New tire comparison

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Jan 11, 2026 | 02:53 PM

Rilcoat

Thread Starter

9th Gear

Joined: Jan 2026

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New tire comparison

I am looking at buying new rubber michelin for my 2015 es350. I have 17 wheels now. My oem spec is 215/55/17. Heard lots of guys do 225/55/17. Softer ride. My ride is good with 215.
My question does the 225 improve handling (less vague)

the other option is 235/50/17 or 245/5017 (little taller)Has anyone tried that and how has that been for handling?

Last edited by Rilcoat; Jan 11, 2026 at 02:57 PM. Reason: Added info

Jan 12, 2026 | 03:48 AM

brucelee1

Racer

iTrader: (2)

Joined: Sep 2007

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From: MA

In my experience, the quality of the tire matters more than the smaller size differences. Tire Rack can provide ratings on ride quality/comfort. I did go a slightly taller tire and did feel that made for a more comfy ride.

Jan 14, 2026 | 05:54 AM

Les350xus

Driver

Joined: Jun 2025

Posts: 57

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Getting the 225/55/17 will not improve handling. You are adding more rubber, so it maybe more comfortable, but steering response will likely be more vague.

If you want better handling with the 215/55/17, just look for a tire that supports those characteristics.
Example: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes

Jan 15, 2026 | 05:54 AM

st1800

Advanced

Joined: Dec 2017

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From: 🇨🇦

Try Sport Mode for reducing Vague feeling.

Jan 15, 2026 | 06:55 AM

mcomer

Lead Lap

Joined: Nov 2013

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From: IL

The Drive Mode "Sport" only changes the throttle and shift points. The comparatively rare ES F-Sport Handling (not ES F-Sport Design) has adaptive suspension and can change the Drive Mode to Sport Plus and tighten the shocks.

Jan 16, 2026 | 06:01 AM

autotech13

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 777

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From: MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcomer

It also tightens up the steering, which you should know if you tried it.

Jan 16, 2026 | 11:32 PM

koushikmurali

10th Gear

Joined: Oct 2024

Posts: 14

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From: AL

I'd go with a 235/50/17 instead for handling. 225/55/17 has a bigger circumference than stock and as a result more sidewall which will create more distance between you and the road so itll be more comfortable. 235/50/17 keeps the same circumference, decreases sidewall slightly but gets wider which is what youd want. I have continental extremecontact dws06+ 235/50/17 coming from the same tire but stock size and it is so much better to take turns and not have to wait until the wheels are fully straight to floor it without spinning the wheels. Also, a benefit i noticed was that if im in a standstill in one lane but the other lane is wide open, i can turn the wheel and floor it at the same time without hesitation whereas with stock tires i'd have to be more careful and can only really floor it after ive turned the wheel and began to angle out of the lane. My steering feel is generally just tighter and my sport mode feels very planted. I can feel bumpy roads a tiny bit more but honestly thats if im really trying to pay attention and at this point i cant remember what stock is like, its still comfortable as always. If you're trying to go for handling, you also need good tires, not just sizing up so id go with a UHP tire that fits your budget.

Last edited by koushikmurali; Jan 16, 2026 at 11:40 PM.