Is Rivian Offering a Tri-Motor Option in 2025?

2025 Rivian

Rivian has significantly impacted the American market as an all-electric company. The company primarily focuses on two main lineups: the R1T truck and the R1S SUV. 

Both vehicles share many of the same features. The main difference is the pickup bed, as the rest of the design and key features are essentially the same.

R1T and R1S

The R2S SUV offers several driving features that can be enjoyed in an off-road truck (R2T). The advantage here is that, as a sibling to the truck variant, it benefits from a similar design but with the added convenience of an enclosed rear.

 This concept has been around for a while, as we’ve seen major brands adopt similar approaches. For example, the Toyota Sequoia, an SUV, and the Toyota Tundra, a truck, share the same 5.7-liter engine.

Second Generation

The newly redefined 2025 Rivian R2S SUV, launched as the “second generation,” looks quite similar to the previous model. However, it features hardware upgrades to improve performance. 

The second-gen R2S has received a revised suspension to enhance comfort during off-road driving, effectively upgrading the suspension tuning of the earlier model.

New Tri-Motor

A key upgrade in the 2025 Rivian R2S is the newly offered tri-motor variant. Previously, the SUV was available with a two-motor powertrain and a quad-motor setup. 

The tri-motor version fills the gap between the two variants, meeting market demand and eliminating confusion by providing a middle option for 2025.

1050 Electric Horses

The new quad-motor R2S offers an impressive 1,050 horsepower, a remarkable amount of power for an SUV. For comparison, the Hummer EV previously boasted 1,000 horsepower.

 The 2025 R2S tri-motor variant delivers 850 horsepower, more than many sports cars. It’s a promising powertrain that seems more than capable of taking you on an exciting journey.

Competition

Despite all the upgrades, the R1S faces tough competition as the EV market expands globally. Korean EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and Kia EV9 have pressured pricing.

They offer a range of attractive features at lower or even more competitive prices to attract customers. The Volvo EX90 also stands as a significant competitor in the market.

Reduced Weight

The 2025 Rivian R1S is expected to revise its electrical setup by removing over 44 pounds of wiring. The newly designed battery will feature lithium iron phosphate as its core material. 

The weight reduction, combined with the use of lithium, will help extend the SUV’s battery range. The extensive and max battery options will also see revised range estimates, resulting in fewer charging stops during long journeys.

Comfort

The 2025 Rivian R2S offers 15 inches of ground clearance, highlighting its impressive off-road capabilities. The SUV has a standard air suspension, ensuring a comfortable ride even during rugged adventures.

 The 2025 R1S is designed to deliver a smooth ride with a spacious passenger cabin. Complaints about the SUV’s comfort in the 2022 model have been addressed with an upgraded suspension for a more refined driving experience.

Software Update

The SUV includes a software update that supports Google Cast for streaming video and features Apple Music. However, it still lacks compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2025 Rivian R1S has two newly designed wheel options, each featuring updated graphics. One set measures 20 inches, while the other is larger at 22 inches, giving users a choice based on their preferences. 

Adaptive Headlamps

The 2025 model introduces Adaptive Drive Beam, or what can be called intelligent headlights. These headlights enhance road safety by adjusting the beam angle to avoid blinding oncoming drivers.

Thus offering maximum visibility without disturbing others. This feature will also be available for previous models through a software update announced by the end of 2024.

Prices

The base Adventure dual-motor R1S SUV will start at $77,700, while the highest trim with the quad-motor setup will be priced at $117,700.

 The dual-motor setup also offers an extended battery pack option, which increases the price from $77,700 to $84,700. This means an additional $7,000 for an extended travel range, allowing buyers to go further on a single charge.

Ascend Variant

The Rivian Ascend variant is only available with the tri-motor and quad-motor setups. It has 22-inch wheels, a max battery pack, and distinctive yellow brake calipers.

The Ascend also features advanced driving modes, including Sport, Rally, Crawl, and Rock Crawl, providing maximum driving assistance for various terrains and driving conditions.

The Ascend variant for tri-motor setup will start at USD 107,700. The Quad-Motor setup is priced at $107,700 for the standard variant. However, the Ascend variant, which comes with the Premium Quad-Motor setup, will be priced at $117,000.

Performace

The dual-motor setup offers two variants based on power and torque. The standard version delivers 553 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque, while the Performance package boosts that to 665 horsepower and 829 lb-ft of torque. 

The newly added tri-motor setup provides 850 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque, with two motors at the rear and one mounted at the front.

Added Horsepower

The Quad-motor setup for the 2025 R1S SUV has been redefined, delivering even more power. This top-tier variant produces an impressive 1,050 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft of torque, which is truly remarkable.

 The 2024 R1S with the quad-motor setup offered 215 fewer horsepower and 290 lb-ft less torque than the 2025 model.

0-60 Mph

The 0-60 mph times are expected to be slightly slower for the R1S SUV compared to the R1T Truck due to the added mass of the SUV. 

The quad-motor setup claims a 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds, while the new tri-motor setup offers a time of 2.9 seconds. Additionally, the speed limiter has been increased from 110 mph to 130 mph, allowing for higher top speeds.

Talking about acceleration, the BYD U9 claims a 2.3 second 0-60mph. Read this post to learn more in-depth insights about it.

One Wheel

Rivian claims their quad-motor setup features an independent motor for each wheel and front and rear differential locks. 

According to the company, this system is specifically designed for off-road experiences, allowing the vehicle to propel itself even if only one wheel has traction. This capability enhances the SUV’s ability to handle challenging terrains.

It’s a tough competition in the electric world as the new G-class went all-electric, joining the league.