Rivian’s new R2 small electric SUV offers a surprising performance trade-off between its standard 21-inch wheels and the optional 20-inch all-terrain package. Testing the 656-hp Performance model with the all-terrain tires revealed that the off-road option actually out-performs the street-oriented 21-inch setup on pavement, despite common expectations that aggressive tread reduces grip. This unexpected result highlights how Car and Driver’s testing methodology has evolved since 1956, allowing us to provide objective data that contradicts subjective impressions and general automotive assumptions.
Unexpected Grip and Stopping Power
Equipped with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A+ tires, the R2 achieved 0.84 g of lateral grip on the skidpad. This figure exceeds the 0.81 g recorded for the 21-inch version. Braking performance saw even larger gains, with the all-terrain R2 stopping from 70 mph in 166 feet and from 100 mph in 320 feet. The 21-inch model required 12 more feet to stop from 70 mph and 43 more feet from 100 mph. These figures are exceptionally high for a vehicle of this size and shape, demonstrating superior emergency handling characteristics.
The quarter-mile time improved from 11.4 seconds to 11.3 seconds, while acceleration to 60 mph dropped by 0.1 second. These numbers are unusually high for a vehicle of this size and shape. Interior noise levels at 70 mph were also nearly identical, at 67 decibels for both configurations, with the 21-inch tires producing 22 sones compared to 23 sones for the all-terrain option. This counters the common belief that blocky tread patterns create a harsher, louder ride on paved surfaces.
Range and Technical Differences
The all-terrain tires do reduce driving range. The EPA estimates 330 miles with the 21-inch wheels and 307 miles with the 20-inch all-terrain package. In a 75-mph highway test, the difference widened to 40 miles of range, with the 21-inch model achieving 260 miles and the all-terrain version reaching 220 miles. While this range penalty is expected, the vehicle’s performance in other areas makes the trade-off worthwhile for some drivers.
The performance advantage stems from specific tire differences. The Rivian’s BFGoodrich tires feature a higher speed rating of 149 mph (V rating) compared to the T or H ratings on other versions of this model. They also have less tread depth, measuring 10.5/32 inches versus 12.5/32 on other variants. Additionally, the Rivian’s tires lack the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) label found on most other versions, which is a technical distinction that aids their on-road efficacy.
