StumpJumper

ordering my wheels & tires and the only thing I'm unsure of is the size

downside I see is speedo change and decreased acceleration

upside is smaller contact patch for winter, potentially better gas mileage on the highway, cheaper buy-in (about $350 less)

any thoughts from those of you who have run the 235's? even at 235 these will still be wider than any sedan tire I've run in winter

Stereodude

I went with 235/45/18 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4. They're cheaper, have a slightly taller sidewall, and less contact patch. Seemed like a win-win-win for winter. I can deal with the speedo being off 2.4% from the 245/40/18 that I run the rest of the year.

GUEST123

I also went with the 235/45/18 but in a Michelin Pilot PA3. The PA4 is newer technology with the Michelin Green X lower rolling resistance, although with a slightly lower max load rating (PA3 - 1653lbs, PA4 1477lbs). Other specs appear identical. Probably slightly better gas mileage on the Green X, and perhaps quieter? The slight speedo error with a 235/45 series is negligible IMO.

Stereodude

They have the same load rating of 98. The Tirerack Max load data is wrong because it doesn't match the 98 rating (1653lbs).