All-Season vs. All-Terrain Tires. Ride quality opinions wanted!

[ksurfier]

Just test drove with the 21s. I didn’t note any major issues, but I’d definitely want to test the 20s before deciding. The Rivian staff member noted the limited options but wasn’t able to really describe any performance differences between the two. 20s look a lot better in my opinion…

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[Millbarge]

Or just pick the 20” “all-terrain” of the launch/performance and replace the BFG tires with AS of your liking. Again, these BFGs are not ATs. They are not as loud or inefficient as real ATs. People are making too much fuss over it being called “all terrain” by Rivian. It’s just a name for the tire/wheel package.

If R2 Premium, the 20” Bicolor Carbon. Then replace the overly expensive Pirelli MS with a better alternative.

I replaced the tires on my car this year with Pirelli "all weather" Cinturato Weather Active tires which have a more aggressive tread than regular all season (the look like winter tires but aren't). They are noticeably louder than my OEM tires. (although for comparison, the Michelin Cross Climate's on my wife's car are very quiet). So even tho the BFGs are not true AT tires, with the more aggressive tread, I would expect them to be louder than standard all seasons. So if that is someone's priority, it's something to check out before purchasing.

 

[Mos Eisley]

the Michelin Cross Climate's

Greatest mainstream tire ever made. I have them on my Mazda and have had four sets over the years. Wish they made then for EV's/Rivian.

 

[Jeremy3292]

Greatest mainstream tire ever made. I have them on my Mazda and have had four sets over the years. Wish they made then for EV's/Rivian.

Lots of people put them on Model Y's, must not be available in Rivian sizes yet.

 

[daeHelkcunK]

I won't be doing any heavy off-road driving in the R2 for now, so I was going to get the All-Season tires which add some more range. As I got thinking though, the range discrepancy isn't that great and the 20" AT tires might offer a better ride.

How is your experience with either set of tires on the R2?

Thanks--

You'll notice a significant difference in noise and steering wheel feel. I've had 2 R1's with AT's and one with the 21" road tires and the road tires are far smoother, quieter and more responsive handing wise. The AT absorb heavier pot holes better and I think look better (wider and taller) but they definitely are louder (particularly the Pirelli Scorpions with 12,000+ miles) The range is also better with the skinnier road tires by a considerable amount. The road tires allow for faster acceleration as they seem to hook up better despite having a narrower foot print.

 

[Jeremy3292]

You'll notice a significant difference in noise and steering wheel feel. I've had 2 R1's with AT's and one with the 21" road tires and the road tires are far smoother, quieter and more responsive handing wise. The AT absorb heavier pot holes better and I think look better (wider and taller) but they definitely are louder (particularly the Pirelli Scorpions with 12,000+ miles) The range is also better with the skinnier road tires by a considerable amount. The road tires allow for faster acceleration as they seem to hook up better despite having a narrower foot print.

Tbf the R2 doesn't have aggressive AT tires. They aren't even 3PMSF rated. They're very mild and a special Rivian compound.

 

[gecko10x]

Greatest mainstream tire ever made. I have them on my Mazda and have had four sets over the years. Wish they made then for EV's/Rivian.

Have been running them on our TM3 and TMY for years.

 

[Mos Eisley]

Have been running them on our TM3 and TMY for years.

No idea if Michelin is even thinking about it or, if the size requirements can be engineered to maintain the CC2's best traits - but they're awesome tires. The only set I did not get more than 80k on was due to damage.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I replaced the tires on my car this year with Pirelli "all weather" Cinturato Weather Active tires which have a more aggressive tread than regular all season (the look like winter tires but aren't). They are noticeably louder than my OEM tires. (although for comparison, the Michelin Cross Climate's on my wife's car are very quiet). So even tho the BFGs are not true AT tires, with the more aggressive tread, I would expect them to be louder than standard all seasons. So if that is someone's priority, it's something to check out before purchasing.

Didn’t say all-weather tires are as quiet as AS. What I said is they are not as loud as AT or MT. The tires with greater voids in their treads is what gives them more bite off-pavement. These voids make them less round and less smooth rolling. These voids increase rolling resistance and lower efficiency. Being less rounded and less smooth, they produce noise. And pending tread design, produce different harmonics/tones. So, like AT and MT (and even AS), different brands/models sound different. The crux of problem is people are seeing that Rivian calls the BFG “all terrain” and immediately assume it is a AT, along with all associated drawbacks. When in fact it is a soft-roader tire designed specifically for soft-roaders who spend most, if not all, of their operational life on-pavement.

Again, R2’s “all-terrain” option is not a AT. Rivian calls it that because it is indeed more off-road-ish compared to the AS. Research and read reviews on the BFG tire before writing it off. And know that when it’s time to ditch them, there are already many alternative options, in price and capability, that Rivian is not offering as original equipment. And tires do not last forever. There’s no logical reason to get bogged down on which factory tire to option. Wheel size is a greater factor, since they typically cost more to replace (and shouldn’t need replacement unless damage or personal choice). Get/buy the “right” wheel one time, instead of spending twice. Factory original tires are generally high-volume, low-production-cost variants of models they represent. They are write-offs.

 

[Millbarge]

Didn’t say all-weather tires are as quiet as AS. What I said is they are not as loud as AT or MT. The tires with greater voids in their treads is what gives them more bite off-pavement. These voids make them less round and less smooth rolling. These voids increase rolling resistance and lower efficiency. Being less rounded and less smooth, they produce noise. And pending tread design, produce different harmonics/tones. So, like AT and MT (and even AS), different brands/models sound different. The crux of problem is people are seeing that Rivian calls the BFG “all terrain” and immediately assume it is a AT, along with all associated drawbacks. When in fact it is a soft-roader tire designed specifically for soft-roaders who spend most, if not all, of their operational life on-pavement.

Again, for TLDR sake, R2’s “all-terrain” option is not a AT. Research and read reviews on the BFG tire before writing it off. And know that when it’s time to ditch them, there are already many alternative options, in price and capability, that Rivian is not offering as original equipment. And tires do not last forever. There’s no logical reason to get bogged down on which factory tire to option. Wheel size is a greater factor, since they typically cost more to replace (and shouldn’t need replacement unless damage or personal choice). Get/buy the “right” wheel one time, instead of spending twice.

I didn't opine at all on the BFG's off road capabilities. I just suggested that they would probably be louder than a conventional all season tire. I don't know for sure, and anyone getting them solely because they want 20" and have no off road desire should do a little homework before pulling the trigger. Like, for example, if you are coming out of a Jeep Wrangler 4xe....well the BFGs are probably already quieter than what you are used to anyway.....

 

[R2D2TOO]

Just my opinion, my money is on younger brands competing for market share with long established brands. The ones who can charge more, solely on established brand equity, and can get away with it. I work in advertising. Brands spend $ on marketing to build brand equity, so they can ultimately be able to sell more and charge more. As a consumer, if I can get a tire that does the job just as well from a smaller/younger challenger brand, but for less $, I am going to choose to spend less because I believe in value over brand loyalty. Because I know brand loyalty is built on impressions and coercion (rarely built on brand actions, as in things done to benefit customers).

I agree that many folks are swayed by advertising. In my case, I have become convinced that MIchelin is my best choice of tire from years of personal experience on multiple vehicles.

 

[Millbarge]

I agree that many folks are swayed by advertising. In my case, I have become convinced that MIchelin is my best choice of tire from years of personal experience on multiple vehicles.

a lot of people just reflexively get Michelins. but for me, I always look at the Tire Rack ratings charts for the tire, and for the category. this will show why just blind loyalty to a brand isn't the best idea. some Michelin tires are clearly at the top of the ratings charts; others are definitely not

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