So, after the Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 (OEM tires) kicked the bucket in 2008, then again in 2009, and then again in 2011 (all 4 replaced each time...), we swapped to Yokohama Avid ENvigors.
The Yokohamas were really nice, but were a bit harsh riding, and quite frankly, lasted 3 years (down to the wear bars). I suspect that although 'rated' to hold the heft of a giant hybrid CUV, the Yokohamas were SL rated and not capable of bearing the weight.
Enter the....wait for it....suspense rising...holy crap, what did Noto buy...AHH, TELL US ALREADY:
Nitto NT421Q in 235/55R18 104V spec. Tah dah!
So, after one week and a lengthy 100km, here's what I think so far:
Tires make a huge difference. The RX rides SO much smoother now, bumps/potholes are handled far better, the cabin is quieter, there's less bounce, can't hear expansion joints any more, on-ramps can be taken a good 10km/h (at least) faster with the same body roll, braking distances are seemingly shortened, and I can no longer chirp the tires (despite the RX's immense off-the-line torque).
With a 75,000mi (note MILES, not KM) warranty and a 640AA rating, they should last quite a bit longer. They're also rated at 1984lbs instead of the 1764 lbs the Yokohamas or the 1709lbs the Michelins were rated to. They were much cheaper than the Michelins, but more expensive than the Yokohamas (by about $40/tire).
Only complaint?
They do ride a bit noisy (tire vibration noise, far less than the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70s on the Forester - so we're not talking loud, but louder than the previous tires we've had on there). I read that the sound tends to go away after an initial break-in point, so we'll see what happens. It's not intrusive. I find it odd, though, as the 421Qs are said to be the quietest ever made by Nitto. I'd hate to imagine what the 420S or the Invios are like, then.
Before you all offer your Miss Fix-It opinions, yes, they were balanced and the wheels were aligned by a reputable service centre. Also, note that I'm nit-picking. They're REALLY not loud.
Haven't driven them yet in rain/snow, but apparently they're good for all-seasons. We have dedicated Winter tires for the RX, so these will still never see snow (unless there's an October or April storm).
Manufacturer's website:
http://www.nittotire.com/Tire/Street/nt421q
