smaller tire width on 2012 pilots

[halfmonkey]

So it seems that the 2012 Pilots now come with 235 width tires. Interesting to see that they're smaller than previous years. It also makes for an interesting shopping experience as you might even be able to fit "car" tires on there rather than sticking with SUV tires. For example, you can put the Michelin Lattitude tires ont here but now you can even look at the Michelin MXV4 tires which are a nice "car" tire. Considering that the Pilot is a "soft"-roader, using the MXV4 might not be a bad thing.

Your thoughts?

[rocky]

Typically Honda move. In an effort to cut costs/increase profit they put the cheapest available tire on. Others call it decontenting.

They did the same thing with the first gen Pilot (Goodyear Integrity) and in 235 size. In rain and snow it drove like an elephant in ballet shoes. I suspect that 2012 owners will have the same reaction. The GY 09-11 owners have wear rapidly too.

Its a retro step. Penny pinching on a $35-$40k vehicle isn't smart

[xGS]

Originally Posted by rocky

Typically Honda move. In an effort to cut costs/increase profit they put the cheapest available tire on. Others call it decontenting.

Its a retro step. Penny pinching on a $35-$40k vehicle isn't smart

Can't see how you came to that conclusion.

Size 235/60R18 surely wasn't chosen on the basis of fiscal economy.
Likewise, the Michelin Primacy MXV4 is far from the cheapest tire available in that size.

Same for the 235/65R17 size tires on the LX.
The Continental ContiProContact is not the cheapest tire available in that size, either.

More likely those sizes were chosen to enable the fitment of passenger-car/minivan class tires.
Those tires have lower rolling resistance than light-truck type tires and would help improve the EPA mpg ratings.
They would tend to run more quietly, as well.

[halfmonkey]

Originally Posted by xGS

Can't see how you came to that conclusion.

Size 235/60R18 surely wasn't chosen on the basis of fiscal economy.
Likewise, the Michelin Primacy MXV4 is far from the cheapest tire available in that size.

Same for the 235/65R17 size tires on the LX.
The Continental ContiProContact is not the cheapest tire available in that size, either.

More likely those sizes were chosen to enable the fitment of passenger-car/minivan class tires.
Those tires have lower rolling resistance than light-truck type tires and would help improve the EPA mpg ratings.
They would tend to run more quietly, as well.

+1.

[GoRgOyL]

Took this pic a week before deciding to go for a 2011 Touring or 2012 EX-L.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...L/TireComp.jpg

[ammdad]

Originally Posted by halfmonkey

So it seems that the 2012 Pilots now come with 235 width tires. Interesting to see that they're smaller than previous years.

I would like to buy a set of extra wheels/tires for my 2012 EX-L for winter driving. Can I purchase either 2011 or 2012 wheels, or do I have to specify 2012 ?

Thanks.

[krazykarguy]

Originally Posted by xGS

Can't see how you came to that conclusion.

Size 235/60R18 surely wasn't chosen on the basis of fiscal economy.
Likewise, the Michelin Primacy MXV4 is far from the cheapest tire available in that size.

Same for the 235/65R17 size tires on the LX.
The Continental ContiProContact is not the cheapest tire available in that size, either.

My '07 (and all '03-'08 Pilots) come with a 235/70/16. So every Pilot ever to come from Honda has the SAME WIDTH TIRE.

You thread is moot.

[halfmonkey]

Originally Posted by krazykarguy

My '07 (and all '03-'08 Pilots) come with a 235/70/16. So every Pilot ever to come from Honda has the SAME WIDTH TIRE.

You thread is moot.

Actually, your post is moot.

Look at the 2009-2011 Pilots. I believe they came with 245/65-17 width tires. Therefore my post about the 2012 model going from a 245/65-17 to a 235/60-18 is a valid post.

You can google for the tire specs of even try checking out tirerack's website for the tire spec for your own verification.

[95se]

The MXV4 is definitely not a cheap tire. I bought them for my infiniti. They're a very good all season that runs very quiet. They are a world better than the goodyears on my '05 pilot (hydroplane city).

[whizmo]

Like the change in engine oil specs, I think Honda's primary motivation in these changes is trying to raise, at all costs, their fuel economy.

- Mark

[1YESfan]

Maybe you can get a full-size spare in the car now. ;-)

[N_Jay]

Nope, that adds weight and reduces mileage.

[osudelt69]

Perhaps they went with a smaller width tire because of wheel bearing failures? I know of people who are on their 3rd front wheel bearing with 50k miles....