How to Achieve Most Comfortable Ride?

[RoadTrip]

If you truly want the plushest ride known to man, look at a 2017 to 2019 Buick Lacrosse. We test drove one a few months back and it was the nicest riding car I've ever been in! It's a shame GM killed it. You can find them relatively affordable with lower miles still. If I wasn't so stingy, I'd run out and drop 20k on one with less than 30k miles and have tons of smiles per mile on road trips. The trunk is huge as well.

We owners of the last gen Park Avenues (ended in ‘05), call newer Buicks “sports cars” for their comparatively stiff ride.

Your point is well taKen, however, “don’t send a truck to do a car’s job” when it comes to comfort.

 

[petethepug]

Got heated & ventilated seats?

 

[aJohnM1948]

When it comes to tires, I know there is a tradeoff between comfort v. performance. My wife's medical conditions require that we focus on her comfort.

I understand high-profile tires will help. What would be the highest aspect ratio to get for a Tahoe or Yukon? Do I run the risk of voiding the mfr warranty if I deviate from their stock 275/60R20SL tire (60% aspect ratio). I should not get the highest aspect ratio possible, should I?

And what about suspensions and drive trains? What should I choose to get the best possible comfort?

Are you going to tow, if so stick to the Michelin

 

[aJohnM1948]

When it comes to tires, I know there is a tradeoff between comfort v. performance. My wife's medical conditions require that we focus on her comfort.

I understand high-profile tires will help. What would be the highest aspect ratio to get for a Tahoe or Yukon? Do I run the risk of voiding the mfr warranty if I deviate from their stock 275/60R20SL tire (60% aspect ratio). I should not get the highest aspect ratio possible, should I?

And what about suspensions and drive trains? What should I choose to get the best possible comfort?

Are you going to tow? If so may I suggest the Michelin Defender LTX M/S for safety's sake. It is a LT (light truck) tire that balances (all life is a compromise) control with comfort. I have them on my 2018 Tahoe LT towing a 15’ 4500 lb single axle travel trailer and the ride is a perfect combination of control and comfort. If you are never going to tow, get a tire with a softer sidewall but know the softer the sidewall the greater the chance of rollover, all things being equal. Go to the largest volume tire dealer and ask the most experienced salesman to help you choose a tire with a softish sidewall. Put the several tires side by side standing up in front of you on the floor, and this is key, push down on them to see how easily or hard the sidewalls flex. If there is a difference you will absolutely be able to see for yourself the softest of the bunch, you know, trust but verify. When I did this for my 2006 Trailblazer the clearly softest tire was the cheapest unknown German made brand that gave me a nearly car level smooth ride for many years. When I started to tow with that truck I switched to the aforementioned Michelins and seat of the pants could feel greater control but a less cushy ride. ROT its easier for a higher aspect ratio tire to achieve a softer ride, all things being equal. Finally as has been said here by another, nearly ANY sedan is likely to have the ability to be made to ride more comfortably than a Tahoe, though a Tahoe with mag-ride and a soft tire may come close. Let me know if this helps.

 

[aJohnM1948]

Are you going to tow, if so stick to the Michelin

Oops, didn’t finish reply, see my following post. Who writes software where you can’t edit or delete your own post??? Don’t get me started!!!