Gen 2 Tires on Gen 1 vehicles

[tps5352]

The OEM tires specifically? Otherwise not sure what you mean by Gen2 tires.

Here's some background info for those new to Rivian and the Gen 1 and Gen 2 wheel-tire differences:

Range Against the Machine¹ - Rivian OEM Wheels, Tires, and Range Considered

Gen 1 Wheel-sets

Gen 2 Wheel-sets
(not incl. all Quad Max wheels)​

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[VandalSibs]

I should have also specified, range is good when running empty, with a bed load that takes 20% off range (seat of the pants estimate), and when towing a 17' full height travel trailer.

Just make sure my brain is working, you're saying that your range hit(s) with the Nitto Grappler lines up well when doing the above things with the estimates from the truck?

 

[VandalSibs]

I appreciate all the info people are providing for me here. Overall, it seems my concerns that made me consider switching to a whole new OEM wheel and tire set may be overblown. Keeping the 21"s and just getting new, potentially non-OEM spec tires should be okay.

I would love to have a central place to discuss all of the 275/55/R21 choices that are out there instead of having to jump from thread to thread, but that's up to the whims of people posting on this forum.

 

[SwampNut]

Just make sure my brain is working, you're saying that your range hit(s) with the Nitto Grappler lines up well when doing the above things with the estimates from the truck?

Fair question, and yes I think we're saying the same things. My range went up with those tires, and the range estimates are reliable. For example I left a camp spot this weekend with a load in the bed that had about a 20% hit, and it was shown at the start, within 1% accurate when I got to the charger. The arrival estimate started at 40 miles, wavered from 38-42 along the way, and I arrived with 42 range.

 

[Jakelake]

I removed my 21" Pirelli's last April with 24K miles. Still had life but wanted to try my 21" Michelin Defenders. Average mileage on the Pirellis was 2.5 miles/KwH. 7K miles on the Michelins and average is 2.49. I drive the same roads using the same driving technique for 95% of the milage.

 

[madhat]

I appreciate all the info people are providing for me here. Overall, it seems my concerns that made me consider switching to a whole new OEM wheel and tire set may be overblown. Keeping the 21"s and just getting new, potentially non-OEM spec tires should be okay.

I would love to have a central place to discuss all of the 275/55/R21 choices that are out there instead of having to jump from thread to thread, but that's up to the whims of people posting on this forum.

The Michelins are good tires; they'll stop better, be quieter, and get at least the same range as those Pirellis. I was not impressed by the stock tires. At. All.

If you're wanting increase your range a bit, go with the lightest set of 20s (stock rivian or Atomic Wheels) and put on the 275/60/20 tires in something like the Michelins or other range tires. Stock tires aren't the best choice in any case in my opinion... unless you want to pay more for worse.

 

[emoore]

I appreciate all the info people are providing for me here. Overall, it seems my concerns that made me consider switching to a whole new OEM wheel and tire set may be overblown. Keeping the 21"s and just getting new, potentially non-OEM spec tires should be okay.

I would love to have a central place to discuss all of the 275/55/R21 choices that are out there instead of having to jump from thread to thread, but that's up to the whims of people posting on this forum.

That would be a pretty short thread since there are only 2 options for Rivian.

 

[SwampNut]

only 2 options for Rivian.

Only if you limit yourself on the belief that "EV tire" is relevant or necessary. Or is this AI answer wrong? Always possible.

Brand & Model	Key Strengths	Notable Features	Overview of Reviews
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2	Long tread life, smooth and quiet ride	Highway all-season, strong wet traction	Praised for outstanding treadwear, quiet ride, excellent wet traction. Ice traction is variable. High marks for durability and handling .
Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season	Balanced all-season performance, comfortable ride	SUV-focused, good wet and snow grip	Noted for dry traction and comfort, durable tread, very good wet hydroplaning resistance. Some variability in ice grip and cornering confidence .
Goodyear (various models)	Reliable traction and durability	Strong wet and snow traction options	Commonly praised for balanced all-season performance and solid handling. Widely used on trucks and SUVs .
Hankook iON HT (275/55R21 XL)	Good for highway use, value priced	All-season highway tire	Suitable for light trucks and SUVs, decent all-around performer but generally considered less premium .

Brand & Model	Load Index	Max Load (lbs)	Load Range	Max Pressure (psi)
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2	116	2,756	XL	50
Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season	116	2,756	XL	44
Goodyear (various models)	116 (typical)	2,756	XL	Varies
Hankook iON HT	116	2,756	XL	50

I'm running a 116 tire, which is obviously within spec, and Discount Tire agreed completely.

 

[emoore]

Only if you limit yourself on the belief that "EV tire" is relevant or necessary. Or is this AI answer wrong? Always possible.

Brand & Model	Key Strengths	Notable Features	Overview of Reviews
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2	Long tread life, smooth and quiet ride	Highway all-season, strong wet traction	Praised for outstanding treadwear, quiet ride, excellent wet traction. Ice traction is variable. High marks for durability and handling .
Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season	Balanced all-season performance, comfortable ride	SUV-focused, good wet and snow grip	Noted for dry traction and comfort, durable tread, very good wet hydroplaning resistance. Some variability in ice grip and cornering confidence .
Goodyear (various models)	Reliable traction and durability	Strong wet and snow traction options	Commonly praised for balanced all-season performance and solid handling. Widely used on trucks and SUVs .
Hankook iON HT (275/55R21 XL)	Good for highway use, value priced	All-season highway tire	Suitable for light trucks and SUVs, decent all-around performer but generally considered less premium .

Brand & Model	Load Index	Max Load (lbs)	Load Range	Max Pressure (psi)
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2	116	2,756	XL	50
Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season	116	2,756	XL	44
Goodyear (various models)	116 (typical)	2,756	XL	Varies
Hankook iON HT	116	2,756	XL	50

I'm running a 116 tire, which is obviously within spec, and Discount Tire agreed completely.

Are we talking about the same size tire? I only see 2 options for the 21s.

 

[Davethadog]

We bought the 22” aero set for my wife’s gen 1 r1t. It updates just fine when you select it from the menu.

 

[SwampNut]

Are we talking about the same size tire? I only see 2 options for the 21s.

This is from a better AI when it comes to this (Super Grok):

The 275/55R21 tire size is relatively uncommon and is primarily used on electric vehicles like the Rivian R1T and R1S with 21-inch wheels. It's designed for high load capacity (typically 116 load index) and highway speeds (H speed rating, up to 130 mph/210 km/h), with a focus on efficiency for EVs. As of December 2025, options are limited but growing, mostly all-season tires optimized for quiet ride, range, and durability, plus one all-terrain model for light off-road use.


Based on current availability from tire retailers and Rivian-specific guides, here are the main tires available in this size:

Brand	Model	Type	Mileage Warranty	Weight (lb)	Efficiency Grade	Notes
Michelin	Defender LTX M/S2	All-Season	70,000 miles	39	B	Quiet, smooth, long-lasting; popular replacement for Rivian owners.
Pirelli	Scorpion Verde All Season Elect	All-Season	None	37	B	OEM for Rivian R1S; EV-optimized for range and low rolling resistance.
Bridgestone	Alenza Prestige	All-Season	70,000 miles	40	B	Premium touring focus; good for comfort and handling.
Hankook	iON HT	All-Season	80,000 miles	44	B	EV-specific design; emphasizes longevity and efficiency.
Yokohama	Geolandar A/T4	All-Terrain	None	44	C	First all-terrain in this size; 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated for winter traction; suitable for light off-road.

Prices typically range from $250–$500 per tire depending on the model and retailer (e.g., Tire Rack, Discount Tire, or online sellers like Amazon). Availability may vary by location, so check with local installers. For Rivian vehicles, ensure tires meet the XL (extra load) rating and consider EV-specific features to maintain optimal range and performance. If you need recommendations for a specific use case (e.g., winter, off-road), provide more details!

 

[emoore]

That's not what Costco or Discount tire say. They will only install 2 options, the OEM Pirelli or Michelin.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Are we talking about the same size tire? I only see 2 options for the 21s.

5 total. https://riviantrackr.com/rivian-tire-guide/

 

[SwampNut]

That's not what Costco or Discount tire say. They will only install 2 options, the OEM Pirelli or Michelin.

I have the Nitto Grapplers from Discount, and I checked with two locations. Sam's was ok with non-EV tires too.

 

[emoore]

I have the Nitto Grapplers from Discount, and I checked with two locations. Sam's was ok with non-EV tires too.

Interesting. I'll have to look into it. Thanks for the info.

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