Question for those with 265/75/16 and 265/70/17

I'm thinking of saving money and not buying another set of 17" wheels. I currently run 265/70/17 in the summer. I tend to run dedicated winter tires and would put them on the factory 16 but want to keep the same height tire. If you have experience with both sizes how does the extra sidewall feel?

 

If they’re both SL, they’ll both feel really similar. If they’re both LT E-rated, they’ll also feel similar. If the 17 is LT C-rated and 16 is LT E rated, the 16 will feel more harsh.

I’ve had SLs in both wheel sizes (currently 265/75R16 SL) and they feel about the same as previous 265/70R17 SLs I’ve had in the past.

 

Thanks, they'll both be SL most likely and I was worried the extra sidewall would make them too mushy.

 

I had that concern when I got these but honestly for me at least, that hasn't been a thing at all. In fact, I ran P265/70R16 briefly before these and they were WAY more soft despite less sidewall. That was because they were an 111T rating. These are 116T, so a bit stronger, and 265/70R17 SL are 115T, so just a tiny bit weaker/softer than the 16". Overall they end up right about the same overall strength and so there is very little difference in feel.

 

My take on the 16" vs 17": My Tacoma came with 17" and I knew I was going with aftermarket wheels. I personally think more rubber than wheel looks better and more "Off -Road" and thats how we rolled in the 80s.
At the time, 16" Wheels and tires were both significantly cheaper than their exact same 17" counterparts, so it was a no brainer for me go with 16"s. As the other above have mentioned, I don't think you are going to feel a softer ride with the extra 1" of air. I think it is purely a choice of what you think looks best to you, because there will be no perceptible difference in performance or ride quality.

But.....I will add this...16" are slowly starting to be phased out in favor of 17"...in both wheels and tires. In other words you will have a better selection of tires and wheels in 17". (I am not saying they are going to stop making them, they are just becoming less popular) Examples...SCS wheels stopped making 16"s and they cited the market is in favor of 17s. And with recent tire shopping, I noticed there were several more ply options with 17s on a couple of brands and only 1 choice with the 16s and I am talking comparing 265/75/16 & 265/70/17

I have no concept or understanding of "winter tires", so you are on your own on that whole topic.

 

Trying to decide on 16 vs 17 myself.