i just bought a set of tires that were H rated and where 205/55/16 and they felt like crap...Michelin Primacy MXV4... i am not sure if it because of the size or because of the H rating vs the V rating that i had on the car before. I am going tomorrow to exchange the tires and was wondering two things. first if going with 215/55/16 would be safe bit since 215/55/16 has a closer ratio than the 205s do and will not rub or anything while turning hard. And secondly will the H vs V make that big of a difference when it comes to comfort and road noise?

 

I bought some of the Yokos today in size 215/55-16. I'm running a stock 2008 XD with steel wheels & have no clearance issues.

Have only put about 50 miles on them so far but wow, the car is night & day better with these 215s under it. Way less noise, way less wondering on the road surface, & way better ride comfort.

 

I am on 215/55r16 at stock height, wheels 16x7.5 offset 35 with no rub or turning issues. The ride comfort and noise were both improved significantly. I would think that a 205/55 would have a less comfortable ride due to the lower tire profile. There would also be increased fender gap.