255/50R17 tires
Prices, best picks and current deals for 255/50R17, a performance cars size fitted to Chevrolet Impala SS, Chevrolet Caprice and more.
What 255/50R17 tires cost
Nankang NS-2
Lowest price that still brakes and wears acceptably. Fine for a second car or low annual mileage.
Nitto NT555 G2
The value sweet spot: long mileage warranty, solid wet grip, sane price.
BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus
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 $640 to $860, and a brand rebate can take another $50 to $110 off, see this month's deals.
About the 255/50R17 size
The 1994-1996 Impala SS size, P255/50ZR17 on the 17x8.5 five-spoke wheel, originally a BFGoodrich Comp T/A ZR. It is a tall, wide 17 in tire (27.0 in diameter) that the modern market has largely left behind, so the list of current models is short and leans toward aftermarket performance rather than touring. No bias or whitewall relevance. A practical note for a heavy car: check the load index, several models in this size are rated only 100 to 103, and an Impala SS is over 4000 lb before passengers.
The numbers mean: 255 mm section width, sidewall height 50 % of that width, and a 17-inch rim. Overall diameter works out to about 27 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 255/50R17
- Chevrolet Impala SS (1994-1996)
- Chevrolet Caprice (1994-1996, 17 in wheel package)
Confirm on the door-jamb sticker before ordering. Optional wheel packages often change the size within the same model.
Which type of 255/50R17 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.
Summer Tires
Sports-car and performance-sedan owners, and anyone in a warm climate who wants the best possible grip and steering.
Performance Tires
Owners of sports sedans, hot hatches and performance crossovers who want year-round tires with real handling.
Frequently asked questions
How much do 255/50R17 tires cost?
Expect $125–$155 per tire for a budget brand, $160–$215 for a mid-range tire like the Nitto NT555 G2, and $220–$330 for a premium tire like the BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus. Add roughly $15 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing.
What vehicles use 255/50R17 tires?
255/50R17 is original equipment on Chevrolet Impala SS (1994-1996) and Chevrolet Caprice (1994-1996, 17 in wheel package), 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 255/50R17 tire?
For most drivers our mid-range pick, the Nitto NT555 G2, 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 BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus is worth the extra. On a tight budget the Nankang NS-2 is a sound choice.
Can I replace just one or two 255/50R17 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.