I just replaced the factory Bridgestones (20") at a little over 60K miles with a set have Toyo Versado CUV tires using the factory size. I just thought I would give everyone my impressions. The Bridgestones were not at the wear bars yet, but I live in Florida and the rainy season is coming so I was nervous about hydroplaning resistance so I replaced them early. To sum up simply, I am highly disappointed in the Toyos. I know that a lot of people don't care for the factory Bridgestones, but I for one thought they were great. I never had traction issues wet, dry, hot or cold (no snow or ice in my area) until they got old. At about 50K at could notice a loss of cornering grip even in warm dry weather. My only complaint was that they were a tad bit noisy and too expensive, thereby the reason for the switch.
The noise levels were low enough that I did not care, but I figured the wife would prefer something more comfortable as this is her primary car. These are indeed significantly more quite and absorb impacts better than the OE tires, at least for now while they are new. Unfortunately, the first thing the wife said after installing the Toyos was, "It rides like a truck now instead of sporty." Indeed, the steering feel is now vague and on-center is 100% dead. The wife was actually nervous on the highway initially until she got used to it. Grip levels are similar to the old Bridgestones, but not even close to them before they were worn. We had a heavy rain today and they were fine in standing water. The gain in comfort does not even come close compensating for the loss of precision and feel. If the CX-9 drove like this when I test drove it, I would not have bought it.
The only real upside to these tires is that I don't mind burning through them so that I can justify replacing them sooner rather than later. Now I can fly around corners without much concern for wearing out the tires quickly. I am going back to the OE tires next time.
The noise levels were low enough that I did not care, but I figured the wife would prefer something more comfortable as this is her primary car. These are indeed significantly more quite and absorb impacts better than the OE tires, at least for now while they are new. Unfortunately, the first thing the wife said after installing the Toyos was, "It rides like a truck now instead of sporty." Indeed, the steering feel is now vague and on-center is 100% dead. The wife was actually nervous on the highway initially until she got used to it. Grip levels are similar to the old Bridgestones, but not even close to them before they were worn. We had a heavy rain today and they were fine in standing water. The gain in comfort does not even come close compensating for the loss of precision and feel. If the CX-9 drove like this when I test drove it, I would not have bought it.
The only real upside to these tires is that I don't mind burning through them so that I can justify replacing them sooner rather than later. Now I can fly around corners without much concern for wearing out the tires quickly. I am going back to the OE tires next time.
