255/80R17 Tire Size

All You Need to Know About 255/80R17 Tires

255/80R17 tires have a section width of 255 millimeters (mm), an aspect ratio of 80%, radial construction, and a 17-inch wheel diameter. Before buying tires sized 255/80R17, knowing what vehicles use them, understanding speed and load ratings,  converting 255/80R17 size in inches, comparing it with similar tire sizes like 235/80R17 and 255/75R17, and researching the best 255/80R17 tires helps drivers shop for the right set for their vehicles.

What Vehicles Use 255/80R17 Tires?

The 255/80R17 is a unique "tall and skinny" tire size, primarily found on mid-sized and full-sized off-road vehicles where owners are looking for better ground clearance and "floating" capability in mud or deep snow. Common vehicles include: 

• Toyota Tacoma: possibly the #1 vehicle for this size. It allows owners to run a 33" tire with minimal rubbing on stock suspension. 
• Toyota 4Runner: A very common upgrade for 4th and 5th Gen models to gain height without sacrificing fuel economy (due to lower rolling resistance than wider tires);
• Jeep Wrangler (JK/JL): used by owners who want the "old school" narrow look or better tracking in snow; 
• Lexus GX460/GX470: a favorite for "overlanding" builds on these platforms.
• Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon: often used on ZR2 or AT4 trims as a height upgrade.
• Ford Ranger: popular with owners looking for a taller stance on the current T6 platform.

255/80R17 Tire Size Load Index and Speed Rating 

For a 255/80R17 tire, the load index typically ranges from 120 to 121, while the speed rating is commonly Q (99 mph) or R (106 mph). Because 255/80R17 is a specialized "tall and skinny" off-road size, almost all tires in this dimension are Light Truck (LT) models with a Load Range E (10-ply) rating. This high load index means each tire can support between 3,085 and 3,197 lbs, making them exceptionally durable for heavy overlanding builds, towing, and puncture resistance in rugged terrain.

The lower speed ratings (Q or R) reflect the tire's design as a heavy-duty traction tool rather than a high-speed highway performer. While these ratings are lower than standard passenger tires, they are more than sufficient for the SUVs and mid-size trucks, like the Toyota Tacoma or Jeep Wrangler, that typically use them. When installing these, ensure the speed rating meets your vehicle's requirements and remember that the stiffer Load Range E sidewall may require adjusted tire pressure for optimal ride quality when the vehicle is unladen.

255/80R17 Off-Roading Performance 

The 255/80R17 tire size is considered one of the best off-road options, specifically for owners of mid-sized trucks and SUVs like the Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, and Jeep Wrangler. 255/80R17 excel off-road due to the following factors: 

• Ground Clearance without the Rub: At 33.1 inches tall, they provide the same axle clearance as the popular 285/70R17 but are narrower. This allows you to fit a "33-inch" tire with much less risk of the tire rubbing against your frame or fenders during full suspension compression.
• Superior Traction in Mud and Snow: Narrower tires have higher contact pressure. Instead of "floating" on top of loose surfaces like a wide tire, the 255/80R17 cuts through to find the solid ground underneath.
• Better "Airing Down": With a massive 8-inch sidewall, these tires have plenty of rubber to flex. When you lower your tire pressure (airing down), the footprint lengthens significantly, providing incredible "caterpillar track" style traction over rocks.

Recommended 255/80R17 Tires

• All-terrain 255/80R17 tires: Toyo Open Country A/T III, Yokohama Geolandar A/T4
• Dually 255/80R17 tires: Nitto Ridge Grappler, Falken Wildpeak A/T4W 
• Lightest 255/80R17 tires: Nitto Terra Grappler G3, Toyo Open Country R/T Pro
• 10 ply 255/80R17 tires: Kumho Road Venture RT51, Toyo Open Country R/T Trail

What Are The Dimensions of 255/80R17 Tires in Inches?

255/80R17 tires have a section width of 10.04" (≈ 10.0"), a sidewall height of 8.03" (≈ 8.0"), and a wheel diameter of 17 inches. The overall tire diameter is 33.06" (≈ 33.1"), the circumference is 103.87" (≈ 103.9"), and the recommended rim width range is 6.5 to 8.5 inches.

In inches, the 255/80R17 tire size can be represented as 33.1" × 10.0" R17.

255/80R17 tire size in millimeters and inches is presented in the below table:

What is the actual height of 255 80R17?

The actual height of a 255/80R17 tire is approximately 33.1 inches (839.8 mm).

Comparison of 255/80R17 With Similar Tire Sizes

Compare 255/80R17 with other tire sizes, such as 235/80R17 and 255/75R17, to learn the key differences between them and make the right choice when buying new tires.

What Is The Difference Between 255/80R17 vs 235/80R17?

The main difference between 255/80R17 and 235/80R17 is the section width. The 255/80R17 tire is ≈ 0.8" (≈ 20 mm) wider than the 235/80R17 tire, resulting in ≈ 0.6" (≈ 16 mm) taller sidewall height and ≈ 1.3" (≈ 32 mm) larger overall diameter.

The tire dimensions or measurement difference between 255/80R17 vs 235/80R17 is shown in the below table.

Can I use 235/80R17 instead of 255/80R17?

No, using a 235/80R17 tire size instead of a 255/80R17 is not recommended because the overall diameter difference is 3.8%, exceeding the ±3% tolerance. A larger deviation is likely to make the speedometer read notably faster than your actual speed and can trigger mechanical stress (since the 235/80R17 is smaller, it must spin more revolutions per mile. This forces the engine and transmission to work harder at highway speeds, which can slightly decrease fuel economy.)

What Is The Difference Between 255/80R17 vs 255/75R17?

The main differences between 255/80R17 and 255/75R17 are the sidewall height and overall diameter. The 255/80R17 tire has ≈ 0.5" (≈ 12.8 mm) taller sidewall height than the 255/75R17 tire, resulting in ≈ 1" (≈ 25.5 mm) larger overall diameter.

The tire dimensions or measurement difference between 255/80R17 vs 255/75R17 is shown in the below table.

Can I use 255/75R17 instead of 255/80R17?

Switching from a 255/80R17 to a 255/75R17 is generally discouraged because it exceeds the standard safety tolerance of 3%, though only by a very small margin (3.04%). While it may seem like "just 1 inch," crossing that 3% threshold has specific technical consequences:

• Speedometer and Gearing: Your vehicle will travel 3% slower than the speedometer indicates. At a dash reading of 70 mph, your actual speed is roughly 67.8 mph.
• Safety System Sensitivity: While many vehicles can handle a 3% variance, exceeding it increases the risk of "phantom" sensor triggers or dashboard warning lights, especially during hard braking or cornering.
• Ground Clearance Loss: You will lose exactly 0.5 inches of ground clearance. While this is minor for city driving, it can be a significant disadvantage for vehicles used in off-roading or deep snow.

If you choose the 255/75R17, you must be comfortable with a slight loss in speedometer accuracy and a minor change in the vehicle's stance.