I am trying to decide between ordering a 2019 XC60 R-Design with the upgraded 21" R-Design wheels or the 22" 5-Spoke wheels. I will be ordering the vehicle with air suspension as well. Although I prefer the look of the 22", my concern is with the ride quality/noise on the 22" since they come with summer tires vs the 21" that come with all-seasons. Even IF I got all season tires for the 22" i would still be concerned with ride quality. I don't care for the performance benefits of one over the other at all. I also live in Chicago where the roads are very rough. Does anyone currently have the 22" set up (with OR without air suspension)? Or does anyone have an opinion given my possible aesthetic vs ride quality dilemma?

Thanks,
Steve

 

Do you plan on running winter tires or just go year round with the OEMs? Considering your north, you have a good argument for sticking with the 21s with all season and then I'd still recommend winter rims. Check for pricing and availability of the 21 vs 22 inch tire sizes as well. Not much fun upgrading to a rare tire size and paying a premium for replacements down the road.

 

I would like to go year-round with the 22" (no swapping wheels). I would HAVE to get all season tires for them anyways since winter is tough up here and the stock summer tires wont cut it. My general concern is regardless of the type of tire (winter, summer, or all-season), are 22" wheels ever going to give me a comfortable ride or is it generally known that 22" (specifically on the air ride suspension) is still going to be rough regardless? Thanks!

 

You are talking about the difference between a 40 profile and 35 profile tire. Both are very short walled and will use air pressure to ensure you don't pinch a rim thus will have a firmer ride. I doubt you will be able to feel the difference between the two but you'd certainly feel the difference with say a 19 inch rim with a 55 profile and a 22 with a 35. Again you should look into replacement and all season tire availability (spoiler alert, the OEM summer Pirellis in the 21 and 22 size go for about $350 per tire). For that reason I'd suggest either going to the 19 or 20 inch rim and run all seasons or buy a set of winter rims in the 18 or 19 inch diameter and leave the summer tires on the 21/22s (putting half the miles on them). Also keep in mind, the 22s are very wide meats - 265s even with an all season tread will suck in the snow. the 19s would ask for 235s which would greatly help winter traction.

 

21" tires are stupid expensive for the reason that they are an odd sized tire and not many manufacturers produce them the cost is high!

 

yes, which is why I suggested getting a set of winter wheels and leave the crazy expensive tires for summer use only. Nobody is admiring rims in the winter in Chicago...