255/65R17 Tire Size

All You Need to Know About 255/65R17 Tires

255/65R17 means the tire is 255 mm wide, with a 65% aspect ratio and a 17-inch wheel diameter, producing a 30.1-inch overall diameter and a 6.5-inch sidewall height.

The 255/65R17 sits in the overlap between crossover and light truck sizing, where overall diameter approaches 30 inches without moving into the taller 70-series truck category. 

Where LT255/65R17 and P255/65R17 versions appear, they share the same external dimensions as 255/65R17 but are built to different construction standards, which affects load capacity, inflation pressure, and intended use. 

The LT version uses a heavier-duty construction, while the P-metric version is designed for passenger-vehicle applications. As a result, they are not fully equivalent with 255/65R17 and should be selected based on the vehicle’s load requirements rather than treated as direct like-for-like replacements.

255/65R17 Size Quick Specs

• Approved rim width range: 7.0-9.0"
• Measuring/design rim: 7.5 inches
• Overall diameter: 30.1"
• Width: 255 mm 
• Sidewall height: 165.8 mm
• Wheel diameter: 17"

Note: The calculated overall diameter of 255/65R17 is ≈30.1 inches, though actual mounted measurements can vary by about ±0.1 to 0.3 inches depending on tread pattern and construction.

255/65R17 Common Vehicle Fitments

255/65R17 appears on midsize trucks, full-size trucks, and compact SUV platforms. Confirmed OEM applications include the Acura SLX (1995-1999), Chevrolet Colorado (2012-2026), Chevrolet TrailBlazer (2017-2026), Ford F-150 (2004-2014), Ford Ranger (2019-2023, 2025), GMC Acadia (2020-2023), and GMC Canyon (2004-2008, 2015-2022).

255/65R17 car fitment is trim and model year specific; always verify against the vehicle door placard before purchasing. Load index and construction type (P-metric vs LT) vary between platforms and must match the vehicle's original specification.

255/65R17 Dimensions in Inches

The 255/65R17 tire size is ≈10.04 inches wide, ≈30.1 inches tall overall, and has a sidewall height of ≈6.5 inches.

At ≈30.1 inches in overall diameter, 255/65R17 corresponds to roughly 94.6 inches of circumference, representing the theoretical distance covered in one full rotation.

255/65R17 in Inches: All Measurements

• Overall diameter: ≈30.1"
• Width: 10.04"
• Sidewall height: 6.5"
• Wheel diameter: 17"
• Circumference: 94.56" (≈94.6")

Most Recommended 255/65R17 Tires

Best tires in 255/65R17 size include:

• 255/65R17 all terrain tires: Continental TerrainContact A/T, General Grabber A/TX
• Affordable 255/65R17 tires: Ironman All Country HT 4S, Laufenn X FIT HT
• All-season SUV 255 65r17 tires: General Grabber H/T, Kumho Crugen HT51

Comparison of 255/65R17 With Similar Tire Sizes

255/65R17 sits between narrower 245-series truck sizes and wider 265-series alternatives. Compared to 245/70R17, the 255/65 maintains a similar diameter but changes proportions. Compared to 265/65R17, it remains slightly narrower and slightly smaller overall. These two comparisons define the 255/65R17 position within the truck sizing range.

Difference Between 255/65R17 and 245/70R17 Tire Sizes

The 255/65R17 is wider but slightly shorter than the 245/70R17:

• Width: 255/65R17 is 10 mm wider than 245/70R17
• Overall diameter: 255/65R17 is ≈0.36 inches (≈1.2%) smaller than 245/70R17

255/65R17 and 245/70R17 differ by ≈1.4%  in overall diameter, which keeps them within the ±3% range for interchangeability. The distinction comes from shape: 255/65R17 is wider, while 245/70R17 retains slightly more sidewall height.

Difference Between 255/65R17 and 265/65R17 Tire Sizes

The 265/65R17 increases width and slightly increases overall diameter:

• Width: 265/65R17 is 10 mm wider than 255/65R17
• Overall diameter: 265/65R17 is ≈0.51 inches (≈1.7%) larger than 255/65R17

With an overall diameter difference of about 0.5 inches (≈1.6%), 255/65R17 and 265/65R17 are generally interchangeable, though the added width can affect clearance and wheel fitment.