hdeanne22

greetings to all-
looking for tire recommendations that you have had success with.......looking for a smooth, quiet highway ride.....have a 2002 AWD w/75k on the odometer.....don't pull a trailer or anything like that......currently have Bridgestone HT Duelers, I believe? I once read that Michelin X-Country (?) improve the ride? any suggestions, please? thank you.....

Lexmex

Welcome to the Club.

I have the upsize 235-70-16 Michelin CrossTerrains. They won't last as long as the 225-70-16s due to a difference in treadwear. Still, on my current tires I have managed to get about 30K miles over 2 years on some tought roads and still have a few more months. The 235 will give you a more tank like feel than the 225. Drawback is a very itsy bitsy loss in MPG and acceleratio due to rotational or unsprung weight. I found the CrossTerrains to be a dependable tire, but will switch to a smaller size in the future due to racing and mpg reasons. 235s fit without issue while 245s CAN rub.

salimshah

It will boil down to what compromise you are willing to do.

Check out CL sponsors and read reviews. Keep in mind the reviews are written by users and may lack the scientific data.

Look at the tread pattern to understand the quietness vs traction. Also consider all weather vs seasonal if you will encounter ice-snow. After going throw M/S (mud and snow) I am reverting to less aggressive tread. Better grip (softer tires) help you in better launch time and better stearing, but will wear out quicker. For a commuter, I would suggest look for tires lasting 60K miles [keep in mind the tires are a landfill nuisance].

I am going to get bombarded by lots of readers for saying that OEM tires [Duelers and Integrity] seem to be a reasonable choice keeping price as a factor as well. So let me add a disclaimer .... this recommendation is for daily commuter in mostly good weather.

Good luck in you quest.

Salim

Benjamin T

iTrader: (2)

we also have michelin x-terrains as well. very happy with them, especially when compared to the crap oem bridgestones that our RX originally came with

if i had to complain about something... um, the tires are heavy, and they drone a little bit loudly on long hi-speed highway stretches, which you have to expect from the deep tread pattern they have.

AlexusAnja

I too got the 235x Michelin Cross Terrains and I've put on about 40K miles and there is still tread above the wear bars. I would say I probably have a good 5-7.5K left, maybe 10K highway miles. The tires are much better on rain and snow than the OEM Goodyear Infinity (or something like that). They are slightly louder though than the Goodyear, but the performance upside far outweighs the extra noise. I guess the 235 is not as popular as the oem 225, so the 235 actually are less expensive than the 225.

thomas1

I too have the cross terrains, I have 40k on them and have half the tread left. Great tire, and as everyone else said, much better than the bridgestones.

trhs75

Our used RX300 came with an odd brand which we haven't had to change yet, but my wife's GX470 had the Dueler HT's from the factory which we replaced with Michelin Cross Terrains at the dealer's suggestion. We've been pleased, and we anticipate longer life with these!

Lexmex

I am curious as to what you want more, is it better treadwear or better ride, or is it about 50/50?

toy4two

stock size Michelin Cross Terrains were awesome when I had my RX300.

miniround

lexmex, considering that i've blown my tires up to rocks (40psi) i'd have to say i'm looking for better mpg haha...because obviously i like a harder, sportier ride..

Lexmex

I love riding at 40 psi. I am actually looking at getting some new KYB GR-2 shocks this year, too. However my next set of tires are definitely going to be smaller than 235 and 70. There are a few guys at my track that even move down rim size. Not quite sure about playing around with 15s.

TunedRX300

I have also pump up the PSI for my Pirelli Scorpion Zero 235/60/18 tires.
Three of them I bought used with 5/32 last October, I just checked the thread depth and it should last another year. Total cost on 3 used tires is ~188, quite a saving in $, environment, and mpg (lighter rotational mass and have higher maximum PSI limit).

carguy07

I have some miles on these now and have been very happy so far. Priced right too.

Kumho Solus KH16's

Lexmex

Are you running 225-70-16 on those Kumhos?

I was looking at a Kumho or Yokohama for a future tire, but still investigating.

carguy07

Yep, they seem to do everything pretty well. I think I paid something like $350 out the door. I have had good luck with Yokohama's on other cars too. I think they both make good tires.

The stock POS Goodyear's were downright dangerous!