Hey there! I wanted to share my research on the top tires available for the exciting new Rivian R1S electric SUV. As a vehicle data analyst and tire specialist, I‘ve gotten quite obsessed with finding the optimal rubber for this revolutionary ride.
A Quick R1S Review
Before jumping into the tires, let me give you a fast overview of why the R1S needs specially-designed options. Rivian is an electric vehicle company based in Plymouth, Michigan aiming to dominate the EV truck and SUV market. Their R1S midsize SUV offers a few key features that impact tire selection:
- Battery Range: Up to 400 miles means minimizing energy loss from the wheels
- Traction Modes: Specialized drive modes for pavement, gravel, snow and off-roading demand adaptable grip
- Customization: Various battery sizes and 3-6 motor options add payload variables
So in your tire search, prioritizing range, terrain adaptability and load capacity is key.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Battery Range | Up to 400 miles |
| Drive Modes | Special options for pavement, gravel, snow and off-road |
| Customization | Multiple motor and battery combinations |
Now let‘s get into these top-rated tire picks! I‘ll summarize specs, prices and ideal use cases to help you decide.
Best Overall: Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus
The Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus is purpose-designed for the R1S‘s unique demands. As a brand new tire made exclusively for Rivian‘s electric vehicles, it optimizes across all factors:
Key Details
- Unique asymmetric tread pattern provides off-road grip and on-road quietness
- Special rubber compound improves wet/dry traction by 15%
- R1S-specific sizing like 275/60R20 offers personalized fit
- $242.91 per tire
- Available in black and white sidewall colors
Ideal For
- Balanced on and off-road performance
- Towing equipment or heavier loads
- All weather conditions; light snow traction
The Pirelli engineers worked hand-in-hand with Rivian to create the All Terrain Plus as the premium Swiss Army knife choice. Its rugged tread blocks add off-road control while limiting road noise. And the custom compound significantly boosts grip and control for hassle-free trailering or heavy payload situations. For all-purpose use, this is my top recommendation.
Best High Performance: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season
Where the All Terrain caters to off-roading, the Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season focuses purely on pavement and dry weather performance. As a sports car fanatic myself, I had to include an option for you other speed demons out there!
Key Details:
- Dynamic tread pattern and rigid insets enhance response and cornering
- Specialized rubber formula for 7% shorter braking distances
- Noise-reducing tech keeps interior quiet at high speeds
- $199 per tire
- Color-matched sidewalls available
Ideal For:
- Sports car-like street performance
- Curvy mountain roads or handling-focused driving
- Minimal noise and vibration
- Dry, sunny climates
While sacrificing some all-terrain flexibility, the Scorpion Zero does give you a more exciting and fine-tuned on-road experience. The unique asymmetric treads and rigid shoulder inserts allow for sharper turn-in and improved corner exit speeds. This makes it the top choice for dry handling performance!
Best Eco Pick: Pirelli Scorpion Verde
Now if you‘re hypermiling to squeeze out every last mile of battery range, Pirelli‘s Scorpion Verde design is made for you. As a fellow efficiency nut, I always lean towards the longest-lasting, lowest-rolling resistance option which this tire provides.
Quick Facts:
- Specialized for EVs with 17% less rolling resistance
- Rear-biased tread pattern further cuts drag
- 65,000 mile treadwear warranty
- $289 per tire
Best For:
- Maximizing driving range
- Extended tread life/low maintenance
- Eco-conscious drivers who avoid torquey launches
- Lower-weight configurations
The Pirelli Verde lives up to its name (Verde = green in Italian) by focusing purely on energy savings. So if you‘re fixated on stretching each battery mile, this greener selection is your ticket. The only caveat is off-road and sporty performance take a backseat to efficiency.
Best Budget: Firestone Destination A/T2
Alright last but not least, I couldn‘t leave out a value option from old tire veterans Firestone. The Destination A/T2 gives you decent drivability at a bargain:
Price and Key Details:
- $205 per tire
- All-terrain directional tread pattern
- Reinforced casing for durability
- 65,000 mile tread life warranty
- 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification
Who It‘s For:
- Cost-conscious buyers who still need some off-road ability
- Light trail use in cold, muddy conditions
- Towing smaller loads
- Drivers wanting a smooth highway ride
Now I‘ll be honest, it won‘t blow you away with performance like the Pirelli offerings. But when weighing priorities, the Firestone provides reliable traction at a fraction of the price. If value is your main concern, definitely give this one heavy consideration!
How To Choose The Right Tires
Hopefully breaking down those top models gives you a helpful starting point for upgrading your R1S‘s rubber. But here are a few final tips on dialing in your perfect fit:
- Consider your primary usage – commuting, off-roading, road trips all impact needs
- Choose all-terrain or winter tires for cold, variable conditions vs high performance in dry climates
- Research your exact R1S battery, motor and wheel combo to pick sizes
- Read Next: Best Tires for the Rivian R1T Pickup Truck
And there you have it my friend! Let me know if you have any other questions about outfitting those slick new R1S wheels. I‘m always happy to chat tires or EVs with a fellow auto enthusiast. Your exciting electric adventure awaits!
