MG Pilot said:
First off, 18+ inch wheels for the Pilot are few and far between. Secondly, going more than a plus one upgrade can actually REDUCE the drivability of a vehicle.
Sure 19 or 20 inch wheels would look better, but at what cost? Have you ever ridden in a car with 19 or 20 inch wheels that was not originally set up for this type of application??? It's not pretty. It's like riding in a lumber cart. With regards to the width of tire, going from a 235 to a 255 tire with a 17” inch rim makes a world of difference in terms of handling. I’m not even sure a 265 would fit in the wheel well w/o any mods.
There are folks on the AcuraMDX.org that are running 295/40/20 on there vehicles.
265 or 275 should be no problem. As far as drivability being taken away, sure the ride is a little firmer but handling will be much improved over the stock setup and your setup. Your size is too close to stock for me. 235/65.17 comes on the MDX, granted we drive Pilots but its the same vehicle. You only have 2 sizes bigger or roughly 20 mm or 2 cm. Thats not much for $2000 although a great improvement over stock Pilot specs.
If it was me, I would get the maximum tire and rim for the money. I personally would not do a 20, but I would do at least and 18 with at least a 265
Do not know too much on the subject, I have worked many years at a national tire store through college and have bought multiple wheels and tires for my personal cars. I have extensive hands-on experience on the subject. It is obvious that our tastes are different, that's all.
Maybe you are bitter because you did not go bigger! J/K!!!!