Tire Ratings / Comparison Data

[IrishFan]

I’m picking up an LCLC on Saturday with 20” wheels and the factory Dunlop Grandtrek tires and not excited about the tires. I’m not a tire expert and looking for a neutral source for tire ratings and prefer not to pay for Consumer Reports subscription to look at only tires for a few minutes; and; I don’t necessarily trust the ratings on the retail sites.

I’ll spend 95% of my time in city & hwy driving but want something better for snow (limited need living in Central Indiana) and occasional light off-roading; and more rugged looking with good MPG performance and low road noise are priorities.

Any recommendations on good sources for tire ratings and comparisons? And, should I expect that the dealer will swap out the tires and give me a decent amount of $ for the Dunlops since they haven’t been driven?

Thanks for any counsel on sites, dealer support and actual tire selection!

 

[TrailWhale]

You will have a hard time getting objective data on winter and road noise performance since a lot of these light weight AT tires are all brand new models. You can glean a bit from previous models.

I don't know exactly what is available in 20" size - but based on what you want, you should look for lightest weight, SL load rating, with 3peak winter rating. Top of mind would be maybe the new Cooper AT Road & Trail, the new Bridgestone Dueler Ascent, Nokian nAT Outpost, or maybe Toyo AT3. The very new Nitto Terra Grappler G3 looks quite appealing as well. (Sorry if none of those come in 20" options. doh.)

Here's a handy spreadsheet with some tires options -
(courtesy of @Markarian421 )

 

[BKLC]

I was searching for the same thing and went with Falken Rubitreks, SL - stock sizing. Love em

 

[LCNH]

I had the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5s 275/60R20 snow tires installed 3 days ago, $310 each. I am not noticing any additional road noise or rubbing as of yet. Have not been in the snow yet, but feel prepared for the NH winter.

 

[tmhdgpth23227]

I’m picking up an LCLC on Saturday with 20” wheels and the factory Dunlop Grandtrek tires and not excited about the tires. I’m not a tire expert and looking for a neutral source for tire ratings and prefer not to pay for Consumer Reports subscription to look at only tires for a few minutes; and; I don’t necessarily trust the ratings on the retail sites.

I’ll spend 95% of my time in city & hwy driving but want something better for snow (limited need living in Central Indiana) and occasional light off-roading; and more rugged looking with good MPG performance and low road noise are priorities.

Any recommendations on good sources for tire ratings and comparisons? And, should I expect that the dealer will swap out the tires and give me a decent amount of $ for the Dunlops since they haven’t been driven?

Thanks for any counsel on sites, dealer support and actual tire selection!

I put Michelin ATX all terrain tires on my FJ 8 or so years ago and was pleased enough with them that I can't wait to "use up" the Dunlops so I can put the ATX on the LC.

 

[neema2k]

I'd say drive the car for a while and get a feel for it.
With the small fuel tank and the v4 you'll start considering things you wouldn't have in say a v6 or v8.
you may even end up considering going with 18" wheels. Then if you rush it, you could end up with some wheels with low offset and end up with a big poke and could change the way the car drives.
I've been a fan of wider tires for my 5th gen 4runner and now I'm thinking these new modern rigs either like narrower tires or maybe lighter SLs as apposed the E rated ones most people use for AT purposes. So my take. Take your time with deciding on new shoes.

 

[Bikemedic1]

Two weeks in with the Copper road and trails. Love them