Gen2 R1S Dual Max vs Tri Motor - Pros/Cons/Tradeoffs?

[woodcan]

I've seen similar questions asked around but threads were old and delivery times, large+ batteries, unproven tri motor, etc were different factors so I'm asking for myself.

I've been researching for over the past month and had decided on a custom order R1S Dual Max with options including All-Terrain Package that put me just $3.3k short of a Dune. So, I said "Why not a little extra for a Tri motor?" and ordered a Dune since order page said 1 week delivery that actually turned out to be a 1 month delivery timeframe. That extra time has given me time to ponder my decision to move from a Dual Max to Tri motor and introduce doubts.

I'm hoping some folks around here with Dual Max and/or Tri motor can give me some insight.

My background & use-case:

• This will be our first EV so I have zero experience with road-trip fast charging
• I was opting for a Max battery because Texas is big
• Mostly will be driving highways to/from work 40 miles round trip - traffic ranges between stop-n-go to 70MPH
• Offroad excursions would be limited to occasional dirt roads and beach sand
• I will be primarily charging at home (portable charger until I get a dedicated charger installed)
• I generally drive conservatively (not a speed demon) but highway passing around here is a necessity

My doubts/concerns:

• I like the idea of Tri motor all-time AWD for stability with the option for better range in Conserve mode. This especially after reading Dual motor complaints about rear motor engagement clunk and delayed passing power. I found those complaints after my demo drive so between my DM test drive being short with my focus on suspension and getting used to one-pedal driving I didn't even have time to notice rear motor engagement on top of it being a performance model.
• The combo of AT tires and Tri motor sounds like it may eat away at real world range that I was originally shooting for but how much are you actually sacrificing? I don't take EPA numbers at face value but also don't know what is a realistic expectation since so many range reviews are Gen1 or Gen2 Standard battery.
• How much real world range can I expect on road trips in a Tri motor on the included 20" AT tires with AC running? I'm assuming conserve mode to maximize range
• On road trips is the suggestion to start out at 100% then stop to charge at 20% topped up to 80%? In Texas heat how long can I expect charging stops to take?
• One of my original requirements was the All-Terrain Package to get the Reinforced Underbody Shield because we've had prior cars damaged from anything between construction to vehicle road debris and the thought of not having to deal with a potential insurance claim and fire risk sounded worth it. The AT package comes at a cost of $3700 but happens to have the added benefit of a spare tire and 20" wheels that I prefer for ride quality and wider array of tire replacement options with reduced cost. My demo drive was on 20" ATs.
• We plan to one day get a small travel trailer. I realize Dual and Tri have identical towing capacity but does Tri motor have any advantage in stability or just more capable towing given the extra horsepower? Dual motor at 533HP is still a lot of power
• Do 20" all season tires give you the range back lost from the 20" ATs vs the 22" Sport tires? Guestimating by swapping configs around the R1S Shop seems to show the following that looks to amount to a 51 mile range loss for Tri motor. All this is funny numbers so it's hard for an outsider to judge especially with 405mi Tri Conserve mode footnote.
  • DMM 22" Sport: DMM=410mi
  • DDM 20" All Season=380mi
  • DMM 20" AT = 370mi
  • TM 22" Sport = 371mi
  • TM 20" AT = 329mi

My dilemma:

• Contact my guide about changing to a Dual Motor Max setup and hope the local reps were correct about transferring my deposit to another vehicle vs what online guide said that I lose any deposit money I already put down.
  
  
• Stick with the Tri motor I put a deposit on, stop worrying, and just see how it goes.
  
  
• The more I think about it I'm starting to think I'm actually losing (cost, range) more than I'm gaining (performance) going Tri motor vs Dual Motor but maybe I'm missing something else.

I appreciate any clarity and insight anyone can provide from personal experience.

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[mpshizzle]

I have a Performance Dual Max - here are my thoughts

Get a proper L2 home charger installed, and do it quickly. Having seen this scenario multiple times, relying on a regular 120v outlet for charging is the fastest way to grow to hate your new EV. Especially if you are a daily commuter that won't do it. It takes your 3 hour charge and turns it into a 2 day charge. WORTH the investment to get a proper installed ASAP. That said, with a proper home charger, owning an EV is the best thing ever. You start out the day all charged and ready to go. You never have to go out of your way to get "fueled up".

As far as range goes - getting street tires is your best bet. Tires make a BIG difference for efficiency, and All Terrains will eat it up. With regards to dual vs tri - in theory they are about the same IF you use conserve mode all the time on the tri. That said, I have a feeling most tri owners stay in All Purpose. And if that's the case, Dual will beat tri range by a long shot.

As for AWD effeciency - don't overthink what people are saying about the rear clutch disconnect on the dual. Even with the slight delay it will still be far faster and far more immediate than any gas vehicle. If you want it to be IMMEDIATE you can use snow or sport mode (if it's a performance model). But even in all purpose the delay is minimal.

For road tripping, don't overthink charging too much. The nav does a good job generally telling you when, where, and how long to stop. A few things that help with that - know that the battery will charge fastest at low states of charge. More frequent short charging stops are generally faster than fewer longer charging stops. Charge a bit more than the nav recommends to give yourself buffer and you'll be great.

With regard to the all terrain underbody sheid - the battery all on it's own is very well shielded and protected. The shield is more helpful if you plan to go off road and are worried about scraping the bottom on rocks. The standard setup has more than enough shielding to deal with road/construction debris.

 

[CarGuyCarl]

Agree with above on charging at home. 110V will make you hate the car and it's a non starter for ownership with your predicted miles. Get the 14-50 outlet installed at a minimum.

Street tires are what you want if you're not off roading which it doesn't sound like you are. They are quieter and better for range.

If you're speccing a performance dual max and it's getting close to a Tri, I'd go up to the tri on interior alone but that's just me.

You should also understand that neither vehicle will get the advertised range at highway speeds.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

I’m gonna keep it simple for you. Unless you’re getting the standard dual motor max pack go with the Tri.

if you’re getting a dual motor performance, max pack and upgrade paint, interior or wheels, your darn near the close to the price of a trim motor, which includes many standard features like the dynamic glass roof, air, compressor, ascend interior, it’s worth it in my opinion to spend a couple thousand more get those features standard and get that sub 3 sec 0-60 performance. Your only really giving up 5 miles range on R1S assuming you drive it in conserve mode.

 

[windblowlc]

I’m gonna keep it simple for you. Unless you’re getting the standard dual motor max pack go with the Tri.

if you’re getting a dual motor performance, max pack and upgrade paint, interior or wheels, your darn near the close to the price of a trim motor, which includes many standard features like the dynamic glass roof, air, compressor, ascend interior, it’s worth it in my opinion to spend a couple thousand more get those features standard and get that sub 3 sec 0-60 performance. Your only really giving up 5 miles range on R1S assuming you drive it in conserve mode.

I concur with this recommendation of tri max over performance dual max.

 

[woodcan]

I have a Performance Dual Max - here are my thoughts

Get a proper L2 home charger installed, and do it quickly. Having seen this scenario multiple times, relying on a regular 120v outlet for charging is the fastest way to grow to hate your new EV. Especially if you are a daily commuter that won't do it. It takes your 3 hour charge and turns it into a 2 day charge. WORTH the investment to get a proper installed ASAP. That said, with a proper home charger, owning an EV is the best thing ever. You start out the day all charged and ready to go. You never have to go out of your way to get "fueled up".

As far as range goes - getting street tires is your best bet. Tires make a BIG difference for efficiency, and All Terrains will eat it up. With regards to dual vs tri - in theory they are about the same IF you use conserve mode all the time on the tri. That said, I have a feeling most tri owners stay in All Purpose. And if that's the case, Dual will beat tri range by a long shot.

As for AWD effeciency - don't overthink what people are saying about the rear clutch disconnect on the dual. Even with the slight delay it will still be far faster and far more immediate than any gas vehicle. If you want it to be IMMEDIATE you can use snow or sport mode (if it's a performance model). But even in all purpose the delay is minimal.

For road tripping, don't overthink charging too much. The nav does a good job generally telling you when, where, and how long to stop. A few things that help with that - know that the battery will charge fastest at low states of charge. More frequent short charging stops are generally faster than fewer longer charging stops. Charge a bit more than the nav recommends to give yourself buffer and you'll be great.

With regard to the all terrain underbody sheid - the battery all on it's own is very well shielded and protected. The shield is more helpful if you plan to go off road and are worried about scraping the bottom on rocks. The standard setup has more than enough shielding to deal with road/construction debris.

Thanks for this, it's reassuring to hear especially about the rear clutch situation. Regardless, a Rivian is a huge upgrade over my current vehicle so any amount of passing acceleration will be better than what I'm used to on my daily drive. The wife has always had the "nice car" that I get to drive on family outings and has pep.

Also, I think as I was typing everything out I sort of convinced myself out of the Tri motor and AT tires. Above all, I feel like range is of top priority and Dual motor anecdotes online were what gave me pause. Taking the All-Terrain Package off the table widens the price gap.

I do fully intend on getting a home charger installed but thanks for the push . I need to order the charger (read good things about grizzl-e) and schedule an electrician.

 

[mpshizzle]

Thanks for this, it's reassuring to hear especially about the rear clutch situation. Regardless, a Rivian is a huge upgrade over my current vehicle so any amount of passing acceleration will be better than what I'm used to on my daily drive. The wife has always had the "nice car" that I get to drive on family outings and has pep.

Also, I think as I was typing everything out I sort of convinced myself out of the Tri motor and AT tires. Above all, I feel like range is of top priority and Dual motor anecdotes online were what gave me pause. Taking the All-Terrain Package off the table widens the price gap.

I do fully intend on getting a home charger installed but thanks for the push . I need to order the charger (read good things about grizzl-e) and schedule an electrician.

Glad you were able to figure some things out! Whatever you end up going with, Rivian is by far the most well thought out, capable, and fun vehicle I've ever owned. You'll love it. Keep us posted on what you end up going with!

 

[woodcan]

I’m gonna keep it simple for you. Unless you’re getting the standard dual motor max pack go with the Tri.

if you’re getting a dual motor performance, max pack and upgrade paint, interior or wheels, your darn near the close to the price of a trim motor, which includes many standard features like the dynamic glass roof, air, compressor, ascend interior, it’s worth it in my opinion to spend a couple thousand more get those features standard and get that sub 3 sec 0-60 performance. Your only really giving up 5 miles range on R1S assuming you drive it in conserve mode.

Essentially I was comparing the following:

1. Dual Max Non-Performance, Limestone, Ocean Coast Interior, Sights & Sounds Package, and All-Terrain Package
   VS
2. California Dune (Tri Motor of course)

It came down to a $3.3k difference and so I jumped. Sounds like maybe AT package is overkill and tires kills range though so removing that would widen the gap.

The Dune is cheaper than a regular Tri so it doesn't have the Ascend interior but does come with All Terrain Package (20" AT + Reinforced Undershield + Compressor + Compact Spare), Upgraded Sound, Dynamic Sunroof, Darkout Package, roof rails, and recovery boards.

 

[BrianB]

1) you can’t go wrong with either.
2) the dual standard is very quick and tows like a champ
3) for the price of the bigger batteries, you could spend a lot of nights in a luxury hotel and don’t be in such a hurry on a road trip. Fast charging on road trips isn’t the big deal you think it is before owning an EV.
4) if you’ve got the money, more power is always fun

 

[Rividiculous]

Agree. You can’t go wrong. You are overthinking it and that’s good. Get what’s right for you.

I have a gen2 dual motor that I upgraded to performance. (There wasn’t a Tri option when I bought.) I loved it before and love it even more after the upgrade. Even the performance dual is overkill but that’s the fun of it.

I’d say your biggest choice is wheel set. Sounds like you might enjoy the 22”s more than the ATs for range and a quieter ride.

As for dual, dual performance, or Tri, it’s all about budget and personal preference. You really can’t go wrong.

If you enjoy driving, I would lean toward the Tri or the Dual Performance. The tri does come well loaded in addition to the extra motor. The Dual Performance is great because it has sport mode, so it handles better than the regular dual (in my opinion).

But if you’re more into getting from A to B, the regular dual will be great.

Oh, on top of all of that, with a 40 mile round trip, you might even consider a Large battery instead of a max pack. If it meets your needs, why not? (Thus, if you are looking to save money, consider a regular dual with a large pack and no AT package.)

Finally, if you love the Dune for its looks or whatever (and it’s in your budget), get the Dune! Let us know what you decide.

 

[woodcan]

Agree. You can’t go wrong. You are overthinking it and that’s good. Get what’s right for you.

I have a gen2 dual motor that I upgraded to performance. (There wasn’t a Tri option when I bought.) I loved it before and love it even more after the upgrade. Even the performance dual is overkill but that’s the fun of it.

I’d say your biggest choice is wheel set. Sounds like you might enjoy the 22”s more than the ATs for range and a quieter ride.

As for dual, dual performance, or Tri, it’s all about budget and personal preference. You really can’t go wrong.

If you enjoy driving, I would lean toward the Tri or the Dual Performance. The tri does come well loaded in addition to the extra motor. The Dual Performance is great because it has sport mode, so it handles better than the regular dual (in my opinion).

But if you’re more into getting from A to B, the regular dual will be great.

Oh, on top of all of that, with a 40 mile round trip, you might even consider a Large battery instead of a max pack. If it meets your needs, why not? (Thus, if you are looking to save money, consider a regular dual with a large pack and no AT package.)

Finally, if you love the Dune for its looks or whatever (and it’s in your budget), get the Dune! Let us know what you decide.

I think the only thing I'm set on getting at this point is the Max battery for our long trips across Texas a couple of times per year. The Rivian trip planner estimator on their site claims all R1S configurations can make with a single charging stop but stopping for 15min with Max vs 30-40min Standard/Large sounds more doable but the 10% range arrival sounds nerve-racking.

I'll definitely update with whatever I end up buying. I have an order placed for the Dune but local space manager claimed if I changed my mind they could move my deposit over in case I wanted to go Dual Max. I might have to test that statement but I'm going to think about it over the weekend.

 

[Seano]

We have both: get the Tri motor!

Driving my wife’s Gen 2 for a couple of weeks convinced me to sell my Range Rover & buy a Tri Motor Max: we are (admittedly late to the party) 2 elec vehicle household (although to be completely opaque: we keep a gas sports car and a gas station wagon).

I like the interior a bit better and I like how the Tri motor stays engaged. I really wish they’d just run the dual the same way and only disengage the back motor if you choose the economy mode or whatever it’s called. That clunk on acceleration on the highway in the dual is disconcerting.

I should also add, a big part of my computation of going 2x elec had to do with the **occasional** roadtrip when I finally realized I could either figure out the charging on trips or just rent another SUV

 

[mpshizzle]

One thing to add: if you're describing the clutch engaging as a "clunk" than there's something not right with yours. When operating as intended there's no audible sound to it AT ALL, and it feels like a slight bump in acceleration.

For me 2024.51 made the engagement more abrupt (still no sound), and 2025.6 put it back how it was before

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I'd get the tri, but that's what I bought, so I'm biased. I'm only concerned with range on a road trip where I use conserve. The tri has essentially the same motor setup as the dual in conserve with only the single front motor supplying the power, and with the max pack in decent weather, I am getting close to the advertised 400-mile range. It's a great road tripper; I just got back from a 2k-mile road trip.

Either way, it's a fine vehicle that I'm sure you'll be happy with. The resale value is the one thing I haven't seen mentioned so far. It appears the price delta between the dual you've spec'd and the tri is 3K, but I imagine the tri will hold value a little better as it's the next step up. The Dune edition might even hold value a little better as it's a limited edition.

 

[usulio]

• The combo of AT tires and Tri motor sounds like it may eat away at real world range that I was originally shooting for but how much are you actually sacrificing? I don't take EPA numbers at face value but also don't know what is a realistic expectation since so many range reviews are Gen1 or Gen2 Standard battery.

Tri - not much. AT tires -- definitely some, but the Goodyear ATs are pretty efficient if that's what you're getting, the Pirellis a bit less so (but I've done long road trips on the 34" Pirelli ATs and it's fine). You can always change out the tires.

• How much real world range can I expect on road trips in a Tri motor on the included 20" AT tires with AC running? I'm assuming conserve mode to maximize range

You can search to find a lot of threads here on this. Depends a lot on driving speed. If you keep it at 70mph, 300 mile range may be possible on Pirellis, 330 or more on Goodyears, 350 or more on efficient all-seasons. Very rough guesses.

• On road trips is the suggestion to start out at 100% then stop to charge at 20% topped up to 80%? In Texas heat how long can I expect charging stops to take?

Yeah that's pretty much the suggestion. Charging becomes very slow above 75-80%. Charging 20%-80% is adding 85 kWh (kilowatt hours). If the charging power was 85 kW it would take one hour. Twice the power (170 kW) would be half the time (30 minutes). But R1 usually can't sustain that speed. I've read to expect up to 45 minutes to charge 20%-80%. Some will advise you to start lower (10%) if possible as it charges very fast in that range.

• Do 20" all season tires give you the range back lost from the 20" ATs vs the 22" Sport tires?

Generally, from people's experience on this forum, yes. And efficiency differences between configs are 99% about the tires. Conserve mode will be just as efficient as a Dual essentially.

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