I drove two RX350h….essentially identical except for tire size. Spent 15 minutes in each. Has anyone else conducted a comparison test? Certainly none of the reviews address the differences…and I think that all of the YouTube reviews seem to feature the larger tire. It’s odd, because in my estimation, they drive/ride very differently from one another. Seems as tho all of the 19s are Michelins. I’ve not seen Michelins on the 21s. Looks like the 21s have 1/3 to 1/2 the sidewall rubber. That said…the 21s, along with the multi spoke alloy looks terrific. I cannot come up with another attribute. What am I missing here? The smaller tire delivered a quieter, smoother ride without the jolts of the 21s. Am I the only one with this opinion?

 

19s have higher sidewalls so should be a cushier ride. That said, the 21s are 55 series tires so still have a decent amount of sidewall to not directly real rough. I’ll be glad to see the big wheels fad die.

 

2023 RX supply shortages have been significant, both in terms of available cars, and available customization on those cars. Another factor is that 99% of the premium+ and 100% of the luxury and F-sport models have the 21" wheels, while these wheels aren't available on base or premium trims. And the 350h premium trim is almost non-existent in many parts of the southern USA, so most 350h buyers have no choice on wheels. Because of these factors, wheel size isn't a top priority for most people.

If you want an F-sport handling or F-sport performance model, you have no choice on wheels. If you want some higher end features like leather seats, Head-Up display, or ML audio that are only available on premium+ and higher, you have no choice on wheels. Most people are prioritizing getting their preferred powertrain (350h in high demand), their preferred colors, their preferred trim level, and their preferred options (panoramic view monitor, Mark Levinson audio have been supply limited).

 

I ordered my Premium+ with the 19's. I realize the 21's look better, but I wanted a cushier/quieter ride. The 19's are cheaper to preplace. My car should be hear at the end of the month.

 

Maybe I’m just “old school.” The standard 19s are Michelin. That has “it” factor for me.
I ordered a Nebula Premium Plus with the 19s. Due shortly….maybe tomorrow. I was able to get the HUD…but no Panoramic view.
It has the Traffic Jam Assist…and I’m a bit skeptical of the cameras on the driver. One of the reviewers complained about excessive beeping. It was said that the system beeps if you’re steering with one hand and that hand is placed at the top of the wheel. Hoping there’s a way of disengaging the system. Looking forward to its arrival.

 

I went with the premium because the larger wheels always made me nervous. The 21s looks amazing though! I was more invested in getting the interior color I wanted. I went with iridium with the palomino /bamboo interior. Reserved it on 3/11 should be here by the end of the month.

 

The looks of the 21” wheels was important to me. I like the firmer ride and handling.

‘’Did I mention they looked better?

 

That RX is gorgeous…show stopper time…on the edge of “concept car.” Enjoy second by second. I refer to it as “LBF” (Look Back Factor). I think that’s self explanatory! But….that said…the standard !9” rims (not my RX, below) have a smart, ready for potholes, curb hits, and extreme mountain driving look. I’m seeing “practical” and “thought out.” I’m seeing “Michelin.” The single factor, the 21” tires, kept me away from the “Luxury” version and put me into “Premium Plus.” In so doing, I gave up the ML, the thigh extender seating, and perhaps a slightly nicer softer leather on the seats. Living in a Desert climate, I willfully avoided the panoramic roof. Those were the choices I made…for perhaps a smoother ride. And yes…I also gave up much of the LBF!


The dreaded 19’s?

 

As you’ve shown, the standard 19” wheels grey painted color matches the Nebula Grey exterior color perfectly!

 

I wanted the 350h with the luxury trim so I had no choice but to get the 21 inch wheels. I can assure you I would have gone with the 19 inch wheels had I been able. Over the years, when we had the capability of mixing and matching options, I almost always went with the smaller wheel size on my vehicles. As someone else said, I don’t understand the obsession with big wheels. Maybe it looks a bit better, but I have to look hard to appreciate the look it gives. Just not been something that has ever been a focus of mine. Understand others feel differently. With that said, after having driven 300+ miles a couple of days ago, the 21 inch wheels ride great. Maybe (probably) the 19 inch wheels would ride better, but the 21s ride pretty damn good.

 

I have the 21s but have done no comparison drives. In fact, never even drove a single one because there simply haven't been any to drive. Anyway, yesterday I finally bought a 350h and drove home on construction filled interstates in the Dallas area. Loved the ride and quiet. I thought the 21s would be harsh but I was wrong.

The only thing wrong with the 21s is all those spokes (I counted 20). They're going to take a lot of cleaning time.

 

Not here in NY. Very few PPs have the 21" wheels.

 

I would have preferred the 19 inch wheels. Better ride and would have saved the extra $1600. The problem was I wanted copper crest color which is only available on Prem+ and Luxury trims. Every allocation the I saw for a premium plus hybrid had the 21". I will admit the 21" do "look" better and the ride is decent probably not as soft as the 19's but acceptable.

 

My 500H handling with the 21" wheels is good, but it loses composure with fast, hard cornering. A sports sedan, it's not, but I would say the 21" wheels are needed for any kind of spirited driving.

 

Tbh, I don’t think sidewall thickness has to do anything with ride comfort, it may have a LITTLE impact, but it’s all in the suspension.