What is the advantage of having 18" wheels, which is optional, vs 17" wheels (which comes standard on RX's)?

 

I don't know if you can find "standard" 17" wheels anymore on a new RX, it's all 18".

 

The only advantage would be looks.

 

That is about it as the overall wheel/tire diameter is about the same. The 18 inch tires just have a lower profile. 17 inch tire is cheaper to replace.

 

Ah, ok. Thanks for the replies.

 

True, I looked. I would have much preferred the smaller wheels for more affordable tires and a nicer ride.

 

What if we upgraded the tires to 20"? What would the ride be like?

 

Stiffer and will handle better.

 

18"s are a good compromise. they look good, and the ride isnt that terrible. you probably wont find another luxury SUV still selling with 17"s. the norm is usually higher by now.

the cons are more noise, stiffer ride, and more expensive to replace.

 

I read about the pebble beach edition and there was this "warning":

 

The GX470 still comes with 17" rims

 

they are required to say this because people are usually outraged to hear that their tires wont last longer.

i believe that warning is on every car brochure ive ever read. the 18"s on the RX last for at least 30+K miles if you get the michelines, and other brands that have been recomended here.

 

If the tires are the 18" Goodyear OEM's, then 15-18k is about as good as you'll get. I replaced mine at about that mileage and they had the treadwear indicators showing.

 

my goodyears lasted till 30K and then another pair till 60K. then at 60K i switched to michelines, and im at 82K and they still look new.

 

I have to say, I'm impressed. My Goodyear’s were literally worn out before we hit 18k, and that’s with regular rotation and watching the pressure closely. Now, I have to admit, that I probably do drive far more aggressively than most RX drivers, but, next door neighbor with 05 RX similar to mine barely got to 20k and had to replace his. He is known as being a bit of a “old foggy” driver and is the exact opposite of my driving style – he does get better fuel mileage than I do though……...