[bverant]

Hello,

For what it's worth, I love the look of the Ascent with the stock 20" wheels and don't plan to move to 18s. That being said, it is true there are more tire choices in the 18" diameter than 20" and they are cheaper. Sticking with the 20" diameter, I have been thinking of installing 255/50s instead of the 245/50s it comes with. However, it appears there or more tire choices in this size than the 245 size. The diameter difference is negliable (0.4"), but of slightly larger concern to me is the weight rating. Most tires of the 255/50 size are XL load rated - approximately 2200 lbs vs the 1800ish lbs of the 245s. In terms of load rating numbers, the 255s XLs are 109 and the 245s are 102. Should I expect this higher load rating to translate to a rougher ride or would it be offset by the slighty larger diameter? Should I expect any fitment issues on 255/50s on the stock 20" wheels and stock ride height of the Ascent?

Thanks!

 

[Robert.Mauro]

Tire Load Ratings

The stock 20" tires are rated at exactly 1,874 pounds (load index 102). 1,800 pounds or above is a safe range. That's load index 101 (1,819 pounds) or above. (The 18" tires are rated load index 105, which is 2,039 pounds, but that's not relevant to your 20" rims)

Ride quality (rough/smooth, noisy/quiet) will be quite variable due to numerous factors, such as rubber compounds used, tread thickness, tread pattern, siping (get tires that are siped for better winter performance where you live), and tire pressure (for all but all terrains, which don't come in suitable 20" sizes, use the figure on your door sticker, which is 32psi for 20").

This next part is NOT universally true, because, as mentioned above, it's a variety of factors involved, but, generally, the quieter the ride, the tighter the tread pattern and worse snow performance. The rubber compounds are also usually a bit softer and wear quicker. Tires that are better winter rated also usually wear quicker (but again, not always, such as the Kumhos I run that have a very good tread wear rating). Tires that are smoother (vs rougher) usually have less tread and/or less aggressive tread patterns - again though, that's variable because rubber compounds affect that as well.

SHORT VERSION:
Becuse a lot of factors determine what you're asking, I'd review the reviews on sites that break it down by noise, road comfort, wet condition response, snow handling, etc, for each tire you're considering.

 

[Trey T]

Hello,

For what it's worth, I love the look of the Ascent with the stock 20" wheels and don't plan to move to 18s. That being said, it is true there are more tire choices in the 18" diameter than 20" and they are cheaper. Sticking with the 20" diameter, I have been thinking of installing 255/50s instead of the 245/50s it comes with. However, it appears there or more tire choices in this size than the 245 size. The diameter difference is negliable (0.4"), but of slightly larger concern to me is the weight rating. Most tires of the 255/50 size are XL load rated - approximately 2200 lbs vs the 1800ish lbs of the 245s. In terms of load rating numbers, the 255s XLs are 109 and the 245s are 102. Should I expect this higher load rating to translate to a rougher ride or would it be offset by the slighty larger diameter? Should I expect any fitment issues on 255/50s on the stock 20" wheels and stock ride height of the Ascent?

Thanks!

It isn't clear when you'll do the tire swap, but let's a assume when the treads are spent.

If you're evaluating it for a replacement today, it's a good bet for the alternative you proposed. However, your stock tires are rated for about 40K miles which will last you at about 3+ years (w/ property maintenance). To predict the value of the future tire choices in 3yrs is very difficult. In 3 years, the OEM size might be popular.

Just something to consider....

 

[bverant]

It isn't clear when you'll do the tire swap, but let's a assume when the treads are spent.

If you're evaluating it for a replacement today, it's a good bet for the alternative you proposed. However, your stock tires are rated for about 40K miles which will last you at about 3+ years (w/ property maintenance). To predict the value of the future tire choices in 3yrs is very difficult. In 3 years, the OEM size might be popular.

Just something to consider....

I've been looking at the Michelin Defender LTX in 255/50 as well as others. I wanted a tire with a little bit more aggressive tread pattern while also being excellent in the wet - I don't get a lot of snow where I live, but it rains alot. I am also looking at all-weather tires such as the Goodyear Assurance and others. My question was more about what to expect, if anything, from XL rated tires in terms of rougher ride. I have since learned that an XL tire will be rated for higher tire pressure and thus the higher load rating associated with it. The shoulder or base of the tire may also have another ply added to give it that higher pressure rating. So is there any fitment issues predicted for 255/50s on stock 20" wheels on the vehicle? Any chance of wheel well rubbing?

 

[Robert.Mauro]

I've been looking at the Michelin Defender LTX in 255/50 as well as others. I wanted a tire with a little bit more aggressive tread pattern while also being excellent in the wet - I don't get a lot of snow where I live, but it rains alot. I am also looking at all-weather tires such as the Goodyear Assurance and others. My question was more about what to expect, if anything, from XL rated tires in terms of rougher ride. I have since learned that an XL tire will be rated for higher tire pressure and thus the higher load rating associated with it. The shoulder or base of the tire may also have another ply added to give it that higher pressure rating. So is there any fitment issues predicted for 255/50s on stock 20" wheels on the vehicle? Any chance of wheel well rubbing?

I'd call Discount Tires or Tire Rack. They measured for various wheel and tire fitments and will know. I've not seen that particular size on the stock rims, so, I am not sure. I will say it will likely rub on most aftermarket rims, since those are usually half inch more outward (from the car centerline) than the stock rims. The stock rims are 55mm offset. The lower the number, the farther away from the centerline, and it's there that will rub first. So, if you stick with Subaru OEM rims, you won't be moving an inch or more closer, but only the half inch you mentioned.

Nonetheless, I'd call those guys...

 

[FourMoBro]

If you are looking at going 255/50/20, I would choose the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06's over the Michelins. I like the Michelins, and if my 18" rims ever get delivered, my first choice is putting the Defenders on them. I wanted the 255/50/20 Michelins on my stock 20s, but Costco refused as it looked like it would rub. I in turn will be putting stock size Blizzaks on them come monday.

 

[bverant]

If you are looking at going 255/50/20, I would choose the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06's over the Michelins. I like the Michelins, and if my 18" rims ever get delivered, my first choice is putting the Defenders on them. I wanted the 255/50/20 Michelins on my stock 20s, but Costco refused as it looked like it would rub. I in turn will be putting stock size Blizzaks on them come monday.

Really? The 255s are only 10mm wider than the 245s, 0.20" on the radius larger and they might rub? I have seen 265/50s on an Ascent (Nitto Terra Grappler) that was stock height and 20s and they didn't rub, though they were close to rubbing (less than a fingertip width). It's good to know you like the Defenders as that is my top choice at the moment. Thanks for the input!

 

[Robert.Mauro]

If you are looking at going 255/50/20, I would choose the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06's over the Michelins. I like the Michelins, and if my 18" rims ever get delivered, my first choice is putting the Defenders on them. I wanted the 255/50/20 Michelins on my stock 20s, but Costco refused as it looked like it would rub. I in turn will be putting stock size Blizzaks on them come monday.

Really? The 255s are only 10mm wider than the 245s, 0.20" on the radius larger and they might rub? I have seen 265/50s on an Ascent (Nitto Terra Grappler) that was stock height and 20s and they didn't rub, though they were close to rubbing (less than a fingertip width). It's good to know you like the Defenders as that is my top choice at the moment. Thanks for the input!

Oh they definitely rubbed. And Jeremy lifted that too, and it still rubbed.

 

[bverant]

Oh they definitely rubbed. And Jeremy lifted that too, and it still rubbed.

Discount Tire's website shows the 255/50s as a plus-zero option for the Ascent. I am confident the tires will fit - famous last words, eh? I will talk to them this week and report back.

 

[Robert.Mauro]

Oh they definitely rubbed. And Jeremy lifted that too, and it still rubbed.

Discount Tire's website shows the 255/50s as a plus-zero option for the Ascent. I am confident the tires will fit - famous last words, eh? I will talk to them this week and report back.

I was commenting on Jeremy's setup (the 265 setup you mentioned). His Ascent is lifted and it still rubs.

 

[bverant]

I was commenting on Jeremy's setup (the 265 setup you mentioned). His Ascent is lifted and it still rubs.

Actually, the 265/50 setup I was referring to was not his, but one I saw at the dealership I bought my Ascent from. I even test drove that one. It was not lifted and had Nitto Terra Grappler 2s in 265/50 size on 20" wheels; they did not rub, at least while the suspension wasn't being stressed. I suspect that under compression, those tires would rub if they were pushed up into the wheel well a little more.

 

[Robert.Mauro]

Actually, the 265/50 setup I was referring to was not his, but one I saw at the dealership I bought my Ascent from. I even test drove that one. It was not lifted and had Nitto Terra Grappler 2s in 265/50 size on 20" wheels; they did not rub, at least while the suspension wasn't being stressed. I suspect that under compression, those tires would rub if they were pushed up into the wheel well a little more.

Ah, apologies on that. You will find that there's limited clearance for bumps on turns. You're at just shy of half an inch closer to the well (0.4 inches), but if you are sticking to the stock rims, that helps considerably since most aftermarket rims move things half an inch closer to the outer wheel well lip.

Discount Tire and Tire Rack went through extensive laser measuring and know what will fit.

While it's not listed as an optional fitment, they should know the specifics of whether or not it rubs on bumps while cornering.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sele...odel=Ascent&autoYear=2019&autoModClar=Touring

https://tiresize.com/wheel-offset-calculator/

 

[Kevin Williams]

I know if the Discount Tire website doesn't show it as an optional fitment, then there will be cases where it rubs. If you want to be totally safe, stick to the sizes listed. A 265 would probably require the fenders to be flared for when the suspension is fully compressed during a turn.

 

[bverant]

Ah, apologies on that. You will find that there's limited clearance for bumps on turns. You're at just shy of half an inch closer to the well (0.4 inches), but if you are sticking to the stock rims, that helps considerably since most aftermarket rims move things half an inch closer to the outer wheel well lip.

Discount Tire and Tire Rack went through extensive laser measuring and know what will fit.

While it's not listed as an optional fitment, they should know the specifics of whether or not it rubs on bumps while cornering.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sele...odel=Ascent&autoYear=2019&autoModClar=Touring

https://tiresize.com/wheel-offset-calculator/

No worries my friend! I am sticking with the stock 20" wheels. I just want to take the 245/50s off and put 255/50s on -- I want a better quality tire (Michelin Defender LTXs is my choice at the current moment). I'd like to get something slightly wider and I think the 255/50s will fit without rubbing. They are 0.4" larger in diameter (0.2" on the radius) -- that shouldn't affect EyeSight appreciably. They are 10mm wider, which is 5mm (~0.2") wider each direction from the tire tread centerline -- this is where the rubbing could happen. The rated wheel size is 6.5 to 9.5", so the stock 7.5" wide wheels should have no trouble mounting them while also keeping the tire shoulders down on the ground evenly. It's a very modest change, I realize, but that's also just what I am looking for -- nothing dramatic, just want a better quality tire and one that is a little bit more aggressive without going through the added cost of new wheels.

 

[Robert.Mauro]

No worries my friend! I am sticking with the stock 20" wheels. I just want to take the 245/50s off and put 255/50s on -- I want a better quality tire (Michelin Defender LTXs is my choice at the current moment). I'd like to get something slightly wider and I think the 255/50s will fit without rubbing. They are 0.4" larger in diameter (0.2" on the radius) -- that shouldn't affect EyeSight appreciably. They are 10mm wider, which is 5mm (~0.2") wider each direction from the tire tread centerline -- this is where the rubbing could happen. The rated wheel size is 6.5 to 9.5", so the stock 7.5" wide wheels should have no trouble mounting them while also keeping the tire shoulders down on the ground evenly. It's a very modest change, I realize, but that's also just what I am looking for -- nothing dramatic, just want a better quality tire and one that is a little bit more aggressive without going through the added cost of new wheels.

Oh I sooooo understand. Remember, I'm the guy who tried 9 different aftermarket 17" rims so I could ride on "same size" all terrain tires, lol! :grin: :tango_face_wink:

If you try it, keep us posted.

 

[bverant]

Oh I sooooo understand. Remember, I'm the guy who tried 9 different aftermarket 17" rims so I could ride on "same size" all terrain tires, lol! :grin: :tango_face_wink:

If you try it, keep us posted.

I'd like to get some BFG KO2s on this vehicle, but I realize that's not going to happen with 20" wheels. I may eventually get some different wheels -- 17s or 18s -- to allow for that possibility. I also fear that putting a C-rated truck tire on this vehicle might alter its ride quality significantly due to the stiffer sidewall as compared to a standard P-metric tire.

I will definitely keep the forum posted on what comes of all of this. I also plan to confirm and use Discount Tire's Roadforce balancing for these new tires. I am a BIG fan of Roadforce tire balancing instead of standard balancing as it more closely approximates tire balancing under loaded conditions.

 

[MEDICHRI]

Kind sir, did you end up mounting the Defenders?
I have been analyzing if I want to go with the wider Defenders (255/50 due to not being available on our stock size) or with the Crossclimate 2 on the stock size… my gut feeling is steering me towards the Defenders but concerned our rims may be a bit on the narrow side at 7.5” as well…

No worries my friend! I am sticking with the stock 20" wheels. I just want to take the 245/50s off and put 255/50s on -- I want a better quality tire (Michelin Defender LTXs is my choice at the current moment). I'd like to get something slightly wider and I think the 255/50s will fit without rubbing. They are 0.4" larger in diameter (0.2" on the radius) -- that shouldn't affect EyeSight appreciably. They are 10mm wider, which is 5mm (~0.2") wider each direction from the tire tread centerline -- this is where the rubbing could happen. The rated wheel size is 6.5 to 9.5", so the stock 7.5" wide wheels should have no trouble mounting them while also keeping the tire shoulders down on the ground evenly. It's a very modest change, I realize, but that's also just what I am looking for -- nothing dramatic, just want a better quality tire and one that is a little bit more aggressive without going through the added cost of new wheels.