lexuseng

Has anyone downsized their wheels from 18" to 17"? My 2010HS has 18" but the HS was offered in both, with the 45R18 or 50R17. Time for me to buy new tires and I happen to have a set of Lexus 17" wheels. I'd kind of like a more cushy ride in my HS. Has anyone else done this? Just wondering how much difference it could make. Maybe tires can't overcome the short wheel base. Whatever decision I make, I have to live with it for at least 5 years so I'd like to get it right.

Clutchless

Make sure the other Lexus wheels fit first. Before changing sizes think about this:

A change in tire brand or model alone can greatly change the ride of your vehicle. Also tires ride worse as they age. If you have the original Toyo tires, they were not very good and something else such as one of the Bridgestone Ecopias may ride better. I would look on www.tirerack.com for tire reviews and select those with a nice ride.

lexuseng

I now have an answer to my question. I waited until I needed new tires, then took in Lexus 17" wheels (17"x 7.5jj) off a 2007 GS350. WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?? The 17" wheels soften out the harsh ride over bumps. Not sure why they market the 18" as the premium because the 17" wheel makes the car feel more premium. This is not a sports car so why the low profile tires? Now it may not be all due to the wheel diameter reduction, could be part tires. Went from Dunlop Signature tires 225/45 R18 to Michelin Premier A/S 215/55 R17. A very noticeable difference. My wife says she's driving a new car.

Magellan55

I seem to recall people saying the same thing years ago when these were new - that the 18's give a harsh ride. So if a softer ride was what you were looking for, you did the right thing. Though to Clutchless' point, when I changed out the original Toyo's for Michelin Primacy MXM4's, the ride did improve (but the steering response slowed too).

new_berlin

Several months ago, I test drove a HS with 18" wheels that had a Michelin variant (not the mxm4 or a/s) and it seemed to produce a very rough noisy ride-- i ended up not buying. Recently I've been driving a HS (i bought this one) with 18" tires originating from a brand that I've never heard of called Westlake SA-07 -- interestingly this set of tires is quiet and responsive. No idea how long they'll last or how reputable the brand but seems like a good fit for the 18" HS wheels.

Also it puzzles me to read that 17" wheels produce a smoother ride than the 18". Wouldn't geometry indicate otherwise?

Magellan55

18" wheels means there's less tire sidewall to flex than 17's (assuming tire fitment was done correctly to result in the same overall diameter), to absorb bumps. That's generally also why the 18's would be more responsive to steering.

new_berlin

You make perfect sense and I learned something :-)

new_berlin

I went from a set of Bridgestones to the Michelin A/S (both sets were same size) on my ES and had the same effect. Wish you'd got the 18" a/s instead to offer scientific proof :-) Guess I'll do that when it's time to get a new set.