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HighlanderGeneral discussion forum for the Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid.
This is a discussion thread titled "Replacement tires for Highlander", within the Highlander forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
I'm having trouble deciding which tires to buy to replace the original 225/70/16 Toyo tires that came with my wife's Highlander. I tried searching through the forum first, but I didn't get any helpful information. I have done some research on the Bridgestone HL Alenza, Michelin LTX M/S and Cross Terrains and the Goodyear Fortera Triple Treads. My research has given me only one answer. These tires are expensive! I don't mind spending the extra money for the best tire, but I would like to here from some of you about your experiences. The original tires are not lasting very long so that option is taken care of. However, most tire websites are pulling up the tires above as a recommended replacement tire for the Highlander. They are primarily truck tires from what my research has shown me. How will this affect the driving characteristics of the car-based Highlander?
My Highlander came with Bridgestone Duelers, replaced them at 30k with Michelin Cross Terrain SUVs of the same size, which now have 18k on them and are still going strong. It handles much better in the rain and snow with the new tires, ride seems to be about the same, although I think they are a bit noisier. But the handling improvement made them well worth the cost -- I highly recommend them.
I'd go to www.tirerack.com and search through all their options, price included. If you drive it like a car, no off-road, etc., then a passenger car tire will better replicate the feel of the original equipment tires.
__________________
Jim
'06 Avalon Limited
'06 Lexus RX 400h
Thanks for the reply. I needed to do something quick on replacement tires since the original tires were not going to do well in the recent snow we've had. I had the Michelin LTX M/S tires installed yesterday and they ride much better than the original tires. The tire shop is giving us a 10 day trial run on the tires to be sure we like them. So far the ride is softer than the Toyo tires. The tires have a black sidewall so it makes for a perfect replacement. I didn't want to be the "guinea pig" on the Goodyear triple treds, Tirerack didn't have very many reviews about this new tire. I've had Michelin LTX M/S tires on a 4runner before, but I wasn't sure how they would ride on the Highlander. Like I said before, they seemed to have improved the ride compared to the Toyos (Transpath).
how is the noise on the Michelim LTX M+S ?
They are supposed to last a long time -I thought that was a "truck" tire.
what I want is a quiet tire for the highlander as the vehicle is loud enough as is
how is the noise on the Michelim LTX M+S ?
They are supposed to last a long time -I thought that was a "truck" tire.
what I want is a quiet tire for the highlander as the vehicle is loud enough as is
anyone using any "quiet tires"?
Mine has Michelin EnergyLX4. They came on mine and are quiet. They have 50k on them and probably will be replaced in about 5 to 10 K. I still wish they made the X-one. It was the best tire i ever had.
how is the noise on the Michelim LTX M+S ?
They are supposed to last a long time -I thought that was a "truck" tire.
what I want is a quiet tire for the highlander as the vehicle is loud enough as is
anyone using any "quiet tires"?
The Michelin LTX M/S tires in my opinion are quieter than the Cross Terrains. I've had a set of Cross Terrains on a 2002 Tacoma D-Cab and the tread didn't last very long, and they seemed to be louder than the B F Goodrich Rugged Trail tires I had before that. If you look on Michelin's website and use the vehicle selection option it will give you only two tire choices. The LTX M/S and the Cross Terrains. They are both a highway all-season tire for Trucks and SUVs. The LTX M/S tires were about $100 less than the Cross Terrains for a set of four tires. If you look at TireRack's website (www.tirerack.com) and filter through the review section for Toyota vehicles you'll see quite a few Highlanders with the LTX M/S tires. I was skeptical about putting the LTX M/S tires on a Highlander, but it rides much better than the Toyo Transpath tires that came on the vehicle when we bought it new. Michelin seems to be a conservative company with safety in mind. Do you remember the Formula 1 race in Indianapolis last year? They pulled the vehicles with their tires out of the race for safety reasons if I remember correctly. I don't think they would recommend a tire for your vehicle if they didn't think it would be the best and safest tire for your vehicle. On another interesting note, TireRack did a test on the Bridgestone Dueler HL Alenza, the Goodyear Fortera Triple Tred and the Michelin Cross Terrain tires all on three Toyota Highlanders. All three tire manufacturers seemed to perform well on the Highlanders with these Truck and SUV tires. Although, they didn't test the LTX M/S tires in this comparison, I looked to the customer reviews at TireRack and I chatted with a few people in this forum to make my decision.
I got 60,000 miles out of my Goodyear Integritys, so I must be doing something right!
I read the Tire Rack reviews carefully and after much thought settled on the Yokoham Geolandar 051 tires. There are good tires. They ride quietly, handle well and are superb in the wet. A number of reviewers stated that these tire were poor in snow. After quite a few snowy days here in NH this year I have to agree that these are not great snow tires, but they are adequate, probably as good as most other all-season tires. If you need really agressive snow tires, go to a dedicated winter tire.
I also saw reviews in Consumer Reprots that indicate Geolandars will reduce you mileage. I'm having this condition; my mileage having dropped about 2mpg. I'm not sure if this is caused by increased friction with the road or if the tire diameter is slightly larger. If it is the diameter, I'm going the same distance per gallon, its the odometer that is off. I checked the speedometer with a GPS and it read 2mph slow with the Integrities. I'll have to check it with the new tires and see if it has changed.
I too, bought the Yoko Geolanders, and I'm not that happy with them. I think they are a bit loud, and wet traction ain't too special. They are loads better than the Integritys, tho - those things were just plain dangerous. I've got Michelin Hydroedge on my '98 Rav (235-60R16), and those are the best tires I've ever owned. Don't make 'em in Highlander size, tho.
I've had Goodyear Triple Treads (TT) for a little over 1K miles now. They were swapped the day after getting the 2WD V6 HL. Original tires were the Duelers. I had decided to trade the OEM tires for Bridgestone Alenzas due to my tire/road noise concerns. However, no Bridgestone dealer would take them in trade. It doesn't say much for Bridgestone when they won't take their own tire...
Goodyear allowed me $160 trade-in allowance on the Triple Tread tires. Total cost (after the $160 discount) for tires, stems, mounting, lifetime balance/rotation, and road hazard was $500 plus 5% sales tax. They also came with a 30-day trial period. I'm extremely happy with the TT tires. Excellent traction (dry, wet, and snow), very quiet, and smooth ride. The best tires that I've ever put on any vehicle.
I had the Michelin Cross Terrains on a previous HL and on a Tundra. IMHO, they don't compare well to the TTs.
It will be either the Goodyear Fortera Silent Armor or the Michelin LTX M/S in 265/70/16. I'm looking for the smooth Oldsmobile/ Grandpa ride because I drive the truck on the highway 95% of the time.
Heard the Goodyear SA were smooth but because of stiff sidewall, it may not be as soft as the Michelin LTX M/S.
I'm leaning towards buying the Goodyear SA because previous posts said that they were smoother than the Michelin Cross Terrain.
Has anyone else tried the Goodyear SA and like the ride better than their Michelins?
I don't about the GY SA tires. There are plenty of reviews on the Silent Armor at TireRack. They seem to decrease MPG. It may that the softer rubber also increases rolling resistance. I really REALLY like the GY Fortera Triple Treads (TT). You may want to try TT tires with the SA tires as a backup. You have 30-days to try and swap tires. Ask the GY Dealer. Good luck!
I had Sears install Michelin XC LT4's on my wife's 03 Highlander in January. These are awesome tires. I recently had them rotated @ 5500 miles. The front showed 1/32 of tire wear the rears showed none. They are very quiet, smooth, and "grandpa cushy" on the highway. You get what you pay for. After a horrible set of OEM Bridgestones, I had not learned my lesson and replaced with an even more horrible Bridgestone. I actually didn't like driving the H/L with Bridgestones. It now is like an entirely new vehicle. I imagine the LTX M/S are very similar. But I don't think you could go wrong with these.
how is the noise on the Michelim LTX M+S ?
They are supposed to last a long time -I thought that was a "truck" tire.
what I want is a quiet tire for the highlander as the vehicle is loud enough as is
anyone using any "quiet tires"?
My 06 H/L LTD has 17 inchers with the O/E Mich. Ltx's .@ 4,900 miles they are quiet and agressive to boot. A good tire price for 17 inch rims is $115 each. Look like new tread also. No hydroplaning whatsoever at 60MPH with an inch or so of water. Although some will swear by the Goodyear Fortera Triple tread, they are over priced for a Goodyear tire. I would rather sink ALL my hard dollar into a Michelin Brand.
My moms H/L base with 16 incher rims came with toyos, at 9,200 miles they were totally SPENT and were always noisey tires. She got the LTX's now. Remember ,yu generally pay for what yu get in a tire.
Keep to the Toyota PSI spec of 30 PSI only!!! This is key also.
Watch the wheel alignment too. Especially the FRONT END Toe-IN needs the most attention on this vehicle.
I had Sears install Michelin XC LT4's on my wife's 03 Highlander in January. These are awesome tires. I recently had them rotated @ 5500 miles. The front showed 1/32 of tire wear the rears showed none. They are very quiet, smooth, and "grandpa cushy" on the highway. You get what you pay for. After a horrible set of OEM Bridgestones, I had not learned my lesson and replaced with an even more horrible Bridgestone. I actually didn't like driving the H/L with Bridgestones. It now is like an entirely new vehicle. I imagine the LTX M/S are very similar. But I don't think you could go wrong with these.
Completely different tire than teh Mich. LTX. And Sears acquires these the Michelin tires just for sears. They are cheap quality made for Sears customers. Ask around yu will told the same.
Been there done it. The price is no bargain either. The treadwear is lower and the temp rating is lower. Uses a different rubber compound.I can get the LTX's for the same price!!
All Michelin tires bought from sears are ONLY found at Sears. I tried to warranty a Sears bought Michelin on my 86 camry some years ago. I showed my receipt to Two Michelin Tire dealers. They sent me back to Sears. It was a learning experience. They claim they don't ever sell any Sears model michelins. They can't even order them special or whatever. One salesman told me it is not even manufactured BY Michelin. Just Branded as such with an arrangement between Michelin and Sears Roebuck Stores. Sears does this to Obtain brand recognition in their Auto Tire sales Dept.
It's just a way different tire!! apples and oranges. No lie!
Replacement tires for Highlander
I needed to do something quick on replacement tires since the original tires were not going to do well in the recent snow we've had. I had the Michelin LTX M/S tires installed yesterday and they ride much better than the original tires. The tire shop is giving us a 10 day trial run on the tires to be sure we like them. So far the ride is softer than the Toyo tires. The tires have a black sidewall so it makes for a perfect replacement. I didn't want to be the "guinea pig" on the Goodyear triple treds, Tirerack didn't have very many reviews about this new tire. I've had Michelin LTX M/S tires on a 4runner before, but I wasn't sure how they would ride on the Highlander. Like I said before, they seemed to have improved the ride compared to the Toyos (Transpath).
LT
