205/50R16 tires
Prices, best picks and current deals for 205/50R16, a compact cars size fitted to Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Mini Cooper S and more.
What 205/50R16 tires cost
Kumho Ecsta PA51
Lowest price that still brakes and wears acceptably. Fine for a second car or low annual mileage.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus
The value sweet spot: long mileage warranty, solid wet grip, sane price.
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Best wet and snow braking, quietest ride, longest tread life. Worth it if you keep the car.
Prices are per tire, before mounting and balancing, based on what the big US online retailers charge for this size. A set of four in the mid range comes to roughly $320 to $472, and a brand rebate can take another $50 to $110 off, see this month's deals.
About the 205/50R16 size
Compact sport size, V or H. Aging fitment list but still supported by all-season and a few summer lines.
The numbers mean: 205 mm section width, sidewall height 50 % of that width, and a 16-inch rim. Overall diameter works out to about 24.1 inches. Any replacement has to match all three, and the load index and speed rating on your door sticker must be met or exceeded. Our guide on reading a tire size walks through it.
Vehicles that use 205/50R16
- Honda Civic Si (2002-2005)
- Volkswagen Jetta GLI (1999-2005)
- Mini Cooper S (2002-2006)
- Mazda Protege5 (2002-2003)
Confirm on the door-jamb sticker before ordering. Optional wheel packages often change the size within the same model.
Which type of 205/50R16 tire?
All-Season Tires
Drivers in the South, West Coast and mild parts of the Midwest who want one set of tires that lasts a long time and is quiet.
All-Weather Tires
Drivers in snow-belt states who want one set of tires with proven snow traction and no seasonal swap.
Winter Tires
Anyone in the northern US, Canada-border states or mountain regions where snow and ice are on the roads for weeks at a time.
Frequently asked questions
How much do 205/50R16 tires cost?
Expect $55–$75 per tire for a budget brand, $80–$118 for a mid-range tire like the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus, and $122–$175 for a premium tire like the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. Add roughly $15 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing.
What vehicles use 205/50R16 tires?
205/50R16 is original equipment on Honda Civic Si (2002-2005), Volkswagen Jetta GLI (1999-2005), Mini Cooper S (2002-2006) and Mazda Protege5 (2002-2003), among others. Always confirm with the sticker inside your driver's door, because trim levels and wheel packages can change the size.
What is the best 205/50R16 tire?
For most drivers our mid-range pick, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus, is the sweet spot of price and tread life. If you keep the vehicle a long time or drive in heavy rain and snow, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is worth the extra. On a tight budget the Kumho Ecsta PA51 is a sound choice.
Can I replace just one or two 205/50R16 tires?
On a front- or rear-wheel-drive car, yes: replace in pairs on the same axle and put the newer pair on the rear. On all-wheel-drive vehicles most makers want all four replaced together, or a new tire shaved to match, because a difference in circumference strains the drivetrain.