Search for “Rivian 0–60” and you’ll see some frankly wild numbers, pickup trucks running with supercars and three‑row SUVs that can embarrass a Corvette to the next stoplight. But spec sheets only tell part of the story. If you’re deciding between an R1T truck, an R1S SUV, or waiting for the R2, you need to know what those 0–60 times actually mean in day‑to‑day driving and when you’re shopping new or used.
Rivians are genuinely quick
Even the slowest Rivian is quicker 0–60 than many V8 pickup trucks and luxury SUVs. The faster trims step into clear sports‑car territory.
Why Rivian 0–60 times matter (and when they don’t)
Acceleration is the headline number that draws many shoppers to Rivian. A sub‑3‑second 0–60 time in a family SUV sounds almost unreal, and it’s a big part of the brand’s appeal. Strong 0–60 performance makes highway merges easy, passing safer, and towing less stressful. But like any single metric, 0–60 doesn’t tell the whole story about ownership costs, range, or how the vehicle feels to live with every day.
- 0–60 is a good shorthand for overall performance and power.
- Quicker trims often come with higher prices, more complex hardware, and slightly lower range.
- For most daily driving, anything under about 5.0 seconds feels effortlessly quick.
- Launch‑mode numbers assume ideal conditions you won’t see at every traffic light.
Don’t buy on 0–60 alone
It’s tempting to jump straight to the fastest Quad‑Motor configuration. Before you do, weigh charging habits, range needs and budget. You may discover a Dual‑Motor Rivian gives you all the speed you’ll ever use for less money and more range.
Rivian R1T 0–60 times by motor and battery
The R1T pickup is where Rivian’s performance reputation started. For 2025, you can pair several motor layouts with different battery packs. Here’s how the main configurations stack up on 0–60 mph performance.
2025 Rivian R1T 0–60 times (manufacturer and test data)
Approximate 0–60 mph times for key 2025 R1T configurations. Real‑world results vary with tires, payload and conditions.
| R1T configuration | Powertrain | Est. / tested 0–60 mph | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual‑Motor | AWD dual motors, Standard or Large/Max pack | ~4.5 seconds | Strong baseline; already sports‑sedan quick. |
| Performance Dual‑Motor | More powerful dual motors, Large/Max pack | ~3.4 seconds | MotorTrend‑tested around mid‑3‑second range; feels legitimately fast. |
| Tri‑Motor | Two rear motors + one front | ~2.7–2.9 seconds | Car and Driver has recorded high‑2‑second runs in similar setups. |
| Quad‑Motor (updated) | Two motors front + two rear, Launch Mode | “Sub‑2.5 seconds” projected | Rivian targets under 2.5 seconds; that’s supercar territory for a crew‑cab truck. |
R1T 0–60 performance by motor layout and pack
How quick is an R1T, really?
Think beyond Launch Mode
Those headline 0–60 times usually require Launch Mode, warm batteries, and sticky tires. In normal drive modes, you’ll still get brisk acceleration, but not every run will match the brochure number.
Rivian R1S 0–60 times by configuration
The R1S SUV shares most of its hardware with the R1T, but the shorter body and enclosed cargo area change weight distribution and aerodynamics slightly. On the road, though, the 0–60 story is very similar: every R1S is quick, and the upper trims are shockingly fast for a three‑row family SUV.
2025 Rivian R1S 0–60 times (factory claims and tests)
Key 0–60 mph performance figures for the main 2025 R1S setups.
| R1S configuration | Powertrain | Est. / tested 0–60 mph | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual‑Motor | AWD dual motors | ~4.5 seconds | Matches the R1T; plenty for daily use. |
| Performance Dual‑Motor | More powerful dual motors | ~3.4–3.5 seconds | Manufacturer estimate; independent tests land in the mid‑3‑second range. |
| Tri‑Motor | Two rear motors + one front | ~2.8–2.9 seconds | Car and Driver has measured around 2.8 seconds to 60 mph. |
| Quad‑Motor (updated) | Four motors with Launch Mode | “~2.5 seconds” target | Projected to be a few tenths off the R1T due to extra mass. Still supercar‑level quick. |
R1S 0–60 by powertrain
Family SUV, sports‑car acceleration
At around 2.8–2.9 seconds 0–60, an R1S Tri‑Motor accelerates as quickly as many modern supercars. Yet it still offers three rows, a glass roof, and everyday practicality.
Quoted vs. real‑world Rivian 0–60 performance
If you spend enough time reading spec sheets, it’s easy to forget how those numbers are generated. Rivian’s quoted 0–60 times, and most of the magazine test numbers you see, are achieved with carefully controlled runs: Launch Mode engaged, battery at optimal temperature and charge level, traction‑friendly pavement, and a driver who knows how to extract the best from the system.
Why your Rivian might feel slower than the spec
- State of charge: At low battery levels, Rivian will dial back peak output.
- Cold weather: Batteries don’t like the cold; power delivery can soften in winter.
- Drive mode: Eco‑oriented modes tame throttle response compared with Sport or Launch.
- Payload and trailer weight: A full cabin, bed cargo or heavy trailer all add seconds.
…and why it can feel faster
- Instant torque: No gear changes or rev‑up time; acceleration is seamless.
- Silent speed: Little engine noise makes the surge feel more dramatic.
- Strong mid‑range: Passing power from 30–70 mph is immense, especially on Tri‑ and Quad‑Motor models.
- One‑pedal driving: Regen braking sharpens the feeling of responsiveness.
Respect the speed
A sub‑3‑second 0–60 time is exotic‑car performance. In a 6,000‑plus‑pound truck or SUV, that much thrust can catch drivers, and passengers, off guard. Give yourself time to get used to the acceleration before you show it off.
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What we know about Rivian R2 and R3 0–60
Rivian’s upcoming R2 and R3 models are designed to be smaller, more affordable, and more efficient than the flagship R1T and R1S. Official final 0–60 numbers are still evolving as the company heads toward full production, but Rivian has outlined the basic performance envelope.
Early performance expectations: Rivian R2 and R3
Smaller footprint, still properly quick
R2 SUV (anticipated)
Rivian has previewed dual‑ and tri‑motor R2 trims with estimated 0–60 times roughly in the mid‑3‑second range for the quickest versions, and around 4.0–4.5 seconds for more affordable dual‑motor models.
That still puts even base R2s well into “quick crossover” territory.
R3 / R3X hatchbacks
The smaller R3 family should benefit from lighter weight. Expect performance similar to, or slightly quicker than, equivalent R2 trims, especially in R3X performance guise.
Exact 0–60 numbers will depend on battery and tire choices.
Context vs. R1T/R1S
Don’t expect R2/R3 to dethrone the wildest R1T and R1S Quad‑Motor figures. Instead, think of them as more attainable versions that still outrun most gas crossovers and compact SUVs.
Timing matters
R2 and R3 production is ramping gradually. If you want super‑truck acceleration now, an R1T or R1S is your play. If you’re comfortable waiting for a smaller, lighter, slightly less extreme Rivian, keeping an eye on R2/R3 launch details makes sense.
How Rivian performance affects range, towing and tires
There’s no free lunch in physics. The same hardware that makes a Rivian leap to 60 mph in less than three seconds has ripple effects on range, towing and wear items. Understanding those trade‑offs will help you pick the right spec, and set realistic expectations, before you sign anything.
- Range: The higher‑output Tri‑ and Quad‑Motor models can draw more current under heavy acceleration, and often ride on stickier, wider tires. Driven hard, they’ll use more energy per mile than a Dual‑Motor setup on efficiency‑oriented tires.
- Towing: Extra power makes merging and passing with a trailer much less stressful, but sustained high‑load driving will still pull range down faster than unladen highway cruising.
- Tires: Performance tires sharpen 0–60 times and handling, but they also wear faster and can be more expensive to replace than all‑terrain or touring rubber.
- Braking and regen: Strong regenerative braking does a lot of work, but in spirited driving or mountainous terrain, friction brakes still handle heavy lifting and will show wear accordingly.
Drive mode = personality change
Rivian’s drive modes let you dial the truck or SUV back when you don’t need full thrust. In the real world, many owners spend most of their time in normal or efficiency‑focused modes and only tap the wild 0–60 potential for short bursts.
Using 0–60 specs when you’re shopping used Rivians
If you’re shopping the used market, where Recharged focuses, 0–60 times become part of a bigger picture. You’re not just choosing how fast the truck or SUV is when brand new; you’re also buying whatever mix of battery health, tire choice, and prior use the previous owner left behind.
How to interpret 0–60 when you buy used
Performance numbers are a clue, not the whole story
Look beyond the spec sheet
Two R1T Performance Dual‑Motor trucks might have identical factory 0–60 ratings, but very different histories. One could have spent its life towing at high speeds, the other commuting gently on 20‑inch all‑season tires.
That’s why verified battery health and service history matter more than the original brochure number.
Leverage the Recharged Score
Every used EV on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes third‑party battery diagnostics, fair‑market pricing analysis, and a clear picture of how the vehicle was used.
You get the fun of super‑quick 0–60 performance with transparency around long‑term health and running costs.
Financing fast without guesswork
If you fall for a particular R1T or R1S, Recharged can help you finance it, coordinate your trade‑in, and arrange nationwide delivery, all with EV‑savvy experts who understand how performance, battery health and pricing fit together.
Checklist: Which Rivian performance level fits you?
Match your 0–60 needs to the right Rivian
1. Be honest about how often you use full throttle
If you only “floor it” a couple of times a year, a Dual‑Motor R1T or R1S will feel more than quick enough and save you money upfront and at the plug.
2. Decide how much range you really need
If you road‑trip a lot or regularly tow at highway speeds, consider whether the slight range penalty of Tri‑ and Quad‑Motor setups is worth the extra snap off the line.
3. Think about passengers and cargo
Launching an SUV to 60 mph in under three seconds is fun for drivers, but not always for kids, pets, or motion‑sensitive passengers. Smooth, strong acceleration may be a better everyday fit.
4. Factor in tire and brake costs
Performance‑oriented trims often wear through tires and friction brakes faster if driven aggressively. Build a realistic maintenance budget into your decision.
5. Consider future resale
Range‑friendly, well‑balanced specs typically appeal to a wider pool of second and third owners, which can support stronger resale value versus super‑niche performance builds.
6. Test‑drive more than one configuration
Numbers on a page are one thing. A back‑to‑back drive of Dual‑Motor vs. Performance Dual‑Motor, ideally over the same route, will tell you instantly whether the step up is worth it for you.
Rivian 0–60 FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Rivian 0–60 times
Bottom line: picking the right Rivian for how you drive
Rivian’s 0–60 figures are more than marketing, these trucks and SUVs really are that quick. The important question is not whether an R1T, R1S or upcoming R2 can put a smile on your face (they absolutely can), but how much performance you’ll genuinely use and what trade‑offs you’re comfortable making in price, range and running costs.
If you’re cross‑shopping specific used Rivian listings, pairing the numbers here with a Recharged Score Report is a powerful way to cut through the hype. You’ll know not only how fast the vehicle was when new, but also how healthy its battery is today, whether the price reflects real‑world market data, and what to expect over the long haul. That’s how you turn astonishing 0–60 performance into a smart, confident EV purchase, whether you’re buying online, working with our EV‑specialist team, or visiting the Recharged Experience Center in Richmond, VA.
