ride quality, 18" wheels vs 20" wheels?

I don't have a comparison, but if you check the inflation levels and the don't exceed the max, the car ride is very smooth on 20s on the Murano., but not overly so.

This is coming from a guy that has a bad back aggravated by compression for the past 20 years.


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The diameter of the 18” and the 20” are the same, the sidewall of the 18” is greater than the 20”. Therefore you may experience more sway when corning and a softer ride with the 18”. All that, of course, depends on the tire design of the tires.

 

I agree with one added comment, if you choose the 20" wheels, Platinum model, check to see what is the speed rating on the tires, H versus V. The V is a sturdier tire because of a stiffer sidewall which adds to a slight sportier feel.
Hope this helps:

 

Canadave,

Obviously off-subject, but are you also active on the PizzaMaking Forum? Same user name, so that's why I ask. Take care!

Jim

Oh yeah, I had the 20" wheels on my 2009 LE and now again on my 2017.5. I like the handling and the looks. I have no issues with the ride. The MO's turning radius is greater with the 20" wheels. Hope this helps.

 

Hi Jim, yep, that's me--small world, this Internet thing, eh? Hope your pizzamaking is going well.

Thanks for the input on the wheels. Is the turning radius really noticeably greater with the 20" wheels? That seems surprising to me--you'd think the radius would be determined more by the amount of turnability of the wheels, not their size.

 

I had a Platinum loaner for about a month that I put about 1100 miles on. I couldn't tell a difference really.

 

20" tires will also cost you more!

 

A not insignificant consideration

I'd normally just buy the SL and be done with it, but I like the idea of the intelligent cruise control with the Platinum. I suppose I could just get the Platinum, sell the slightly used 20" wheels, and buy 18" wheels--it'd probably wind up being a wash.

 

Hey canadave, my two cents...

I have a 2016 Platinum with 20"s and have driven a 2010 Murano with 18" wheels. While not a perfect comparision, I did not notice any difference.

While the common feeling that the 20" wheel size (regardless of vehicle) will result in a harder ride is true, I think it is because the 20" size is often accompanied by a low profile aspect ratio tire...often 40 or 45. The Murano bucks this trend by supplying a 55 aspect ratio tire on the 20" wheel size. This leaves a lot of sidewall height. (The 18" size provides a 65 aspect ratio tire; positively skinny!)

Another point of reference I have is coming from a 2012 Maxima with 18" 45 aspect ratio tires. I find the Murano with 20"s much more compliant.

Like you, I was initially concerned with degraded ride quality with the 20"s on the Platinum. That fear was totally unfounded. The enjoyment of such extras as intelligent cruise, cooled seats, LED headlights, power rear seat back return, etc. has made the increased cost of the Platinum edition, for us, totally worth it.

And, as a last note, the Platinum model also provides Forward Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning. Lately, I have thought that perhaps I'm not infallible or invincible after all, and this new technology is very much appreciated.

Good Luck!
noboy

 

Not much difference.

 

I have direct experience on both sizes if this is still of any interest.

I purchased the 2019 Platinum with the 7.5 x 20” rims and 235/55R20 tires running at 35psi. It gripped the road really well, but felt harsh and was very, very noisy. I learnt to hate the car quite quickly, esppecially after my older and far smoother 2012 MO SL with 18” rims.

As I live on poor roads made of uneven cobble stones, a few months later I replaced the 20” rims with 7.5 x 18” rims and 235/65R18 (Pirelli Scorpion Verde II) running at 32psi. It made a huge difference to comfort and noise. Of course, the handling dropped a bit, but then I do not drive my SUV as if it is a race car.

My next step will be to replace the tires with 265/60R18 and run them at 30psi. I am looking for comfort on rough roads over sportiness.

 

Remember the only true comparison is the same tire manufacture and tire model.

 

Driven both many times on Muranos and 20” just looks better and handles slightly better on the smooth highway.

18” does better at everything else.

 

Given that 18" tires have taller sidewalls than 20" tires, all else being equal 18s will absorb shock better and give a slightly smoother ride.

Variables exist, such as tire pressure, tire construction, etc. But the general rule is: a taller sidewall yields better shock absorption and smoother the ride.

 

And lower profile tires provide quicker steering response, but a harsher ride.