Can the Odyssey directly upgrade to 18-inch rims?
2 Answers
The Odyssey can directly upgrade to 18-inch rims. Odyssey rim sizes: The Comfort trim comes with 16-inch rims, while the Luxury trim and above feature 17-inch rims. The Odyssey's tire model specifications and size parameters vary between high and low configurations. The base model has 215/60 R16 tires, while all other trims are equipped with 215/55 R17 tires. Precautions for changing rim sizes: Generally, in sedans, larger rim sizes correspond to higher tire aspect ratios. However, blindly increasing rim size is not recommended. When maintaining the same tire outer diameter, larger rims necessitate wider and flatter tires. While this reduces the car's lateral sway and indeed improves stability, it also diminishes the tire's shock absorption, reduces in-cabin comfort, and correspondingly increases fuel consumption.
I've been driving an Odyssey for many years as a family commuter, and I think directly upgrading to 18-inch wheels is a bit risky. The original wheels are usually 16 or 17 inches. If you switch to 18-inch wheels, the tire height needs to be reduced; otherwise, it might rub against the body or the wheel arch liner, affecting driving stability. From my experience, larger wheels improve cornering stability but reduce comfort, making bumps more noticeable and potentially increasing fuel consumption by about 5%. The speedometer will also be inaccurate because the tire diameter changes. I recommend measuring the clearance between the tire and wheel arch first to ensure there's enough space. Safety first—don’t rush into it; consult a professional modification shop for an assessment. I tried a similar upgrade myself but eventually gave up due to maintenance hassles and the negative impact on my family's ride comfort. Overall, weigh the risks and benefits carefully before making a decision.
