My experience with these tires in various sizes
I have owned a 2016 SR5 Premium Plus and just purchased a 2019 SR5 Premium Plus. I put a Rough Country 2/1 leveling kit on both trucks. I can tell you that with these tires and the two sizes in question, there is a big difference in ride comfort, MPG’s and overall driving experience.
The 275’s are a true truck tire in the E rating. They are nearly 15 lbs heavier than the stock Bridgestones that came with the truck. Some on here have stated that the 4Runner is a truck. This is correct as far as the body on frame design but they do not have the weight of a half ton F150 or other half ton trucks. It’s about weight.
I put 275’s on my 16’ and immediately felt that they rode harder in that you could feel bumps and potholes much more than stock. I also noticed that I dropped about 2mpg on average after about 5k miles on the stock tires. Lastly, I noticed that I really had to get into the accelerator pedal much more to get going with the 275’s. They looked great but I was not crazy about the daily driving experience. I ended up putting about 50k miles on those tires and it was time for me to trade the truck in for a new one. I wanted to sell to a private seller rather than trading into the dealership and felt that a new set of tires would sell the truck faster. I ended up going down to 265 K02’s and drove the truck for about 3k miles before it sold. The difference was stark.
I immediately noticed a much softer ride over rough terrain and potholes. I also noticed that the truck was much more lively upon acceleration. It just felt better to drive. In my opinion, it’s not the the size difference of the tire, although it plays a factor, but more the added weight of the 10 ply vs the 6 ply. I also noticed that on the highway, on inclines, the 265’s rarely caused the truck to downshift while in cruise. It would happen all the time with the 275’s, even without an incline but only a stiff headwind.
Anyway. I sold the 16’ and got a 19’ just a few days ago. Got the same 2/1 Rough Country level on it and put 265’s on. The look is very close. The 275’s do look slightly larger and fill out the wheel wells more but the sacrifice in the overall driving experience is significant.
My opinion, if you are all about look, go with the 275’s. However, note that again, in my opinion, the 265’s will give you a much more pleasurable driving experience overall while still giving you a very nice look over stock.
These tires look and perform better than any tire I have owned. But the difference between the 275’s and the 265’s is significant. It was mentioned earlier in this thread but if BFG offered a 275 in a 6 ply, I’d be all over it.
BTW....some great looking trucks in this thread.