Wheel Size: 17" vs 18"
 

These two wheel sizes are available on the 2013 ES350. The tire dimensions are 215/55R17 and 225/45R18. What are the factors that come into play when making a decision on which to select? I would be interested in thoughts on handling, comfort, noise, and any other variables. Disregard, for this discussion, the costs involved in the selection, and the fact the 18” makes about 10 more revolutions per mile.

The 17's will ride smoother due to taller and softer sidewall.The 18's are a bit wider and may be a bit louder.
The 17's will hold up better with pot holes and such.
The 18's look better and handle a bit better.
Decisions,decisions.:)

there isn't going to be a noticeable difference btwn 17/18" wheels. the ES is a comfy car period. i had two 2011 models. it's like driving a small LS. ask if they have 2 ES vehicles with both wheel options, and test drive them both. i don't think you'll notice the difference.

Also am interested in any actual test drives comparing the two in the 2013... Thinking the 17" would be more comfy by default, but would like to hear from first hand experience.

I've read reviews of the ES which say that the 17's are preferable for a quieter, smoother ride. I have the 17's on mine and the ride is pretty good. I don't now if the 18's are low-profile tires, but if they are I'd bet that you will notice road imperfections more than with the 17's. I personally like the look of low-profile tires better, but the tires on my ES look fine.

I know the tires on mine are Michelin Primacys. They are a well-reviewed tire which offers not only a smooth, quiet ride but very good tread life as well. Don't know what brand of tires Lexus is using for the 18-inchers.

I have the 18-inchers, also Michelin Primacy. Very smooth and quiet ride, but there is some road noise coming in the cabin on highways ... But once I turn up the ML audio, I just hear music!:D

Any idea on the measurements on the 18's? Are they 18x7 or 18x7.5 and what is the offest/inset of the wheel? So from my observations in pictures of the ES are the 18's more flush with the fenderwell meaning does the 18's stick further out vs. the 17's if you look straight down from the top of the wheel well.

Thanks

Perhaps this will help:
http://www.michelin.ca/tire-selector...techspec_table

Stick to 17 wheels, i had 18" on my 2011 hs250h and it rode like a vw bug. That was a factor in me trading it in on the new es 300h.

I have 18" and have no problem with the ride quality whatsoever.

I'll be happy to trade my es300h 17's for es350 18's. :)

-Mike

17 vs 18 inch wheels
 

I researched 17 vs 18 inch wheels and custom ordered an ES350 with 17 inch wheels because (per Lexus) the the tires on the 18 inch wheels may last substantially less than 15,000 miles. When looking at all the tires for 17 and 18 inch wheels on the Tirerack website one can hardly find any for the 18 inch wheels that have a tread ware rating or miles warranty where as for the 17 inch wheels there are numerous with 50k and 60k mile warranties. To me that means 2 more set of tires for a 100k miles life time usage vs. 6 more set of tires. Its a no brainer.

The reason why I lease my cars for 36 months. Car always in warranty and don't have to purchase tires, batteries, etc.

Also, the tale of the tape is usually the longer the wear rating, the less grip the tire has. I'd rather sacrifice some wear for more grip. Ride, to me, is secondary when it comes to tires.

Can anyone share the cost paid at the dealerhsip for the 18 x 7.5 upgrade from the 17" wheels?

Anyone have pictures of there 2013 ES with 18's?