18" wheels on the 2016 Limited

Auto makers have included larger wheels on their premium models for some time now. I have always found that larger wheels make for a firmer ride, i.e. stiffer ride.......not something I desire. I realize that it is a marketing ploy and the average consumer must think larger wheels are more desirable. Not this guy.

We have a 2016 Limited on our short list for a new truck. We like all the features and the leather seats will be easier to clean with our two dogs.

I am concerned that the 18" wheels are going to give us a harsher ride. Would love to hear from Limited owners and those who may have driven the smaller wheel size models and the Limited and their opinion of the "ride".

 

It's not the wheel that's the issue, it's the shorter, thus stiffer, tire sidewall. Incorrect air pressures make it worse. You'd be amazed at how many folks think the 'max pressure' on the sidewall is what they are suppose to run.

Couple of ways to address this maybe. Particularly since 'ride' is a very subjective item.

Test drive a few models (after adjusting the tire pressures if needed) and see what YOU think.

If you think it's too harsh, try another model with similar suspension, but different wheel/tire package. The suspension can be the issue, or a factor.

Negotiate a wheel/tire 'downgrade' with the dealer. Shorter wheels with taller tires, same total diameter.

Budget for aftermarket wheels/tires of your choice. Your package may sell quickly as they will fit many models, including older ones.

And remember, it is a truck. If the ride is too plush, it won't be able to perform truck duties as well.

 

Just order the limited with the TRD wheels and you'll be set. They're 16's. Larger sidewalks=more forgiving ride with the correct air pressure

 

Go drive it, then you'll know. I think they ride fine with the Michelin tires they come with.

 

No problems for me here... I like em

 

I don't feel the wheels/tires cause a stiffer ride but I do think the Hitachi shocks are stiffer than the lesser models. Overall I like how the vehicle rides.

 

18"s on a midsize truck is not bad ride at all IMHO. I had aftermarket 18's on my 2nd gen and the truck rode just fine. If your going to be doing heavy offroading than I would probably opt for a nice 16". It is odd with the third gen how one of the nicer choices of wheels is what Toyota chose to put on the SR models. (Maverick wheels) I hate the look of the Sport wheels on my truck and can not wait to get something new. Right now I am on the fence with either going with the 17" FN FX Pro wheels or wait for Moto Metal to release their new Razor wheel which I will likely go with 18's (Looks very similar to the Maveric wheel). As others mentioned go for a test drive but I am willing to bet you won't dislike the ride the 18's offer. The Limited wheels visually look way better than the OR or Sport wheels as both the Sport and OR wheels have dated looks IMHO. The OR wheels for example remind me of the wheels that came on the Chevy S-10 years ago.

 

The ride is okay. My 14 sport seemed to have a smoother ride over my 16 limited but it is not bad. I like the rims also if you get a MGM color the rim color actually matches the truck. So when I lift it to put little bigger tires on I'll keep the rims on it still.

 

I don't think that the rim size matter as much as the tire size, the more narrow the sidewall the harsher the ride. The Limited tire size is P265/60R18, if you decrease the sidewall height, the second number after the backslash, then the ride will get harsher. I think my ride is just fine, you'll feel a little when hitting potholes but it's a truck with a frame on construction.