20" Inch 20" Michelin Defender LTX M/S2

[ATL_R1S]

Thanks. Now do factory wheels.

Here you go!

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/20-michelin-defender-ltx-m-s2.27369/page-4#post-588149

and

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/20-michelin-defender-ltx-m-s2.27369/page-4#post-591721

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[SamDoe1]

Thank you!

Yeah, stand by my assessment that these don't look as good as AT's but might still be the ticket given the performance you get out of them vs an AT that you'll never use the capabilities of.

 

[AuntRivian]

Thank you!

Yeah, stand by my assessment that these don't look as good as AT's but might still be the ticket given the performance you get out of them vs an AT that you'll never use the capabilities of.

I went with the new 116 Toyo's because I loved the looks. Very happy. The Michelins will ride like a dream I'm sure, just wish they looked better.

 

[DayTripping]

Thank you!

Yeah, stand by my assessment that these don't look as good as AT's but might still be the ticket given the performance you get out of them vs an AT that you'll never use the capabilities of.

I am on the fence too. I am torn between the new Goodyears and the LTX MS2s. The photos that ATL_R1S linked to make the R1S look like a minivan and the R1T not much better. Argh, my decision is even harder now. I was leaning towards the LTX but I think I am shifting back toward the Goodyears and take the small efficiency hit.

 

[waitingforrivian]

I am on the fence too. I am torn between the new Goodyears and the LTX MS2s. The photos that ATL_R1S linked to make the R1S look like a minivan and the R1T not much better. Argh, my decision is even harder now. I was leaning towards the LTX but I think I am shifting back toward the Goodyears and take the small efficiency hit.

I'm in the same boat.
Curious when you said you're shifting back to Goodyears and take the efficiency hit.
I thought they are more efficient due to 275/60/20 size, which is like 21" rather than 20" (of OEM AT or these new Michelin's)

 

[DayTripping]

I have the 21's on my truck so compared to those the Goodyears (GY) are likely worse. I also have the 20" factory AT's and they were definitely worse than the 21's for efficiency.

The GY's probably have better wet and dry traction if you believe their UTOQ ratings. I wouldn't mind better dry and wet traction if that is accurate. Their tread width is a bit wider too. The downside is no treadwear warranty and the Michelins are rated for 70k miles. I likely will never do much offroading with either tire so less of a concern.

 

[waitingforrivian]

Michelin just included this new size on their website, although there's no Check Availability button (yet):
https://www.michelinman.com/auto/tires/michelin-defender-ltx-m-s2?tyreSize=20

 

[jewwithguitar]

Why not ask Michelin and get official statement?

Tire companies can easily say their tire is "EV-ready" (example, Nokian nAT), as long as the tire in question is stout enough to support the heavier weight of EVs. That's different from a tire that is specifically engineered (and tested) for weight, torque and efficiency (aero & compound) needs of an EV (examples: Toyo OC ATIII EV and Goodyear Territory AT RIV).

I called Michelin this morning to ask about any differences in the tires other than aspect ratio and was told that there was no difference. This is in contrast to some posts I read about on this forum and the facebook group where it was indicated that the 65 tire had a different construction.

My OEM Pirelli ATs are at the wear bars, so I am about to purchase the 60s- but still on the fence if there is something special about the new aspect ratio. For me the efficiency gain outweighs the slight difference in ride quality, so I suppose I should just go for the 60s and have mobile service reprogram.

 

[DayTripping]

I called Michelin this morning to ask about any differences in the tires other than aspect ratio and was told that there was difference. This is in contrast to some posts I read about on this forum and the facebook group where it was indicated that the 65 tire had a different construction.

Did you mean to say difference or no difference in the highlighted section above?

 

[jewwithguitar]

Did you mean to say difference or no difference in the highlighted section above?

No difference! (post edited)

 

[SamDoe1]

I called Michelin this morning to ask about any differences in the tires other than aspect ratio and was told that there was no difference. This is in contrast to some posts I read about on this forum and the facebook group where it was indicated that the 65 tire had a different construction.

My OEM Pirelli ATs are at the wear bars, so I am about to purchase the 60s- but still on the fence if there is something special about the new aspect ratio. For me the efficiency gain outweighs the slight difference in ride quality, so I suppose I should just go for the 60s and have mobile service reprogram.

Just make sure you call and speak with the service center about reprogramming. My local center said they wouldn't do it unless I was installing the 21" wheels and tires as a set from Rivian.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I called Michelin this morning to ask about any differences in the tires other than aspect ratio and was told that there was no difference. This is in contrast to some posts I read about on this forum and the facebook group where it was indicated that the 65 tire had a different construction.

My OEM Pirelli ATs are at the wear bars, so I am about to purchase the 60s- but still on the fence if there is something special about the new aspect ratio. For me the efficiency gain outweighs the slight difference in ride quality, so I suppose I should just go for the 60s and have mobile service reprogram.

Makes more sense to rely on official statement instead of internet hearsay. I would look for weight of the 65 series tire. If it is lighter or equal to the Pirelli ATs, efficiency likely to be better due to lower rolling resistance of AS tread. If heavier, then it could be just as bad or worse (as those who tried the heavier Defender Platinum are finding).

If downsizing to 60 series, user-configurable software is supposedly coming in ‘25. If you can’t wait for that and service is hesitant about reprogramming, make sure you phrase your request correctly… i.e. you understand you are straying away from factory spec tire, do not expect on-screen graphics to represent your non-factory equipment, do not expect Rivian to provide warranty coverage of non-factory equipment (or any damage that may result from its use) and you accept full responsibility.

 

[GIJoe]

Makes more sense to rely on official statement instead of internet hearsay. I would look for weight of the 65 series tire. If it is lighter or equal to the Pirelli ATs, efficiency likely to be better due to lower rolling resistance of AS tread. If heavier, then it could be just as bad or worse (as those who tried the heavier Defender Platinum are finding).

If downsizing to 60 series, user-configurable software is supposedly coming in ‘25. If you can’t wait for that and service is hesitant about reprogramming, make sure you phrase your request correctly… i.e. you understand you are straying away from factory spec tire, do not expect on-screen graphics to represent your non-factory equipment, do not expect Rivian to provide warranty coverage of non-factory equipment (or any damage that may result from its use) and you accept full responsibility.

Specs for the new 275/65R20 M/S2's are 42 lbs. So I believe 6 lbs less than the Pirelli ATs R20's. Should give some efficiency improvement but you would get even more at the 60R20 size.

 

[DayTripping]

Specs for the new 275/65R20 M/S2's are 42 lbs. So I believe 6 lbs less than the Pirelli ATs R20's. Should give some efficiency improvement but you would get even more at the 60R20 size.

The 276/60R20 are 39 pounds.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...wall=Blackwall&partnum=76HR0DLTX2XL&tab=Specs

 

[GIJoe]

The 276/60R20 are 39 pounds.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Defender+LTX+M/S2&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=76HR0DLTX2XL&tab=Specs

So 3 lbs lighter and 1 inch less diameter will improve efficiency but I don't know by how much.

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