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The 18 rides smoother than the 20’s and the fsport suspension doesn’t help the riding comfort at all. It tightens the handling up which is what fsport is all about. Better handling. The best riding will be a base one with 18” wheels. But, that’s just my point of view from a comfort perspective.
I agree that the 20" wheels look better, but I'm all about the comfort. In some cars (Buick Enclave for example, which I was researching for my dad) they offer only 20" wheels with the top trim which has a "sport" suspension, something similar to the RX F-Sport suspension (not sure if similar to F-Sport with Performance Dampers or with the F-Sport Performance with the Adaptive Variable Suspension; I think it was the Adaptive Variable Suspension). When I asked the techs at Buick about it (and yes, I ended up writing to someone in Detroit and they actually got back to me) about potentially changing the wheels to the 18" on the top trim model, they said no way, because the Buick Adaptive Variable Suspension, is specifically calibrated for the larger wheels and the ride would be out of whack. Does anyone know if this is the case with the RX as well (I'm looking at the 450h), or would there not be an issue to downgrade to 18" wheels with either the F-Sport (only Performance Dampers) or F-Sport Performance (with the Adaptive Variable Suspension).
Problem is that if you want the 18" wheels, it requires a special order. None of the dealers I searched had a single RX with 18s. I also like the extra sidewall for a smooth ride and for protecting the wheels against potholes.
I also did not have any need for a heated steering wheel. Living in the humid south, I may have been interested in a cooled one. I wanted the parking assist cameras and navigation and it seems all those also came with heated steering wheels.
To get a decent discount (and the $2k incentive) I had to go with the 20" wheels and the heated steering wheel. As soon as you mention special order, the salesman does not seem eager to sell you a car and discounts are smaller. Its a Lexus thing.
The 20" wheels on the RX come with 55 aspect ratio tires so the ride is pretty smooth. I could not tell any difference from one with the 18's. Much of the ride complaints relative to larger wheels is that sometimes those come with 45 or even 40 aspect ratio tires which are definatly stiffer than 55 series.
I agree that the 20" wheels look better, but I'm all about the comfort. In some cars (Buick Enclave for example, which I was researching for my dad) they offer only 20" wheels with the top trim which has a "sport" suspension, something similar to the RX F-Sport suspension (not sure if similar to F-Sport with Performance Dampers or with the F-Sport Performance with the Adaptive Variable Suspension; I think it was the Adaptive Variable Suspension). When I asked the techs at Buick about it (and yes, I ended up writing to someone in Detroit and they actually got back to me) about potentially changing the wheels to the 18" on the top trim model, they said no way, because the Buick Adaptive Variable Suspension, is specifically calibrated for the larger wheels and the ride would be out of whack. Does anyone know if this is the case with the RX as well (I'm looking at the 450h), or would there not be an issue to downgrade to 18" wheels with either the F-Sport (only Performance Dampers) or F-Sport Performance (with the Adaptive Variable Suspension).
I have the F sport with factory 20", which provide a very comfortable ride. I also use the Lexus 18" for my winter tires. Ride is no different.
To me the only difference is the OEM Bridgestone tires have far less traction and are noisier than my 18" Michelin X-ice tires.
Love the look of the 20" F sport time though.
Outside diameters are identical, hence no change in odometer/speedometer.
I suppose the smoother ride on the 18 wheels is all in my head, but hey, it's my head. I knew if I bought the 20" it would bug me everyday, again in my head. I was able to get 18" wheels on a new 2019 in December. Base car with almost no options, which was OK by me. Car comes pretty loaded. I was able to find it at a rural dealership in CA, new for $37,000. I'm very happy and still haven't had time to deal with all the extras it does have. Very nice car as a stripped car for a very good price. Over 18% off of MSRP. I believe they still have one left.
I suppose the smoother ride on the 18 wheels is all in my head, but hey, it's my head. I knew if I bought the 20" it would bug me everyday, again in my head. I was able to get 18" wheels on a new 2019 in December. Base car with almost no options, which was OK by me. Car comes pretty loaded. I was able to find it at a rural dealership in CA, new for $37,000. I'm very happy and still haven't had time to deal with all the extras it does have. Very nice car as a stripped car for a very good price. Over 18% off of MSRP. I believe they still have one left.
It's not in your head. There is a difference. How big of a difference? That's a personal characterization. Disclaimer: I only went for test drives, but I tested two 2020 RX 450h's back to back, one with the 20" and one with the 18". The 18" definitely rode better from a comfort perspective. My wife was in the car and she confirmed. Salesperson also, but I think she was just saying anything to facilitate the sale. I didn't really feel a difference of a sportier / more engaging ride in the 20" (it was the F-Sport, can't remember if it had the Performance Package or not) but I wasn't focused on that. I'm all about ride comfort and NVH. Both cars rode much better and were quieter than my top trim Lincoln MKX which I am looking to replace.
It's not in your head. There is a difference. How big of a difference? That's a personal characterization. Disclaimer: I only went for test drives, but I tested two 2020 RX 450h's back to back, one with the 20" and one with the 18". The 18" definitely rode better from a comfort perspective. My wife was in the car and she confirmed. Salesperson also, but I think she was just saying anything to facilitate the sale. I didn't really feel a difference of a sportier / more engaging ride in the 20" (it was the F-Sport, can't remember if it had the Performance Package or not) but I wasn't focused on that. I'm all about ride comfort and NVH. Both cars rode much better and were quieter than my top trim Lincoln MKX which I am looking to replace.
FSport has a firmer suspension so that would be part of the difference.
I am glad you wrote this. As I read the string, more than half of the statements are not correct.
referring to post #26 as having the correct information.
Last edited by Don222; 04-24-20 at 03:36 PM.
Reason: Clarity
Hi, I recently purchased 20x8.5 inch TSW Sebring Matte Black (30mm offset) wheels with 255/55R20 Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season tires. Changes the entire look of the SUV. Handle is amazing and ride has not suffered much (even on the horrible streets on Montreal). Kept the thinner OEM 18inch wheels for winter.
I have RX350L 2018 which it comes with 18 Wheel. I am thinking to buy Rim 20 OEM from lexus dealer but not sure if it will fits or I will have any problem ? please advise
I have RX350L 2018 which it comes with 18 Wheel. I am thinking to buy Rim 20 OEM from lexus dealer but not sure if it will fits or I will have any problem ? please advise
I'm sure it will fit, but if I were you I'd keep the 18", better ride, better wheel protection, cheaper tires. I don't think that driving you'd notice a difference.
Why do you want to change...Looks?
When I bought my 18 RX, I test drove both the 18" and 20". I had the sales person adjust the tire pressure to 33psi to both cars and the ride was identical. The test drive was on highway and around town roads. No difference at all, I choose the 20" because the wheels looked much nicer than the 18's, and also filled up the space in the wheel opening. No difference at all!
12-24-19, 03:32 AM
