To understand if there's an advantage, you need to clarify what you're comparing. Are you comparing:
* 17-inch wheels to 18-inch wheels? If so, 17-inch wheels generally offer:
* A more comfortable ride: Larger wheels and tires tend to transmit more road imperfections to the cabin.
* Lower cost: Tires for 17-inch wheels are typically cheaper to replace.
* Potentially better fuel economy (slightly): Smaller, lighter wheels can marginally improve fuel efficiency.
18-inch wheels generally offer:
* Improved handling: Larger wheels can sometimes enhance handling and responsiveness.
* Better aesthetics (some prefer): Larger wheels often give a sportier look.
* A specific 17-inch tire to a specific 18-inch tire? In this case, the differences depend entirely on the specific tires. A high-performance 18-inch tire might offer better handling than a basic 17-inch tire, but a comfortable 17-inch tire might be better for ride quality than a performance-oriented 18-inch tire.
To determine if there's an advantage *for you*, consider your priorities: comfort, handling, cost, aesthetics, or fuel economy. Then, compare the specific tire options available for the 17-inch and 18-inch wheels offered for your 2014 Escape.