How to Achieve Most Comfortable Ride?

[RockyDijohn]

When it comes to tires, I know there is a tradeoff between comfort v. performance. My wife's medical conditions require that we focus on her comfort.

I understand high-profile tires will help. What would be the highest aspect ratio to get for a Tahoe or Yukon? Do I run the risk of voiding the mfr warranty if I deviate from their stock 275/60R20SL tire (60% aspect ratio). I should not get the highest aspect ratio possible, should I?

And what about suspensions and drive trains? What should I choose to get the best possible comfort?

 

[KMeloney]

Pushing the height (and/or width) of the tires can lead to fender/wheel well liner clearance issues... But you could always go down in wheel size and increase the sidewall size and maintain the stock tire height. That would provide the most comfortable ride.

Incidentally, the limiting factor for going smaller in wheel size is brake clearance. I think it may be that 18" wheels are the smallest that will clear the stock brakes on the '21+...

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

When it comes to tires, I know there is a tradeoff between comfort v. performance. My wife's medical conditions require that we focus on her comfort.

I understand high-profile tires will help. What would be the highest aspect ratio to get for a Tahoe or Yukon? Do I run the risk of voiding the mfr warranty if I deviate from their stock 275/60R20SL tire (60% aspect ratio). I should not get the highest aspect ratio possible, should I?

And what about suspensions and drive trains? What should I choose to get the best possible comfort?

I bought a new 2024 Tahoe Premier 4WD with the factory installed 20-inch wheels and tires, and the magnetic ride control shocks (no air suspension).

The vehicle is extremely smooth and comfortable. It is the first vehicle I’ve owned with the magnetic shocks and they are remarkable.

You may want to test-drive one with the magnetic shocks to see if they are what you’re looking for.

 

[jfoj]

Have a 2024 Yukon Denali XL, no air suspension and the option 22 inch wheels with 275/60R22 tires. Overall I think think it rides very well. As mentioned I think the magnetic ride control seems offer a good ride. I have not compared my vehicle to something with smaller wheels, but I will way the vehicle ane seats are up much higher than my 2005 Yukon Denali XL, so it is easier to enter and exit the vehicle using the running boards, never use them on my 2005.

So depending on how tall your wife is, you should try getting in and out of a number vehicls with different tire/wheel combinations, fixed vs retractable running boards and with and without air suspension. I beleive the air suspension can lower for entry and exit, I just do not know if this can be configured automaticaly and how quickly the air suspension can deflate and inflate.

 

[KMeloney]

I beleive the air suspension can lower for entry and exit, I just do not know if this can be configured automaticaly and how quickly the air suspension can deflate and inflate.

Yes, it can lower; and yes, you can configure it to lower or not. It takes @ 5-10 seconds to lower completely.

 

[B-train]

If you truly want the plushest ride known to man, look at a 2017 to 2019 Buick Lacrosse. We test drove one a few months back and it was the nicest riding car I've ever been in! It's a shame GM killed it. You can find them relatively affordable with lower miles still. If I wasn't so stingy, I'd run out and drop 20k on one with less than 30k miles and have tons of smiles per mile on road trips. The trunk is huge as well.

 

[Marky Dissod]

I understand high-profile tires will help. What would be the highest aspect ratio to get for a Tahoe or Yukon?
Do I run the risk of voiding the mfr warranty if I deviate from 275/60R20?

Aspect 'ratio' is not as important, as how much sidewall beef between the contact patch and the wheel.
275/60R20 (33.00" tall) has 6.5" of sidewall.
Both 255/75R18 (33.06" tall) and 275/70R18 (33.16" tall) have 7.5" of sidewall.

More sidewall, protecting lighter wheels, less unsprung weight too.
Whatever gave you the cockamamie idea that that'd jeopardize the warranty?
You'd improve the vehicle's longevity / durability - the steering and suspension will thank you, even the MagnaRide,
to give up things you both want to give up anyway.

Try to pick the lightest 18" wheels for best results.

 

[swathdiver]

When it comes to tires, I know there is a tradeoff between comfort v. performance. My wife's medical conditions require that we focus on her comfort.

I understand high-profile tires will help. What would be the highest aspect ratio to get for a Tahoe or Yukon? Do I run the risk of voiding the mfr warranty if I deviate from their stock 275/60R20SL tire (60% aspect ratio). I should not get the highest aspect ratio possible, should I?

And what about suspensions and drive trains? What should I choose to get the best possible comfort?

Not all of them come with that tire size. These trucks were made for towing and I find that they ride best with a load on. Put 50-75 pounds in the back and she'll settle down. A full tank of fuel weighs about 156 pounds.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

I have the Denali w/ Magnetic Ride Control and Air Suspension. It rides like a dream.

I also have the 22” wheel for summer and run 20” wheels in the winter with Blizzaks.
Summer is stock 22” Tire Size of 275/50R22
Winter is the stock 20” Tire Size of 275/60R22

I really don’t notice a big difference in ride quality between summer and winter.

I think the winter ride may be compromised by cold temps and therefore stiffer side wall offsetting the increased sidewall height.

Net, I feel no difference in ride between 20 and 22” wheels.

 

[Jetskier77]

Before I bought my '17 Tahoe, I tested numerous versions with the 18's, 20's and 22's. To me, the difference was night and day. The smaller the rim size (and taller sidewall) the better the ride. I couldnt handle the 22" rims on California highways - the ride was notably harsher.

 

[RoadTrip]

If you truly want the plushest ride known to man, look at a 2017 to 2019 Buick Lacrosse. We test drove one a few months back and it was the nicest riding car I've ever been in! It's a shame GM killed it. You can find them relatively affordable with lower miles still. If I wasn't so stingy, I'd run out and drop 20k on one with less than 30k miles and have tons of smiles per mile on road trips. The trunk is huge as well.

We owners of the last gen Park Avenues (ended in ‘05), call newer Buicks “sports cars” for their comparatively stiff ride.

Your point is well taKen, however, “don’t send a truck to do a car’s job” when it comes to comfort.

 

[petethepug]

Got heated & ventilated seats?

 

[aJohnM1948]

When it comes to tires, I know there is a tradeoff between comfort v. performance. My wife's medical conditions require that we focus on her comfort.

I understand high-profile tires will help. What would be the highest aspect ratio to get for a Tahoe or Yukon? Do I run the risk of voiding the mfr warranty if I deviate from their stock 275/60R20SL tire (60% aspect ratio). I should not get the highest aspect ratio possible, should I?

And what about suspensions and drive trains? What should I choose to get the best possible comfort?

Are you going to tow, if so stick to the Michelin

 

[aJohnM1948]

When it comes to tires, I know there is a tradeoff between comfort v. performance. My wife's medical conditions require that we focus on her comfort.

I understand high-profile tires will help. What would be the highest aspect ratio to get for a Tahoe or Yukon? Do I run the risk of voiding the mfr warranty if I deviate from their stock 275/60R20SL tire (60% aspect ratio). I should not get the highest aspect ratio possible, should I?

And what about suspensions and drive trains? What should I choose to get the best possible comfort?

Are you going to tow? If so may I suggest the Michelin Defender LTX M/S for safety's sake. It is a LT (light truck) tire that balances (all life is a compromise) control with comfort. I have them on my 2018 Tahoe LT towing a 15’ 4500 lb single axle travel trailer and the ride is a perfect combination of control and comfort. If you are never going to tow, get a tire with a softer sidewall but know the softer the sidewall the greater the chance of rollover, all things being equal. Go to the largest volume tire dealer and ask the most experienced salesman to help you choose a tire with a softish sidewall. Put the several tires side by side standing up in front of you on the floor, and this is key, push down on them to see how easily or hard the sidewalls flex. If there is a difference you will absolutely be able to see for yourself the softest of the bunch, you know, trust but verify. When I did this for my 2006 Trailblazer the clearly softest tire was the cheapest unknown German made brand that gave me a nearly car level smooth ride for many years. When I started to tow with that truck I switched to the aforementioned Michelins and seat of the pants could feel greater control but a less cushy ride. ROT its easier for a higher aspect ratio tire to achieve a softer ride, all things being equal. Finally as has been said here by another, nearly ANY sedan is likely to have the ability to be made to ride more comfortably than a Tahoe, though a Tahoe with mag-ride and a soft tire may come close. Let me know if this helps.

 

[aJohnM1948]

Are you going to tow, if so stick to the Michelin

Oops, didn’t finish reply, see my following post. Who writes software where you can’t edit or delete your own post??? Don’t get me started!!!

 

[dukecharmary]

We ordered a 25 denali 3.0 for best ride and mpg. The 20 inch wheels should give better ride than the larger wheels. Going 2wd for less weight and mpg, and same for no sunroof for less weight, and we dont use it. The absolute best and quietest tire I ever had were the Nittos for a cushy soft ride. The 4 wheel indep suspension and magnetic ride was so much better than the Lexus rides.

 

[Fless]

Oops, didn’t finish reply, see my following post. Who writes software where you can’t edit or delete your own post??? Don’t get me started!!!

Is there an EDIT link at the bottom of your post?