Pros and Cons to changing from 20" to 17"?

I changed from BFG KO2 265/70R17 Load C to BFG KO2 275/70R17 Load E with stock Toyota suspension. I thought my wife would not notice as its the same tire but the ride quality was very noticeable. I tried to adapt but with lot of complains I had to switch to Load C. I was set tire pressure to 32-33psi.




Before pic for proof-

 

Right, this was a problem going 17" SL or C Load to 17" E Load. That makes sense. Point I'm trying to make and that is responsive to the subject of this thread, is that the weight and stiffness impacts of going E Load are largely offset by also going from 20" to 17" rims.

My total wheel and tire weight seems to be the same. And while the E Load sidewall is stiffer, there's also more of it.

17" rims on a Limited make a lot of sense because:
a) much more tire choice. way more.
b) XREAS means you still have a good ride and great resistance to body roll/brake dive no matter what kind of tire you put on there.
c) your saving a ton of weight on the rims, so have more room to go with heavier tires for AT or wtvr.

 

Looks like going from a 20 inch to a 17 inch is a better choice? Thats what i did and i have the E load. I have the xreas on my trd sport as well.

Seems like the car is shorter in height, but maybe because of the looks of the smaller wheels?

 

This just struck me as so sad. It’s like thinking of a horse with a sharp stone stuck in it’s hoof.