What You Get in Each 2025 Rivian R1S Trim Level
The 2025 Rivian R1S comes in three trim levels: Dual Motor, Quad Motor, and Performance Quad Motor. Each step up adds more power, range, and standard features rather than removing anything — Rivian uses an additive approach, so a higher trim includes what the lower one has.
The Dual Motor starts with two motors (one per axle), 533 horsepower, and an estimated 330-mile range. Standard equipment includes the 12.9-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and the three-row seating layout that defines the R1S. This is the entry point for buyers who want the three-row electric SUV without the maximum performance cost.
The Quad Motor adds two more motors (one per wheel) for a total of 533 horsepower distributed differently across all four wheels. The range estimate drops slightly to around 320 miles because the extra motors add weight. You gain all-wheel torque vectoring, which improves handling in corners and off-road traction. The Quad Motor also adds a power-adjustable steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded leather upholstery as standard.
The Performance Quad Motor is the top configuration, with the same four-motor setup but tuned for 850 horsepower and 0–60 mph in approximately 3.0 seconds. Range drops to around 280 miles. You get performance-tuned suspension, 22-inch wheels as standard, and the full suite of luxury interior upgrades. This trim is built for buyers who prioritize acceleration and handling over maximum range.
Key Takeaways
- The Dual Motor R1S offers 330 miles of range and 533 horsepower at the lowest price point, making it the practical choice for most buyers.
- The Quad Motor adds four-wheel torque vectoring and luxury interior features while reducing range to 320 miles, useful for off-road driving and handling.
- The Performance Quad Motor delivers 850 horsepower and 3.0-second 0–60 acceleration but cuts range to 280 miles and costs significantly more.
- All three trims include the same three-row seating, 12.9-inch touchscreen, and core safety features; you are paying for powertrain and interior upgrades, not different vehicles.
- Battery size remains the same across all trims; the range differences come from motor efficiency and weight, not larger batteries.
Powertrain and Performance Differences
The powertrain choice is the biggest decision in configuring an R1S. The Dual Motor uses a single battery pack with two motors, one at the front axle and one at the rear. This setup delivers 533 horsepower and handles most driving tasks efficiently. Acceleration is brisk — 0–60 mph in around 4.5 seconds — but not extreme.
The Quad Motor distributes power across all four wheels with independent motors at each corner. This architecture enables torque vectoring, which means each wheel can receive a different amount of power in real time. On pavement, this improves cornering grip and reduces understeer. Off-road, it helps the R1S climb obstacles and maintain traction on uneven terrain. The trade-off is added weight and complexity, which reduces range by about 10 miles compared to the Dual Motor.
The Performance Quad Motor uses the same four-motor architecture but with higher power output and a different suspension tune. The 850-horsepower output comes from pushing each motor harder, not from a larger battery. This trim prioritizes acceleration and track capability over efficiency. If you plan to tow regularly or drive in mountains, the extra power helps, but for typical highway and city driving, the Dual Motor handles the job with better range.
Interior and Technology Options
All 2025 R1S models include a 12.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running Rivian's operating system, which handles navigation, climate control, and vehicle settings. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some functions require the built-in navigation. Rivian does not offer a smaller or larger screen as a configuration option; this is the standard across all trims.
Seating and upholstery vary by trim. The Dual Motor offers cloth or optional leather. The Quad Motor and Performance Quad Motor come with leather as standard and offer upgraded leather options with different stitching and color choices. All trims include heated front seats. Rear-seat heating is available as an option on all trims. The third row is standard on all R1S models — this is not a configuration choice, and Rivian does not offer a two-row version.
The panoramic sunroof is standard on Quad Motor and Performance Quad Motor trims but optional on the Dual Motor. Rivian offers a few interior color combinations (typically light and dark leather options), but the choices are limited compared to traditional automakers. The steering wheel is power-adjustable on Quad Motor and above; Dual Motor buyers can add this as an option.
Wheel and Suspension Choices
Wheel size affects both appearance and range. The Dual Motor and Quad Motor come standard with 20-inch wheels. The Performance Quad Motor steps up to 22-inch wheels as standard. Smaller wheels (18-inch) are available as a no-cost option on Dual Motor and Quad Motor trims if you prioritize range — smaller wheels reduce rolling resistance and can add 5 to 10 miles of range. Larger wheels (22-inch) are available as an upgrade on Dual Motor and Quad Motor but cost more and reduce range slightly.
Suspension tuning is fixed by trim level and cannot be customized separately. The Dual Motor and Quad Motor use the same suspension geometry with different calibration. The Performance Quad Motor has a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and dampers, designed to reduce body roll during aggressive driving. If you want the Quad Motor's torque vectoring but prefer the standard suspension, you cannot mix them — the suspension comes as part of the trim package.
All R1S models include all-terrain tires as standard, which is unusual for luxury SUVs. These tires are suitable for light off-road driving and gravel roads but are not specialized mud or rock-crawling tires. Rivian does not offer a choice of tire brands or compounds at the factory; the all-terrain tire is the only option.
Exterior Color and Paint Options
Rivian offers six exterior colors for the 2025 R1S: Solid Black, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Midnight Grey, Rivian Blue, Forest Green, and Limestone. Solid Black and Pearl White Multi-Coat are standard-cost options. The metallic and specialty colors (Midnight Grey, Rivian Blue, Forest Green, and Limestone) carry an upcharge, typically in the $1,500 to $2,000 range, though prices vary by region and dealer.
The R1S body shape and proportions do not change by trim level. All three trims have the same overall length, width, and height. The main visual difference is the wheel size — 22-inch wheels on the Performance Quad Motor look more aggressive than 20-inch wheels on the Dual Motor — and the optional panoramic sunroof, which is more visible from the outside on Quad Motor and Performance trims.
Towing and Cargo Capacity by Configuration
Towing capacity is the same across all three trims: 7,700 pounds with the factory hitch. This is a fixed specification that does not change based on powertrain or trim selection. The Dual Motor, Quad Motor, and Performance Quad Motor can all tow the same maximum weight. However, the Quad Motor and Performance Quad Motor have better weight distribution and torque vectoring, which some drivers find improves stability when towing, especially on rough terrain.
Cargo space is identical across all trims. The R1S offers 35.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 76.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 153.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The battery pack location and motor configuration do not affect interior dimensions. Frunk (front trunk) capacity is also the same: 11.6 cubic feet.
Range, Charging, and Real-World Efficiency
EPA-estimated range varies by trim: Dual Motor at 330 miles, Quad Motor at 320 miles, and Performance Quad Motor at 280 miles. These estimates assume highway driving at 55 mph in ideal conditions. Real-world range depends heavily on driving style, temperature, and terrain. Cold weather can reduce range by 20 to 30 percent across all trims. Aggressive acceleration and highway speeds above 70 mph reduce range faster on the Performance Quad Motor than on the Dual Motor.
All R1S models use the same 135-kWh battery pack. The range differences come from motor efficiency and weight, not battery size. The Dual Motor is more efficient because it has fewer motors and less weight. The Performance Quad Motor is less efficient because the four motors and sport suspension add weight and the higher power output consumes more energy per mile.
Charging speed is the same across all trims. The R1S supports up to 210 kW of DC fast charging at a compatible station, which can add 200 miles in approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions. Home charging with a Level 2 charger (240V) adds about 30 miles per hour of charging. Rivian does not offer different charging hardware or capabilities by trim level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Quad Motor's torque vectoring with the Dual Motor's range?
No. The Quad Motor and its torque vectoring are only available as a trim level, not as an option on the Dual Motor. If range is your priority, the Dual Motor is the better choice. If you want torque vectoring for off-road driving or handling, you accept the 10-mile range reduction that comes with the Quad Motor.
Does the Performance Quad Motor come with different brakes or suspension parts?
Yes, the Performance Quad Motor has sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and dampers. Brakes are larger and use different pad material for higher heat tolerance. These components are not available on the Dual Motor or standard Quad Motor, and you cannot order them separately.
What is the real-world range difference between 20-inch and 22-inch wheels?
Smaller wheels (18-inch) can add 5 to 10 miles of range compared to 20-inch wheels, and 22-inch wheels reduce range by a similar amount. The difference is most noticeable on highway driving; city driving shows less variation. If you regularly drive long distances between charging stations, choosing the smallest available wheel size helps.
Is the third row usable for adults on long trips?
The third row is designed for children or short trips. Legroom is tight for adults over 5'10", and headroom is limited. All R1S trims have the same third-row dimensions — trim level does not change this. If you need comfortable seating for six adults, the R1S is not the right vehicle.
Can I order an R1S with cloth seats instead of leather?
Yes, on the Dual Motor trim. Cloth is standard, and leather is optional. The Quad Motor and Performance Quad Motor come with leather as standard and do not offer cloth as a downgrade option.