Rivian’s highly anticipated 2026 quad motor pickup truck and SUV are now accepting orders, and customers can expect more than just impressive performance from the four motors delivering a combined 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque. The company has also invested heavily in software development, allowing for advanced features that set these vehicles apart.
According to Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s head of software, “The Quad is really the pinnacle of everything we’ve done so far.” This focus on software has enabled Rivian to introduce new features like “kick turn,” which allows drivers to make tight turns without having to navigate through a traditional three-point turn. The feature, which was inspired by a promoted but never-released feature called “tank turn,” uses software-powered guardrails to prevent abuse.
Rivian’s second-generation quad-motor configuration has undergone significant changes, with the company now building most major components in-house. This effort aims to reduce manufacturing costs and improve performance and appeal. The new quad-motor trim starts at $125,990 for the R1T truck and $115,990 for the R1S SUV.
The software behind these vehicles is equally impressive. Advanced torque vectoring and balancing algorithms enable real-time adjustments based on data from sensors monitoring yaw rate, steering angles, and other inputs. This allows for seamless distribution of power to each wheel electronically.
Other notable features include “RAD Tuner,” which lets users customize driving dynamics via the central touchscreen, and a launch cam feature that captures “Launch Mode” videos, allowing owners to relive their acceleration experiences. The 2026 R1T and R1S vehicles also come with the North American Charging Standard, giving owners access to Tesla’s vast network of fast chargers.
With these advanced software features, Rivian is poised to give its competitors a run for their money. As Bensaid noted, “We really give users full control through software so that they can figure their unique personality of the car.”
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/08/the-tech-behind-rivians-2026-quad-motor-truck-and-suv-and-that-kick-turn