Looking for wheel size suggestion

[Chuppi]

I have checked a few threads on wheel size but I am still not sure. I am sorry if it was previously discussed.
I have a reservation for R1S and will get it in a few months. It’s going to replace my 10 year old Subaru Outback. I have no interest in off-roading. I might occasionally end up in remote camp site and that’s about it. I won’t tow but will carry bikes, SUP, kayaks etc…
My main goal is overall operational efficiency. I reserved with the 21” wheel which is most efficient. It looks like tires need to be replaced every ~20k miles. There is only one manufacturer for 21” tire and it will cost 2000$ per set.
Am I better off with 22” wheels? Even though the mileage is 5% less, there are some options for tires and I could replace at $1000 per set. Do you think there will be more options for 21” tires in the near future. I keep cars for at least 10 years and could be longer if there are no maintenance hassles.

This may not sound like a resonable question from someone buying a 80k car. I have to admit that it is a stretch for me to begin with and I just don’t want to shovel any more than necessary.
Thanks for your time.

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[connoisseurr]

I believe we’ll see more tire options in the 21” and 22” category, as more larger EVs hit the market that have higher curb weights.

Something you need to understand is that 21” wheels are less common compared to 20s and 22s, therefore tire availability and costs are usually higher priced.

 

[sub]

If range and $$ are the two most important criteria for you, get the 21's.

Looking at discount tire, I see $1,776.00 for a new set of 21's and 1,876.00 for a new set of 22's. So no savings at all. Just extra cost on top of the increased initial cost.

What are those tires that you see that are $1000 less than the the 21's? Are they from a respectable brand with an appropriate load rating? And do they have as low of rolling resistance as the OEM 22" tires? If they don't you are going to see a lot more than a 5% range loss.

Personally it seems stupid to put low performance tires on an expensive, high performance vehicle like a Rivain, but even if you are OK with 2 steps down in tire quality, I doubt you will actually save more than $500 per set. It would take 100,000 miles (more if you consider interest on the initial expense and increased fuel expenses from reduced range) to recoup the initial extra expense of the 22's.

All that is to say that from a cost perspective, it is a wash. So if the other factor that is important to you is range, the 21's are a clear winner in my opinion.

 

[CrazyOne]

If range and $$ are the two most important criteria for you, get the 21's.

Looking at discount tire, I see $1,776.00 for a new set of 21's and 1,876.00 for a new set of 22's. So no savings at all. Just extra cost on top of the increased initial cost.

What are those tires that you see that are $1000 less than the the 21's? Are they from a respectable brand with an appropriate load rating? And do they have as low of rolling resistance as the OEM 22" tires? If they don't you are going to see a lot more than a 5% range loss.

Personally it seems stupid to put low performance tires on an expensive, high performance vehicle like a Rivain, but even if you are OK with 2 steps down in tire quality, I doubt you will actually save more than $500 per set. Assuming 20K per set, it that take 100,000 miles (more if you consider interest on the initial expense and increased fuel expenses from reduced range) to recoup the initial extra expense of the 22's.

All that is to say that from a cost perspective, it is a wash. So if the other factor that is important to you is range, the 21's are a clear winner in my opinion.

Agree with this. Drive normally and 21s might even last 20k or more. Breakeven will be around 60k to 100k, if you get 20s and get cheap tires. If we get cheaper tire options before that, there will be no savings with 20s.

 

[dleepnw]

the 21s on the Rivian are and remain the only vehicle to have this specific tire size. not only does that limit options but availability. id go with the 22s or even the 20s as there are lots. of all season options in that tire size.

 

[Chuppi]

Thanks for your responses

What are those tires that you see that are $1000 less than the the 21's? Are they from a respectable brand with an appropriate load rating? And do they have as low of rolling resistance as the OEM 22" tires? If they don't you are going to see a lot more than a 5% range loss.

General Grabber HTS60 on discount tires is selling for 950$ per set. That is the cheapest and there are a few others other than the OEM. Specs including load ratings are comparable. I have checked a few other sites and there are options below 1000$. I dont know how to check or know the rolling resistance.

the 21s on the Rivian are and remain the only vehicle to have this specific tire size. not only does that limit options but availability. id go with the 22s or even the 20s as there are lots. of all season options in that tire size.

This is a very valid point. Thanks

 

[rivianUGA]

the tires on the 21s only last for 20,000 miles?

 

[Hepatightass]

I'm going to swap out my 20" tires when they're worn out with downsized 275/60R20 Pirelli all seasons. That'll get me to an overall diameter that's about the same as the 21" wheels.

But with my current 20" and factory tires, I'm averaging 2.5mi/kWh going 70mph 100mi a day. All purpose, standard height, high regen and stiff suspension settings.

 

[Chuppi]

the tires on the 21s only last for 20,000 miles?

I don’t have first hand experience but that is what I have read in the forum. It’s a heavy vehicle and there is regenerative breaking.

 

[rivianUGA]

I don’t have first hand experience but that is what I have read in the forum. It’s a heavy vehicle and there is regenerative breaking.

ok thanks. FWIW, I had the 22s on my truck that got totaled a couple weeks ago. Progressive rated the tires as “normal moderate wear with 50% tred.”
I had 18,775 miles on the truck. I’m going with the 22s again on the replacement truck

 

[Chuppi]

ok thanks. FWIW, I had the 22s on my truck that got totaled a couple weeks ago. Progressive rated the tires as “normal moderate wear with 50% tred.”
I had 18,775 miles on the truck. I’m going with the 22s again on the replacement truck

That’s good to know. Thanks. Am leaning towards 22”.

 

[rivianUGA]

That’s good to know. Thanks. Am leaning towards 22”.

I loved the way the 22s felt on the road. I liked the idea of a little better range with the 21s. But I don't like the style of the wheels as much on those. And the 22s have gotten better range over time through OTAs anyway. So it was a pretty easy choice to stick with them.

 

[usofrob]

(Waiting for my R1S). When my 21" tires wear out, my top option right now is an aftermarket or use OEM set of 20" wheels. There are A LOT of 20" tire options in the 275/60/20 (Same diameter as 21" and 22" tires.) If by then there are new tires available for the 21", then I'd consider that instead.

My largest concern is making sure the replacement tires perform well. Good tires are a significant safety feature. I'd recommend against going for cheap tires because they're cheap. The problem with the OEM 21" tires is that they seem to be a very old design, so they're like middle tier tires at top tier prices.

 

[goldburger]

But with my current 20" and factory tires, I'm averaging 2.5mi/kWh going 70mph 100mi a day. All purpose, standard height, high regen and stiff suspension settings.

?

 

[Mtbaddict]

I have the 21". They're great for efficiency, but I think the 20" wheel size is the way to go, based on:

• 20s are much easier to find A/T options if you want them.
• 20s are cheaper to replace, so you'll save $ in the long run.
• 20s have quite a few A/S options out there that are nearly as efficient as the 21s.
• The deal-breaker for me, is that if you damage a tire, you can get new 20s pretty much anywhere you are and get back on the road. If you have 21s, you're possibly looking at a multi-day delay while trying to track down an OEM replacement.
• I personally think the 20s look better.

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