Toyota Highlander: Hard to choose a good replacement tire

As often happens, someone asked me to suggest an alternative to the tire model that came on their Toyota Highlander. Limited and Sport trim-lines of late model Highlanders come equipped with P245/55R19 tires. Two original equipment tire models are available -- the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 and the Toyo Open Country A20. Neither gets stellar feedback from comments scanned at Edmunds.com. Winter grip and quick wear seem to be common complaints.

Normally, I would recommend a replacement tire from one of Consumer Report’s Quick Picks or one that suits the stated needs from our SUV and pickup truck Ratings published in the November issue of Consumer Reports and also found online (available to online subscribers).

Unfortunately, my heart sank as I went through all 20 of the all-season truck tires we tested and found just one replacement model that came in the 19-inch size; it’s the Toyo Open Country H/T, a tire that placed just 15th out of 20 models. We tested the P265/70R17 size, which delivered just an average overall performance (and notably only fair results in our wet- and ice-braking tests). At least it has average tread life, comes with a 60,000-mile tread-wear warranty, and a far better government tread-wear rating of 640—versus the so-so rating of 300 and 400 for the original equipment Bridgestone and Toyo tires.

Still, feeling underwhelmed, I searched online at Tirerack.com and Discounttire.com thinking my choices would broaden. No dice. Tirerack showed just one model and it was the original equipment Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400; Discount Tire didn’t have any replacements available. Which brings me to my pet peeve: Here we have a fairly common SUV that is also our Top Pick among midsized SUVs and consumers’ replacement tire choices are just about nil.

The proliferation of tire sizes in the last few years has made it difficult for motorists to buy replacement tires locally, as stores face greater challenges in stocking the boutique sizes come to market to fit specific vehicles. Today, there are over 312 sizes available (up from about 213 in 2000), with most of the new sizes added in 18-inch wheel sizes or larger. The shear number of sizes almost guarantees many tire manufacturers won’t find it economical to build tires in all sizes and tire dealers certainly don’t have the means to warehouse them. Who loses? The consumer with limited tire choices. 

Our advice: Check out the tires that come on the car before you buy it and research online tire retailers to see the quantity and cost of replacements. If it’s a unique size with few choices you may want to consider other tire options often available on different trim lines. A little research now may save frustration later on. Learn how to choose the best tires for your needs and budget.

—Gene Petersen

For more information, check out our tire hub, which includes buying advice, tips on tire maintenance and detailed Ratings for car, truck, and winter tires (for online subscribers).

Comments

[Cale]

A chink in the armor?

[John Clay]

I have just purchased a 2009 Toyota Venza, 4 cyl. AWD, equipped with Bridgestone Dueller P245 55R19 tires. A good 19in. winter tire is not available in this size in Canada, however there is more choice in 18in. tires. I am considering purchasing a set of 18in. steel rims and tires for winter (We need good winter tires in my area of Ontario.). Do you have any comments or suggestions for a suitable 18in. replacement tire?

John Clay

[Phil28]

My 2008 Highlander Hybrid Ltd required tire replacement on the front at 18,700 miles. I spoke with the service manager at a Toyota dealer and he said 20,000 is average for the HH. In fact, he has replaced some at 13,000. He says it's caused by the Hybrid braking and quick startup of the electric motor. Who knows, but getting 20,000 miles is not what I would consider acceptable. The Toyo tires are soft, but there's really little else available except for a similar Bridgestone, which the dealer claims similar wear.

[CA Mom]

It's worse than this article implies. I have a 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited. The original tires are close to bald, at 11,000 miles. I was hoping to limp on them through the summer and buy a new set of good quality mud and snow tires in early fall. But, I picked up a screw in one tire this past week. The local tire shop says they 'might' be able to plug it, but don't think it will hold because the tire is in such poor shape. They weren't saying this to get me to buy new tires, they don't carry the size I need. I have the spare on, but since it has never been used, it has full tread. I can't really drive with the spare or it will damage the car, but I can't get new tires anywhere! The Toyota dealer says they can order them. It could be weeks. I'm going to have to get a rental car simply because I have a screw in one tire. This is ridiculous. My only option is to put another set of expensive, poor quality tires on the car. Had I known this ahead of time, I would never have purchased a Highlander. I am very disappointed in Toyota.

[Andy]

Class action lawsuit needed. As soon as some deaths due to bald tires at 15,000-20,000 miles

[Michele]

Just returned from dealer checking out Highlander with 25k on it - all four tires bald - thought there could be issue mechanically with car because I just had rotors replaced 2 weeks ago! Being told this is normal for tires to need replacing at this point - not normal for any cars I have owned in last 25+ years! I am getting no where with so called warranty that comes with tires. And looking at tires to replace the ones I have - Toyo is about only option I have - thanks but no thanks! Have to say, not so happy with my Toyota I have had for all of 10 months!

[Almond]

I have a 2007 Highlander Limited (225/65R17)with 24,000 miles. The tires are Goodyear Integrity. After reading other comments I feel I got good mileage out of mine. I'm looking for replacement tires. Because I live in the south weather conditions are not a factor. I like the smooth ride I get now and want to continue having it. What replacement tires have been used?

[Tim from Atlanta]

I am disappointed in Toyota and Bridgestone. We don't have 20,000 miles on the vehicle and the service department at Sandy Springs Toyota tells us the original Bridgestone tires need to be replaced. Terrible tred wear despite regular rotation and normal driving. And - there is only one alternative brand, Toyo, and the ratings on that tire are not great either. We won't be buying another Toyota.

[Dave Saville]

I too have a 2008 HH with TOYO Open Country A20's. Lousy tire, uneven wear, and extremely lousy in wet weather and snow. I have same problem with finding replacements. No place near me (including the toyota dealer where I brought my HH) carries the TOYO HT's. I'm considering going to 255/50/19 (allows for more choices) but am concerned about changing from the original size. Has anyone considered doing the same? Does anyone know of any problems in doing this? Toyota does not recommend doing this but I didn't expect anything different from them.

[Mark from San Diego]

Add me to the list of those disappointed in the poor quality of tires available for the '08 Toyota Highlander. Love the vehicle, but hate the tires. I was shocked when my local Toyota service department pointed out that my tires had little tread left after only 20,000 mi. of use. That's ridiculous. Upon further investigation, I found only two manufactures (Bridgstone and Toyo) that create tires in the oddball 245/55 R19 size and both tires had underwhelming (in fact, horrible) reviews. There's no way an owner should have to pay for 4 new tires every 20,000 mi.. Toyota's going to lose customers if they don't rethink and resolve this issue.

More investigation led me to a forum on Edmonds.com where consumers were having success going to 18" rims and a 245/60 R18 tire.
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f101cb2/180
I have decided to do the same and purchased a new set of rims and tires for my '08 Highlander Sport yesterday afternoon. Hopefully, this resolves the issue.

[eter]

looking for feedback, considering going to 255/60R19 Michelins on my 2008 Highlander Limited 4wd. Drive mostly long distance highway. Current tires have 31500 and are due replacement due to tread-wear.

[rosstaman]

In 2005, I bought a 2001 Highlander 4WD that came with Enduro HT Runway 225/70 R16 102T tires. I've driven over 63,000 miles and they still have a decent amount of tread on all four tires. The funny thing is when I first got the Highlander, I never heard of Enduro Runway tires, and couldn't even find them on the internet except on Chinese websites. I thought the Toyota dealer was too cheap to put on brand name tires. I can't compare them with other tires on the Highlander because I've never had any other tire on the vehicle. All I can say is I have no complaints at all about these tires, and after 63,000 mile with probably another 10,000- 15,000 before replacement... They are a great deal. I would definitely purchase them again.

[Joel E]

I have 31000 miles on my 2008 HH and need to replace my toyota A20's. Bought 4 Bridgestone 245/55R19 Dueler H/L 400 from Tirerack.com for $744.26 (including shipping). The tires were delivered to my house in 1 day via UPS ground. They'll be installed tomorrow and I hope to get better wear than the Toyos (eventhough the reviews aren't positive). Tirerack.com only had 1 choice for the size needed.

[Cat Amitia]

You can get toyo open country h/t at treadepot.com. They are the cheapest and you'll have to act fast before they run out. They are all season rated for 60,000 miles. They are running a special where you get $25 off.This is the 2nd full set on my 08 HH with only 25,000 miles. The dealer replaced the front tires at 8,000 miles when I bought it. So 6 tires already. That's CRAZY!I'm trying to do my part by buying a hybrid, but they're using more energy to make the tires.Makes absolutely no sense. Here's the kicker..I have to buy seperate snow tires on top of this. Toyota really dropped the ball this time. This is my 4th and last Toyota.They're are now on the bottom of my s**tlist.

[Cat Amitia]

Toyota should supply potential buyers with a disclaimer informing them about the tire situation. I'm sure they are well aware of it. Seems like a monopoly when you can only purchase from 2 manufacturers. Very unfair.

[Carolyn & Martin]

We love our '09 Highlander Ltd (cypress pearl/gray). But, we've just learned about this dirty little secret regarding the tires. We live in Northern NH, drove it through the winter last year (bought it 01/09) and felt it was a bit slippery (w/ Toyo A20's). So, this year we wanted winter tires. Looks like we are going to need to grow our own rubber trees and make our own given the amazing lack of available winter tires (and tires in general) for this vehicle due to the odd size (245/55R19). Who knew that we should check available tires before buying a new and very popular vehicle. We are flabbergasted that Toyota would do this and found the GM at our dealership to be of little help. We can not even replace the wheels/tires with the base 17" versions as they won't bolt to the hub of the '09 Ltd. We're trying to get Bridgestone winter tires, but no one has them or can say when they'll get them. We wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Peterson: "CHECK OUT THE TIRES THAT COME ON THE CAR BEFORE YOU BUY IT..." Wish we saw this article first.

[James]

I too am disappointed that Toyota put such a non-standard size tire on the Highlander. We have a 2009 Highlander Sport and at 17,000 miles, am going to have to replace the tires before winter. I thought I would have some choices, but nope. You get Bridgestone/Firestone or Toyo, and good luck finding either or at a price that is somewhat reasonable.

I called Toyota and Toyo to express my displeasure with the wear of the tires, and the limited choices for replacement. Unfortunately, I didn't get satisfaction from either entity and one of them actually got my blood boiling when I was trying to calmly and reasonably express my displeasure with the situation. I'm not asking for free tires, but at least would like some help to get replacements or some kind of allowance.... seems reasonable when you paid $30,000+ for a vehicle? I never thought buying new tires could be so painful!

I'm not trying to give a hard time to either manufacturer, but this is a bad deal for us consumers. If you are in the same situation that I find myself in, I suggest you calmly call Toyota's customer service number at 800-331-4331 and your dealer and express to them two things:

1) You expect more out of Toyota than to put such limited treadwear tires on one of their premium offerings

2) That Toyota should think more about selecting a tire size that gives the vehicle the right curb appeal while still allowing the consumer to make reasonable choices about replacement tires.

Ask to file a formal complaint. It's the only way I know to get our opinions elevated to level where something can be done to assist us.

[Jennifer]

Count me in on the group that is extremely disappointed with this tire situation on the Highlander (2008 hybrid ltd.) We have the Toyo Open Country A 20. The tires need to be replaced at 19,600 miles. That is ridiculous!!! This is my first Toyota and may very well be my last because of this. Darn right they have to know about this but do you think they are telling potential customers???? Well, you better believe I will tell whoever will listen. What a rip-off! overall disappointed with this car overall -- no acceleration, gas mileage savings way overstated AND now bum tires. Cannot believe Toyota is getting away with this!

[Paul Wilson]

If anyone with a Highlander and 19" wheels wants to change tire sizes, 255/55-19 is probably the best bet. It's close enough in size, doesn't rub and the since the Highlander's speedometer already reads high, it should make it more accurate. The really stupid part is why Toyota didn't choose that size to begin with. There are other SUVs that use it.

I ended up putting Nokian WRG2s in 255/55-19 on ours because the OE Toyos were bald at 25k. They've only been on the car for a few days but so far, so good.

[Kevin]

I also had problems with advanced wear on my 2004 Toyo Highlander at about 20,000 miles. I purchased a set of Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza tires from Tire Rack and they have served me well. I am now at 60,000 miles with plenty of tread left. The Alenza is a top-rated all weather tire and I would recommend them to anyone who wants a combination of performance and value.

[List Hannig]

I own a 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited that I bought in January 2008 with Toyo Tires on it. The car sat mostly in the garage until April of this year, 2009, when I began to use the car for business. Beginning with 5,000 miles and at the rate of 4,000 miles per month, I noticed unusual tread wear. At 15,000 miles and 19,000 miles I had the car 4-wheel aligned. At each time, I called the problem with the tread to the attention of the dealer. While washing the car with 22,000 miles on it, I noticed the tread in the front is separating. I again called it to the attention of the dealer/customer service manager and he said that there was nothing he or Toyota would do about it. He suggested I buy 4 Bridgestone Duelers from him at a cost of $1,044.35. I agree that a class action suit is warranted!

[Mark Richter]

Get the Dueler H/L Alenza. It's rated at 65,000 miles and has much better ratings. They cost about $30 more per tire, quoted $230 at discount tire. But if they work out it'll be worth the extra money.

[Michelle]

I have a 2008 Highlander Sport and just found out I need 4 new tires to replace the Toyo tires that came on it new. I have just over 20,000 miles on this vehicle. I called Toyo tires and have just found out they are offering 50% off a set of new tires for the 08 Highlander. Obviously they know there are problems. I will still have to pay around $600 for the set and I'm disappointed in Toyota for putting such cheap tires on such an otherwise great vehicle. Toyo c/s # is 800-442-8696

[Alanjack]

I have a 2008 Highlander Sport with 245/55R19 tires and at 30,000 KM they are done. The only replacements that fit and have reasonably Consumer Reports reviews are the TOYO Open Country H/T and the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza (The Dueler H\L 400 comes with bad reviews). Note that the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza requires you move up to the 255/55 R19 tire from the 245/55R19 which I'm told will have no adverse effect. Being in snow country I'm more inclined to go with the Toyo as Consumer reports rates it better in snow, but they are some $50 more than the Bridgestones. Any advice?

[A Mathew]

Just replaced my 2003 Toyota Highlander original tires which ran well for 55,000 miles as a precaution for this winter with 'GENERAL', as recommended by the local Tire shop. The gent said that General (@129 a piece) had the best consumer report and is ideal for Chicago weather, thou I never saw it mentioned in any of the blogs. Hope this is a good choice and last as longs as the previous tire did.