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I am looking to buy a new mid-size SUV in the next few months. Looking at different models, they all seem to have large wheel sizes standard especially on upper trims. I am seeing 19-20" on most models. What's the deal with this? I thought larger wheel sizes led to poor rides and more chances of rim damage? Why don't companies offer smaller smoother riding wheels on upper trims? Also, doesn't tire replacement become more expensive with larger wheels? Is there any real advantage to large wheel sizes over smaller 17-18" ones?
Because wheels have been getting bigger and bigger for the past 20 years. Not talking about "donks", just about regular cars. Back when I got a BMW 528 in 2000, the sporty wheels were 17". Now the standards on sedans are 18s and sport models are 19s. On SUV upper trims, as you mentioned, they're usually either 19 or 20. I am wheel-obsessed. Some years ago, I wouldn't even consider the Lexus RX SUV because it only had 17" wheels. This year, I wouldn't consider an Infiniti QX50 because its wheels were 18". Anyway, ended up getting a BMW 330i with M-sport package, which has 19" wheels (oh and fog lights, another must-have). So far the ride seems fine. I'm in Florida so there's not a ton of potholes, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I did drive a Cadillac XT5 with 20" wheels as a rental up in PA, where potholes are EVERYWHERE, and the ride was horrible, I couldn't wait to get out of it.
Short sidewalls and wide tires are a fashion statement, and they do improve steering response in dry road conditions. But they make the ride harsher, can cause bent/cracked rims from a pothole, and that wide tread will lose traction more easily on wet and snowy roads.
Realistically, when I was young, full size cars and half ton pickups had 15 inch wheels. Three quarter ton trucks had 16 inchers. Mid size cars were on 14" and compacts had 13" wheels.
The argument "oh it's for brake caliper clearance" is total BS: we never had any trouble locking up the wheels on a 15" wheel car.
Nope, it's just fashion being anti-functional - which is fashion's job; but it annoys the devil out of me to have to put up with a buckboard ride when the technology exists to provide plenty of shock absorption. That's why old man Dunlop invented pneumatic tires in the first place.
Realistically, when I was young, full size cars and half ton pickups had 15 inch wheels. Three quarter ton trucks had 16 inchers. Mid size cars were on 14" and compacts had 13" wheels.
The argument "oh it's for brake caliper clearance" is total BS: we never had any trouble locking up the wheels on a 15" wheel car.
Nope, it's just fashion being anti-functional - which is fashion's job; but it annoys the devil out of me to have to put up with a buckboard ride when the technology exists to provide plenty of shock absorption. That's why old man Dunlop invented pneumatic tires in the first place.
Being able to lock up the wheels on a car "when you were young" isn't so relevant anymore. Tire technology is significantly better, the larger tires offer more traction and cars are larger and weigh significantly more. All of these things lead to bigger/better brakes for optimal braking.
With all of that said, I do agree with you that much of the move up-size is for appearances and not function, although there are some real-world benefits.
Being able to lock up the wheels on a car "when you were young" isn't so relevant anymore. Tire technology is significantly better, the larger tires offer more traction and cars are larger and weigh significantly more. All of these things lead to bigger/better brakes for optimal braking.
With all of that said, I do agree with you that much of the move up-size is for appearances and not function, although there are some real-world benefits.
Oh yes, its 99% for appearance only imo!
Thats why I see so many Huge wheels, where they stretch the low profile tire to fit a wider wheel (this makes the aspect ratio look even smaller).
Larger wheel size increases the foot print with a less packaging issues than going wider for the same increase. Manufacturers have gone this direction for the look as well as performance. I was a real skeptic initially but now that I have one car with 19's and one with 20's I am a believer.
The argument "oh it's for brake caliper clearance" is total BS: we never had any trouble locking up the wheels on a 15" wheel car.
Locking up the wheels is a poor metric to use to judge braking performance. If you can lock up your wheels, then it's a sign you have crappy tires on the car that lose grip too easily.
Last edited by BostonMike7; 08-05-2019 at 08:59 AM..
Realistically, when I was young, full size cars and half ton pickups had 15 inch wheels. Three quarter ton trucks had 16 inchers. Mid size cars were on 14" and compacts had 13" wheels.
The argument "oh it's for brake caliper clearance" is total BS: we never had any trouble locking up the wheels on a 15" wheel car.
Nope, it's just fashion being anti-functional - which is fashion's job; but it annoys the devil out of me to have to put up with a buckboard ride when the technology exists to provide plenty of shock absorption. That's why old man Dunlop invented pneumatic tires in the first place.
You also didn't have 300+ hp on your average family sedan. higher horsepower requires better take-off traction, bigger brakes, and better braking traction.
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