2024 Quad Motor vs. 2026 Dual

[imhuntsm]

If there is another thread that covers this, please direct me that way.

I am looking to get into a Rivian R1S and am between buying a used quad motor or leasing a new dual motor. Would be paying cash if I buy used, and with the lease I would likely buy at lease end in cash. I would rather not shell out $100k right now and there continue to be some lease deals with a $6500 credit if I went the leasing route.

From what I have read, the ride quality, cameras and operating system of the 2024 aren't as good as the 2026. This would be my first Rivian, am I going to notice those things?

Let me know all your thoughts.

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[usulio]

4 votes in favor of the quad, only 2 for the dual.

 

[Rivdog]

The 2026 will be a bit better in the areas you mentioned, yes, but they’re pretty marginal for the price. Definitely not worth 30k for me. I’ve happily had a 2023 quad for nearly 3 years and have little desire to “upgrade.” The improved cameras and ADAS are nice, but unless you really, really value the potential for not needing to actually drive your vehicle, they’re pretty darn similar overall. I like the new shiny toy, especially with my cars, but I just don’t see enough difference to justify the costs.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Get a '25.

 

[Time2Roll]

The 2026 NACS connector was important enough to me to wait.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

YouTube has a bunch of videos from various influencers and car magazines from Gen 2 launch last year detailing the differences between it and Gen 1 (‘22-‘24). As for Quad vs Dual, significant difference in hp and torque. But one would be insane to say 500+ of the Dual isn’t enough for everyday driving on public roads. And the 835 hp Quad, while fun and brag-worthy, isn’t all that useful. Quad is like fulltime AWD. Dual is like front-biased part-time AWD. Dual has in-house motors and is more efficient. It is also better in certain off-road situations. Gen 1 Quad uses Bosch sourced motors and has a behavior some describe as torque stall. Example, uphill, it can get hung up on obstacles if you don’t approach with some momentum (and adequate throttle input). And Rivian claims they have limited software control over these outsourced motors, which lead them to developing their own for gen 2.

With Gen 2 tech you do get a lot of perks and a higher development ceiling. But there are also more software bugs, since it’s a work in progress still. So, which vintage is for you depends on your personal priorities.

There’s absolutely no reason to go for a ‘26 unless you got $ to burn and have a NACS plug fetish (or illogical aversion to adapters).

Half shaft “issue” isn’t limited to Gen 1.

 

[runwithscissors]

The 2026 will be a bit better in the areas you mentioned, yes, but they’re pretty marginal for the price. Definitely not worth 30k for me. I’ve happily had a 2023 quad for nearly 3 years and have little desire to “upgrade.” The improved cameras and ADAS are nice, but unless you really, really value the potential for not needing to actually drive your vehicle, they’re pretty darn similar overall. I like the new shiny toy, especially with my cars, but I just don’t see enough difference to justify the costs.

And you have the R1T so suspension wise it's still much better than the Gen1 R1S. My R1S with 20's still stinks suspension wise but haven't driven a Gen2 to compare. I've had R1T loaners that were better and early on before all of the OTA's that enhanced the feel.

 

[Frisbee]

My first R1T was a new QM LE. At 3,000 miles the half shafts/splines started to go bad. At 12,000 miles after multiple “repairs” and a lengthy fight with Rivian they agreed to replace it and offered another QM. I refused wanting a DM which had recently been brought to market. After several months they agreed to the DM. To date my DM has only 8,000 miles but is doing rather well. Only time will tell. I do not miss the performance of the QM at all. Any potential purchase of a used QM should include a detailed review of all repair records with particular emphasis on the motors, half shafts, splines, etc. Over time there have been many changes in the manufacture of the QM’s.

 

[Yellow Buddy]

If there is another thread that covers this, please direct me that way.

I am looking to get into a Rivian R1S and am between buying a used quad motor or leasing a new dual motor. Would be paying cash if I buy used, and with the lease I would likely buy at lease end in cash. I would rather not shell out $100k right now and there continue to be some lease deals with a $6500 credit if I went the leasing route.

From what I have read, the ride quality, cameras and operating system of the 2024 aren't as good as the 2026. This would be my first Rivian, am I going to notice those things?

Let me know all your thoughts.

There’s a lot going on here. Rent vs own. New vs old, etc etc.

But for your situation, if you’re leasing it’s short term, the future proofing a Gen2 offers you is almost all eliminated.

I bought at launch, out over 20,000 miles on line within 6 months and don’t have any significant issues with mine before I sold it.

I just went back to a 2022 and the fit and finish isn’t as nice as the newest ones but for the price difference I can live with it. Personally I have a tough time justifying this truck at $100k, it’s missing some luxury features at that price point, but at 40-50% off..it’s a bargain.

 

[lefkonj]

Having owned both a Quad Gen1 and now a Tri Gen2 I would go for the Gen2. Noticeably different vehicle and better in many many ways. Sure the Quad is powerful but that piece you only get to enjoy randomly. The improvements are noticeable 100% of the time.

 

[RivianRocks25]

If get Gen 1, serieously look into a Comm.AI unit. 'Hands off' level 2 steering assist on almost all roads and does a great job.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Personally, I'd buy a used Quad since it already ate a lot of the depreciation, so around $50k-$60k, these things are a bargain. I found the power and even the driving dynamics different enough to lean Quad. While the dual isn't slow, it didn't have that gut punching acceleration that one imagines on an EV. Unfortunately, QC issues exist both on gen1 and gen2 vehicles. At least with a used one, you might be able to get service records and verify what has and has not been done and hopefully the previous owner took care of things under warranty.

Unless hands free driving and Apple Key are a must, my vote is for used quad all the way.

 

[Bullwinkle]

The 2026 NACS connector was important enough to me to wait.

I use Tesla chargers about half the time with my 2023--no problem. You are going to use an adapter with either choice.

 

[Time2Roll]

I use Tesla chargers about half the time with my 2023--no problem. You are going to use an adapter with either choice.

If the connector is not important to you that is fine. No need to buzz me for my preference.

Please add something new to the discussion.

 

[Bullwinkle]

If the connector is not important to you that is fine. No need to buzz me for my preference.

Please add something new to the discussion.

Did not mean a thing by it--just offering a different take. Sorry to offend.

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