235/50R17 tires
Prices, best picks and current deals for 235/50R17, a sedans size fitted to Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Maxima and more.
What 235/50R17 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 $400 to $560, and a brand rebate can take another $50 to $110 off, see this month's deals.
About the 235/50R17 size
Large-sedan V/H size. Modest volume but every touring line carries it; Lexus ES owners shop for quiet comfort tires.
The numbers mean: 235 mm section width, sidewall height 50 % of that width, and a 17-inch rim. Overall diameter works out to about 26.3 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 235/50R17
- Ford Fusion (2013-2020, SE)
- Chevrolet Malibu (2008-2012, LTZ)
- Nissan Maxima (2004-2008, 3.5 SE 17 in)
- Lexus ES (2007-2012)
- Toyota Avalon (2005-2012, Touring/Limited)
Confirm on the door-jamb sticker before ordering. Optional wheel packages often change the size within the same model.
Which type of 235/50R17 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 235/50R17 tires cost?
Expect $70–$95 per tire for a budget brand, $100–$140 for a mid-range tire like the General AltiMAX RT45, and $145–$205 for a premium tire like the Michelin CrossClimate2. Add roughly $15 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing.
What vehicles use 235/50R17 tires?
235/50R17 is original equipment on Ford Fusion (2013-2020, SE), Chevrolet Malibu (2008-2012, LTZ), Nissan Maxima (2004-2008, 3.5 SE 17 in), Lexus ES (2007-2012), Toyota Avalon (2005-2012, Touring/Limited), 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 235/50R17 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 235/50R17 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.