We are shopping around for a van and a friend of mine told me that SOME but not all AWD Siennas require a special tire, costing at least $800 for a set of 4. Can anyone tell me which models of Sienna AWD require these tires and what are the tires called?
No offense to your friend, but they received incorrect informationany tires of the correct size will work on an all wheel drive ( AWD ) vehicle - look for the least expensive with the best warranty, or Michelins, which will last for many years
We own Toyota Sienna XLE and yes what you are questioning is some vehicles to include Sienna XLE AWD are equipped from the factory with expensive run-flat tires that I have heard costs $200 each so basically it's something that most prudent individuals would avoid and not insist on AWD on a Toyota Sienna XLE minivan. Note on the Toyota Highlander AWD, which my wife drives, it is equipped with normal radial truck tires so we don't have to pay a ridiculous premium. Hope the Above Info Helps!
The only thing I could think of is if your Sienna was equipped with V speed rated tires from the factory. The speed rating is best described as a sort of performance rating, at least here in the US. If this is what your friend is referring to, then he/she is right that V-rated tires are typically more expensive than lower-rated tires, although at least $800 for a set of 4 is simply throwing numbers out there. HOWEVER, on most vehicles that came from the factory with a V-rated tire, it is perfectly safe to drop down to an H-rated tire with no adverse effects on vehicle handling and performance. And just a reminder, AWD vehicles need to have the tires replaced in sets of 4, as putting 2 new tires on the vehicle with 2 worn tires can cause drivetrain problems.
