Best Replacement Tires for 2017 Lexus Rx 350

Choosing the right replacement tires for your 2017 Lexus RX 350 can dramatically improve ride comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency. This guide covers top-rated options across all-season, performance, and winter categories, helping you make a smart, informed decision.

When it comes to your 2017 Lexus RX 350, you’re driving a luxury SUV that blends comfort, reliability, and refined performance. It’s the kind of vehicle that deserves the best—especially when it comes to something as critical as tires. After all, your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road. They affect everything from braking distance and cornering stability to ride smoothness and fuel efficiency.

Replacing your tires isn’t just about swapping out worn rubber. It’s an opportunity to upgrade your driving experience. Whether you’re dealing with balding treads, frequent road trips, or harsh winter conditions, choosing the right replacement tires can make a world of difference. But with so many brands, types, and models on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the best replacement tires for your 2017 Lexus RX 350.

We’ll walk you through the top tire options across different categories, explain what to look for in a quality tire, and share practical tips to help you get the most out of your investment. Whether you prioritize quiet rides, all-weather safety, or sporty handling, there’s a perfect set of tires out there for you.

Key Takeaways

• All-season tires are ideal for most drivers: They offer a balanced mix of comfort, longevity, and year-round performance in moderate climates.
• Performance tires enhance handling and responsiveness: Great for drivers who enjoy spirited driving or live in areas with winding roads.
• Winter/snow tires are essential in cold climates: They provide superior traction, braking, and control in snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
• Tire size matters: The 2017 Lexus RX 350 typically uses 235/65R18 or 235/55R20 tires—always check your owner’s manual or door jamb sticker.
• Look for low rolling resistance: Tires with this feature can improve fuel economy by up to 3%.
• Consider treadwear ratings: Higher numbers mean longer-lasting tires, but may sacrifice grip.
• Professional installation and alignment are crucial: Proper mounting ensures safety, even wear, and optimal performance.

Understanding Your 2017 Lexus RX 350 Tire Needs

Before diving into specific tire recommendations, it’s important to understand what your Lexus RX 350 requires. This luxury crossover was designed for comfort and versatility, making it a popular choice for families, commuters, and road-trippers alike. But to keep it performing at its best, you need tires that match its engineering.

Original Equipment Tire Sizes

The 2017 Lexus RX 350 came with two standard tire sizes, depending on the trim and wheel option:
– 235/65R18: Found on base and mid-level trims with 18-inch wheels.
– 235/55R20: Standard on higher trims with 20-inch wheels.

Always double-check your current tires or the sticker on your driver’s side door jamb to confirm your exact size. Using the wrong size can affect speedometer accuracy, handling, and even your vehicle’s safety systems.

Driving Conditions and Climate

Your local climate plays a huge role in tire selection. If you live in a region with mild winters and warm summers, all-season tires are usually sufficient. But if you experience heavy snow, ice, or frequent rain, you may need dedicated winter or all-weather tires.

For example, drivers in Florida or Arizona might prioritize heat resistance and wet traction, while those in Minnesota or Colorado should consider winter-specific rubber compounds that stay flexible in sub-zero temperatures.

Performance Expectations

The RX 350 isn’t a sports SUV, but it’s no slouch either. It offers a smooth, quiet ride with responsive steering—qualities that can be enhanced or diminished by your tire choice. If you enjoy long highway drives, you’ll want tires that reduce road noise and improve fuel efficiency. If you frequently drive on curvy mountain roads, performance-oriented tires with better grip and cornering stability might be worth the investment.

Top All-Season Tires for the 2017 Lexus RX 350

All-season tires are the most popular choice for Lexus RX 350 owners because they offer reliable performance in a wide range of conditions. They’re designed to handle dry pavement, wet roads, light snow, and everything in between—making them ideal for drivers who want one set of tires for the entire year.

Michelin Defender LTX M/S

The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a top-tier all-season tire that consistently ranks as one of the best for SUVs. It’s known for its exceptional tread life, quiet ride, and strong wet and light snow performance.

One of its standout features is Michelin’s MaxTouch Construction, which evenly distributes weight and braking forces across the tread for longer wear. It also has a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is impressive for an SUV tire.

Drivers praise the Defender LTX for its smooth, comfortable ride and minimal road noise—perfect for long commutes or family road trips. It handles well in rain and light snow, though it’s not designed for heavy winter conditions.

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus

If you’re looking for a tire that matches the luxury feel of your Lexus, the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus is a great match. It’s engineered specifically for premium SUVs and offers a quiet, refined ride with excellent fuel efficiency.

This tire uses Bridgestone’s proprietary silica-enhanced tread compound, which improves grip on wet roads while reducing rolling resistance. That means better gas mileage without sacrificing safety.

With a 80,000-mile treadwear warranty, the Alenza Plus is built to last. It performs well in dry and wet conditions and handles light snow adequately, though it’s not a winter tire.

Continental CrossContact LX25

The Continental CrossContact LX25 is another excellent all-season option that balances comfort, performance, and longevity. It’s designed for crossovers and SUVs and offers a smooth, quiet ride with responsive handling.

One of its key features is EcoPlus Technology, which reduces rolling resistance to improve fuel economy. It also has a 70,000-mile warranty and performs well in rain and light snow.

Drivers appreciate its stable handling on highways and its ability to absorb road imperfections, making it a great choice for daily driving.

Best Performance Tires for Enhanced Handling

If you want to elevate the driving dynamics of your RX 350, performance tires are the way to go. These tires are designed for better grip, sharper cornering, and improved braking—ideal for drivers who enjoy a more engaging drive or frequently tackle twisty roads.

Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II

The Pirelli Scorpion Verde is a performance-oriented all-season tire that doesn’t compromise on comfort. It’s designed for luxury SUVs and offers excellent dry and wet traction, along with low road noise.

Its asymmetric tread pattern enhances cornering stability, while the silica-based compound improves grip in wet conditions. It also has a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is solid for a performance tire.

Drivers report that the Scorpion Verde feels more responsive than standard all-season tires, making the RX 350 feel more agile and connected to the road.

Goodyear Eagle RS-A2

The Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 is a high-performance all-season tire that delivers sporty handling without sacrificing ride comfort. It’s designed for drivers who want a more dynamic driving experience.

With its directional tread pattern and stiff sidewalls, the Eagle RS-A2 offers precise steering and strong grip during cornering. It performs well in dry and wet conditions but is less capable in snow.

This tire is a great choice if you live in a warm climate and want to maximize your RX 350’s potential on open roads.

Top Winter and Snow Tires for Cold Climates

If you live in an area with harsh winters, all-season tires simply won’t cut it. Winter tires are made with softer rubber compounds that stay flexible in freezing temperatures, providing superior traction on snow and ice.

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2

The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is one of the most popular winter tires for SUVs, and for good reason. It uses Bridgestone’s Multicell compound, which contains microscopic pores that absorb water and slush, improving grip on icy surfaces.

The Blizzak DM-V2 excels in snow, ice, and cold weather, offering shorter braking distances and better control than all-season tires. It’s not designed for warm weather, so you’ll need to switch back to all-season or summer tires in spring.

Drivers in snowy regions like New England or the Midwest swear by the Blizzak for its confidence-inspiring performance in winter conditions.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV is a premium winter tire known for its eco-friendly design and exceptional cold-weather performance. It’s made with a low-rolling-resistance compound that improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

This tire offers outstanding grip on snow and ice, with a quiet, comfortable ride. It’s also one of the few winter tires with a 30,000-mile warranty, reflecting Nokian’s confidence in its durability.

If you want top-tier winter performance and don’t mind the higher price tag, the Hakkapeliitta R3 is a fantastic choice.

All-Weather Tires: The Best of Both Worlds

All-weather tires are a newer category that bridges the gap between all-season and winter tires. They’re designed to handle year-round conditions, including moderate snow and ice, without needing seasonal swaps.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady

The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is one of the few all-weather tires with the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol, meaning it meets severe snow service requirements.

It uses Goodyear’s Weather Reactive Technology, which adapts to changing conditions. The tread compound stays flexible in cold weather, while the tread design channels water and slush for better wet and snow traction.

With a 60,000-mile warranty, it’s a durable option for drivers who want one set of tires for all seasons—even in areas with occasional snow.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Replacement Tires

With so many great options, how do you pick the right one? Here are the key factors to consider:

Treadwear Rating

Treadwear ratings indicate how long a tire is expected to last. A higher number means longer life, but often at the cost of grip. For example, a tire with a 800 treadwear rating will last longer than one with a 400 rating, but may not handle as well.

Wet and Dry Traction

Look for tires with high ratings in wet and dry braking tests. Tires with silica-enhanced compounds and deep grooves typically perform better in rain.

Noise and Comfort

Luxury SUVs like the RX 350 are built for comfort. Choose tires with noise-reducing features like variable pitch tread blocks or foam liners.

Fuel Efficiency

Low rolling resistance tires can improve fuel economy by 1–3%. Look for tires labeled with “eco” or “green” technology.

Warranty and Reviews

Check the manufacturer’s warranty and read real customer reviews. A long treadwear warranty is a good sign, but real-world feedback matters most.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Once you’ve chosen your tires, proper installation and maintenance are key to getting the most out of them.

Professional Installation

Always have your tires installed by a certified technician. They’ll ensure proper mounting, balancing, and alignment, which affects safety and tire life.

Regular Rotations

Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to promote even wear. Front tires typically wear faster due to steering and braking forces.

Check Tire Pressure Monthly

Underinflated tires reduce fuel efficiency, increase wear, and compromise safety. Use a digital gauge and follow the pressure listed on your door jamb sticker—not the max pressure on the tire sidewall.

Inspect for Damage

Look for cuts, bulges, or embedded objects regularly. Even small issues can lead to blowouts if ignored.

Conclusion

Choosing the best replacement tires for your 2017 Lexus RX 350 doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by understanding your driving needs, climate, and performance expectations. Whether you go with a premium all-season tire like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S, a performance option like the Pirelli Scorpion Verde, or a winter warrior like the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2, the right tires will enhance your driving experience and keep you safe on the road.

Remember, tires are a long-term investment. Spending a little more upfront on high-quality rubber can save you money in the long run through better fuel economy, longer tread life, and fewer replacements. And don’t forget the importance of proper installation and maintenance—your safety and comfort depend on it.

With the right tires, your Lexus RX 350 will continue to deliver the smooth, reliable, and luxurious ride you’ve come to expect. So take your time, do your research, and choose wisely. Your car—and your passengers—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size tires does a 2017 Lexus RX 350 use?

The 2017 Lexus RX 350 typically uses either 235/65R18 or 235/55R20 tires, depending on the trim and wheel size. Always check your owner’s manual or the tire information sticker on the driver’s side door jamb to confirm your exact size.

Can I use different tire brands on my RX 350?

Yes, you can mix brands, but it’s best to use the same brand, model, and size on all four wheels for balanced handling and performance. If you must mix, ensure the tires have similar speed ratings and tread patterns.

How often should I replace my tires?

Most tires last between 40,000 and 80,000 miles, depending on the type and driving conditions. Check the tread depth regularly—replace tires when they reach 2/32 of an inch or show signs of uneven wear or damage.

Are all-season tires good for snow?

All-season tires can handle light snow, but they’re not ideal for heavy snow or ice. For severe winter conditions, dedicated winter or all-weather tires with the 3PMSF symbol are recommended.

Do I need to replace all four tires at once?

It’s best to replace all four tires at the same time to maintain balanced handling and traction. If you must replace only two, install them on the rear axle for better stability.

Can I install larger tires on my RX 350?

You can install slightly larger tires, but they must not rub against the wheel well or suspension. Always consult a tire professional to ensure compatibility and avoid affecting your speedometer or safety systems.