New shoes! Nokian Outpost Tires on Rivian 22" wheels

[Snowdog]

Quick follow-up —

I think the 60 PSI post was about the 20” wheels, not the 22s. 80 PSI max makes sense there.
For the 22s, yeah, I’ve got the 116 load rating too.
And to be more specific than my earlier “50 PSI” comment — I’m actually running 47–49 cold depending on the morning temps.

Sponsored

 

[AT0007]

OP, any updates on efficiency / road feel from your weekend trip?

 

[Snowdog]

OP, any updates on efficiency / road feel from your weekend trip?

I fell off the map. Sorry been hectic few weeks.
I totally sucked at keeping good records on the Colorado trip. I anecdotally experienced what I thought was unexpected efficiency. But no real data to back it up so I started keeping a better record.

Rivian R1S Real-World Efficiency at 65–80 MPH on 22" Nokian Outpost ATs (Tailwind Test Results)

Intro:
I wanted to understand how my Rivian R1S performs at highway speeds after switching from all-weather to Nokian Outpost ATs on 22" wheels. This past week, I ran a test during a drive from Sioux City, IA to Sioux Falls, SD, logging efficiency over 15-minute cruise-controlled intervals at 65, 70, 75, and 80 mph.

The results surprised me — not just because of the efficiency numbers, but because of how well these AT tires held up, even with aggressive tread and hot weather.

Conditions:

• Temp: 91–93°F
• Drive Mode: Conserve
• Regen: High
• Climate Control: A/C on entire time
• Tires: Nokian Outpost AT (22")
• Wind: mid to Strong tailwind (12–25 mph from the south)
• Route: I-29 North, gaining ~335 ft elevation
• Vehicle Load: Light, 1 adult + some gear and a dog. Pippin
  
  

Method:
Cruise control was used for each 15-minute segment. I maintained steady speeds on open, flat highways with minimal braking or acceleration. Terrain was mostly flat, and elevation increased slightly approaching Sioux Falls.

Results:

| Speed | Temp | Tailwind | Elevation     | Efficiency (mi/kWh) |
|-------|------|----------|---------------|----------------------|
| 65 mph | 91°F | 12 mph   | —             | 2.56                 |
| 70 mph | 93°F | 12 mph   | slight uphill | 2.27                 |
| 75 mph | 93°F | 18 mph   | —             | 2.34                 |
| 80 mph | 93°F | 25 mph   | +335 ft       | 2.39                 |

(*Chart image attached below if available*)

A Note on Charging Estimates:
Before this drive, I noticed my R1S reported ~280 miles at 85% charge, suggesting a full range of ~329 miles. That’s only a 1.8% drop from my prior all-weather setup (~335 mi est.), despite the switch to AT tires. It lines up almost exactly with the highway results I got at 65 mph — so these tires are performing exceptionally well.

Why I Think the Nokian Outpost ATs Are So Efficient:

• Tread Design: More road-friendly than typical ATs — less aggressive lugs and lower rolling resistance
• Silica Compound: Helps reduce energy loss and improve heat handling
• Weight: Lighter than many other ATs in this class
• Geometry: Reinforced but aerodynamic sidewall profile

Key Takeaways:

• Even with 22” wheels and AT tires, my R1S stayed well above 2.3 mi/kWh across all speeds tested
• The 80 mph result (2.39 mi/kWh) was stronger than expected, though it benefited from a 25 mph tailwind
• Real-world takeaway: with Nokian Outpost ATs, you can drive 70–75 mph in warm weather with minimal range compromise
• Estimated full range under ideal tailwind at 80 mph: ~295 mi
• But even adjusting for tailwind, these are very encouraging numbers

More data: again anecdotally, I was more like 1.9-2.1 the previous day at 80mph. Unknown wind conditions. Temp 80s.
In this neck of the woods we only get 3 days with no wind so if the stars align and I can run more testing I will.

My end guess ( cause there are just too freaking many variables and my methodology is suspect at best) is that overall these tires are about a 3% impact on efficiency. Which I think is great. Cause yes they look great .


Curious What Others Are Seeing:
- Anyone tested KO2s or 20" configs in similar conditions?
- How does efficiency hold up with less favorable winds or moderate payload?

Happy to share more details if helpful — hope this adds to the pool of real-world tire + speed data!

 

[AT0007]

Very cool, thanks. What about the hum/ noise? Is it always on or is it audible between certain speeds like 30-50 mph?

 

[Snowdog]

Very cool, thanks. What about the hum/ noise? Is it always on or is it audible between certain speeds like 30-50 mph?

for an AT these are perhaps the quieter variety. I think the seal on my passenger window is not quite right. The wind/air noise is louder than the tire/road noise. For me. The window was calibrated last service as the app showed it open when it was closed. Perhaps not related to seal.
These tires have a mild hum at ~45mph or lower at highway speeds no real difference imo between these and the oems. I could see for some it could be a deal breaker but if you have run KO2s on any vehicle then these outposts are stealthy.

side note coming home the other day into the Wind at 80mph 20mph wind. 1.8 mi/kwh. Just another data point.

Sponsored