nflguy

I'm shopping for a new ES350.

I want the luxury package so I can get the panoramic roof. A dealer told me all ES350 vehicles equipped with luxury package come with 18" alloy wheels (even though those tires are not included in luxury package.

I'm concerned that going with the 18" will result in worse gas mileage then I would get with 17". Also read a few reviews online claiming the 18" wear out fast.

Anyone have the 18" on an ES350 care to share the gas mileage you get?

Nelexus88

Just to clarify, Lexus ES 350 has various option packages including Luxury and Ultra-luxury. As far as I know the panoramic roof is only available on the Ultra-luxury package.
18 inch wheels are optional for all packages and should not effect gas mileage as the overall tire diameter (225/45-18) is very nearly the same as the 17 inch wheel and tire (215/55-17). I am on 17s with Michelin MXV4s so I cant speak for those running 18s. I just returned from a 4,000 mile trip to Arizona and I made 31.0mpg, right on the EPA highway estimate.

nflguy

Correct. I meant to say/type Ultra Luxury. Worried about those 18" tires though especially after reading numerous complaints of road noise and tires needing to be replaced after 13,000 miles.

gemigniani

18" wheels = stiffer, more abrupt and tiring ride motions and substantially reduced tire tread life.

Poppa

I have 18's on my ES.... I bought the car new just a little over a year ago, now have a little over 12k miles and tread life is still good... I will tell you that the ride with 18's is a little rougher than the 17's, but a lot of that I think is attributed to the tire... Mine came with Bridgestone Turanza's.... not a fan.. they ride a little rough when they're cold, but once they warm up they smooth out a bit... none the less, when they do wear out I'll be going with another set of Michelins..... as far as gas mileage with 18's... I took a short 300 mile round trip last weekend. On board computer said I was at 29.2 mpg. that was driving mainly around 78 mph.... hope this helps.

Poppa

jollick

Why not ask the dealer if they are willing to swap the 18" wheels/tires for 17"?

nflguy

We test drove a few ES 350 cars today. One with 17" wheels and one with 18" wheels. I think the 18" looked better but I couldn't tell any difference in handling or ride between the two sizes.

gnm313

18" are a lot noisier. I test drove both. Ultimately gave in and went with the UL because I wanted the few extra features. If you can get the tires swapped out for the 17's I would do it. The 18's are really pretty on the car, but I am really unhappy with the sound of the road. If anyone wants to trade, I would be happy to arrange a swap.

Mike728

The noise has more to do with the tire tread design and rubber hardness, than the size. Most 18" wheels come with the crappy Bridgestone's and the 17's usually come with the much better Michelin's.

gnm313

Bottom line is there is less rubber on the road. It will be noisier and you will feel the road more no matter what kind of tires they are. It is common sense. You would think Toyota would be realize this is the higher end car and put some thought into this. If you pay extra for a UL, it should be UL!

Arty101

Weight distribution area for all 4 rubber patches will be the same, whether on 17" or 18" tires/wheels. Just that the 18" will be wider. I believe the tire material and tread design have more affect on the noise, wear and performance.

oldcajun

My '14 ES350 came with 18" wheels as part of the luxury package. I wish I had tried to get them exchanged for "17's. I had a loaner with the 17" wheels and it was a lot smoother and quieter than my car even though it had a couple of thousand more miles.

Arty101

Bridgestones?

Poppa

Exactly what I thought... I think I paid something like 880 bucks for the upgrade to 18's.. and yet they came with bridgestone turanza's... the es I test drove with 17's had Michelin tires... doesn't make sense to me... I'll be switching to Michelins when the current tires wear down.

Poppa

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Sidewall height is less and wider width with 18" vs 17".Ride will be harsher with same brand tire.Might be a bit less of a difference with different brands but 18's will have a bit harsher ride..