Dual-Motor Rivian R1T first test drive review: "It’s the Same Picture" (Motortrend)

[Electric Rivilution]

2023 Rivian R1T Dual-Motor Performance First Test: It’s the Same Picture
If you’re not a Rivian engineer or currently crossing the Rubicon trail, you won’t be able to tell the difference.

Review: https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2023-rivian-r1t-dual-motor-performance-first-test-review/

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[Andystroh]

That's interesting. I had read somewhere that the EPA testing cannot be done in a conserve mode; anyone know if that's true? Could that have inspired rivian to make "conserve" basically the standard mode, and gain some range increases? I haven't read the testing method

 

[evhelphub]

Are people really this obsessed with speed? lol

80% of the article talks about how quick it is.

I'm curious if the motors are much quieter in daily driving than the quad. I know some like the noise the motors make but I'm not one of them. I prefer as much silence as possible. I hope the engaging and disengaging of the rear motor isn't super audible and I hope it isn't a point of failure.

 

[SeaGeo]

Are people really this obsessed with speed? lol

80% of the article talks about how quick it is.

I'm curious if the motors are much quieter in daily driving than the quad. I know some like the noise the motors make but I'm not one of them. I prefer as much silence as possible. I hope the engaging and disengaging of the rear motor isn't super audible and I hope it isn't a point of failure.

I know some people are annoyed by Kyle Connor for various reasons, but covering details like motor noise, cogging, the half shaft lash etc. are things I fully expect him to comment on that MotorTrend just doesn't cover and are a big part of the reason I generally appreciate his details reviews even if they can be a bit long.

 

[tcole]

Are people really this obsessed with speed? lol

80% of the article talks about how quick it is.

I guess so? It's one of the most flashy metrics, and for now it differentiates EVs, also easy to show off. People are also obsessed with range, even though for most trips it doesn't matter.

But I recently read an interview with a Volvo exec about the EX30, and they were saying they didn't even try to make it as fast as they did, but it's a nice side-effect of the tech. And they felt like acceleration is now commoditized. Won't really be a differentiator for long.

 

[SeaGeo]

That's interesting. I had read somewhere that the EPA testing cannot be done in a conserve mode; anyone know if that's true? Could that have inspired rivian to make "conserve" basically the standard mode, and gain some range increases? I haven't read the testing method

They were able to average among drive modes for quad.

 

[mkg3]

Are people really this obsessed with speed? lol

80% of the article talks about how quick it is.

I'm curious if the motors are much quieter in daily driving than the quad. I know some like the noise the motors make but I'm not one of them. I prefer as much silence as possible. I hope the engaging and disengaging of the rear motor isn't super audible and I hope it isn't a point of failure.

Since Rivian has, regardless of dual or quad, ridiculous amount of power, and its speed limited top end (mostly due to tire speed rating), people naturally want to know how fast it can go.

If and when the tire companies comes out with truck tire with Z and Y speed rating, maybe we'll find out how fast R1 can go...

 

[jemkewl]

Are people really this obsessed with speed? lol

80% of the article talks about how quick it is.

The perceived demand for the dual performance package seems to indicate there is... Also, I imagine this is a nice marketing piece to help push those who won't appreciate the stark difference between 3.5 VS 3.0 or 3.1 to 60 into buying a brand new motor.

 

[Sgt Beavis]

IMO the Dual Motor Performance is totally pointless as long as the quad motor exists. Thus I very much expect the Quad Motor to disappear in a year or two. Without Tank Turn, quad motors simply aren't needed.

The standard dual motor with the large battery pack stays under $80K. If Rivian gets the battery situation sorted, it could qualify for the full tax credit. I just wish they would offer more base colors than silver. $1750 for White is kinda ridiculous. Of course, getting the standard pack to market is going to help a lot.

One other thing, I think Rivian should consider offering a version without the air suspension. It would let them offer and even more affordable version and the air suspension really isn't needed if the truck isn't seeing anything worse than an occasional dirt road. I personally would still buy the air suspension but then I do a lot of off roading.

 

[obababoy]

Wait is the dual motor really 400lbs lighter with same battery. I am getting the Dual, max, with undershield so gains there will not be had.

 

[VSG]

"With only two motors ... and only 665 hp and 829 lb-ft to work with ..."

LOL. "Only" 665 hp.

 

[iansriv]

Are people really this obsessed with speed? lol

Absolutely! 835hp is good but I found another car with 1,000hp that had me reconsidering the Rivian. HQ did not approve.

2025 Alfa

 

[biker1284]

$5,000 for a software switch seems a bit high to me. Especially losing the yellow brakes and badging seems excessive.

Hopefully they discount this for end of quarter/year sales or something.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Are people really this obsessed with speed? lol

80% of the article talks about how quick it is.

I'm curious if the motors are much quieter in daily driving than the quad. I know some like the noise the motors make but I'm not one of them. I prefer as much silence as possible. I hope the engaging and disengaging of the rear motor isn't super audible and I hope it isn't a point of failure.

Sports cars are a thing and have been for a long time. So it’s fair to say that a subset of buyers buy based on performance. I am one of them, the performance of the R1 was the first and probably second reason I got the truck.

As a boy I grew up dreaming about stuff like the Lamborghini Diablo and the Ferrari F40. While I could buy something like an Aventador now the reality of owning one isnt as great as the idea of one. I also have a life with responsibilities and a property that needs maintenance.

Both of those lead to needing a vehicle based on utility. Since I do, the Rivian is a great compromise. I still get that stomach in my throat feeling when I want but I can do responsible adult things with it as well like take garbage to the dump or pick up garden things for the wife.

Sure I could buy a beater truck and a sports car but now I’m driving something I don’t like for errands while my sports car sits there or I’m limited in purpose. That was an unnecessarily long explanation but I think you can understand how just as some people were all In based on the off road experience others of us view performance that same Way.

It’s bad enough for me that my wife wants an i4 and I’m insisting on an M edition so it’s fun when I drive it.

 

[goldburger]

That's interesting. I had read somewhere that the EPA testing cannot be done in a conserve mode; anyone know if that's true? Could that have inspired rivian to make "conserve" basically the standard mode, and gain some range increases? I haven't read the testing method

testing was done in a mix of conserve and sport for the quad, assume the same for the dual.

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