Buyer Beware: R2 21" Wheels - No tires options other than OEMs

[dleepnw]

In case you weren't aware, the 21" wheels on the R2 have 255/55R21 tires. I did a search online and did not find a single tire option other than the OEM Pirelli Scorpion MS. Those run ~$450 each. You'll have basically zero options unless/until other manufacturers make this size.

Similar situation happened with the R1 21" wheels 275/55R21 and it took years for other options to become available. Still only have 4-5 options.

Dozens of 255/55R20 tire options for the 20" wheels on the R2. Something to consider when making your purchase.

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[Shaqdeez]

On a mass market vehicle.. What a not so smart decision.

 

[McLovin]

Why would other manufacturers rush to put out tires for something when it’s at least 2 years before the majority of people will need them?

 

[DaveA]

I’ll worry about this in 3-4 yrs.

 

[ndmiller]

Same thing happened with R1. I get 2.6m/kwh with my Michelin Defenders that were out before I needed to replace the garbage Pirelli's.

FWIW a 275/50/21 is close in diameter with a Defender and Geolander available. Just a bit of research to get the facts.

 

[rodhx]

This was discussed immediately after we knew the tire sizes. Similar situation existed in 2022 with the R1 21s and 20" ATs but options followed.

This is also in no way unique to Rivian. There have been many cars released with no tire alternatives.

 

[kurtlikevonnegut]

Same thing happened with R1. I get 2.6m/kwh with my Michelin Defenders that were out before I needed to replace the garbage Pirelli's.

FWIW a 275/50/21 is close in diameter with a Defender and Geolander available. Just a bit of research to get the facts.

Bigger issue for me was that the Pirelli AS tires were and had no treadwear warranty. Replacing a $450 tire at 30k miles wasn't great.

The Defenders I have on now have clocked 40k miles with better efficiency and still have plenty of depth.

 

[Mos Eisley]

This has been true/known for a long time and was true for R1 as well.

Forum contriubtor @RivianTrackr has had this handy tire research tool available for some time.

Additionally, there are several threads here in Rivian Forums discussing "which wheel, the 20" or 21" should I choose including these 15 pages and the merits and looks of the various wheel sizes, the "compromise" of paying $1000 more for the 20's that are only AT's for OEM and swapping to AS' and whether or not the Pirelli's treadwear holds up etc.

 

[Raptor911]

Why would other manufacturers rush to put out tires for something when it’s at least 2 years before the majority of people will need them?

That is not the point. Most OEMs will pick a size tire that is readily available and thus allowing customers more than 1 choice when it comes time to replacing their tires.

 

[Redline]

By the time most of them need to be replaced, there will be options.

 

[babylou]

That is not the point. Most OEMs will pick a size tire that is readily available and thus allowing customers more than 1 choice when it comes time to replacing their tires.

No, they do not.

 

[NY_Rob]

Dozens of 255/55R20 tire options for the 20" wheels on the R2. Something to consider when making your purchase.

Thanks for the heads-up!

Probably better off with the 20's anyway... deeper tread, longer life, better ride, and more importantly: they look cooler

 

[Raptor911]

20" runs 255/60/20s right?

Where did 255/55R20 come from?

Dozens of 255/55R20 tire options for the 20" wheels on the R2. Something to consider when making your purchase.

 

[ksurfier]

Serious question is this R1 21” tires version 2.0? Rivian offers 21”, only one tire options is available, everyone buys aftermarket 20” rims and sells the 21” for nothing, and finally Rivian discontinues 21” option…is it possible that this is a supply lever they pull to produce/deliver more vehicles?

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