What You Can Choose When Building a 2025 Rivian R1S
The 2025 Rivian R1S comes in three trim levels — Dual Motor, Tri Motor, and Quad Motor — each with different powertrains, seating capacity, and price points. You choose your trim first, then layer on options like wheel size, interior materials, roof style, and technology packages. Rivian's configurator on their website walks you through these choices in order, showing real-time pricing as you add or remove features.
The base Dual Motor starts with two motors (one per axle), while Tri Motor and Quad Motor add a third or fourth motor for increased power and towing capacity. All three trims seat seven passengers across three rows, though the third row is tighter in the Dual Motor. Battery size is fixed within each trim — you cannot downgrade to a smaller battery to lower the price.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 R1S offers three powertrains: Dual Motor (two motors), Tri Motor (three motors), and Quad Motor (four motors), with Quad Motor delivering the most power and towing capacity.
- All trims include seven-passenger seating, but third-row legroom increases with higher trims and the optional third-row seat delete frees up cargo space.
- Wheel options range from 20-inch to 22-inch, with different tire compounds affecting range and ride comfort.
- Interior choices include leather, vegan leather, or textile upholstery, plus a choice between a fixed glass roof or a panoramic sunroof.
- Technology packages add features like the premium audio system, enhanced driver information, and over-the-air software updates that come standard on all trims.
Dual Motor, Tri Motor, and Quad Motor: What Changes Between Trims
The Dual Motor is the entry-level powertrain with 533 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds and has an EPA-estimated range of around 320 miles on a full charge. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. This trim is the most affordable and sufficient for daily driving and moderate towing.
The Tri Motor adds a third motor on the front axle, raising output to 665 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration improves to roughly 3.5 seconds to 60 mph, and towing capacity jumps to 7,700 pounds. Range drops slightly to around 310 miles because the extra motor adds weight, though the increase in capability often justifies the trade-off for buyers who tow regularly.
The Quad Motor places two motors on each axle for 835 horsepower and 1,025 lb-ft of torque. It reaches 60 mph in approximately 3.0 seconds and tows up to 7,700 pounds — the same as Tri Motor, since towing is limited by the vehicle's frame and suspension rather than motor count. Range is similar to Tri Motor at around 310 miles. Quad Motor is the performance choice and the most expensive option.
Battery Size, Range, and Charging Speed
Rivian does not break out battery capacity in kilowatt-hours on their configurator, but EPA range estimates tell you what to expect. The Dual Motor achieves the longest range at approximately 320 miles, while Tri Motor and Quad Motor both deliver around 310 miles. These figures assume highway driving under standard conditions; real-world range varies with weather, terrain, and driving style.
All 2025 R1S models charge at the same rate on a Level 2 home charger (240 volts), adding roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. DC fast charging at a public station adds 200 miles in approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions. Charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity, a normal behavior in electric vehicles. The difference between trims is negligible for charging time.
If range is your primary concern, the Dual Motor is the logical choice. If you tow frequently or want maximum acceleration, the Tri Motor or Quad Motor makes sense despite the slight range penalty. Most owners find that real-world driving patterns — shorter daily commutes with occasional longer trips — mean range is rarely a limiting factor once you understand your vehicle's capabilities.
Seating, Interior Materials, and Cargo Space
All three trims seat seven passengers by default: two in front, three in the second row, and two in the third row. The second row has captain's chairs (individual seats with a center console) or a bench seat, depending on your choice. The third row is best suited for children or short trips; adult passengers will find legroom tight, particularly in the Dual Motor.
You can delete the third-row seat entirely, converting that space to additional cargo room. This option is useful if you rarely carry more than five passengers and want the extra storage for gear or luggage. Cargo space with all seats in place is 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 135.9 cubic feet with all rear seats removed.
Interior upholstery choices are leather, vegan leather (a synthetic material), or textile. Leather is the most durable for high-traffic areas and easiest to clean, though it requires conditioning to prevent cracking. Vegan leather offers a similar look with easier maintenance and lower cost. Textile is the most affordable and provides good grip but shows dirt more readily. All materials are available across all three trims.
The roof comes as either a fixed glass panel or a panoramic sunroof that opens. The panoramic sunroof adds cost and reduces headroom slightly but provides more light and a sense of openness. The fixed glass roof is standard and offers a cleaner aesthetic with no moving parts to maintain.
Wheels, Tires, and Exterior Finishes
Wheel options are 20-inch, 21-inch, or 22-inch, with different designs available at each size. Larger wheels look more aggressive but reduce range slightly because they are heavier and create more rolling resistance. Tire compound also matters: all-season tires are standard, but some configurations offer performance tires that improve handling at the cost of shorter tread life and reduced range.
Paint colors include solid options like Solid Black, Pearl White Multi-Coat, and Stealth Grey, plus metallic finishes like Midnight Chrome and Forest Green. Metallic paints cost more and require more careful washing to avoid swirl marks, but they hide dirt better than solid colors. The choice is purely aesthetic and does not affect performance or range.
Exterior trim pieces — door handles, window surrounds, and roof rails — come in either body color or a contrasting dark finish. Body color creates a seamless look, while the dark finish adds visual contrast and is easier to keep clean since it does not show dust as readily.
Technology Packages and Driver information Features
All 2025 R1S models include over-the-air software updates, a 15.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration, and standard driver information features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping information. These features come at no extra cost across all trims.
Optional packages add a premium audio system (a Meridian system with additional speakers and amplification), enhanced driver information (adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree camera view), and a head-up display that projects speed and navigation onto the windshield. These packages are available on all three trims and can be added or removed independently.
The enhanced driver information package is worth considering if you spend significant time on highways or in heavy traffic, as it reduces driver fatigue. The premium audio system appeals mainly to audiophiles; the standard system is adequate for most listeners. The head-up display is a convenience feature that some drivers find essential and others never use.
Pricing and How Configuration Affects Total Cost
The 2025 Dual Motor starts at a lower price point than Tri Motor, which costs more than Dual Motor but less than Quad Motor. Adding wheels, interior upgrades, and technology packages increases the price incrementally. A fully loaded Quad Motor with all options costs significantly more than a base Dual Motor.
The configurator shows the price impact of each choice in real time, so you can see exactly how much each option adds. Common cost drivers are the Quad Motor powertrain (several thousand dollars more than Dual Motor), the panoramic sunroof, larger wheels, and technology packages. Leather upholstery and paint color upgrades add smaller amounts.
Destination charges and taxes are not included in the configurator price and vary by location. Delivery timelines also vary; as of early 2025, wait times for custom orders range from a few weeks to several months depending on powertrain and options selected. Checking Rivian's website for current delivery estimates is important before finalizing your configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the battery size on a Dual Motor to get more range?
No. Battery size is fixed within each trim level and cannot be changed. If range is your priority, the Dual Motor offers the longest EPA estimate at approximately 320 miles. If you need more power or towing capacity, you must move to Tri Motor or Quad Motor, which have slightly lower range but include other benefits.
What is the difference between captain's chairs and a bench seat in the second row?
Captain's chairs are two individual seats with a center console between them, offering more privacy and easier access to the third row. A bench seat is a single continuous seat for three passengers, providing more seating flexibility but less comfort for the center passenger. Choose captain's chairs if you typically carry fewer than five passengers; choose the bench if you regularly need to seat three in the second row.
Does choosing a larger wheel size significantly reduce range?
Larger wheels reduce range by a small amount — typically 5 to 10 miles of EPA range — because they are heavier and create more rolling resistance. The difference is noticeable over long trips but not dramatic for daily driving. Choose wheel size based on the look you prefer; the range penalty is minor compared to driving habits and weather conditions.
Is the panoramic sunroof worth the extra cost?
That depends on your priorities. The sunroof adds light and a sense of openness but costs extra, reduces headroom slightly, and introduces moving parts that may require maintenance. If you value natural light and spend time in the vehicle enjoying the view, it is worth considering. If you rarely notice the roof or prefer maximum headroom, the fixed glass panel is the practical choice.
Can I change my configuration after I place an order?
Changes to configuration are possible early in the order process, but once production begins, modifications become difficult or impossible. Contact Rivian directly through your account to discuss changes; the sooner you request them, the more likely they can be accommodated. Delivery timelines may shift if you make significant changes.