jcoe

Recently purchased 2011 RX and want to switch the 19 wheels/rims to 18 rims. Question is what year RX (or other lexus) rims are compatible with 2011 RX. And are these rims pretty robust or must one be careful with used rims?

Clutchless

Any other Lexus - Toyota wheel of compatible hub size and offset will fit. The hub size for most Toyota-Lexus vehicles is 60.1 mm and our wheel offset is 35 mm. Offset can vary by quite a bit and still fit. Having said that, Most generation RX wheels will fit, as would other Toyota or Lexus wheels in 18 inch. Search eBay using "Lexus OEM 18" wheels set" and you will find many for sale. You can then sell your 19"s the same way afterward. You will need to move your TPMS over from the old to the new wheels. Most folks keep theirs. Finally our wheels are 7.5 inches wide. Keep the same width so you can put the OEM size tires on.

jcoe

thank you clutchless, very informative

lexus114

jcoe, i have the 18" wheels because i did not like the looks/style of the 19`s. just curious what your reason is for wanting the 18`s?

oohpapi44

iTrader: (1)

Put them on the classified section as a WTT item. You'll be able to swap them out in no time.

jcoe

Clutchless, a friend with 3RX swears he has softer ride with 18s (profile?), longer tire life, and a set of 18 Michelins is about 200 bucks cheaper than 19s.
Comments certainly appreciated.

Clutchless

All true. 18s provide a softer, usually longer life and if comparing the same brand and model tires, will be cheaper in the 18 inch size.

19s with their shorter sidewall provide quicker and more precise steering and possibly better handling. However they will ride a bit rougher, and will cost more depending on the tire selected. Tread life depends on the tire selected. Research at Tire Rack can help identify tires with the characteristics you desire at the price point you are willing to pay.

AJ@TireRack.com

Clutchless made great points.

You have lots of really nice options in a 235/60/18 tire size for the RX vehicle.

My top picks in no specific order would be:

Continental Cross Contact LX20 with EcoPlus
Firestone Destination LE2
Bridgestone Dueler HL 422 Ecopia
Michelin Latitude Tour HP

jcoe

Great info !
A tire guy was telling me that the 235-60-18 actually has more tread to wear than the 235-55-19.
Is this valid? And why/how?

AJ@TireRack.com

Tread depths are the same. Tread wear will be a little better in the 18" size.