18 vs 20

11814 Views 9 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Trey T, Nov 13, 2018

MamaBear5

Discussion Starter · Nov 13, 2018

What is the difference between the 18" rims and the 20" rims? Why are some people stating they don't want the 20" rims?

Also, why are some people opting to put new tires on their Asscents? Snow tires? Better handling?

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DonSwin

· #2 · Nov 13, 2018

I'll start.

20" rims look cool and are city wheels. They are easily damaged off-road and do not allow enough tire depth to navigate deep mud. Also, all-terrain (not all weather) tires are very difficult to find in 20" if at all and then at a very high price.

I have not driven an Ascent with 18" wheels, but I suspect the handling with 20" wheels is a bit crisper because the sidewalls don't flex as much as 18". The 18" wheels and tires may add weight that could affect gas mileage. But all of the Ascents seem to get similar gas mileage regardless of the wheel size.

Now I'll let the experts chime in with statistics and case studies.

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BoxerRules

· #3 · Nov 13, 2018

The 18” may give a little more cushion, a little softer ride than the 20” rims. I haven’t compared the two myself so I don’t know how much of a difference in ride it would make.

I think (not sure) that the 20” rims are heavier than the 18”, and reduces the gas mileage a bit.

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Ken Myers

· #4 · Nov 13, 2018

I went with the Premium trim to get the 18" wheels. I actually use my Subarus, and other 4x4 vehicles I've had over the years, to go off road to my cabin in the wilderness of Michigan's western upper peninsula. I don't drive my car like a sports car, so they are just fine for my everyday driving and they ride well. The 18" tires also have a bit higher weight rating. Whether that is important or not, I can't say yet. So far, lovin' my Ascent 8-passenger Premium.

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adx

· #5 · Nov 13, 2018

I got a Premium, but have the moonroof package which adds the 20" wheels. I'd prefer the 18", but I'll probably invest in some aftermarket wheels and tires in the spring/summer.

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Kevin Williams

· #6 · Nov 13, 2018

20" rims are heavier than equivalent 18" rims. So overall the tire/rim combo is usually heavier, which reduces gas mileage. The spinning weight makes a big difference. That's why race car wheels are made as lightweight as possible.

20" tires have a stiffer sidewall, so give better handling on road.

18" tires have a taller sidewall, so will absorb bumps better. If you say, run over a curb with 18" at some speed, they'll be fine, but the 20" may blow out. Same with rocks/trees/etc for offroading.

18" tires are cheaper

18" tires have more options for All Terrain (Off roading) tires, as people would not use short sidewall tires for off-roading (see above).

I'm really glad I have 18" tires/rims and would have switched them out if the trim I wanted only had the 20" size.

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Robert.Mauro

· #7 · Nov 13, 2018

Off roading and snow and beach...

I go off-roading. I take my brother to work at Suffolk County Medical Control when the roads are unplowed and have a foot deep snow. I regularly use my Subie on the beach.

So, I wanted something very aggressive, amazing in rain and snow, winter 3 peak rated, decent on the road and the same diameter and width as stock.

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GHP1

· #8 · Nov 13, 2018 (Edited)

DonSwin said:
I'll start.

20" rims look cool and are city wheels. They are easily damaged off-road and do not allow enough tire depth to navigate deep mud. Also, all-terrain (not all weather) tires are very difficult to find in 20" if at all and then at a very high price.

I have not driven an Ascent with 18" wheels, but I suspect the handling with 20" wheels is a bit crisper because the sidewalls don't flex as much as 18". The 18" wheels and tires may add weight that could affect gas mileage. But all of the Ascents seem to get similar gas mileage regardless of the wheel size.

Now I'll let the experts chime in with statistics and case studies.

Skidpad results are better in the base and premium models vs limited touring along with 0-60 times

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MamaBear5

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 13, 2018

Thanks!

I'm learning so much here!

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Trey T

· #10 · Nov 13, 2018

MamaBear5 said:
What is the difference between the 18" rims and the 20" rims? Why are some people stating they don't want the 20" rims?

Also, why are some people opting to put new tires on their Asscents? Snow tires? Better handling?

The 20" should only be on the black color Ascents.

For me it's primarily because the way the Ascent look or styled, more toward off-road/rugged look. For example, the lower portions of the body are all bare plastic (i.e. all black), causing it too look rugged. If subaru had painted all of the body parts to be uniform, I think 20" would look good; otherwise, black should only deserve the 20" wheels.

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