Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Can I fit smaller wheels to my Volvo XC60 to improve the ride comfort?

Can I fit smaller wheels to my Volvo XC60 to improve the ride comfort?

I find my new Volvo XC60 a very hard drive. When I was ordering it I suggested 17-inch wheels but I was assured they wouldn't make any difference so I opted for the standard 18-inch. Now, having read many letters concerning wheel size in your column, I have my doubts about the information I was given. Would 17-inch wheels give a softer drive and what tyres would you recommend I use on them?

Asked on 19 October 2013 by DC, Stockport

Answered by Honest John
As far as I can gather, Volvo XC60 wheel and tyre sizes are: 235/65 R17 235/60 R18 235/55 R19 235/45 R20, so the 17-inch tyres have a slightly deeper profile than the 18s. They will roll over a bit more when cornering, but will cushion the bumps slightly better. That said, the 60 profile R18s should not be bad. The 45 profile R20s will be terrible. But as Matt Prior recently pointed out in ‘Autocar’, low rolling resistance high profile ‘energy’ tyres have stiffer sidewalls, so go for something like Pirelli P Zero Rossos that seem to suit the XC60 very well.

From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.

Tyre News And Advice
Similar questions
I'm baffled by the different wheel sizes on offer for the same model of car. Often the higher spec models have bigger wheels. Are there any advantages to these bigger tyres, which seem to be considerably...
I've just bought a new SEAT Alhambra 2.0-litre diesel auto in SEL spec. It has 225/50 R17 self sealing tyres. The ride around town is very harsh and we feel every bump. Is it the sport suspension causing...
Whilst I'm pretty happy with my 2011 Honda Civic, I do find that I feel every bump whilst driving around the fens. It's fitted with Bridgestone Potenza 5001 225/45R 17-inch tyres. Are there any alternative...
Related models
Very comfortable and refined. Makes a good long distance car. Stylish cabin. R Design models look sporty. Low emissions DRIVe versions available.