When a tire seller is pushing Chinese tires, it's because they are getting a promotional incentive (kickback), not because they are better tires. Lately, new CR-Vs have been coming with Hankooks, one of the poorest tires made on Earth. But they get a good price on them by the boatload. In spring rates, there is not much incentive for makers to offer a softer ride, when most aftermarket springs are for performance, and stiffer than stock. When searching for softer riding tires, category is important due to sidewall construction. Mud and snow tires and light truck tires are going to have a stiffer sidewall than passenger tires, and lower profiles the same, as shorter is stiffer. Another factor is load rating. My Gen3 ('07) calls for a 102. Yet a majority of the tires I see offered in the stock size have a lower rating, such as 99 or 100. The owner's manual recommends that 102 as a minimum, that you should not go lower. But I've not ever seen a passenger tire with one higher than 102. In Michelins, most of the tires available for this size have a lower load rating. I'm sure those tires likely have a softer ride, but I'm not sure how good an idea it is to go that route. Also, I've read literally tons of tire reviews, and they are just not specific enough, plus they give widely varied results. One guy says this tire is the softest quietest riding tire he's ever owned. The next guy says it's stiff and noisy. In the end I think it's a turkey shoot. I wish there was an impartial expert website devoted to tire comparison, review, and accuracy, but if there is such a thing I've not found it.