Would you go with 20" wheels or 21" wheels on Launch Edition R2?

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

And that reminds me, at my test drive last week, one of the senior people there told me the 20 inch tires are better built and likely to last longer. I know I was surprised to see the tires weren't Perelli. But maybe I was looking at different tires inside the shop.

IMO, that sounds like BS based on over-generalizing the differences between forged and cast wheel manufacturing processes. IF that is indeed the difference between the two sizes. Even so, a cast wheel is not necessarily inferior to one that is forged. Forging simply allow a wheel to be made just as strong as a heavier one made from casting. There are good and bad forged wheels just as there are good and bad cast wheels. There is a thread on this, with links to videos demonstrating the different manufacturing processes.

The crux of this wheel choice "dilemma", which feels like an exaggeration to characterize it so, is down to current state of alternative tires, the nuances of handling/ride quality, and individual aesthetic tastes.

Unless they want to torpedo themselves, no OEM would knowingly offer a factory wheel option that is significantly weaker than the other. No matter how they're made, all factory options have to meet the same load requirements plus a very healthy margin of safety.

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[Mos Eisley]

So, after doing back-to-back drives int he R2 with 21's then 20's. I decided on 21's when I placed my order yesterday. The 20's had such an inferior ride quality it was so strange. At speed the car had a strange audible hum in the cabin, and you could feel every little road imperfection. The 21's were so smooth. this was quite shocking.

Hmmm. I’ve now driven it three times on 20’s then 21’s then 20’s again. The ride was better on the 20’s. It was the 21’s that translated more bumps into the cabin. I’d only agree with tire hum on the AT’s… when I had the windows down.

 

[Jeremy3292]

Hmmm. I’ve now driven it three times on 20’s then 21’s then 20’s again. The ride was better on the 20’s. It was the 21’s that translated more bumps into the cabin. I’d only agree with tire hum on the AT’s… when I had the windows down.

Good info and it makes sense to me bc the AT tires are a watered down Rivian version, and in this case watered down is a good thing. Not 3PMSF and a different rubber compound, likely for range and NVH. Probably the least "aggressive" AT you can find yet still capable.

 

[iamnid]

I think the question is which rims do you like more? Ignore the aftermarket tire question. I think people (this forum) are making too big of a deal on that.

I think this is the wisest advice. The tires can, and will, be changed. It makes no sense to make the purchase based on the OEM tire fitted to the rim.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Hmmm. I’ve now driven it three times on 20’s then 21’s then 20’s again. The ride was better on the 20’s. It was the 21’s that translated more bumps into the cabin. I’d only agree with tire hum on the AT’s… when I had the windows down.

That's a given for the different size combos. The two size options have the same overall diameter. One has more sidewall than the other. The 20s have more air volume and more cushion to dampen shock from bumps, dips and expansion joints. The 21s have less air volume as well as less sidewall to flex. The advantage with less flexy sidewall is sharper steering response.

 

[Eric9610]

Hmmm. I’ve now driven it three times on 20’s then 21’s then 20’s again. The ride was better on the 20’s. It was the 21’s that translated more bumps into the cabin. I’d only agree with tire hum on the AT’s… when I had the windows down.

I thought that that's how it would be and when I drove the same loop with same settings the 20's were noticeably worse in all aspects. I really wanted to go with the 20's. The hum was apparent with windows up and really annoying. I have 2 other friends that did separate demos and they noticed the same thing. I did not mention in advance my concerns.

 

[mark barron]

I went with 21” on R1T’26. Got a loaner R1S from the factory with 20” and are way louder even at just 45 mph. Oddest thing as a new owner is the lack of engine noise. Why add noise with tires? The vehicle just goes where you want it without a peep. Either would be as Sporty as you dare to push the peddle. imho

 

[CD1973]

That's a given for the different size combos. The two size options have the same overall diameter. One has more sidewall than the other. The 20s have more air volume and more cushion to dampen shock from bumps, dips and expansion joints. The 21s have less air volume as well as less sidewall to flex. The advantage with less flexy sidewall is sharper steering response.

Following this logic, would the 19s provide an even more comfortable ride, and potentially more range? I do wish Rivian offered 19s in all three versions.

Signed,
A Guy That Despises Comically Oversized Wheels.

 

[Mos Eisley]

I thought that that's how it would be and when I drove the same loop with same settings the 20's were noticeably worse in all aspects. I really wanted to go with the 20's. The hum was apparent with windows up and really annoying. I have 2 other friends that did separate demos and they noticed the same thing. I did not mention in advance my concerns.

Seems like something might have been askew with that vehicle?

 

[Jeremy3292]

Following this logic, would the 19s provide an even more comfortable ride, and potentially more range? I do wish Rivian offered 19s in all three versions.

Signed,
A Guy That Despises Comically Oversized Wheels.

All things being equal, a smaller rim will provide more range due to lower rotational inertia. Put simply, when the mass of the wheel is closer to the center it is more efficient. When you get a large rim, the heavy metal the rim is made out of extends further from the center vs on a smaller rim that distance from the center is just tire (which is lighter).

There is also aerodynamics at play here too, where less rim size = less churning of air through the large open spokes of the rim.

Again, all things being equal.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Following this logic, would the 19s provide an even more comfortable ride, and potentially more range? I do wish Rivian offered 19s in all three versions.

Signed,
A Guy That Despises Comically Oversized Wheels.

Yes. But 19s might not fit because of brake clearance. And EVs are heavier than ICE counterparts of the same overall size. Having "oversized" brakes is not only a good thing it's a necessity for sake of optimal safety. It isn't done just for looks. You call it oversized when it's actually right-sized for the job at hand.

There was a time when performance brands/models did not dress up their large brakes. It was done only once they realized they could charge even more money if the brake calipers were painted and branded. A move that may have been inspired by the aftermarket.

 

[Alan in Tempe]

And curbs. Plus, if you look at 20 and 21 options for Premium trim—both shod with Pirelli MS all-season—there is no difference in EPA estimated range (330). If range/efficiency is preferred, swap the BFGs out at your tire shop when they are done. Easy. Peasy. No overthinking needed.

The BFGs must be real expensive. The Performance trim charges more for the 20" with BFG over the 21" with Pirelli, while the Premium trim charges more for the 21" over the 20", both with the Pirellis. Am I missing another cost factor?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

The BFGs must be real expensive. The Performance trim charges more for the 20" with BFG over the 21" with Pirelli, while the Premium trim charges more for the 21" over the 20", both with the Pirellis. Am I missing another cost factor?

Tire Rack lists the BFG Trail Terrain T/A+ at $275 per tire. Tires for the 20" Premium aren't the BFGs. They are the same Pirelli Scorpion MS as the 21", just different size.

 

[Mos Eisley]

The BFGs must be real expensive. The Performance trim charges more for the 20" with BFG over the 21" with Pirelli, while the Premium trim charges more for the 21" over the 20", both with the Pirellis. Am I missing another cost factor?

It’s not the rubber, the pirelli’s cost more off the rack. The 20” is a beefier wheel- but I also think they’re upcharging those who don’t want the 21’s.

 

[aak7268]

Man, I was so excited to order my R2 this morning I didn't even think about tires. I should've checked this thread first! I went with the 21' because there wasn't an upcharge (and my test drive was on 21' and I liked 'em). But having chewed through a bunch of EV tires on my RWD Bolt, I know these can go faster than expected (hoping AWD mitigates that somewhat). But the kicker is Costco doesn't carry 21' tires! I guess time will tell when it comes to how painful that gets.

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