Novice needs help buying new tires

[zuzu66]

Hi,
I need a new set of tires for my 4Runner and am overwhelmed by the choices. Would appreciate any help. Here's the 411:

4Runner: 2002 Limited 4WD w/ OEM 16 inch Bridgestone Dueler HT's (p265/70R16)

Location : Los Angeles, therefore snow not relevant and rain only seasonal.

Type of Driving : Combined city/highway, with occassional road trips to vegas. No off-roading.

Desires: Comfort (good cushioning over bumps, etc.), Quiet ride (current ride is Noisy). *However, does tire that provides more comfort decrease gas mileage?

After some preliminary research at Tirerack.com, I've Narrowed down to (sorted by price lo-hi):
Kumho Road Venture HT
Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S G051
Michelin LTX M/S
Goodyear Fortera SilentArmor
Michelin Cross Terrain SUV

Would appreciate real world feedback on these or other suggestions!

Thanks so much for your help!

-Michelle

PS- dumb question, BUT...did not see my size listed in these (therefore can't get w/o changing wheels, right?):

Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S G052
Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza
Firestone Destination LE

 

[Kmvreter]

Mich CT, IMO.
Long tread life, quiet, excellent wet or dry. You don't sacrifice mpg for comfort. You pay more but you get more value.

 

[coolpop]

I've had the Michelin CTs on my 97 Grand Cherokee, on my 2000 4Runner, and again on my 04 Runner. I now have the Goodyear Fortera Silent Armors and will give you my objective, unbiased opinion.

I thought the Michelins were good tires but a bit overrated. My main issue living in Florida is wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, and I thought the CTs hydroplaned a bit too easily for my taste. But they are relatively quiet and VERY smooth riding.

I've now had the Goodyears for a few weeks and I think they are better. Believe it or not, they are quieter (I mean SILENT) and they give a nice, soft, cushy ride. Main drawback is the weight of the tires and the rolling resistance, as mpg has dropped about 2 miles per gallon. No big deal to me.

As long as I own any SUV, I will put the Silent Armors on. I'm sold.

Just my opinion, YMMV.

 

[zuzu66]

Thanks so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it. I went for the Silent Armor's and love them!

 

[Kmvreter]

Thanks so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it. I went for the Silent Armor's and love them!

Did you get the same/stock size? If so, can you keep track of and report to us on the difference in mpg over the long term?
Thanks.