2022 Limited Tire Comparison

Hey all noob here, so forgive me if I missed a sticky or this has been answered before.

Want to upgrade my tires on my Limited before mid-Atlantic winter. I hear everybody mention the Michelin Defenders, but I found some BF Goodrich Trail terrain T/A that are getting good reviews and I get for about $100 less.
Just wondering if thats a good deal or I should just go with the Defenders.

Cheers!

 

In my opinion (not personal experience with either)

• Michelin Defenders only has sipping for traction and does not have winter rated rubber compound. When the temperature drops the rubber will become hard and be like a hockey puck.

• Michelin Defenders are on pavement all season tire so you won't be able to use your 4Runner as intended.

Vs-

• I would prefer to have a winter rated all terrain tire that has 3 peak mountain snow flake symbol
  
  • (Personal experience Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac - Best snow and Ice traction I have experienced. BFG KO2 & Falken Wildpeak AT3W not bad on snow and Ice)

Why I don't use dedicated winter tires?

Here in CO many days hit over 45F temps which is not good for winter tires.

​

 

Not an answer. But I’m in the same boat. Are you going standard tire size for limited with 20 inch rims or another size? I’m thinking of changing to 17 inch oem rims.

 

I'm not saying much as I might be biased to my setup. But for me changing from 20in wheels to 17in wheels on my Limited is my favorite mod.

 

In the most recent iteration of the Defender, they updated the rubber compound to improve in cold/wet conditions. They are FANTASTIC in slippery conditions, even in the cold. Any hardening due to cold temps is negated by the siping. I don’t think you could find a better tire in cold/wet/icy conditions without going to a dedicated snow tire.

Even with a snowflake rating, I find it hard to believe any tire would outperform the Defender in slippery conditions.

 

I'm not sure about that. I would just go with what Consumer report said. If you don't have 3PMSF rating it's no good in winter. Even Tire rack have it in bold letters.Also few other places support the same that its not good for winter conditions.

 

Is 17” trd wheel plug and play with limited trim? Do I need to consider anything else if I’m going with stock 265/70/17 wheels?

 

Well, anecdotally I can tell you the Defender is a phenomenal winter tire. I’ve been running them for 15+ years.

 

I use TRD Offroad wheel on my Limited. I see no problem using TRD Pro wheels. Due to TRD Pro wheel offset if you ever get any rubbing you should be able to push the plastic a bit and correct it easily.

 

Thanks. I think all 17” TRD oem wheels are the same specs. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

 

Same here,15+ years on my Tacomas and the 4Runner. You won’t be disappointed with the Defenders. I have taken mine everywhere. The added benefits of comfort,mileage longevity and unmatched wet traction always made them a no brainer for me. I’m old enough now that the aggressive AT look doesn’t compare with other benefits.

Oh and as to the original topic, they are fantastic in the snow assuming the driver knows what he or she is doing. They will suit you well in most anything a mid Atlantic winter has in store. I am in Pennsylvania so I’m very familiar

 

Me too. Love both the look and the waaaay bigger selection of tires for 17" rims. Plus, doing this meant I have my OEM 20s as spares in my garage if needed. Plus plus, those 20" rims are piggly heavy, and who doesn't want to shed some weight. Only downside I know of is that the 17s are in principle harder to balance because the weights get mounted closer to the hub.

 

Oh, I also wouldn't hesitate to go Defender.

 

Couldn't agree more. I just changed my Limited wheels to 17" and got the BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A tires in 265/70R17. Love the way the setup looks now.

 

I love that black theme with your Limited. 17in TRD wheels really gives a nice look. Looks so much better than factory to my eyes. Congratz..

 

Thanks everybody, I was looking to stay at 20" just in the interest of time, but I think those 17" trd wheels do look real nice. Feels like there are more options in that size anyway.

 

What product do you have on your wheels? They look like they have a matte sheen to them.

 

Hi, that setup without chrome looks good. You seem like the right guy to ask this. Was the wheel plug and play or did you have to make any changes?

 

Thanks! I added a 1/2" cornfed spacer on the front which gives me about a 1" lift/level prior to installing the wheels/tires. I only did this to somewhat level it out, the extra space for a potential larger tire was an added bonus. With that said, I think they would have fit my 4Runner without the front spacers. All the research I have done suggests that 265/70R17 tires will fit without rubbing. I found some good info at this site: https://trail4runner.com/2018/01/03/largest-tire-size-4runner/ and posted it below comparing the 17" and 20" wheel/tire sizes.

17″ Wheel/Tire Options (Examples for Rubbing Vs. Non-Rubbing)

• 265/70/17 (31.61″ – Stock 4Runner Size) (7-9″ Space Needed) – Won’t Rub
• 255/75/17 (32.06″ – 6.5-8.5″ Space Needed) – Won’t Rub
• 275/70/17 (32.16″ – 7-8.5″ Space Needed) – Won’t Rub
• 285/70/17 (32.71″ – 7.5-9″ Space Needed) – Questionable (BMC Might be Needed)
• 305/65/17 (32.61″ – 8.5-11″ Space Needed) – Will Rub – Adjustments/Mods Needed
• 255/80/17 (33.06″ – 6.5-8.5″ Space Needed) – Will Rub – Adjustments/Mods Needed
• 305/70/17 (33.81″ – 8-9.5″ Space Needed) – Will Rub – Adjustments/Mods Needed
• 285/75/17 (33.83″ – 7.5-9.5″ Space Needed) – Will Rub – Adjustments/Mods Needed
• 35X12.5R17 (34.76″) – Yes, you guessed it – Adjustments/Mods Needed

20″ Wheel/Tire Options (Examples for Rubbing Vs. Non-Rubbing)

• 245/60/20 (31.57″ – Stock) (7-8.5″ Space Needed) – Won’t Rub
• 275/55/20 (31.91″ – 7.5-9.5″ Space Needed) – Won’t Rub
• 285/50/20 (32.22″ – 8-10″ Space Needed) – Questionable (BMC Might be Needed)
• 285/55/20 (32.34″ – 8-10″ Space Needed) – Questionable (BMC Might be Needed)
• 275/65/20 (32.99″ – 7.5-9.5″ Space Needed) – Will Rub – Adjustments/Mods Needed

 

I just had it washed at the shop in my town before the I took the photos. Not sure what they used.

 

I did 17" on both of my Limited's. One with TRD Pro rims the other TRD OR rims.
The 17" TRD OR rims are a great option and you can usually get take-off's for a great price. Here is my 2019 Limited with TRD OR wheels:

 

Did the same on my ‘19 limited/ nightshade...got the OR wheels and added the Defenders...love the ride and feels more planted...picked up a small mpg gain...just drove on our first snow wasn’t much but it was encouraging...looking forward to a test in real snow this weekend