Ride comfort difference between 20-22"

hmcnavarro · July 10, 2019

I have a 2016 Yukon XL Denali with stock 20" wheels. I see newer models with 22". If I was to upgrade to 22" GMC stock wheels/tire size would that decrease the ride comfort? Is there a different suspension tune/set up on the new models to come stock with 22"?

Mandalorian · July 11, 2019

22" would decrease comfort over 20" because there is less sidewall.

The Zip · July 11, 2019

Type of suspension was/is based on specific truck package not tire size. Example; Tahoe LT came with Premium Ride suspension whereas the LTZ came with Magnetic Ride suspension, both could have 20 or 22's.

hmcnavarro · July 12, 2019

1 hour ago, The Zip said:

Type of suspension was/is based on specific truck package not tire size. Example; Tahoe LT came with Premium Ride suspension whereas the LTZ came with Magnetic Ride suspension, both could have 20 or 22's.

My Denali has the Magnetic Ride suspension. Are you saying the 20 and 22's would feel the same or would you lose comfort with the 22's

The Zip · July 12, 2019

I think riding on smooth surfaces and dips with 20s or 22s should be similar regardless of the suspension, it will probably be a smoother ride if the 22's are wider. The difference will be when you hit a pothole or bump with more rubber (20) vs more wheel (22).

K2xxSteve · August 19, 2019

The Suburban LTZ/Premiers I test drove with 20" wheels definitely rode more smoothly and comfortably, and with less of that body shock / vibration stuff. The one I intended to buy actually had the 20's, but it had been sold the day before, so I went with a nearly identical one with 22" wheels, but had the extra anti-theft protection stuff I wanted anyways. It definitely doesn't ride as well, but it all depends on what you're used to. Coming from a 2012 BMW X5, the ride in the Suburban with the 22" wheels and Magnetic ride had a similar stiff European feel to it that we didn't find uncomfortable. It's definitely a bit choppy with just me driving it and no load, but stack some pax and/or cargo into it to weight it down a bit, and it smoothens out considerably.

Note that I have multiple family members that are extremely prone to motion sickness. There have been zero complaints about the ride quality and zero car sickness incidents also, with the 22" and Magnetic Ride suspension combo. This has mostly to do with the Magnetic Ride suspension which keeps much better control over body motion, than the standard (passive) Premium Ride suspension does. Even I felt myself getting a bit of motion sickness in the standard suspension trucks, usually with 20" wheels.

One thing, the OEM Bridgestone tires are crap. Swapping out to Michelins will make a big difference. I just did that at 11,000 miles and immediately noticed the difference for the better.