Winter tires should i go with 20 inch or stay with 22's

[Hauser37]

I live in Montana and on a mountain that gets 200 inches plus of snow each year. As a new Rivian R1T owner and looking for snows as the Pirellis will likely not cut it. So should i go with 20's or 22's? brand recommendations?

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[mpshizzle]

RivianTrackr has a great tire guide for different brands and options for every wheel size. Generally speaking, 20-in Wheels have the most options, but you can find good options for 22 as well
https://riviantrackr.com/rivian-tire-guide/

 

[BigSkies]

I felt I needed dedicated snow tires, but my baseline was the original 21" pirelli's.

With no 21" snow tire options at the time, I went with the R800 wheels from EVSportline and the Blizzaks. I'm happy with them, but don't have much to compare them too. They were pricey though.

I'd legitimately look at tires for the wheels you have just for cost reasons.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

There are already tons of snow tire reviews out there that are not specific to the Rivian. Hone in on the top choices then determine whether they come in sizes and specs relevant to the R1; i.e. same overall diameter and load rating as factory offerings. Nokian Hakkapelitta and Bridgestone Blizzak are generally regarded as the benchmark for the category. But since development and competition never rests, there are probably others just as good or better. Not necessary to switch to 20” unless you just can’t find a tire in 22”. But far more tire choices in 20” for sure. And having a second set of wheels and tires, plus DIY swap, would definitely make you less reliant on shops when weather comes and everyone else is in need of service.

Factory 22” tire, depends on which you have exactly, since now Rivian has offered three: Pirelli Scorpion AS (gen 1 22" Sport), Michelin Pilot Sport S5 (gen2 Quad) and Pirelli Scorpion MS (gen2 Range and 22" Sport). The first two are not at all meant for snow/ice, while the last one is at least enough for light snow.

riviantrackr’s guide is a broad generalized starting point, with assumptions. It is not a comprehensive guide or comparative review.

 

[Schroederhc]

I run 22 Mich def in the spring, summer, fall. 20 in Nokian Hak snow tires in the winter. Best winter tire Ive used.

 

[Mathme]

with all of the slush, ruts, ice potholes, and berms to traverse that happen in winter driving, I'd say go with the 20s and let the larger sidewalls absorb some of that energy...rather than those larger wheels.

I'd also recommend the 275/60-20 over the 275/65-20 size as they are an inch smaller in diameter but will still allow you to put on cable chains if you need them. Rivian says "no chains" on the 275/65 series 34" wheels. I'd guess prices will be better on the 20" tires as well.

 

[Motoarzon]

I have the 22" bright and went down to 20" Michelin X-ice for my winters. Got these wheels off tirerack. Com. The nice thing is the wheel offsets are identical to Rivian and the tire profile change all worked out to be exact circumference, width, backspacing ect... Also keep in mind 20" is a more popular size. 22" rubber will have less selection and be more expensive.

 

[badger4149]

I live in Montana and on a mountain that gets 200 inches plus of snow each year. As a new Rivian R1T owner and looking for snows as the Pirellis will likely not cut it. So should i go with 20's or 22's? brand recommendations?

(Disclaimer: My R1S is equipped with 20s.) If you do not do serious off-roading, no need for 20s. Plenty of winter tire options with your 22s.

Adventure on!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

(Disclaimer: My R1S is equipped with 20s.) If you do not do serious off-roading, no need for 20s. Plenty of winter tire options with your 22s.

Adventure on!

Not true. 20" isn't just for off-roading (which has more to do with tire choice than wheel size). There are more than 1 size of tires you can run with 20" wheels. And in either size, there are more tire choices available. And one of the sizes, 275/60R20, is virtually identical in overall diameter to 275/50R22. What you get in return is taller sidewall and greater internal volume. When aired down, the 275/60R20 gets you a larger contact patch for low-traction situations, on or off the road. In normal driving the larger air volume also give you a more compliant ride and potentially better NVH.

 

[badger4149]

Not true. 20" isn't just for off-roading (which has more to do with tire choice than wheel size). There are more than 1 size of tires you can run with 20" wheels. And in either size, there are more tire choices available. And one of the sizes, 275/60R20, is virtually identical in overall diameter to 275/50R22. What you get in return is taller sidewall and greater internal volume. When aired down, the 275/60R20 gets you a larger contact patch for low-traction situations, on or off the road. In normal driving the larger air volume also give you a more compliant ride and potentially better NVH.

Are you suggesting that pavement only drivers will be "airing down" for winter driving?

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