Tire Size 235/60r17 vs 225/65r17
The main difference between 235/60R17 and 225/65R17 tires is the sidewall height. The 235/60R17 tire size is 0.21 inches (5.25mm) taller than the 225/65R17 tire size.
| / | R |
| / | R |
| Parameter | 235/35 R18 | 205/40 R18 | Differ. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Height | |||
| Section Width | |||
| Circumference | |||
| Sidewall Height | |||
| Revolutions | |||
| Rim Size |
Fitment Guide
The overall diameters of the 235/60R17 and 225/65R17 tires are within 1.4% of each other. This is well under the 3% limit for direct replacement without modifications.
So, the 235/60R17 can directly replace the 225/65R17 without any lift kits or leveling required to prevent clearance issues.
Gas Mileage
With a slightly smaller width and contact patch, the 235/60R17 rolls with marginally less resistance compared to the 225/65R17.
This can translate into a minor fuel efficiency advantage, perhaps adding up to small measurable gasoline savings over time.
Thus, the 235/60R17 is an excellent eco-friendly choice for daily commuters focused on squeezing out every mile per gallon.
Ground Clearance
The 225/65R17 offers 0.21 inches (5.25mm) more ground clearance owing to its taller 146.25mm sidewall versus 141mm for the 235/60R17.
This moderately higher clearance reduces risks of scraping or damage when driving over obstacles, bumps, or uneven terrain.
However, the trade-off is a 1.5% lower speedometer reading with the 225/65R17 versus the 235/60R17.
Ride Comfort
With ride quality similar between the two tire sizes, the slightly taller 225/65R17 sidewall provides a touch more shock absorption.
This can translate into marginally better compliance over cracked or pitted pavement. The difference is subtle, though, with both tires offering comfortable cruising.
Aesthetics
Visually differentiating between the 235/60R17 and 225/65R17 is challenging due to very close sizes.
The 225/65R17 will appear barely taller, but most observers would be hard-pressed to discern which tire is fitted. Either tire size works well for aesthetic purposes with no significant style advantage.
Handling & Stability
The lower profile 235/60R17 offers crisper turn-in response and handling precision relative to the 225/65R17.
But the margin is very small, with both tires delivering responsive and stable dynamics. For regular driving conditions, performance differences are negligible.
Noise & Vibration
Smaller tires can transmit more road noise and vibration into the cabin than larger variants.
However, with very similar sizes, the 235/60R17 and 225/65R17 demonstrate comparable noise isolation and ride refinement over most surfaces.
Durability & Wear
The wear life expectancy for both tire sizes is quite comparable. With similar weights involved, impacts on suspension components from rotational forces are also almost identical.
Owners replacing 225/65R17 tires can expect equivalent longevity out of the 235/60R17 size.
Adverse Conditions
On snow-covered or muddy terrain, the marginally narrower 235/60R17 may have a slight advantage in cutting through to find grip compared to the wider 225/65R17.
But with less than half an inch sidewall difference, both tires perform admirably across varying conditions from rain to light off-roading.
Speedometer Difference
The 225/65R17 causes a speedometer reading approximately 1.5% higher than the actual speed. In contrast, the shorter sidewall 235/60R17 results in minimal speedometer error.
At an actual vehicle speed of 20 mph, the 235/60R17 equipped speedometer would read 19.71 mph, while the 225/65R17 reads much closer to the actual 20 mph speed.
225/65r17 vs 235/60r17
This table will provide a clear comparison and help you quickly understand the differences.
Can I replace 225/65r17 tires with 235/60r17?
Yes, you can replace 225/65R17 tires with 235/60R17 tires. The specifications indicate that the difference in overall diameter between the two tire sizes is only 1.4%.
The 225/65r17 has an overall diameter of 28.52 inches, while the 235/60r17 has an overall diameter of 28.1 inches. This is well below the recommended 3% diameter difference for direct replacement without any modifications.
Additionally, when replacing tires, you must ensure the new tires have an equivalent or more excellent load rating than the originals.
So if your current 225/65R17 tires have a load index of 91 (equivalent to 1,356 lbs per tire), then opting for 235/60R17 tires with a matching or higher load index would allow direct substitution without impacting load capacity.
Our Observation
Based on our observation, while minor differences exist across metrics like ground clearance, ride quality, and speedometer accuracy.
The overall real-world performance is very similar between the popular 17-inch tire sizes 235/60R17 and 225/65R17.
Drivers seeking enhanced fuel efficiency may opt for the slightly narrower 235/60R17, but per our assessment, either size makes an excellent replacement choice for most drivers.
Meet Caitlin McCormack, a Tire Size Expert and Blogger Passionate About Everything Related to Tires. With Years of Experience in the Tire Industry, Caitlin Has Become an Expert in Tire Sizes and Their Impact on Vehicle Performance.
