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I have the factory Bridgestone 21” tires on my RX450h+. Works well, but the ride is not as smooth as I’d favor. The larger sidewall height on the 19” wheels ride softer, imo. Any recommendations on specific tires as a replacement? Thanks in advance.
235/60R19 tires with 19" wheels if you want the speedometer/odometer to still be mostly accurate. You could also do 235/55R20 with 20" wheels (this was the largest OEM wheel/tire on the gen 4 RX). Discount Tire has a calculator you can play with to see how speedometer/odometer would be effected by tire size changes: https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-size-calculator
Thx so much, Urlik! Which specific tire, if any, would you suggest, if I wanted to retain the same rim?
How are you liking your 21” ones?
I checked to see if you could go with a higher aspect ratio on the 21s. Going to a 55 series has the speedometer 2 mph too low and to a 60 series is 4 mph too low. It appeared Discount Tire had no tires in 235/60R21 or 235/55R21. No idea if they would rub either if you could find them. The 60 series certainly may rub at full compression. You're best bet is to change to a 19" wheel if you really want more sidewall.
I drive a Golf R, the wife has the RX. I'm used to driving on much less sidewall every day so it doesn't bother me a bit. lol
You can go down to 20" wheels with 235/55 tires. That is the closest overall diameter to the original 21" wheels.
The closest is 235/60 on OEM 19" wheels. That's an extra inch of sidewall height. I found a set of new takeoffs on eBay for about a grand delivered and ordered a set of highly rated Michelin Cross Climate 2s from Costco to use during the snowy /salty winter months and the spring pothole season in my region. The low sidewalls on the 21's concern me until the potholes are repaired. The Michelins are a slight bit quieter and softer riding, but it's hardly noticeable. I also like the fact that since the CC2's are all season I have more flexibility as to when I switch over. If I lived in an area that did not have unpredictable/salty winters and potholes, I would definitely run the 21's all year.
Good info, nowlen. Sounds as tho there’s not enough positive difference in trade for the effort…and cost? Oh well! Loving the RX450h+ thus far. Thanks.
For sure I'd go down to the 19" and use the wider tire; I have the same wheels and was thinking the same thing. Biggest reason is aesthetics; It's an art to make a car look just right, and to function as it should. From the 2 tire options that are available in that size, I would go with the Michelins.
I would say…the larger the sidewall, the better the ride. Suffice to say the 21” tires look great…and it’s nice to be up a bit more. And the ride isn’t exactly punishing! Color me conflicted.
05-03-24, 09:03 AM
Recommendation for larger sidewall height tire?
