor
The standard Dual Motor trucks momentum with one motor powering each axle in an electric all-wheel drive configuration. Even at its $67,500 starting price, specs impress:
- 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds thanks to 600 horsepower and 600 ft-lb torque
- Range between 260 to 314 miles from 105 to 135 kWh battery sizes
- 11,000 pound max tow rating – enough for stacked ATVs or a decent sized camper
- DC fast charging adds 140 miles in 20 minutes
Performance Dual Motor
Slotting between the Dual Motor and top-tier Quad Motor lies the Performance Dual Motor model. With a $12,000 premium over the Dual Motor, key upgrades include:
- 0-60 mph in 3 seconds flat with 700 horsepower and 700 ft-lb torque
- Range still 260 to 314 miles, but the upcoming Max battery may lift estimates over 400 miles
- Torque vectoring further improves handling especially while trailering
Quad Motor
If you desire acceleration inducing whiplash, the $95,000+ Quad Motor captions each wheel with an individual motor. This enables intense control exemplified in its tank turn feature pivoting the truck within its own footprint.
Dual Motor vs Performance Dual Motor: Key Deciding Factors
Everyday Driving: For the daily work commute, the Performance Dual Motor offers 100 more ponies for quicker merges and passes. But its firm, performance-focused suspension lends itself better to smooth pavement over potholes.
Off-Roading: Both models utilize Rivian‘s torque vectoring technology enabling precise power transfers, but the Performance Dual Motor better attacks uneven terrain with added ground clearance.
Range & Charging: While range estimates only differ by potential Max battery pack support, the Dual Motor uses a smaller battery reducing weight for crisper handling and greater accessibility to charging spots.
Driver Assist Tech: From automated emergency braking to lane centering, Driver+ safety features come standard across all trucks. The Performance Dual Motor lifts itself here again with quicker reactions from added computing power.
Your Budget: Starting under $70,000 the Dual Motor stretches value with impressive driving range and clever amenities. The Performance Dual Motor demands nearly $15,000 more for its thrilling acceleration and torque vectoring finesse.
Still Undecided? Consider Your Adventure Persona
The Zen Adventurer seeks sustainability and harmony with nature across all pursuits. The standard Dual Motor skimps nothing in eco-duty while keeping you connected through smart tech.
The Adrenaline Adventurer yearns for their pulse to pound as landscapes blur past their truck. Only the Performance Dual Motor can deliver bold off-road handling with a kick-in-the-pants launch.
The Pragmatic Adventurer balances practicality and budget allowing them to adventure freely. The Dual Motor provides range to roam vast distances without compromise or excess.
Which Rivian R1T is Your Off-Road Soulmate?
Through comparisons of performance, battery specs, driver assist tech and overall value, important differences emerge between Rivian‘s Dual Motor and Performance Dual Motor platforms.
While the Performance Dual Motor clearly outpaces at acceleration, its firmer suspension loses some smoothness on uneven terrain. And its nearly $15,000 price premium gives pause to buyers prioritizing value in their adventure truck.
Still, if blistering speed is paramount, the Performance Dual Motor soars off the line with an electrifying 3 second 0-60 dash sure to plaster smiles across faces.
For most serialized adventurers, the base Dual Motor strikes an optimal balance of eco-minded range and driving dynamics elevated by clever touches like gear tunnels and flashlight charging.
Either Rivian R1T configuration seems destined to vanquish doubts about electric truck capabilities. But understanding your adventure persona and priorities helps ensure you select the optimal drivetrain to electrify your exploits for years to come.
