Ride differences/characteristics between 20" and 22" wheels?

[atR1S]

I know there are many factors at play, but if someone has sufficient experience driving an R1S with 20" wheels as well as one with 22" wheels, can you tell me how the driving/riding experience compares between the 2?

I have a launch edition R1T with 20" wheels and BFG all terrain tires. My wife drives a 2023 R1S with 20" wheels and the Pirelli Scorpions.

I am considering trading the R1T in for a 2025 R1S. I like the look of 22" range wheels enough to consider them. My default would be to go with a 20" offering.

Anyone with experience driving on both the 20" and 22" wheels kind enough to offer their thoughts on the different rides?

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[iansriv]

Last year, I test drove the 20 and 22s, on a R1S, before deciding on the 20s. My friend has a R1S with 22s. They look nice but the 20s give more rubber and comfort and are better for off road. You also have more choices in the 20s. The 22s are definately better street tyres and my friend drives his like that. Lastly, there is a difference between the old 20s and the new ones. @B Digs can tell you all about that as he helped design them. Cheers.

 

[ksurfier]

I know there are many factors at play, but if someone has sufficient experience driving an R1S with 20" wheels as well as one with 22" wheels, can you tell me how the driving/riding experience compares between the 2?

I have a launch edition R1T with 20" wheels and BFG all terrain tires. My wife drives a 2023 R1S with 20" wheels and the Pirelli Scorpions.

I am considering trading the R1T in for a 2025 R1S. I like the look of 22" range wheels enough to consider them. My default would be to go with a 20" offering.

Anyone with experience driving on both the 20" and 22" wheels kind enough to offer their thoughts on the different rides?

20” tire is about 30% more sidewall/cross-sectional area. Once you add the fact that the 34” tire is 1” taller, it means there is extra 1 inch of tire above where the 22” rim would be as well as 0.5” extra tire at the edge compared to 22”, 7” inches of sidewall can absorb impacts and road imperfections better than 5.4”.

We are stuck with large calipers that only allow 20” minimum rims, otherwise would likely see tons of people with 18” rims…

add the fact there are few 22” tire options (116H) and they are >$500 vs $250 for 20” rims (if you include 275/60R20 options).

here’s a very rough guide for sidewall:
2-4 inches - performance/sport tires
6-7 inches - all around, limited offroading
7-9 inches - best for offroading

There may be some other sizes for the 22” rims that could work too (305/55R22) - Wrangler AT…

 

[atR1S]

thank you both!

 

[B Digs]

Hi all, Gen 2 has two different 20” options. The 34” OD 275/65R20 Pirelli AT tire and the 33” OD 275/60R20 Goodyear tire. Rivian calls the Goodyear tire an All Season option. In reality, it is a good mix of All Season and All Terrain performance.

 

[AARivian48]

drove R1T both with 22s and 20s. on the highway 22s were so much better, made the ride stable and smooth. 20s are better handling slow speed terrain much better.

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