255/60R17 Tire Size

All You Need to Know About 255/60R17 Tires

255/60R17 tires are 255 mm wide, with a 60% aspect ratio and a 17-inch wheel diameter, resulting in an overall diameter of 29.1 inches and a sidewall height of ≈6.0".

This page focuses on the dimensional behavior of 255/60R17 and how its geometry affects ride height, clearance, and drivetrain interaction. For passenger load standard specifications and pressure-related behavior, see P255/60R17 tires.

At 6.0 inches, the 255/60R17 sidewall operates in a range where vertical compliance becomes a defining characteristic rather than a secondary one. That depth allows meaningful deflection under load - enough to absorb road irregularities that shorter 17-inch profiles transmit directly to the vehicle - but it also introduces more sidewall movement during cornering and braking than a 45- or 50-series configuration of the same width. 

255/60R17 Size Quick Specs

• Approved rim width range: 7.0–9.0"
• Measuring rim width: 7.5"
• Width: 255 mm
• Sidewall height: 153.00 mm
• Overall diameter: ≈29.1"
• Wheel diameter: 17"

Note: The calculated overall diameter is ≈29.1 inches. Small variations may occur due to tread depth and casing design. 

255/60R17 Common Vehicle Fitment

255/60R17 is tied primarily to body-on-frame SUVs and light truck platforms from the early-to-mid 2000s, where the combination of a tall sidewall and moderate width suited both on-road comfort and light load-carrying demands.

U.S.-market applications using 255/60R17 size include:

• Chevrolet: TrailBlazer (2001–2007), with the Buick Rainier sharing the same platform and fitment
• Cadillac: SRX (2004–2009)
• Mercedes-Benz: ML320, ML350, and ML500 (W163/W164 generations)
• Volkswagen: Touareg (first generation)
• Dodge: Dakota (1991–2004) and Durango (1997–2003)

Because 255/60R17 produces a larger overall diameter than many common SUV replacement sizes, clearance at full steering lock and full suspension compression should be confirmed before installation — particularly when this size is being fitted as an upgrade rather than a direct OEM replacement.

255/60R17 Dimensions in Inches

The 255/60R17 measures approximately 10.0 inches in width, 29.1 inches in diameter, and 6.0 inches in sidewall height.

The taller sidewall increases deformation under load, improving ride comfort and off-road compliance. At the same time, it introduces more sidewall movement during braking and cornering compared to lower-profile sizes.

255/60R17 in Inches: Full Measurement Set

• Overall diameter: ≈29.1"
• Width: 10.04" ≈10.0"
• Sidewall height: ≈6.0"
• Wheel diameter: 17"
• Circumference: ≈91.2"

Comparison of 255/60R17 With Similar Tire Sizes

255/60R17 is most often cross-referenced against 255/50R17 - the same width at a significantly lower profile, and 265/60R17, which adds width while staying close to the diameter. The two comparisons tell very different stories: one is firmly outside substitution range, the other is one of the cleaner swaps in this size category.

255/60R17 vs 255/50R17

• Width: identical at 255 mm
• Overall diameter: 255/60R17 is ≈2.01 inches (≈7.4%) larger than 255/50R17

At 7.4%, the diameter gap between 255/60R17 and 255/50R17 is nearly two and a half times the ±3% threshold. These sizes are not interchangeable under any practical substitution standard. The diameter gap produces a meaningful increase in ride height, a significant drop in rotational frequency, and a measurable impact on speedometer accuracy and effective gear ratios. They share a width designation but operate in fundamentally different diameter classes.

255/60R17 vs 265/60R17

• Width: 265/60R17 is 10 mm wider
• Overall diameter: 265/60R17 is ≈0.47 inches (≈1.6%) larger than 255/60R17

At 1.6%, the diameter gap between 265/60R17 and 255/60R17 is well within the ±3% threshold - drivetrain calibration and speedometer accuracy are largely unaffected. This is one of the more straightforward substitutions in the 60-series SUV range. The practical consideration is the 265/60R17 wider section: 10 mm of added width expands the contact patch, increases lateral grip potential, and requires confirmation of inner clearance at suspension components and outer clearance at the fender edge, particularly under full load compression.

Before changing tire size from or to 255/60R17, review how the 3% rule applies and what additional fitment factors must be verified.