A Highlander Limited was parked next to me today at the store and I noticed the most beautiful thing, factory 19" wheels wrapped in Michelin LATITUDE tires! I'm a huge Michelin fan.. the only problem is I can't find them on any sites? I know they exist.. Does anyone have these tires?
No that's high. Generally the tire for the HL are $180-200 (Alenza's were ~$215 + install for me), and even at that price its more than most SUV tires.
The size and limited availability both work against the car owner and drive up the prices.
It kills me that many manufacturers are producing cars with unique sized tires leaving the owner with few options come time for replacement. My Mazda is no different. At least the number of options for Highlander owners is growing. When we were looking at the Buick/GMC vehicles, they still only have 2~3 options. None of them are all that good, and they will run $200 or more per tire...even at Tire Rack.
I also wonder why all the SUV's seem to be going towards 19 - 21" wheels. I'd be perfectly happy to have the smoother ride (more side wall) and less unsprung weight of a smaller wheel. I realize I am driving a big, heavy vehicle and don't expect it to drive like a performance sedan.
For what is worth my 2010 and 2012 Venza (or Venzi?) have 20 inch Michelin Latitude HP tires. The 2010's tires were changed out from Goodyear RS tires as part of the purchase deal. The Goodyear RS and Michelin Latitude HP tires are the original equipment 20" tires for the Venza. A no brainer as to which brand to insist that you get on your new car.
My 2008 Highlander Sport has been running 255/55/R19 Bridgestone Alenza tires for more than 40,000 miles so I'm happy with them. A huge step above the Toyo Open Country OEM tires.
Last edited by Jim Griffin; 12-10-2012 at 07:25 PM.
Reason: addition
I will never purchase a set of Toyo's after the stock A20's on my Highlander.. they were the worst driving and worst wearing tire I've ever driven on.. the Bridgestone 400's weren't much better but I some how got some OEM spec ones so that would explain the shitty wear I got on them too.. the 422's I got after that (and still have) are great, I probably put 20k on them and they show no wear..
I will never purchase a set of Toyo's after the stock A20's on my Highlander.. they were the worst driving and worst wearing tire I've ever driven on.. the Bridgestone 400's weren't much better but I some how got some OEM spec ones so that would explain the shitty wear I got on them too.. the 422's I got after that (and still have) are great, I probably put 20k on them and they show no wear..
I wouldn't go so far to say I wouldn't buy any TOYO tire. The OEM A20's were garbage. I replaced them at 18k miles with TOYO Open Country HT's 255/55/19's. They have been great for the past 30k and going strong.
__________________
08 4WD HL Limited, Magnetic Flint/Ash Leather, Toyo OC HT's 255/55/19's, European Horns, Extended Step Plate On Rear, DeBadged All Around. No NAV/DVD, OEM Hitch with Color Matched Fascia.Höen Endurance Amber Fog Light Bulbs.
__________________________________________________ ___________________________________
Michelins ride nice but seem to wear out quicker than others plus they are pricey. I love my Bridgestone Dueler Alenzas.
It must be specific Michelins on specific vehicles. I had two sets of M&S on a Ford Explorer... 70K+ miles on each set. I had two sets of M&S on my 2001 HL Limited... 60K on the first set and 70K+ on the second set - tread was nowhere near the wear bars when I traded it.
I would say that I never actually wore out a set of Michelin M&S. I usually ended up replacing them after 5 or so years due to weather cracks.
I would have to say the same thing. It all depends upon the tire.
I had a set of Michelin LTX M+S for 70k miles also.
The HL came with the A20, worst tire I have had.
On wife's 1st HL bought Toyo Open Country AT because the tire place said they were similar to the LTX but cheaper. Even bought a set for my Grand Cherokee also that day. Wish I didn't. They were not that bad of a tire, but nothing like the LTX.
It must be specific Michelins on specific vehicles. I had two sets of M&S on a Ford Explorer... 70K+ miles on each set. I had two sets of M&S on my 2001 HL Limited... 60K on the first set and 70K+ on the second set - tread was nowhere near the wear bars when I traded it.
I would say that I never actually wore out a set of Michelin M&S. I usually ended up replacing them after 5 or so years due to weather cracks.
My experience with them has been primarily on our passenger vehicles as well as the Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 that were OEM on my mother in laws RX330 (which I maintain as well). When we got the car (off lease from a coworker at Lexus Financial Services) it had 30,000 and the tires (Michelin) were shot (LFS paid for all maintenance so these were rotated every 5k per the records) so LFS paid for 4 new tires. I rotated and balanced every 5k and aligned every 10k and the 2nd set was shot in another 30k, these are supposed to be 50k tires, on a vehicle driven by a 65 year old grandmother. They handled acceptably in the snow/rain/etc but 2 sets of tires in 60k with perfect maintenance (with all records to prove the above) is not acceptable. The last time I had it in for service I had them put a set of Bridgestone Dueler Alenzas on it as well.
I have 17' Michelin Latitude Tours on my 10 H/L, Replaced the Toyos at 39K although they would have easily went 41-42K. I now have 57K w/ the Michelins and pretty pleased with them. Measuring the thread indicates I'll get approximately 70K on them w/ Tire rotations every 5K and running at 33.5 PSI.
Motoretro
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
somebody got all excited.
, I thought the Alenza's were bad...
1997 Toyota Avalon
Linear Mode
