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Considering a Gen2 Tri vs. Gen1 Quad – How Do They Compare in Real-World Handling?

portdirect

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We currently have a pair of Gen1 Rivians: an R1S with base dual motors and an R1T with Bosch Quads. Unfortunately, we might be parting with our Quad soon (for reasons...), so we’re in the market for a replacement.

Having driven both configurations extensively, I can confidently say that the Quad’s performance and handling are a step above the dual motor. I’ve had plenty of seat time in various loaner R1S and R1T models over the past few months, so I’m familiar with the differences across wheelbases. While the dual motor is a solid SUV/truck, it just doesn’t match the Gen1 Quad when it comes to on-road handling and that 60-80 mph responsiveness. (For reference, I usually drive in Sport/Low for fun and use AP/Auto for commuting.)

Has anyone here driven the Gen2 Tri and can share how it compares to the Gen1 Quad? We’re considering either settling for a Tri (which we could get relatively soon) or picking up a temporary vehicle (like a cheap i3) and holding out for a 2025 Quad. I’m less concerned with 0-60 times, but I’d really like to know how the Tri handles on-road and whether it has that same mid-range punch.

Any insights would be much appreciated!
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ElGuano

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The very few reports I've seen on Tri motor so far is that it's faster and more responsive than the gen 1 quads, particularly in power delivery on the road. I suspect it's a fairly subtle difference, given they're very similar in HP/torque numbers.
 
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portdirect

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Yeah - I think there are a few folks on here with both - would be great to get their take. The motor trend article I've seen worries a me a bit (ignoring the obvious PR spin bias as much as possible): `Also, although I knew the tri-motor makes 15 more horsepower (850 vs. 835) and nearly 200 extra lb-ft of torque (908 vs. 1,103) than my Quad, it felt a little slower just bopping around town. Also, with only a single motor up front, the regenerative braking feels weaker.` then flipping the script on when sport mode is engaged.
 

malditofman

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We currently have a pair of Gen1 Rivians: an R1S with base dual motors and an R1T with Bosch Quads. Unfortunately, we might be parting with our Quad soon (for reasons...), so we’re in the market for a replacement.

Having driven both configurations extensively, I can confidently say that the Quad’s performance and handling are a step above the dual motor. I’ve had plenty of seat time in various loaner R1S and R1T models over the past few months, so I’m familiar with the differences across wheelbases. While the dual motor is a solid SUV/truck, it just doesn’t match the Gen1 Quad when it comes to on-road handling and that 60-80 mph responsiveness. (For reference, I usually drive in Sport/Low for fun and use AP/Auto for commuting.)

Has anyone here driven the Gen2 Tri and can share how it compares to the Gen1 Quad? We’re considering either settling for a Tri (which we could get relatively soon) or picking up a temporary vehicle (like a cheap i3) and holding out for a 2025 Quad. I’m less concerned with 0-60 times, but I’d really like to know how the Tri handles on-road and whether it has that same mid-range punch.

Any insights would be much appreciated!
Find a Tri Max to test drive. It's the only way to know if you'll be satisfied with its handling and performance. Reach out to Rivian for a Space or Service Center that has one. It's a big purchase, so patience will serve you well. Drive well.
 

Donald Stanfield

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I've only test-driven it, but the pedal felt a little less responsive. The truck is also software limited to 80MPH for test-drive vehicles, and I asked if the laggy pedal mapping was also because of said software limitations and was told it is. It makes sense they would set the power to be harder to get to in a test drive vehicle, they don't want people Alan Rucking these things into buildings all over downtown Nashville.

When I got deep into the pedal in sport mode, it felt snappier than my quad, though, and that was on the AT tires. You can feel that it has more torque.
 

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portdirect

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Find a Tri Max to test drive. It's the only way to know if you'll be satisfied with its handling and performance. Reach out to Rivian for a Space or Service Center that has one. It's a big purchase, so patience will serve you well. Drive well.
I wish that were an option (actually I just wish we could get another gen1 quad) - but its likely that I'll need to make the decision blind on how to proceed at end of the week :whew:
 

Donald Stanfield

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I wish that were an option (actually I just wish we could get another gen1 quad) - but its likely that I'll need to make the decision blind on how to proceed at end of the week :whew:
It would depend on if you’re going T or S if it were me. The first gen S doesn’t handle as well as the first gen T on road. The tri S handles really well. It feels really composed and I think it’s a little better than my first gen T.

I’ve never driven a first gen S so I’m just going off what others, including reviewers, have said. The suspension improvements and better cameras would tip the scales for me.
 
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portdirect

portdirect

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Sorry released I should have been more specific - this is a R1T Gen1 Quad to a R1T Gen2 [tri/quad].

The tri S handles really well. It feels really composed and I think it’s a little better than my first gen T.
Your T is a quad?

I've driven enough gen1 R1's (all variants) that if this were an R1S would like you feel its a much easier question based on the feedback from reviews, which all highlight the better ride.
 

Donald Stanfield

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Sorry released I should have been more specific - this is a R1T Gen1 Quad to a R1T Gen2 [tri/quad].


Your T is a quad?

I've driven enough gen1 R1's (all variants) that if this were an R1S would like you feel its a much easier question based on the feedback from reviews, which all highlight the better ride.
I've had my T since 2022; they only made quads then. I need to switch to an S because I need the room for hauling dogs and people not so much cargo that a truck bed provides.
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