Tire Size 215/65r17 vs 225/65r17

The main difference between tire sizes 215/65R17 and 225/65R17 lies in their width. The 225/65R17 tire is slightly wider by 0.39 inches (10 mm) and has a taller sidewall height of 0.26 inches (6.5 mm) compared to the 215/65R17. These differences can affect factors such as traction, ride comfort, and fuel efficiency.

215/65r17 vs 225/65r17 Table

This table chart will give you a quick overview of the pros and cons of each tire size.

Overall Diameter
First thing’s first: overall diameter. The 225 65r17 tires have a slightly larger overall diameter than the 215 65r17 tires. This is important to consider because a larger tire will have a higher rolling resistance.

That means it will take more energy to keep the tires moving. The 215 65r17 tires might be a better option if you’re looking for fuel efficiency. The difference in overall diameter is around 0.51 inches or 1.8%.

Section Width
The section width is the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall. The 225 65r17 tires have a slightly wider section width than the 215 65r17 tires. This is important to consider because a wider tire will have more contact with the road.

More contact means more grip, which is important for traction. If you’re looking for a tire that will give you more grip on the road, the 225 65r17 tires might be a better option. In short, the section width of the 225 65r17 tire size is 8.86 inches, and 8.46 inches is the width of the tire size of 215 65r17.

Circumference
The circumference is the distance around the tire. The 225 65r17 tires have a slightly longer circumference than the 215 65r17 tires. This is important to consider because a longer-circumference tire will have a higher rolling resistance.

That means it will take more energy to keep the tires moving. The 215 65r17 tires might be a better option if you’re looking for fuel efficiency. The difference in circumference is around 1.61 inches or 1.8%.

Revolutions Per Mile
The number of revolutions per mile (RPM) is how many times the tire will rotate in one mile. The 225 65r17 tires have a slightly higher RPM than the 215 65r17 tires. This is important to consider because a higher RPM tire will have a higher rolling resistance. The difference between those two tire sizes is 12.93 RPM or 1.8%.

Sidewall Height
The sidewall height is the distance from the edge of the tire to the wheel. The 225 65r17 tires have a slightly taller sidewall height than the 215 65r17 tires. This is important to consider because a taller sidewall will provide more protection to the wheel in case of a pothole or other road hazard.

In short, the sidewall height of the 225 65r17 tire size is 5.76 inches, and 5.5 inches is the sidewall height of the 215 65r17 tire size. The difference between those tires is 0.26 inches or 4.7%.

Wheel Size
The wheel size is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is mounted on. Both tire sizes can be mounted in the 17-inch rim size. That’s important because you’ll need to ensure your car has the right size rims before purchasing new tires.

Construction Type
The construction type is the way the tire is made. The 225 65r17 tires have a radial construction, while the 215 65r17 tires have a radial construction. That means both tire sizes are the same tire construction type.

Radial tires are steel belts running across the tread at a 90-degree angle. The steel belts help give the tire strength and durability. Radial tires are the most common type of tire on the market.

Suitable Vehicle
The 225/65R17 is a popular tire size for cars like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, and Nissan Rogue. If you have a BMW X3 or X4, Jeep Compass, or 90s Mercury Villager minivan, you might have used the 215/65r17 size tire.

How much taller is a 225/65r17 tire than a 215/65r17?

The height of a 215/65r17 tire is 28 inches (711.3 mm), while a 225/65r17 tire is 28.52 inches (724.3 mm). As such, the 225/65r17 tire is approximately 0.51 inches (or 13 mm) taller than the 215/65r17 tire, which translates to a height difference of about 1.8%.

How much wider is a 225/65r17 tire than a 215/65r17?

The 215/65r17 tire measures 8.46 inches (215 mm), while the 225/65r17 tire has a width of 8.86 inches (225 mm). This implies that the 225/65r17 tire is approximately 0.39 inches (or 10 mm) wider than the 215/65r17 tire. This represents a width increase of 4.7%.

Can I use 225/65r17 instead of 215/65r17?

In terms of overall diameter, the 215/65r17 tire measures 28 inches (711.3 mm), and the 225/65r17 tire measures 28.52 inches (724.3 mm). The difference between these two diameters is about 0.51 inches, or 13 mm, which is equivalent to 1.8%.

Given that this is less than the generally accepted maximum variation of 3%, using a 225/65r17 tire could be feasible instead of a 215/65r17.

Can I put a 225/65r17 on a 215/65r17?

The 215/65r17 tire fits on a rim with a width range of 17″ x 6.0-7.5″, while the 225/65r17 tire is compatible with a rim having a width range of 17″ x 6.0-8.0″. Given this data, it is possible to mount a 225/65r17 tire on a rim that previously accommodated a 215/65r17 tire since the rim width ranges overlap.

Our Observation

The 215/65R17 and 225/65R17 tire sizes offer distinct advantages depending on the driving conditions and performance requirements. The 225/65R17, with its larger size, offers increased ground clearance, improved traction, a smoother ride, and a potentially longer lifespan due to fewer revolutions per mile.

Conversely, the 215/65R17, with its smaller dimensions, provides a higher speedometer reading, reduced road noise, a sportier look, and slightly better fuel efficiency due to its smaller contact area. Ultimately, the best tire size depends on the vehicle’s intended usage and the driver’s preferences.

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