What the Rivian Performance Upgrade Does
Rivian's Performance Upgrade is a factory option that increases the power output and acceleration of R1T and R1S vehicles by adding a third motor and recalibrating the battery management system. The upgrade moves the base dual-motor setup to a tri-motor configuration, raising total output from around 533 horsepower to approximately 850 horsepower, and cuts the 0-60 time from roughly 6.1 seconds to around 3.0 seconds. This is not a software update applied after purchase — it is a hardware change ordered at the time of configuration and built into the vehicle during manufacturing.
The upgrade also affects how the vehicle distributes power across its wheels. The additional motor drives the front axle independently, giving the truck better traction control and allowing for what Rivian calls "tank turn" capability — the ability to rotate nearly in place by driving wheels in opposite directions. Owners cannot retrofit this upgrade after taking delivery; the decision must be made during the initial order process.
Key Takeaways
- The Performance Upgrade adds a third motor and increases horsepower from 533 to approximately 850, cutting 0-60 acceleration time to around 3.0 seconds.
- This is a hardware upgrade ordered at configuration time, not a software patch that can be added later.
- The third motor enables independent front-axle control and tank turn capability for off-road maneuverability.
- The upgrade increases vehicle weight and reduces EPA-estimated range by roughly 10 to 15 percent compared to the dual-motor version.
- Pricing and availability vary by model year and current production status, so checking Rivian's configurator directly shows what is offered for your region.
How the Three-Motor System Changes Performance
Adding a motor to the front axle fundamentally changes how power reaches the ground. The base R1T and R1S use two motors — one on each rear wheel — which Rivian calls the Dual Motor setup. The Performance Upgrade replaces this with three motors: one on each rear wheel and one on the front axle that can drive both front wheels independently or together.
This architecture allows the truck to explore torque to all four wheels without a traditional transfer case or locking differentials. Each motor can be controlled separately, which means the vehicle's computer can send full power to one front wheel and zero to the other, enabling the truck to pivot around its center. On road, this translates to faster acceleration and more responsive handling during cornering because the front motor can adjust its output in real time as the driver steers.
The performance gains are measurable but not extreme. Rivian publishes 0-60 times and horsepower figures, but real-world acceleration depends on road surface, tire grip, and how the driver uses the accelerator. The truck will feel noticeably quicker off the line, especially in the first two seconds, but the difference narrows at highway speeds where aerodynamics and gearing matter more than raw motor count.
Range, Weight, and Efficiency Trade-offs
Adding a motor adds weight — roughly 200 to 300 pounds depending on the model year and configuration. Heavier vehicles consume more energy to move the same distance, so EPA-estimated range drops when you choose the Performance Upgrade. Rivian's published figures show a reduction of approximately 10 to 15 percent compared to the Dual Motor version, though the exact number varies by battery size and model year.
A Dual Motor R1T with the larger battery might be rated for around 320 miles of range, while the same truck with the Performance Upgrade would be rated closer to 270 to 290 miles. This is not a flaw in the upgrade — it is a direct consequence of the added weight and the extra motor drawing power. Owners who prioritize range over acceleration should stick with the Dual Motor option.
Charging speed is not affected by the Performance Upgrade. Both versions use the same onboard charger and can accept the same DC fast-charging speeds when plugged into a Rivian Adventure Network charger or third-party network. The difference is purely in how far you can go on a full charge.
Ordering and Configuration Timing
The Performance Upgrade must be selected during the initial vehicle configuration on Rivian's website or through a Rivian showroom. Once an order is placed with the Dual Motor option, switching to Performance Upgrade typically requires canceling and reordering, which may affect your place in the production queue and delivery timeline.
Rivian's production capacity and order backlog change frequently, so availability of the Performance Upgrade varies by region and model year. Some periods see the upgrade offered on all trims; other times it may be limited to specific configurations or unavailable entirely. Checking the live configurator on Rivian's website shows exactly what is available for your location and desired delivery timeframe.
Pricing for the upgrade has ranged from approximately $10,000 to $15,000 depending on model year and market conditions, but this figure should be verified through Rivian's current pricing, as it changes with production updates and regional availability.
Off-Road Capability and Tank Turn
The independent front motor enables a feature Rivian calls tank turn, which allows the vehicle to rotate in place by driving the front wheels in opposite directions while the rear wheels do the same. This is useful in tight off-road situations where traditional three-point turns are not possible, such as navigating narrow canyon trails or backing out of a dead-end fire road.
Tank turn is not a daily-driving feature — it is an off-road tool that requires specific terrain and driver intent to use safely. Activating it through the vehicle's touchscreen locks the steering and applies opposing torque to the wheels, causing the truck to pivot. On pavement, this maneuver can damage tires and the drivetrain, so Rivian's software prevents it from engaging on high-traction surfaces.
Beyond tank turn, the three-motor setup improves traction control on uneven terrain because each wheel can be powered independently. If one wheel loses grip on a rock or in mud, the system can when ready reduce power to that wheel and increase it to the others, maintaining forward momentum without the driver needing to adjust throttle or steering.
Comparing Performance Upgrade to Dual Motor
| Feature | Dual Motor | Performance Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Count | 2 (rear axle) | 3 (front + rear) |
| Horsepower | ~533 | ~850 |
| 0-60 Time | ~6.1 seconds | ~3.0 seconds |
| EPA Range (approx.) | 320 miles | 270–290 miles |
| Tank Turn | No | Yes |
| Weight Increase | Baseline | +200–300 lbs |
| Typical Price Difference | Baseline | +$10,000–$15,000 |
Real-World Driving Differences
On highways and city streets, the Performance Upgrade makes the truck feel more responsive during acceleration and lane changes. The added front-motor control means the vehicle can adjust power delivery more finely when cornering, reducing understeer and giving the driver more confidence in tight maneuvers. However, these differences are most noticeable during spirited driving; in normal commuting, both versions feel capable and smooth.
Towing and payload capacity are not affected by the Performance Upgrade. Both versions have the same structural limits and can tow the same maximum weight. The extra power does not translate to higher towing capacity because the limiting factor is the frame and suspension, not motor output.
Cold-weather performance may show a slight advantage with the Performance Upgrade because the independent front motor can modulate traction more precisely on snow and ice. However, both versions include all-wheel drive and traction control, so the difference is marginal in most winter conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add the Performance Upgrade after I take delivery?
No. The upgrade requires a third motor to be installed during manufacturing, which cannot be retrofitted. If you order a Dual Motor truck and later want the Performance Upgrade, you would need to place a new order and take delivery of a new vehicle.
Does the Performance Upgrade require different maintenance?
The three-motor system uses the same coolant, brake fluid, and tire specifications as the Dual Motor version. Maintenance intervals and procedures are identical. Rivian has not published different service schedules for the two configurations.
How much does the Performance Upgrade actually cost?
Pricing has ranged from approximately $10,000 to $15,000 in recent model years, but Rivian adjusts pricing based on production capacity and demand. The exact price for your configuration is shown in the live configurator on Rivian's website.
Will the Performance Upgrade make my truck faster at towing?
The extra power helps the truck accelerate more quickly when towing, but maximum towing capacity is the same for both versions. The upgrade improves how the truck feels during acceleration with a trailer attached, but does not increase how much weight it can pull.
Is the Performance Upgrade worth it if I mostly drive on highways?
That depends on your priorities. If acceleration and off-road capability matter to you, the upgrade is worth considering. If you prioritize range and rarely use full throttle, the Dual Motor version offers better efficiency and lower cost with no meaningful disadvantage for highway driving.