[ncee]

One thing MAYBE to consider, is that - currently - all tires aren't available in both sizes from tire companies.

So while 20" tires tend to cost more, there also (currently) seems to be fewer options in that size as well.

Currently no Bridgestone tires (Blizzak in particular)
Continental TrueContact, none

And it seems like many others, so for that reason alone, I may see about special ordering the HL (which we need to do because of running boards +) and getting it with 18" tires.

 

[SantoAZ]

Yes, 18 inch tires cost on average $40 less per tire compared to 20 inch tires. So there's about $160 total saving for a set of 4 tires. And yes, there's about twice as much tires available in 18 inch size than for 20 inch size for new 2020 Highlander.

That been said, IMHO this should not be a main decision factor, because:
1. HL being most popular 3rd row bestseller means there will be Blizzak and other brands coming shorty and increasing tire/size availability for 20 inch HL. I bet we'll see it within next several weeks.
2. There are currently still 27 tires to choose from for 20 inch HL in 235/55/20 format. Including a dedicated winter Yokohama tire set.
3. $160 average total savings for a set - let's face it isn't going to be a deal breaker is it? I mean you are buying a $40-45k car (including special equipment on top like running boards you said) and I don't think $160 will break your budget. Especially given that set of tires lasts for a good 50k miles at least or about 4-5 years of driving on average. That's about $35 per year - that's not seriously something to even talk about let's be honest.

 

[ncee]

Yes, 18 inch tires cost on average $40 less per tire compared to 20 inch tires. So there's about $160 total saving for a set of 4 tires. And yes, there's about twice as much tires available in 18 inch size than for 20 inch size for new 2020 Highlander.

That been said, IMHO this should not be a main decision factor, because:
1. HL being most popular 3rd row bestseller means there will be Blizzak and other brands coming shorty and increasing tire/size availability for 20 inch HL. I bet we'll see it within next several weeks.
2. There are currently still 27 tires to choose from for 20 inch HL in 235/55/20 format. Including a dedicated winter Yokohama tire set.
3. $160 average total savings for a set - let's face it isn't going to be a deal breaker is it? I mean you are buying a $40-45k car (including special equipment on top like running boards you said) and I don't think $160 will break your budget. Especially given that set of tires lasts for a good 50k miles at least or about 4-5 years of driving on average. That's about $35 per year - that's not seriously something to even talk about let's be honest.

While true on every level, something to take into consideration (for me) along with other things.. On my 7 avalon's I've averaged a lot closer to 25-35,000 per tires. Not really sure why, as damn near all my mileage is highway, but that is the average. Yes some have been closer to 40+ but NONE have been near what they are rated at … NONE. I use both summer tires and winter tires on all my cars over the years

Now some of the Avalon's I didn't keep long enough to know how many miles I would likely have gotten out of the tires.

1) 48,000 miles (2005) before trading (16 months, summer and winter tires)
2) 42,000 miles (2006) (Touring model, to damn stiff a ride)
3) 78,000 miles (2009) (like the looks of the new model coming out, summer and winter tires)
4) 96,500 miles (2011) (time to trade, 18 months owned, summer and winter tires)
5) 3,200 miles (2013) (HATED to ride, traded while on a trip, for a New 2012))
4) 54,000 miles (2012) (Like, and hoped the 2016's were better then the 2013's, and it is)
6) 98,900 miles (current model 2016, 2 sets of winter tires, OEM and 1 new set of summer tires)

Other cars, most I can't remember that far back clearly I had 3 Park Avenues, 1 new and 2 used. new one with 336,000 miles and I went through a sets of new tires, 1 pretty Blue, Super Charged put about 40,000 miles on not sure, 1 sharp all black with red interior, sold to buy Blue one

Partial list of cars owned and enjoyed: 1966 Pontiac Catalina 4 door, 1968 Pontiac Catalina 2 door coupe, Cutlass Supreme, (Loved this car with 4 studded snow tires), Dodge Polara, Chevy Monte Carlo, Chevy Vega, Vista Cruiser Wagon, GTO, Chevy Impala Coupe, AMC Rambler, Tempo, (3) Park Avenues, (2) Tercels, (2) Camrys, (6) Avalons, Rav4, 4Runner, Accord,

In any case, $160.00 + - will not be the only factor and even a small one at that. The quality ride will have A LOT more to do with it. And while most reviewers are saying the difference is minimal, that will heavy heavy on my decision, as I spend a lot of time driving and will want comfort above all.

On before folks say, if it's comfort, you should be looking at "X", the 6 Avalons, 2 Camry's, 1 (Currently still own) RAV4, and 2 Tercels had NO, I repeat, NO repairs in all the years on ownership, other then tires, Oil Changes and other base maintenance.

YES, the current Avalon will needs Shocks and Brakes REAL soon, but hopefully not until after I trade it in.

Wow, talk about "Rambling" on …

 

[SantoAZ]

While true on every level, something to take into consideration (for me) along with other things.. On my 7 avalon's I've averaged a lot closer to 25-35,000 per tires. Not really sure why, as damn near all my mileage is highway, but that is the average. Yes some have been closer to 40+ but NONE have been near what they are rated at … NONE. I use both summer tires and winter tires on all my cars over the years

Now some of the Avalon's I didn't keep long enough to know how many miles I would likely have gotten out of the tires.

1) 48,000 miles (2005) before trading (16 months, summer and winter tires)
2) 42,000 miles (2006) (Touring model, to damn stiff a ride)
3) 78,000 miles (2009) (like the looks of the new model coming out, summer and winter tires)
4) 96,500 miles (2011) (time to trade, 18 months owned, summer and winter tires)
5) 3,200 miles (2013) (HATED to ride, traded while on a trip, for a New 2012))
4) 54,000 miles (2012) (Like, and hoped the 2016's were better then the 2013's, and it is)
6) 98,900 miles (current model 2016, 2 sets of winter tires, OEM and 1 new set of summer tires)

Other cars, most I can't remember that far back clearly I had 3 Park Avenues, 1 new and 2 used. new one with 336,000 miles and I went through a sets of new tires, 1 pretty Blue, Super Charged put about 40,000 miles on not sure, 1 sharp all black with red interior, sold to buy Blue one

Partial list of cars owned and enjoyed: 1966 Pontiac Catalina 4 door, 1968 Pontiac Catalina 2 door coupe, Cutlass Supreme, (Loved this car with 4 studded snow tires), Dodge Polara, Chevy Monte Carlo, Chevy Vega, Vista Cruiser Wagon, GTO, Chevy Impala Coupe, AMC Rambler, Tempo, (3) Park Avenues, (2) Tercels, (2) Camrys, (6) Avalons, Rav4, 4Runner, Accord,

In any case, $160.00 + - will not be the only factor and even a small one at that. The quality ride will have A LOT more to do with it. And while most reviewers are saying the difference is minimal, that will heavy heavy on my decision, as I spend a lot of time driving and will want comfort above all.

On before folks say, if it's comfort, you should be looking at "X", the 6 Avalons, 2 Camry's, 1 (Currently still own) RAV4, and 2 Tercels had NO, I repeat, NO repairs in all the years on ownership, other then tires, Oil Changes and other base maintenance.

YES, the current Avalon will needs Shocks and Brakes REAL soon, but hopefully not until after I trade it in.

Wow, talk about "Rambling" on …

Yes, if you drive as much and have 2 sets of tires (like extra winter set) - then of course you are right to go with 18 inch, as it adds up. And of course, 18 inch will be comfier over bumps and I agree that sometimes even slight difference can mean a lot when you drive a lot.

 

[Ralph6410]

Will the rims for a Gen 2 (2011) fit the Gen 4 line? Would like to save my 17" set with new winter tires on them.