The U.S.-based electric car maker has released a very informative video highlighting the differences between the eight drive modes offered by its R1T truck, as well as the best use scenarios for them.
A quad-motor top spec with a combined power output of 835 PS (823 hp / 614 kW) was chosen for the demo. By its design, the vehicle offers as many as four ‘asphalt’ drive modes, including All-Purpose, Conserve (to improve range), Towing (self-explanatory), and Sport (more agility, but less range).
The Sport mode sees the body drop down to 267 mm (10.4 inches) of ground clearance and the shocks and stabilizers become stiffer. Regenerative brake switches to Medium setting, enabling the truck to cook up drift donuts even on plain asphalt.
The Off-Road Drift and Off-Road Rally presets are designed for sideways movement in tricky situations and general off-road driving, respectively. The former mode lifts the body to 302 mm (11.8 inches) of clearance and switches off stabilization. The latter favors balanced settings.
Finally, there is a Rock Crawl mode and the Auto mode. The former raises the truck to 342 mm (13.35 inches), maxes out regenerative braking and enables 100% of the stabilization features, resulting in a secure and smooth driving over coarse terrain. The Auto preset is an all-rounder like the All-Purpose, with the main exception being its much softer suspension settings.
As a side note, the maximum clearance for the Rivian R1T is stated as 392 mm (15.3 inches). Since no preset uses it, it is most likely a setting that drivers will have to override manually if they need every inch of ride height.