18" wheels for new Edge 2016 Sport???

[CharPatton]

We are looking at replacing our awesome but old Explorer with an Edge. The Explorer has P235/70R15 tires. We want the Edge Sport due to the safety and tech features, and also because we don’t want a sunroof (cramps headroom), so we can’t get a Titanium. But everything I’ve read says that the larger wheels (in this case 20 or 21”) are primarily for looks, and that one takes a hit in durability, snow, and off-road use with the bigger wheels (the possible increment in handling is of no interest to us since we drive conservatively). Thus, we would love advice about:

 

Can we replace the 20” wheels that come standard with the Sport with 18” wheels? Is there any safety or other reason why one should not do this? If we do this, should we get the wheels from Ford when we buy the car or from another source?

 

Thank you!

[Chipster]

You can get the Titanium with base equipment group 300A and not have the Vista roof.

[t0lkman]

I'm wondering how the difference in drive firmness between 18" and 20" wheels.

 

I'm actually not interested in Titanium's 20" wheels, but I really didn't like Ford's aluminum polished glossy 18"

[luminator]

I currently have the Aluminum wheels off of a Edge SE 18" size on my 2015 Edge Sport for winter tires. They fit perfectly and the rider does become a bit softer with more sidewall. Looking forward to summer when I can get the 21"s on .