235/55R17 Tire Size

All You Need to Know About 235/55R17 Tires

235/55R17 means the tire is 235 mm wide, with a 55% aspect ratio and a 17-inch wheel diameter, producing a 27.2-inch overall diameter and a 5.1-inch sidewall height.

The 235/55R17 size sits on the lower-profile side of the crossover and passenger 17-inch range, where width increases but sidewall height begins to drop compared to 60- and 65-series alternatives. This places 235/55R17 size closer to a handling-oriented fitment, while still retaining enough sidewall to remain practical for daily driving.

Where a P235/55R17 version appears, it uses the same physical dimensions as a standard 235/55R17, but follows a different load rating system. The size itself does not change, but how the tire is rated to carry weight does. 

235/55R17 Size Quick Specs

• Approved rim width range: 6.5–8.5"

• Measuring/design rim: 7.5 inches

• Width: 235 mm
• Sidewall height: 129.3 mm
• Overall diameter: 27.2"
• Wheel diameter: 17 in

Note: The calculated overall diameter of 235/55R17 is ≈27.2 inches; minor variation (+/- 0.1-0.3’’) may occur depending on tread depth, casing design, and tire construction rather than the nominal size itself.

235/55R17 Common Vehicle Fitment

235/55R17 appears across a mix of sedans, crossovers, and larger passenger car platforms. Confirmed fitments include the Audi A7 (2010-2018), Audi A8 (2003-2009), Audi Q3 (2011-2019), BMW X3 (2003-2010), Cadillac CTS (2008-2014), Cadillac DTS (2006-2011), Buick LaCrosse (2016-2023), Buick Lucerne (2006-2011), Chevrolet Impala (2004-2005), Chrysler Town & Country (2001-2007), and Dodge Grand Caravan (1996-2012).

Across these applications, 235/55R17 serves different roles depending on the platform - it appears as a near-luxury fitment on Audi and BMW crossovers, a full-size sedan fitment on Cadillac and Buick platforms, and a minivan fitment on Chrysler and Dodge applications. 

Buyers replacing  235/55R17 size should confirm load index against the door placard, as requirements differ significantly between a Dodge Grand Caravan and an Audi A7 despite sharing the same nominal tire size.

235/55R17 Dimensions in Inches

The 235/55R17 tire size is ≈9.25 inches wide, ≈27.2 inches tall overall, and has a sidewall height of ≈5.09 inches.

At ≈27.2 inches in overall diameter, 235/55R17 sits just below mid-height 17-inch options like 225/60R17 (≈27.6") and above lower-profile sizes such as 235/50R17 (≈26.3"), placing it in the mid-27-inch range common on sedans and crossover platforms.

235/55R17 in Inches: All Measurements

• Overall diameter: ≈27.2"
• Width: 9.25"
• Sidewall height: 5.09"
• Wheel diameter: 17"
• Circumference: 85.49" (≈85.5")

Most Recommended 235/55R17 Tires

Best tires in 235/55R17 size include:

• 235/55R17 all terrain tires: Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme RF12, Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail
• All-season tires 235/55R17: GT Radial MaxClimate, Kumho Ecsta Sport A/S PA71
• Affordable 235 55r17: Ironman iMove Gen2 A/S, Hercules Roadtour Connect AS
• 235/55R17 set of 4 (best price): Laufenn S FIT AS, Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S

Comparison of 235/55R17 With Similar Tire Sizes

235/55R17 occupies a middle position within the 17-inch range, combining a wider section width with a moderate overall diameter. Relative to 225/60R17, it trades some height for additional width, while compared to 235/50R17, it retains the same width but adds measurable sidewall and total diameter. 

Together, these relationships place 235/55R17 in a balanced position between lower-profile and taller configurations without moving into either extreme.

Difference Between 235/55R17 and 225/60R17 Tire Sizes

The 235/55R17 is wider but slightly shorter than the 225/60R17:

• Width: 235/55R17 is 10 mm wider than 225/60R17
• Overall diameter: 235/55R17 is ≈0.41 inches (≈1.5%) smaller than 225/60R17

The OD difference between 235/55R17 and 225/60R17 is ≈1.5%, which keeps the change within the ±3% range. This allows them to be used interchangeably in most cases, but the proportions are not the same; 235/55R17 is wider with less sidewall, while 225/60R17 carries more height through the sidewall and overall diameter.

Difference Between 235/55R17 and 235/50R17 Tire Sizes

The 235/50R17 maintains the same width but reduces sidewall height:

• Width: both sizes are 235 mm
• Overall diameter: 235/50R17 is ≈0.92 inches (≈3.4%) smaller than 235/55R17

The gap in overall diameter between 235/55R17 and 235/50R17 is about 0.9 inches (≈3.3%), which falls just outside the ±3% range. Because of that, they are not treated as direct replacements. The smaller 235/50R17 reduces ride height by roughly 0.45 inches and shortens the sidewall, altering clearance and speedometer readings compared to the taller 235/55R17.

To understand safe upsizing or downsizing options for 235/55R17, refer to the full 3% tire size rule guide.