205/55R16 tires
Prices, best picks and current deals for 205/55R16, a compact cars size fitted to Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta and more.
What 205/55R16 tires cost
Ironman iMove Gen 2 AS
Lowest price that still brakes and wears acceptably. Fine for a second car or low annual mileage.
General AltiMAX RT45
The value sweet spot: long mileage warranty, solid wet grip, sane price.
Michelin CrossClimate2
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 205/55R16 size
The best-selling tire size in the US for years; sold in H, V and T ratings with the widest selection in any size. Also the most common 16-inch winter size.
The numbers mean: 205 mm section width, sidewall height 55 % of that width, and a 16-inch rim. Overall diameter works out to about 24.9 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 205/55R16
- Honda Civic (2006-2015, EX)
- Toyota Corolla (2009-2019, S/LE)
- Volkswagen Jetta (2005-2018)
- Volkswagen Golf (2010-2019)
- Mazda3 (2004-2018, i Touring)
- Subaru Impreza (2008-2023)
- Hyundai Elantra (2011-2016, Limited)
- Kia Forte (2014-2018, LX)
Confirm on the door-jamb sticker before ordering. Optional wheel packages often change the size within the same model.
Which type of 205/55R16 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.
Run-Flat Tires
Owners of cars that came without a spare, and drivers who value never being stranded by a flat.
Frequently asked questions
How much do 205/55R16 tires cost?
Expect $55–$75 per tire for a budget brand, $80–$118 for a mid-range tire like the General AltiMAX RT45, and $122–$175 for a premium tire like the Michelin CrossClimate2. Add roughly $15 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing.
What vehicles use 205/55R16 tires?
205/55R16 is original equipment on Honda Civic (2006-2015, EX), Toyota Corolla (2009-2019, S/LE), Volkswagen Jetta (2005-2018), Volkswagen Golf (2010-2019), Mazda3 (2004-2018, i Touring), Subaru Impreza (2008-2023), Hyundai Elantra (2011-2016, Limited), Kia Forte (2014-2018, LX), 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 205/55R16 tire?
For most drivers our mid-range pick, the General AltiMAX RT45, 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 CrossClimate2 is worth the extra. On a tight budget the Ironman iMove Gen 2 AS is a sound choice.
Can I replace just one or two 205/55R16 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.