Options to Upgrade to 20" wheels and ride feedback

[ritholtz]

I just bought EX FWD. How much does it cost to upgrade to 20" wheels. EX trim comes with all shiny chrome accents. Alloy wheels are also fine. I went with EX base to get the bench seat.

I think, EX ride is floaty and steering feel is not firm (wander around). Does it help going with 20" wheel in terms of tightening steering feel and making it stable. Can the ride be as tight and pointed as some thing like Honda Fit small hatch.

 

[anotherlostmonkey]

Funny enough. I'm planning on downsizing to the 18" wheels from the 20" wheels. At least to me the ride feels harsher then I'd prefer with the 20" wheels + tow package. Personally I want a bit more sidewall and more rubber to absorb the rough roads I travel on throughout the year.

But as of right now, I don't feel like the ride is floaty, and steering is decent for a big SUV. I doubt you'll be able to get the telluride to drive like a small hatch without going heavy aftermarket. (I used to drive a Mazda speed3 for reference)

 

[PittPa]

I drive 18 winter tires and 20 factory rims. I can't say it makes a huge difference either way. I much prefer the 20 looks. This car is always going to be on the softer side for suspension for me.

 

[ritholtz]

Funny enough. I'm planning on downsizing to the 18" wheels from the 20" wheels. At least to me the ride feels harsher then I'd prefer with the 20" wheels + tow package. Personally I want a bit more sidewall and more rubber to absorb the rough roads I travel on throughout the year.

But as of right now, I don't feel like the ride is floaty, and steering is decent for a big SUV. I doubt you'll be able to get the telluride to drive like a small hatch without going heavy aftermarket. (I used to drive a Mazda speed3 for reference)

Thanks for the information. I played drive models Smart, Sport and Comfort. In smart mode car (steering) feels like wandering around a little bit. Feels better and straight with Comfort mode. Not as straight and pointy like Fit but much better.

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[WesD]

Thanks for the information. I played drive models Smart, Sport and Comfort. In smart mode car (steering) feels like wandering around a little bit. Feels better and straight with Comfort mode. Not as straight and pointy like Fit but much better.

Does your model have the lane keep assist? I find that the auto correction alters my perception of steering input. That said, you cannot expect a telluride to have the steering feel of a smaller car like a honda fit. It is a heavier vehicle with a higher center of gravity. You can improve steering feel with a lower profile tire that is also geared more toward performance. But without redoing the suspension and sway bars etc... you are chasing something that you are not likely to achieve.

 

[ritholtz]

Does your model have the lane keep assist? I find that the auto correction alters my perception of steering input. That said, you cannot expect a telluride to have the steering feel of a smaller car like a honda fit. It is a heavier vehicle with a higher center of gravity. You can improve steering feel with a lower profile tire that is also geared more toward performance. But without redoing the suspension and sway bars etc... you are chasing something that you are not likely to achieve.

I am driving with lane keep assist. Does SX with 20" wheels, come with sway bars and tuned suspension? KIA didn't list any differences in their website between SX vs EX suspension components.

 

[WesD]

I am driving with lane keep assist. Does SX with 20" wheels, come with sway bars and tuned suspension? KIA didn't list any differences in their website between SX vs EX suspension components.

Turn off the assist and see how you feel about the steering. For me, the assist is so foreign that it will take a long time to adapt.

hey ALL have sway bars and I have not seen anything that suggests they are different diameters from trim to trim. I don't think anyone even makes stiffer springs or sway bars as they go against the design premise of the vehicle.

Turn off the assist and maybe a different wheel and tire package is about as good as you are likely to do with the platform you chose...

 

[beato1]

We have a 2021 EX-Premium FWD. Smart Mode, LKA all the time. Coming from Honda Pilot AWD which I drove for many years, the Telluride’s handling (and steering) is nonissue for me so far. Thanks.

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[ritholtz]

Turn off the assist and see how you feel about the steering. For me, the assist is so foreign that it will take a long time to adapt.

hey ALL have sway bars and I have not seen anything that suggests they are different diameters from trim to trim. I don't think anyone even makes stiffer springs or sway bars as they go against the design premise of the vehicle.

Turn off the assist and maybe a different wheel and tire package is about as good as you are likely to do with the platform you chose...

Comfort mode feels less wandering. Checking the differences between 20" vs 18", they seem to have same contact area. Typically bigger wheels come with wider tires to improve handling right?

 

[ritholtz]

We have a 2021 EX-Premium FWD. Smart Mode, LKA all the time. Coming from Honda Pilot AWD which I drove for many years, the Telluride’s handling (and steering) is nonissue for me so far. Thanks.

I did not get Premium package. I am driving with comfort mode and LKA. I am coming from driving compact hatch to big SUV. Is there any assist for vehicles in front with EX. I get warnings while backing up and Lane keeping but nothing from the front objects.

 

[tpgh]

Comfort mode feels less wandering. Checking the differences between 20" vs 18", they seem to have same contact area. Typically bigger wheels come with wider tires to improve handling right?

Not necessarily. Bigger wheels, especially on an SUV, are for looks. The shorter sidewall improves steering feel and responsiveness at the expense of ride harshness.

 

[veloduffer]

In addition to harsher ride, larger wheels usually add to road noise

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[ritholtz]

Turn off the assist and see how you feel about the steering. For me, the assist is so foreign that it will take a long time to adapt.

hey ALL have sway bars and I have not seen anything that suggests they are different diameters from trim to trim. I don't think anyone even makes stiffer springs or sway bars as they go against the design premise of the vehicle.

Turn off the assist and maybe a different wheel and tire package is about as good as you are likely to do with the platform you chose...

I also noticed that Auto start happens as soon as car in front moves forward. Is it linked to LKA? Is there some kinda of forward collision assist.

 

[ritholtz]

I rod without music. Noise is bad over concrete patches and bridges. I guess it is 18" tires doing it right?