This Is Weird: 2027 Rivian R2 Performance All-Terrain vs. All-Season Tire Test Results

The Rivian R2 is here, and it’s great. On all-season tires, the powerful Performance model posted solid acceleration, handling, and range numbers in our testing. And even when it’s rolling on pavement-oriented rubber, the R2 is adept at doing off-road things.

Given Rivian’s overall vibe is all about adventure, it also offers proper all-terrain tires for its new electric midsize SUV. We had a chance to test an R2 Performance on the all-terrain rubber, as well, naturally expecting less on-road performance and more off-road capability. Surprisingly, our test results said otherwise-the all-terrain tires outperformed the all-season tires in certain measures.

What’s going on? Let’s dig into the details.

Getting a Grip

Every R2 Performance comes equipped with a dual-motor AWD powertrain producing 656 hp and 609 lb-ft of torque. Rivian offers a choice of rolling stock for the model: 21-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion 255/55R21 112V XL M+S tires or 20-inch rims with BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+ 255/60R20 113V XL M+S tires.

Both are common tire models, but here they bear RIV imprints, indicating custom formulation. Rivian worked with each manufacturer to develop tires that met its targets for rolling resistance, noise, durability, and load capacity.

All-season tires typically have a smooth, consistent tread pattern for traction and grip on pavement. All-terrain tires have larger knobs and lugs spaced farther apart, which are designed to better dig in and conform around rocks, roots, and other trail textures. As their names suggest, all-seasons generally perform best on pavement, while all-terrains excel on dirt-yet the Trail-Terrain-equipped R2 performed better in several pavement tests.

Check out the results:

Granted, it’s all very close. The similar acceleration isn’t surprising; with identical power and Rivian’s sophisticated traction control, getting off the line and across the quarter mile neck and neck makes sense.

The shorter stopping distance is a bigger surprise. Open tread blocks can normally compromise braking performance, in part because those larger knobs have a tendency to squirm under heavy loads.

That same logic applies in corners, especially given the taller sidewalls are more prone to flex in lateral loading. Nevertheless, the R2 on all-terrains completed handling tests in less time and with more grip.

More Than Tread Deep

We asked Rivian how this could be. Werner Naegeli, the company’s director of vehicle dynamics, helped to explain.

One key difference is the tire’s compound. The harder Scorpion generates less mechanical grip despite its tighter tread pattern. Meanwhile, the relatively gummy Trail-Terrain sticks better. “An overdeliver from this BFGoodrich tire is how fun it can be when approaching the limits of adhesion on pavement or dirt,” Naegeli said.

Even so, Naegeli noted that the Pirelli all-season tire provides a more responsive steering feel, largely due to its stiffer sidewall and larger rim it’s mounted on. Furthermore, it produces less noise as it rolls.

The Trail-Terrain doesn’t outperform the Scorpion in every test. As intended by Rivian, the EV’s driving range is longer on the smoother Pirelli than the knobby BFGoodrich. The R2 Performance on all-terrain tires is EPA rated at 307 miles of range, and we measured 236 miles in our 70-mph Road-Trip Range test. Those numbers are 330 miles and 263 miles, respectively, when equipped with the all-season tires.

Can’t Go Wrong

Our testing indicates the R2 Performance equipped with the BFGoodrich all-terrain tires delivers unexpectedly strong on-road performance while remaining superior off pavement. Meanwhile, the Pirelli all-season offers longer range, quieter operation, and sharper steering. Either way and on either tire, what we’ve found is the R2 Performance is excellent to drive overall-be it on-road or off.