[soldthetaco]

Does anyone know what the tire size on the 18 and 20 respectively? I'm torn between the choice of 18 or 20, on one hand, I know that 18 inch tires are cheaper and offers more selections, 20 inch is better for on road which is 99.9% of my driving. How would you choose?

 

[treybrad]

The 20" are 245/50/R20 per this video:

I don't think I've seen what size tire the 18" wheels use...

 

[treybrad]

Ah, when in doubt -- check the Canadian Santa Cruz page which actually has some details....

Preferred (Base) Trim:

Ultimate (Top) Trim:

 

[soldthetaco]

Nice! Toyo AT3 is offered in both of sizes, I'm probably gonna opt for 20" then and swap to those AT tires. With 300 lb ft torque and AWD I'm sure my lead foot will destroy the OEM tires pretty fast

 

[JMII]

18" for me... lighter, better ride and lower replacement costs.

 

[Walking Black Bear]

That was one thing that surprised me between the US and Canadian sites ... we seem to get much more information on the Canadian site. The trim I selected gets 20s ... but, as you can see above, they list both 18 and 20 on the Ultimate trim. Personally, I'm a big fan of smaller wheels and taller sidewalls. Lots of reasons - replacement cost is only one. Rim protection is a BIG one if you live anywhere with monster potholes. Doesn't just prevent curb rash! Ever see someone with 20 or 30 series tires nail a pothole and bend a rim? I'll take sidewall EVERY time, unless I'm literally buying a performance car where the smaller sidewalls help with handling. I'm not going racing with a mini-truck!

 

[JMII]

I'll take sidewall EVERY time, unless I'm literally buying a performance car where the smaller sidewalls help with handling. I'm not going racing with a mini-truck!

Even on my Corvette, which I do take to the track, I downsized from OEM 19/20 to aftermarket 18/19 setup. The taller rubber is cheaper so I went wider and gripper thus offsetting any performance hit. Plus the smaller wheels reduced unsprung mass (22lbs total). This big wheel trend is all about looks (bling factor). Another reason, on sports cars at least, is clearance for massive brakes.

 

[charlesBear]

Getting 18" and will almost immediately downsize to aftermarket 17" or possibly 16" depending on brake caliper clearance.

 

[Sparkland]

The 20's are one pothole away from a bent rim and a rough ride. They look cool, but the compromise in ride quality and extra cost will keep me in the 18 wheel/tire category.

 

[REPeet]

The 20's are one pothole away from a bent rim and a rough ride. They look cool, but the compromise in ride quality and extra cost will keep me in the 18 wheel/tire category.

If you think that they look "cool", you must be under 40 years of age. You're right, anything under a 45 series profile is just a pot hole away from unneeded expenses. For ride and dependability I prefer at least a 50 series profile (unless you're running on a closed track).

 

[Sparkland]

What brand of tires are shipping on the SC?

 

[soldthetaco]

What brand of tires are shipping on the SC?

Michelin on limited
Kumho on everything else

 

[Sparkland]

Michelin on limited
Kumho on everything else

Thank you.

 

[Phil]

I wouldn’t call a 245-50-20 low profile by today’s standards. I agree the 18’s will ride better and offer more protection. The factory 18’s look awful IMO

 

[Walking Black Bear]

I think the best "factory" look I've seen so far are the painted/wrapped factory 18s. Take off the bright bits and they look aftermarket.

 

[_metafizik]

Michelin on limited
Kumho on everything else

I had never heard of Kumho until I noticed that is what was on my SC. Are they good tires? I've pretty much only had Michelin the past 20 years.

 

[Walking Black Bear]

They're nothing to write home about. Okay for a year or two from the factory ... but last set I had as factory tires didn't last particularly long. But hey, they have that custom SC triangle pattern in the sidewalls ... that has to be worth AT LEAST a $5,000 dealer markup!

 

[Rxturbo7man]

I had never heard of Kumho until I noticed that is what was on my SC. Are they good tires? I've pretty much only had Michelin the past 20 years.

Kumho is a well known tire manufacturer with a wide range of tire types.

 

[LovinLife]

I think the best "factory" look I've seen so far are the painted/wrapped factory 18s. Take off the bright bits and they look aftermarket.

Agreed.

 

[355rockit]

Kumho is a well known tire manufacturer with a wide range of tire types.

I have Kumho tires on my 2005 Highlander. They are great tires. No issues in the past 2 sets I've had installed.