jeff1762

I have my name on a waiting list to purchase a 2022 NX 350h.

I was surprised to learn that the 2022 NX series cars are being built with run flat tires. I've never driven a car with this type of tire but from what I read online the ride quality is not as good as a regular tire. One of the primary reasons for me purchasing a Lexus is the ride quality amongst other things. Can anyone respond as to how they feel about ride quality with run flat tires versus regular tires? Should I be concerned?

DaveDude

Not noticing much difference in the ride quality on my 350h from my previous RX that had regular tires. Both with 18" tires the size I prefer.

Lexus22563

The tires seem ok so far. I have the 350h premium with 18 inch tires. That said I might replace with regular quality tires when the run flats wear out.

midcow3

A lot of people plan to replace run-flats with regular tires; the ride will be smoother. The OEM run-flats are only good for about 20k miles. Run-flats are heavier, noisier, and don't wear well. You should also get slightly better mileage with regular tires

YMMV,
MidCow3

Lexus22563

I have had good success with the Michelin Defender LTX m/s in my toyota highlanders but wonder if it is too truckish for the nx hybrid

mikemu30

But then you have no spare?

NiCoRe

I currently have auto-sealing tires on My VW PASSAT Station Wagon which are not run flat and I've got a small kit including a compressor and a few gizmos (foam...).
I would probably get the same kind of kit for a set of non run flat winter wheels on my future NX

nitrolada

most people (eg BMW has been using runflats in a lot of their cars for a while) just get a can of fix a flat and air compressor if that. otherwise, that's why there's roadside assistance and while of course it happens, but in my 20+ years..never had a flat that i had to change on side of the road.

ct6978

I put Michelin's CrossClimate2s on our RAV4 to replace a set of Michelin Primacy tires. Great dry grip, great in the rain, no idea about wear, as we only had them for about 10K miles. They were slightly noisier. I got them based on some excellent reviews.

NoMoreEv

I actually prefer the run flat as I have used 4 plus set on my previous BMWs and never had a single issue. I have the 18” on the 350h and it rides smooth and quiet. The 18” OEM tires have a tread wear rating of 380 and I believe I can easily get 50k km (30k+ miles) of the original set of tires.

midcow3

It has been a long time since I have needed a spare. I have AAA Premier if need which includes flatbed towing up to 200 miles.

YMMV,
MidCow3

JPB23

I have the 20 inch tires and they ride with more noise than the 18's. Originally test drove a premium and that rode smoother than my luxury.

jatwell

Generally speaking 18s will provide a “more comfortable” ride than 20s with the same tire, so that’s a consideration. Mine has 20s with the run flats. They are a bit noisier and a little more harsh than my last ride with 18s and Michelin Defender T+H (excellent tires), but it’s certainly not a deal breaker. If ride comfort is very important to you, then 18s with a quality, non run flat might serve you better. I did have a bit of a pause because of the 20/run flat combo, but the other qualities of the 2022 NX 350 (non H) far outweighed the minor tire cons.

gman2727

First, for those that had 20s by default, did you ask the dealership about swapping them for 18s? Curious as to what they said or if they even entertained the idea? Wasn’t sure if it had anything to do with the manufacturer tire warranty as to why they would be unable to do so?

Next, this may be a slightly stupid question but for those that swapped 20s for 19s, did you have to purchase a set of 4 new rims and tires? If so, did you purchase this through the dealership directly or did you go through a third party? Any chance of voiding warranty if going third party (especially on the rims)?

Lastly, if you do purchase the tire protection plan and swap the run flats for conventional tires, I would assume the warranty follows the vehicle and not the tires themselves?

Looking to gather data points for all those following as I think it will help several of us make educated decisions on next steps. I know I would prefer 18s over 20s from a comfort perspective (not look perspective) but given the luxury included 20s by default, didn’t really have much of a choice in todays world!

midcow3

OKAY, I get it this question is important to you because you have posted that EXACT same response in 3 or 4 threads. The following are my opinion and maybe the best answers you will get


I know of NO dealer that will do this; Good Luck if you find one.

You could purchase the 18 Inchs at dealer. Not sure a 19-inch is available at the dealer with same bolt pattern. Most likely you would be better puchasing outside the dealer.via third party; make sure bolt pattern matches.

Tire warranty follows the tires, not the vehicle.

Option 1: the Best advice is to wait until the run=flats wear out and then replace them with conventional tires. Run-flat tires are heavier, noisier, and have a very limited life. Generally, with run-flats, if you do have a failure you can continue to drive 50 miles and then replace the tires. Most tire failures, excluding minor nail punctures, required tire replacement. These days, tires are much much higher quality and do not fail near as frequently as 20-30 years ago, even 10 years ago. That is why many vehicles offer only puncture repair or run-flat tires instead of full-size or mini- spares. If being stranded is of concern get a roadside service such as AAA and have peace of mind.

Ride smoothness is also associated with tire height. A higher tire wall height is usually associated with a smaller tire size. So the 20-inch 235/50 R20 has a smaller tire wall height 50 and gives better tire handling control. But realize these are SUVs, not sports carts even with the F Sport you do not get sports car handling. The 18-inch 235/60 R18will give a smoother tide because of the taller tire wall height 60.

Contrary to some other opinions, I have had run-flat tires and I do not replace them with run-flat tires when they need to be replaced. Conventional tires are so much better in so many ways: longer tire life, less weight, smoother ride, less noisy. If I have a rare flat or pothole blow-out, I call AAA. And yes it can happen.

Option 2 : replace rims and tires. You can get your 20k worth of miles out of the OEM tires or replace day 1. You need to go to a third party ( IMHO recommended; I guess you could buy Lexus 18 rims and put on 18-inch tires ( don't have to be Lexus)) If you get a taller tire wall size, you will get a smoother ride but less controlled.

Good Luck,

YMMV,
MidCow3

P.S. - I personally plan to run on the 20-inch OEM run flats until normal wear shows, about 20K miles, then I plan to replace the tires only with convention tires. At this time there are only a few 235/50 R20 tire choices and I will pick the MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE2 235 /50 R20 104V XL BSW with 60,000-mile warranty. about $268 each