Rivian Tri Max
Three all-new Rivian-designed motors — the first time Quad-class hardware has been replaced entirely by Rivian in-house units. Gen 2 motor architecture is oil-cooled throughout. Combined output 634 kW / 850 hp. No more Bosch assemblies anywhere in the drivetrain. The third motor (rear center) adds torque density without the full complexity of four-corner control. Wiring harness reduced from 1.6 miles to less time under the hood — ECU count dropped from 17 to 7. Max battery: up to 401 miles range, faster DC charging. The Rebelle Rally data that fed into Soft Sand mode updates is baked into the software stack at launch. Early Gen 2 deliveries generated HVAC failure headlines and body quality complaints — typical Rivian launch exposure. Factory warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles vehicle, 8 years/175,000 miles powertrain.
Three in-house motors. Seven seats. 401 miles.
The Gen 2 R1S is the first R1S that doesn't require significant tolerance for early-adopter risk. Three all-Rivian motors, 634 kW, Gen1 HVAC and build quality issues largely addressed. The Adventure Network now has outposts at Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and along the Blue Ridge Parkway — the charging infrastructure is starting to match the vehicle's actual use case. The headlight recall 25V-085 is the known exposure on early Gen2 production.
Engine Weaknesses 2
NHTSA Recall 25V-085 affects 17,260 R1T and R1S vehicles from 2025. Incorrectly configured headlight control modules from supplier OPmobility may not illuminate on cold startup. Affects vehicles built April 29, 2024 through February 3, 2025. Rivian replaces control modules at no cost.
Symptoms: One or both low beams fail to light on cold startup
Too early for reliable long-term data. Individual reports of failures on new Gen2 vehicles. Same process as Gen1: complete unit replacement under warranty.
Symptoms: System warning, power reduction
Vehicle Weaknesses 4
Isolated reports of complete HVAC system failure on early Gen2 R1S vehicles. Some cases required complete HVAC system replacement with parts sometimes on backorder. Typical launch-production teething issue for a heavily revised model.
Same recall as Gen1 R1S. Affects 2025 vehicles that had suspension work before March 2025. Free repair.
Particularly critical in the R1S with three rows: children in the third row cannot operate the hidden emergency release during power loss. Rivian has committed to redesigning this for the R2. Interim fix: tie paracord to the release cable.
Gen2 R1S has the same electromagnetic door handle system as the R1T. Squeaks on actuation. Rivian acknowledges the problem and is working on replacement handles.
