20" vs 18" tires

1) No

They aren't 20" tires. They're 20" wheels. The overall diameter of the tire is the same - it just has a smaller sidewall than a comparable tire for the 18" wheel.

2) Only a little.

A tire is part of your total suspension system. There's "give" to the sidewall in a tire. A tire with a smaller sidewall will have less give than one with a bigger sidewall. Therefore, a QX60 with 20" wheels will ride very marginally firmer than 18". You'll barely notice the difference.

Sinecure said:

1) No

They aren't 20" tires. They're 20" wheels. The overall diameter of the tire is the same - it just has a smaller sidewall than a comparable tire for the 18" wheel.

2) Only a little.

A tire is part of your total suspension system. There's "give" to the sidewall in a tire. A tire with a smaller sidewall will have less give than one with a bigger sidewall. Therefore, a QX60 with 20" wheels will ride very marginally firmer than 18". You'll barely notice the difference.

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My all-season seasons are on 20-inch rims, and my snows are on 18-inch rims. I cannot say I have noticed any appreciable difference in the ride except possibly just a little bit quieter with the 18's.

What do you think you are going to go with in the end? The 20" ones probably cost more and are considered fancier. I think it mostly comes down to looks and not driving dynamics.

SameButDifferent said:

What do you think you are going to go with in the end? The 20" ones probably cost more and are considered fancier. I think it mostly comes down to looks and not driving dynamics.

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I would agree, we went with the 20" since we thought they looked more proportional to the car.

Mine came with the 18's but I always wanted the 20's. I agree that the 18's will give you a little of a smoother ride and the tires are cheaper but the 20's look real good and fits the car better. I'm having a hard time finding 20's.