Would you go with 20" wheels or 21" wheels on Launch Edition R2?

[Eric9610]

Three sets of tires - which should be ten plus years of driving. Unless I am missing something.

I do a set a year. I average about 20k miles per year. the stock 21's did not even last me 13k miles... My 20's with Defenders will get 45-50k out of 1 set. Not to mention the better drive and road noise reduction.

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[daeHelkcunK]

I'm a bit torn here and would appreciate some perspective from R1 folks.

I'm going to jump at the Launch Edition first change I get, but I'm debating which wheels to go with.

The 21's might feel more "sporty" and planted, which could be nice for the Performance trim, but replacement tires are limited and expensive.

The 20's have plentiful replacement options and might ride more comfortably (and survive NJ potholes better!), but they might lack some of the sporty feel of the 21's.

Right now I'm leaning towards the 20's for the practical / comfort reasons, but I'm still considering the 21's if they make the car feel more "fun" on the road in a way that justifies the extra expense.

Anyone have any experiences they can share about 20's vs 21's on performance-specced Rivian's?

I've had R1S with 20 and 21's. The 21 was more of a raid tire and had better range and was quieter. The 20's are more off-road worthy and absorb more road imperfections. The 20 inch wheel with AT tires also have a slightly bigger diameter and IMO look better on an off roadish vehicle

 

[Sempervirens]

I have 22"s and 21"s on my Gen 1 R1S.

100% get 20". Trust me bruh. J/K but I have driven loaners with 20" and wish I had them every time.

 

[Bippie]

Minority opinion, but I’ll go with the size that provides the best range. Looks like that will be 21s. I made the same decision on my R1S. Happy that Michelin has a 21 inch replacement. If only those were available as original equipment…

 

[shamoo]

Unpopular comment:

The 22" tire (on an R1) is far from a low profile IMO. While it is mathematically lower than the 20", it is plenty fat compared to true low profile tires which are often 35 series or less.

If your preference is comfort or aesthetics, sure, get what you want. But pointing to possible wheel damage as the reason is silly. Be more attentive when driving.

But anyway, the topic is the R2. For the OP, I'd recommend the 20" wheel choice since it gives you better options for all terrain (or RT/MT) tire in the future if you decide to take the R2 off the beaten path. It is an adventure vehicle after all. I don't think the 21" wheel will change the dynamics significantly. It would be better to get a more performance oriented tire on the 20" and swap out to all terrains when you need to. Places like Discount/America's Tire will do it for free.

 

[dfairris]

A representative at the Denver unveiling of the R2 told me the 20" AT was an option for $3k extra. He mentioned undercoating as well, and so maybe the $3k was for the 20" tires and other improvements as well. He was not clear on this.

 

[tkauftheil]

All very interesting. Personally it a toss. My bigger question regarding wheels and tires is if the compact spare that I have for my R1S (gen2) will fit the R2’s lug. Be nice if it did to same $700.

 

[tivoboy]

I would go 20” for more choices, but should a similar wheel in a 20” vs. a 21” and similar AS tires, get BETTER mileage? Less weight, less unsprung weight, etc. slightly higher profile, means less surface friction.

 

[MWrig]

21's don't have a lot of tire options, so 20" would be the most compatible across a wider variety of tire variants.

This was a huge issue for early R1 deliveries that opted for the 21" range wheel and tire option. Only Pirelli supported it.

Michelin has Defenders at 21”. Had them for over a year. GREAT Tires. Quiet and wear great. My better than OEM Pirelli.

 

[MWrig]

Until tire industry catches up, there is only one tire option in 225/55R21. The stock tire.

Michelin has Defenders at 21”. Had them for over a year. GREAT Tires. Quiet and wear great. My better than OEM Pirelli

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Michelin has Defenders at 21”. Had them for over a year. GREAT Tires. Quiet and wear great. My better than OEM Pirelli

NOT for the size R2 runs, which appears to be actually 255/55R21. Previous statement regarding lack of options, remains true. Until tire industry catches on, the factory Pirelli MS is the only tire available. https://riviantrackr.com/rivian-tire-guide/?vehicle=R2&size=255/55R21

 

[Eric9610]

I have to say at $3k for the 20" I am going to stay with the 21's then buy aftermarket.

 

[CarseatHeadrest]

I would consider the 20" AT option ONLY if it's reasonably priced - no more than $1500. Otherwise, I'll stick with the 21" and better range and hope there will be more 21" tire options coming soon.

 

[Great Gatsby]

I have to say at $3k for the 20" I am going to stay with the 21's then buy aftermarket.

Was thinking the same thing. Under $2k, maybe. $3K? I can live with the 21s.

 

[sparked]

I have to say at $3k for the 20" I am going to stay with the 21's then buy aftermarket.

I thought this too, but I think I would hold off on jumping to conclusions since that is just an isolated rumor without all the details and context. Let's see it on paper.

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