Firestone dealer recommended for me to buy 4 of the 21 inch and keep them at home for when I need them. Even still if you are out of town it would be a big problem with a road hazard. Spare tire is very limited to speed and miles. Lexus did not think this through too well.

 

Just looked on Tire Rack and some great choices for the 19 inch and only three for the 21 including two Bridgestones and one Goodyear. None of which are rated highly. The RX every year by far is the top selling luxury SUV so I have to assume manufacturers will make more choices available.

 

Yeah, that's what I've found too. If there is not a good choice when it comes time, I'll be switching to 20s which have a ton of options.

 

‘There is little doubt that with Lexus selling these 21” wheels, the tire makers will respond to cash in. I have been pretty happy with the 21” Goodyears and can not say I would not replace with the same. We will see what they come out with. Plenty of rubber on my tires for now.

 

Have the Goodyear Eagle Touring 235/50R21 on my RX350h. My car was delivered last month and had been pleasantly surprised by the ride quality. We even went on a 5 hour road trip.

Last week I got a low pressure warning for the left front tire. It was at 25 psi. We checked the crown area of the tire and saw no nails or screws so I went ahead and inflated to 33 psi. It only lasted a few days and the low pressure warning reappeared. I took the car to a tire repair shop and it was not easy but they found a very small leak on the sidewall. It was fixed by buffing the internal area, applying a heavy fluid and some heat.

Did I get a puncture of some sort or could this be a tire defect? I am not comfortable riding out this tire in the future. In an earlier post someone mentioned the 245/45R21 size. I have found Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. Any comments on trying this size on our cars?

 

No experience with the 245X45R21, but here's a size comparison so you could judge.

 

Why would you want a tire size that would add more miles to your speedometer than actually driven,

 

No idea, myself. I've asked before, and am still wondering if anyone knows if there would be room for a 265X45R21? Fairly well supported by the tire companies.

It's 30mm more in overall width, and I don't know the wheel width for the OEM wheels. Plus, I haven't the place or tools to decide if there is enough room in the wheel well at full lock. But the diameter is OK and I think it would help a bit in braking, etc.

 

‘Increased acceleration performance.

 

I would think your 2nd choice is better as long as the rim can handle the new width..

 

I found online the OEM 21-inch wheel specs:
Width: 8-in
Offset: 40 mm
Center Bore / Hub Bore: 60.1 mm
Bolt Pattern (PCD): 5x114.3 (5x4.5)
Wheel Fasteners: Lug bolts
Thread Size: M14 x 1.5
Wheel Tightening Torque: 140 Nm (between 103 & 104 Ft-lbs)

Bad news/Good news:
Bad is Tire Rack says rim width should be 8.5 to 10 inches for a 265 width tire.
Good is Discount Tires list 265 width as fitting on an 8-inch rim

If the 235 size doesn't improve in availability by the time I need new tires, I will be looking pretty hard at Continental Sport Contact 5 in 265X45R21

 

I agree it is a negative consequence of choosing that tire size. I am considering changing my tires because of the problem I encountered. Our options in other brands are limited now with OEM size.

 

Wish I could order a RX with the exact options I want. Would opt for the 19" rims/tires. Love the look of the 21" but the price and lack of tire options scares me a bit. Hopefully in a few years when we need tires there will be more choices. 19" Wheels from Lexus are $857.88 each.

 

Costco now has Michelin CrossClimate2 in the 19” size for order. $10 cheaper than the Primacy and longer warranty/ wearing tire.

 

I also like the Goodyears. After 8K miles, they have good wet and dry grip, are comfortable and quiet, haven't worn appreciably. Presently I see no reason to go elsewhere.