16 vs. 17- what's the difference?

[Palerider]

I am looking at an 06 Sequoia with 16". Why would I want to go to 17"?
Would I get better handling? Better ride?

Thanks.

[toodeep2dive]

Why would I want to go to 17"?

Thanks.

An inch is a lot to some people

[dgracer]

In general, the larger wheel package will give better handling in trade for a slightly stiffer ride. This is because the sidewall on the larger wheel package is shorter (65% vs 70% of the width). I bet you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference however. 17" tires are currently more expensive than 16" at replacement time. Personally, I tow with ours and always believe in getting the largest footprint on the ground that the factory recommends. For regular driving around, the 16's will be fine.

[P07r0457]

performance differences are negligable, and up for debate.

But the oem 17's look so much better

[TundrastruckDave]

Well, as (P07r0457) has said, it certainly is a "subjectionable opinion" , especially depending on "who" your talking to. IMHO however, the larger the diameter of a wheel, the better chance there is for unexpected ROAD RASH and other damage!! That's especially important, when your talking about a truck/SUV and the places you might take either in comparison to a car! That's even doubly important, with consideration to off-roading.

Fact is, even street trucks "can" be VERY venerable here as well. Case in point, run into a "curb" like my wife did with her Camry and see how well that larger diameter wheel fairs! She now has half the circumference of the outside edge of the right front wheel scratched! QUITE nicely too, I might add! The only "fix" for my wife’s car is... send the wheel off the have the damn thing repaired or buy a new wheel! Either way the translation means... $$$$$! :cry:

Of course... the decision... is entirely "subjectionable".

[rx7vert]

16>17.

only time I would go any bigger than a 16 is if I had calipers that 16's wouldn't clear.