Puzzling Performance: 2027 Rivian R2 Tire Tests Reveal Unexpected Outcomes

The 2027 Rivian R2 Performance, a new electric midsize SUV, has undergone intriguing tire testing that challenged conventional automotive wisdom. While Rivian's ethos is rooted in adventure, typically favoring off-road capability, its offerings include both all-season and all-terrain tire options. Our tests revealed a surprising outcome: the all-terrain tires outperformed their all-season counterparts in several key pavement performance metrics, prompting a deeper investigation into why.

Every Rivian R2 Performance model is equipped with a potent dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, delivering 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque. For its rolling stock, Rivian provides two choices: 21-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli Scorpion 255/55R21 112V XL M+S all-season tires or 20-inch rims wrapped in BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+ 255/60R20 113V XL M+S all-terrain tires. Although both are established tire models, they bear unique 'RIV' imprints, signifying custom formulations developed in collaboration with Rivian to meet specific targets for rolling resistance, noise, durability, and load capacity.

Generally, all-season tires are characterized by smoother, more consistent tread patterns designed to maximize traction and grip on paved surfaces. In contrast, all-terrain tires feature larger, more widely spaced tread blocks and lugs, engineered to dig into and conform around rough off-road textures like rocks and roots. Based on these designs, all-seasons are expected to excel on pavement, while all-terrains are built for dirt. Yet, the test results for the Trail-Terrain-equipped R2 on pavement diverged from these expectations.

The performance data highlighted several key differences. Both tire setups achieved identical acceleration times, with 0-60 MPH in 3.4 seconds and a quarter-mile run in 11.3 seconds (at 128.6 mph for all-season, 128.5 mph for all-terrain). The robust power and sophisticated traction control of the R2 likely contributed to this consistent acceleration. However, the all-terrain tires demonstrated superior braking performance, bringing the R2 to a stop from 60 MPH in 119 feet, four feet shorter than the all-season tires' 123 feet. In handling tests, the all-terrain tires also edged out the all-seasons, achieving an average of 0.80 g on the skidpad compared to 0.78 g, and completing the figure-eight lap in a quicker 25.6 seconds at 0.78 g average, versus 25.9 seconds at 0.77 g average.

The slightly better braking and handling performance of the all-terrain tires on pavement is particularly surprising, as open tread blocks are typically thought to compromise braking efficacy due to their tendency to squirm under heavy loads. This unexpected outcome strongly suggests that Rivian's custom-formulated tires play a crucial role, allowing the all-terrain option to retain significant on-road prowess without sacrificing its off-road design principles, thus offering a unique blend of capabilities for the adventurous R2 owner.