My comparison for this would be with our previous 2018 Odyssey EX with the stock 235/65/18 – similar sizing to the Sienna OEM’s. My automotive experience also derives from working at my uncle’s repair shop when I was younger, and from modding to now just appreciating everything OEM in cars, trucks and bikes.
We originally ordered an XSE AWD but in the end I just knew I’d regret not getting the 20” black rims versus the 18” with AWD, and not vice versa. We never had issues with a FWD minivan in winter so long as the tires are good.
So my experience with the stock 20’s and Michelins are that they are stiff as I expected for the most part, but not as jarring some would think – felt pretty much the same as the Odyssey with 18’s TBH. I found my previous F-150 Lariat with 20’s more jarring. I can imagine the non-XSE models ride softer, but I never drove them so I can’t confirm.
I can only speak to 17” winter rubber and not all-seasons, and as we know winter rubber is soft by design. On cool ambient 9C temp pavement after they were installed (not broken in), the Yokohama’s felt like all-seasons and not squishy, but the grip to this day feels so good on dry, wet and snow! Not sluggish or noisy at all. I was surprised that the chassis handled well on cloverleaves, with little body roll and not having the traditional winter feedback that prompts you early on mid corner telling to take it easy. Again, this could be the winter tire design complimented by the sport suspension. The ride is softer than with 20’s – but I emphasize not soft at all, still solid and planted for a minivan and more so with regular daily driving. But I think with at least “good” all-season tires in any size mixed with the XSE suspension would provide positive feel all year round. I would conclude the 17” winter tire set up is a “super happy medium” for where I live. Would I do the 17”? I wouldn’t because I'm still liking the OEM 20” look overall… but for sure Volks TE37 replicas / Superspeed wheels would be on my list for 17’s.
Living with Montreal winters, I opted for the typical winter size at 17” knowing I have 20’s for the summer. I feel this meets the driving dynamics on the top end of the spectrum for each season. We just had our first white-out snow storm and FWD XSE tracked as well as it should, wasn’t affected by the snow track ruts and stopping was on a dime. Even in EV mode the powertrain managed through the unpaved snow without me making much manual adjustment.
Normally I would be eager to remove winters, but to my surprise I don’t mind this setup mounted for as long as it’s needed. I just think for a minivan this stock suspension is really good for it’s purpose to do.
20” Pros / Cons:
- Looks so good I keep staring at them
- Sporty feel – some like it, some don’t
- Plastic clad cover don’t bother me, to each their own though
- So far clad covers are easy to clean
- Handles potholes fairly ok
- Some slippage from stop when not mindful of throttle input on dry pavement
- Manages bumps while cornering without drama, but good feedback in the steering wheel
- Expensive tire replacements, changing to off-spec sizing offers more choices
17” Pros / Cons:
- With the sport suspension, 17’s bring out that Lexus feel, very smooth and compliant
- Improved grip with EV torque from stop, no slippage when not mindful of throttle input on dry pavement
- Large selection of tire choices and easy replacement
- Potholes are subdued big time
- Bumps while cornering rarely exist
- Cheaper to replace a damaged rim
- Can look wack and cheesy with the wrong offset contrary to the sport design
I think with the proper wheel offset and chunky rubber, the XSE will look/feel really decent and appealing without changing the stock suspension for daily all-year round (depending on climate). But I think tire choice is the key to making the most out of the XSE in any size.
Hope this helps!
