+1 that inside tire wear is not normal. Asymmetrical tires may wear on the outside faster since one side always has to be on the outside, but yeah inside tire wear is another issue.
I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Nitto 421Q
For my situation, this will be best, but not everyone's situation is equal.
Our CX-9 is a secondary vehicle, hardly is every being used these days. Turning into a garage queen. But I wouldn't trade it for a million bucks.
421Q will be great for channeling water, and at interstate speeds, while providing decent traction. Should have a good steering line on the road.
We are living in southwest PA now which receives moderate snowfall and ice. But I don't really plan on taking her out of the garage in the winter, if ever.
I even considered a summer tire.
First priority for me was 105 rating. We have packed the 9 up with some pretty heavy items from time to time.
Not a whole lot to choose from in the 105 category.
General Altimax RT43 just didn't do it for me. Good ratings but a boring tire with what seems like is zero wheel lip bumpout on the sidewall of the tire. Plus despite the reviews, I couldn't get past "general." A me thing.
I measured the tread on the 421Q and it is reading between 10.5/32 and 11/32. Nowhere on any of the 4 tires is it 12/32 like their specifications say, which is somewhat scandalous.
Some reviews complain of road noise, while other reviews state really quiet.
After considerable research, it seems like some of these folks complaints of a "horrible noise" may be rocks stuck in the tread, due to the design.
This wouldn't be the first tire I picked rocks out of. Not a big deal to me.
Considered going with a 255/50/20 or 255/45/20 but there are mixed thoughts about abs & traction control issues/effects from changing tire size like that.
Will update another time about performance. May be a long while since these may not get mounted for some time. Going to buy some tie rods for good measure too.
Photo group below: (sorry, seems that the usual IMG insertion method is not working tonight.
http://s10.photobucket.com/user/helbigtw/media/0911171909_zps9urdk7n4.jpg.html