What tires for 2017 Highlander?

[kfreedman]

We bought a 2017 Highlander about a year and a half ago. It came with Michelin Defender LTX M/S tires that were getting near the end of their life. We love the quiet ride of the Highlander and I feel like the tires may be a significant element to its great ride.

I'm about ready to take our snows off and put regular tires back on so it's time to shop for new ones. Unfortunately, the Defender LTX M/S has been discontinued and the replacement (Defender LTX M/S2) does not come in the size for this car (245/60R18.)

There is a similar tire just called "Defender 2", but internet searching seems to indicate that the "LTX" is a significant factor when getting tires for an SUV. I assume the significance may be more critical if you are towing. (We have a 2022 17B. The guy who sold us the car towed an Escape 19)

Any advice on what the best tire would be? I'm looking for a quiet ride and good functionality. I felt I had exactly that with the original Defender LTX M/S.

Hopefully when my snows wear out (Michelin Latitude X- Ice), I will be able to replace them easier...)

Thanks,

 

[Iowa Dave]

Our current Highlander (2018) came with latitudes. They ran about 62,000. Then I went to defenders like you have now. Ran them to about132k which was 70,000 miles. Changed out last year first of November to the Defender 2’s. I like them just as well as the DefenderLTX’s they replaced. I have about 6,000 miles on them now. They are slightly more noisy than the LTX’s. But not much. I’m running 41.5 PSI rears and 41 PSI fronts when towing. 500 lbs tongue weight on the 21 with the WDH installed. Tow dead level. Towed 925 miles last week on hilly curvy roads. No problems. When not Towing, I run 38PSI all around. Bought this set at Discount Tire. I have run Michelins for 12 years on Highlanders, and before that on several cars and also am running Michelins on the Bolt EUV. Running Goodyear Endurance on the trailer, 56 PSI. .
Iowa Dave

 

[iamunique127]

I couldn't agree more with sticking with Michelins. I've loved several sets since the early 1990's on my trucks. I have personally put over 100,000km on two sets and my most recent set was headed in that direction until a bad alignment prematurely wore them out.

I value a quiet ride and longevity in a tire.

The wife's Rav4 runs Michelin summer & snows as well.