The VSX are 870mm (was out measuring to ensure I remembered correctly). I Guess there can be some variance between tyres of same size from different manufacturers.
Many varios (also vans) are converted to 19.5 rims with 285/70. Those are 895mm tall and wider.
Gretar from Iceland has even managed to squeez in 275/80R20 with some modifications to the plastic wheel arch and possibly the bumper. Those are close to 950mm.
Based on that I felt safe with the 10R17.5 and I have not been able to get the tyres rubbing so far.
I am not sure, but the varios from 1997 might sit slightly higher than the older ones. They made some changes to the 4x4 versions when they did the facelift and started calling them Vario I think.