Tires: Highlander tire choices-rolling resistance rating, michelin symmetry, toyota highlander

Question
Expert: Brett Harrell
Date: 7/7/2008
Subject: Tires for 2002 Toyota Highlander

Question
I'm looking to replace the P225-70-16 tires on my 2002 Highlander.  i use the car almost exclusively on the road, and don't normally haul anything very heavy.  i see recommendations for Light Truck / SUV tires in this size, and i also see recommendations for passenger ("P") tires as well.  Any pros and cons i should know about between having SUV tires vs Passenger tires?  i'm most interested in having safe tires that ride smooth and quiet
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My additional info is my 2002 Highlander is a 4 banger, 2WD, rarely I pull a motorcycle trailer. And I also want to get a smooth and safe ride, while trying to get better mileage with a low resistance rated tire. I'm considering Michelin Symmetry, or Michelin X Radial, or ??? There was a great wiki listing different RRC rated tires. Is there a trade-off getting a higher rolling resistance rated tire in terms of a harsher ride?

My concern is a low rolling resistance and the proper load index. A selector on a website popup warned that a 101 load index for my highlander would result in a harsher rider. Yet the OE tires for the Highlander show load index of 101. The pop was probably coded wrong??  

Answer
David,

 
For your application a "P" rated tire should meet your criteria.  Keep in mind that most LT and SUV tires are available in P-metrics along with varying load indexes.  I'm not sure why but, tire manufactures have given the "LT" designation to some based on tread design and not the ply rating.  

If your vehicle came with a 101 load index then I would stay with it as long as you have been happy with the ride.  As for rolling resistance, without getting to involved, the lower the resistance the better the fuel mileage.

As for brands, as I have mentioned before, I am not a fan of Michelin products for various reasons.  From experience I recommend the Toyo Versado LX, Bridgestone Dueler Alenzo, Toyo Open Country HT or the Bridgestone Dueler H/T.