Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner

20" wheels - NVH?

6K views 20 replies 15 participants last post by  Scottina06 
#1 ·
curious about experiences with the 20" wheels. I am concerned that the lower profile 265/50/20 wheel/tire combo may degrade the ride quality too much as compared to the 17" combo on a Laredo or 18" combo on a Limited. I am looking at a Limted that has the upsized wheels. I value a smooth and quiet ride and have been in cars with low profile tires where there was noticeably more noise, vibration and harshness. Any observations from those with 20" wheels on their Overlands?
 
#2 ·
I don't have an overland, but I do have 20's now...overall I am very happy. They are much wider, so the platform is a lot more balanced, and I would say (as do my friends) the ride is more comfortable than stock! I have 265/45 in front and 295/40 in the rear...still have a lot of sidewall and would never go back. GL with what you decide and keep us posted
 
#3 ·
they're not that bad for 20s. i'd say if you're used to a cadillac ride, you'll be upset. if you are no stranger to low pro tires, you'll be pleased. i hate the fortera tires that come with them though. they suck. the ride would be even smoother with a better riding tire. the truth is that as long as you keep it on the road, the profile of the tires on the 20s is still decent.
 
#5 ·
i hate the fortera tires that come with them though. they suck.
I disagree about the Forteras. I'm not much of a Goodyear fan, but as far as street use goes in the dry or in rain/snow/slush, the 50-series Forteras on the 20" wheels exceeded my expectations for grip, handling and noise and I did not find them harsh at all.
 
#7 ·
My 2 cents... drive them both and see what you think, that's what I did. I ended up with the 18" on the Limited. I didn't perceive any sound difference in the 10 or so miles I drove on both sets. I perceived a little more harshness at highway speeds. I am a little biased b/c my Acura has low profiles and I swear sometimes running over a cigarette butt is felt in the steering wheel. See ya.
 
#12 ·
IMO the additional sidewall and tire selection for 18's or 17's are optimal if you are driving rougher trail, road, or work conditions, or if you just prefer the foregiveness and cush.

That said, as others mention, the 20's actually can improve street handling and are a bit more responsive, not to mention the kick arse aesthetics and quality. The 20" tires aren't really low profile rubber bands in the traditional sports car sense, and can easily handle most city and highway mixed pavement conditions. Some are even mounting up 20" Blizzacks for winter if road conditions aren't pitted out.

YMMV.
 
#14 ·
I have an Overland and I ordered the off road package in order to get the 18 inch Michelin tires. I was also concerned about not getting as good of a ride with the 20 inch tires. The clincher for me was Tire Rack's rating of each tire. The Michelin got a much better rating than the Fortera. I have always had good experiences with Michelins. I also think that the 18 inch wheels are very nice. It's personal but, I think that the 20 inch wheels are overdone and stand out too much on the Grand Cherokee. I have had my Overland for a month and I have no regrets on the tire decision. If you are getting a Limited, my opinion is that your money would be better spent elsewhere rather than spending to get the 20 inch tires.
 
#15 ·
I love my 20 Inch Wheels on my Limited 4x2 . I get lots of compliments I originally did not want them (they were on the car from factory ) My dealer only had that Limited in stock in my color choice and said he would knock off them price of them So I ended up with them for free. I paid $1000 below Dealers cost at $35,000 for Limited 4x2 tow package and 20 Inch Wheels . I get lots of people saying they love the wheels and tires. I'm glad i have them as I see other JGC with 18inch wheels and does not look as nice as the 20 . I guess every thing happens for a reason
 
#16 ·
IMO...the 265 50 20's are not low profile. I have 255 45 20 and 285 40 20.....those are low profile...especially the rears
 
#17 ·
On my '02 I replaced the stock tires as soon as they were done with Forteras (17") and they have been so very nice. I love the look and performance. I was impressed that the Overland came with Forteras on the 20's and am looking forward to getting one (although it'll be after the first year madness).
 
#18 ·
my conclusions from these posts and some personal driving experience is that the Michelin 18's on the Limited may provide at least a marginally quieter and smoother ride than the Fortera 20's due to some combination of the Michelin tire having a more supple ride quality than the Goodyear, and the fact that there is more tire profile/rubber between you and the road with the 18's (60 profile) than the 20's (50 profile). However, the difference is fairly subtle and both ride very well, as do the Fortera 17's on the Laredos due to the sophistication of the chasis/suspension
 
#19 ·
I am getting a second set of wheels/tires for my Overland for light offroad use. IMO 20" wheels just don't leave enough sidewall for driving offroad. On road I'm sure they will be great and I really like the look of the 20's. I'm planning on finding a set of JK Sahara 18" wheels and mounting some BFG AT K/O's for offroad use. Trip to Ouray with the WK2 planned for August.
 
#20 · (Edited)
I have the 20's and find them extremely quiet and smooth. I just mounted 18" Blizzaks for the winter and they are not as smooth or quiet. I had to drop the pressures from the recomended 36 psi to 34 psi to smooth out the ride on the Blizzaks.
 
#21 ·
my jeep had the 17" GY SRA's.....and they were ok...I then went to the 20" GY Runflats....huge difference....the runflats rode so nice and smooth...now I have nitto 420s(nonrunflats) and the difference is like night and day again. The Nittos are so nice
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top