That is due to the rim size.

 

18's will have more tire wall to absorb the rough patches of road. I'd also recommend Continental tires as they're probably the softest/smoothest tires I've owned, Michelins are a close second. Just my .02 cents worth.


RX350L with 18 inch wheels. Better for rough, uneven roads.

 

My worry is that 18s will get rid of feeling everything in the road except the mounds/jolting that our roads have. Like if the electric company dug up the road, buried a cable, and didnt smooth the road back out. The RX seems to almost have a pop or jolt over these things. So you are kind of pushed up from it. Other than that, the 18s could take away the shaking, road cracks, and minor imperfections. That would be awesome. I test drove 2 rxs, i didnt realize they both had 18s, before i bought mine that has 20s. SO i had 30 days to play with mine. They had another RX come in with 18s. I test drove it over the test drive they have at the dealer, and then drove mine over the same road. It was crazy the difference! I could feel every crack (which there were a ton) in my 20s...car, and the 18s, you couldnt feel it or hear it. I did notice it didnt handle as well, but who cares. I want the old school highlander feel. I have had 2 older highlanders, and 2 older camrys and 4 runners, they all drove better than this thing. I want that back. So I hope switch to the 18s is worth it!

 

I agree about Ashville's roads beautiful mountain though.
Think down sizing to 18's would help, but that soft floatly suspension the RX non-F sport has imo may not totally satisfy you.

 

Well, maybe you can't have it both ways!

 

I like the soft and floaty! I do not like the cracks and bumps in the road. You can literally feel it, over every bump. Its annoying.

 

Play around with the tire PSI. When the tire is hot the firmness will increase.

 

I have done all that. Used to own a 2014, there was nothing that could be done to help the suspension on that thing....it was horrible. I think i am going to have to switch to 18s.....hoping that cures it. Huge expense to do...since this car came with new michelin primacy tires.

 

There is a group of Lexus owners out there that have 18" wheels looking to upgrade to 20". Find someone to trade with and it may not cost you anything.

 

I keep tire pressure at 32 PSI on all four.

 

I had a 2010 - beautiful ride. I came here today to ask about the rough ride I get with my 2017. I have had it for 5 years and it drives like a truck. I replaced the tires with all weather Michelin - not sure of the tire model. I probably have 20 " rims. Pressure is probably 35 so I can drop that to 32. I plan to visit the dealer to ask for a suspension inspection.

 

The door jam sticker for tire inflation is 33PSI cold.