I stand by my original message. All things being equal (mfg., model, etc.) and assuming the 18" and 20" tires have the same width the factor that determines the tire wear (on a per mile basis) will be its circumference. A smaller diameter tire (18") has to make more revolutions per mile than a larger diameter tire (20") thus exposing the 18" tire to greater wear. In other words, a smaller diameter tire has to make more revolutions to cover the same distance compared to a larger diameter tire.

Update: My above post assumes that the 4RX 18" and 20" tires have a different circumference. But this is not the case as the 235/65-18 and 235/55-20 that come equipped on the RX have essentially the same circumference. Therefore, my original comment would only apply to tires where there is a circumferential difference.

 

I have the same on my Luxury 4RX. I am normally a Michelin person but have been quite impressed with the 20" Ecopia tires. If they only got 20K I would also be asking for a rather large adjustment when I replaced them.

 

My 2010 Prius with 17" wheel option also came with a disclaimer about tire wear. It turned out not to be an issue. Probably because I drive very conservatively.

I actually wish the stock Toyos wore out faster, so I could have replaced them with Michelins sooner. I think its just a CYA warning for Lexus.

 

I also have the same tires on my RX350 and I tried to find a some information, but came up short. While mileage is important, I also care about ride and tire noise. What is your assessment of the tires?

Thanks,
Wes

 

I only have 2.5k miles on my RX350 right now, but I have no complaints on these tires. I haven't driven in snow, but they have performed well on wet roads with good traction. I don't hear much road noise from them on the highways, but not sure if that is because of the quiet cabin of the RX. I haven't driven with the windows open yet because the weather has been too cold. Overall I like them, no vibration, or problems on rougher roads, and if they go the 70k miles, then I am happy with that.

 

I had that warning on both my IS and my GS, both of which were delivered with all-season tires. There was a warning sticker on the window at delivery.


I traded my IS in with 16,400 miles on it and the tires were still in good shape, but definitely on to the second half of their life.

 

Thanks for the feedback!
Wes