Cornering and steering feel difference between 18" vs 20" wheel trims

[ritholtz]

Are there any differences between EX with 18" vs EX/SX with 20" wheel? I test drove SX FWD with 20" one with good steering/road feel and good cornering ability. But i am planning to get 18" one. Wondering if it feels the same with 18" wheels considering thicker side walls. Based on the spec, KIA gave same suspension and components for all the Trims.

I am thinking about upgrading to prestige or SX. But these options defaults to captain chairs (7 seating). I would like to keep 8 seating option. It is the similar problem with latest Sienna where 8 seating option is not available with higher trims.

 

[Tellmeride]

I have gone through 18” with snow tires and 20” with performance tires. Let me tell you that unless you push the handling to the limit every time you buckle in, in everyday driving the slight difference is not noticeable.

 

[T’Ride]

I have just taken off the factory 20” wheels and Michelin’s and installed a set of 18” Blizzaks. I immediately felt the difference on the highway. Whether it was the “snow tire factor” or the higher sidewalls the T’Ride definitely moves around the road much more than it did with the Michelin summer tires. They are two completely different tires (and wheels). As my tire tech said, of course it will handle differently (badly) on dry roads and in side winds. But, no worries, the Blizzaks will make up for that in how they handle ice and snow covered roads.

 

[ritholtz]

I have gone through 18” with snow tires and 20” with performance tires. Let me tell you that unless you push the handling to the limit every time you buckle in, in everyday driving the slight difference is not noticeable.

Thanks for the information.

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[ritholtz]

I have just taken off the factory 20” wheels and Michelin’s and installed a set of 18” Blizzaks. I immediately felt the difference on the highway. Whether it was the “snow tire factor” or the higher sidewalls the T’Ride definitely moves around the road much more than it did with the Michelin summer tires. They are two completely different tires (and wheels). As my tire tech said, of course it will handle differently (badly) on dry roads and in side winds. But, no worries, the Blizzaks will make up for that in how they handle ice and snow covered roads.

Thanks for the information. That is not encouraging. Some reason EX higher trim comes with 18" wheels. It is not possible to upgrade wheels with bench seat.

 

[David Blakewood]

Are there any differences between EX with 18" vs EX/SX with 20" wheel? I test drove SX FWD with 20" one with good steering/road feel and good cornering ability. But i am planning to get 18" one. Wondering if it feels the same with 18" wheels considering thicker side walls. Based on the spec, KIA gave same suspension and components for all the Trims.

I am thinking about upgrading to prestige or SX. But these options defaults to captain chairs (7 seating). I would like to keep 8 seating option. It is the similar problem with latest Sienna where 8 seating option is not available with higher trims.

I have the SX AWD and it handles much better than the EX because of the 4 wheel drive and larger diameter wheels- if yur looking for handling and performance buy the 20 inch and AWD !!!-

 

[art_yow]

I have an SX AWD with the factory 20" wheels. In the winter I use 18" wheels with Toyo snow tires and find the ride is much better with the 18 inch wheels especially on poor roads. I find the difference in performance is not really noticeable between the two wheel sizes.

Regardless of the tire size, I find performance of the Telluride is NOT great compared to my Acura MDX and Honda Ridgeline. The pronounced transmission lag when pushing the Telluride is also very frustrating and does not give you a sense of confidence.

 

[ritholtz]

I have an SX AWD with the factory 20" wheels. In the winter I use 18" wheels with Toyo snow tires and find the ride is much better with the 18 inch wheels especially on poor roads. I find the difference in performance is not really noticeable between the two wheel sizes.

Regardless of the tire size, I find performance of the Telluride is NOT great compared to my Acura MDX and Honda Ridgeline. The pronounced transmission lag when pushing the Telluride is also very frustrating and does not give you a sense of confidence.

Thanks for the information. I did test drive FWD EX with 20" wheels in DFW. It felt fine. Steering provided good road feel with slight delay in sports/smart mode. It is not as direct as FWD FIT EX. But Fit is very rough on small road imperfections.

I decided to go with FWD after this test drive. But not sure about the ride with EX using 18" wheels. If it is also close to FWD with 20" wheels, I guess i am good with it. I will check the dealer if i can test drive EX or LX with 18" wheels. It is also not possible to get bench 2nd row seat with 20" wheels.

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