Tire Size 265/60r18 vs 275/70r18
The sidewall height is the main difference between the 265/60r18 and 275/70r18 tires. The 275/70r18 tire has a larger sidewall than the 265/60r18 tire by about 1.32 inches or 33.5mm. This impacts ride quality, handling, ground clearance, and more.
275/70r18 vs 265/60r18
Fitment Guide
The 275/70R18 tires have an overall diameter that is 8.6% larger than the 265/60R18 tires. Replacement tires should typically be within 3% of the original size to prevent clearance issues or speedometer inaccuracies.
In this case, the size difference exceeds that threshold, so using 275/70R18 tires would likely require modifications like a lift kit to prevent rubbing at a complete turn.
Gas Mileage
With a larger diameter and width, the 275/70R18 tires have increased rolling resistance and rotational mass compared to the 265/60R18 tires.
This results in marginally worse fuel efficiency for the 275/70R18, making the 265/60R18 a better choice for improving miles per gallon.
Ground Clearance
The taller 275/70R18 tires provide 1.32 inches (33.5 mm) more ground clearance than the 265/60R18 tires.
This added clearance is useful for off-road driving over rough terrain where scraping or damage could occur. However, the larger 275/70R18 diameter also causes a lower speedometer reading.
Ride Comfort
The extra 1.32-inch sidewall height of the 275/70R18 tire allows more flex to absorb impacts from uneven roads and bumps.
This cushions the ride slightly better than the shorter 265/60R18 sidewall, providing a subtle improvement in comfort.
Aesthetics
Visually, the difference in appearance between the tires is minor. The 275/70R18 has a slightly taller sidewall, giving it a subtly “stretched” look compared to the 265/60R18. This aesthetic may suit some trucks and SUVs better than a lower-profile tire.
Handling & Stability
The 275/70R18’s extra sidewall flex slightly reduces handling precision compared to the 265/60R18.
However, both offer responsive, stable handling for on-road driving. Off-road, the 275/70R18 stability could have a slight edge.
Noise & Vibration
With a shorter and stiffer sidewall, the 265/60R18 transmits marginally more road noise and vibration into the cabin.
The softer 275/70R18 sidewall dampens vibrations better for a slightly quieter, smoother ride.
Durability & Wear
The shorter 265/60R18 sidewall distributes load stress over a smaller area, which may lead to slightly less even treadwear over time.
Both exhibit good durability, but the taller 275/70R18 absorbs more impact thanks to the extra sidewall, potentially improving wear life.
Adverse Conditions
Both tires perform well overall in rain, snow, and light off-road use. The 1.32-inch extra ground clearance gives the 275/70R18 a slight advantage in deep snow or over obstacles, while the 265/60R18 offers crisper response on slippery roads.
Speedometer Difference
The 275/70R18 size causes a higher speedometer reading than the 265/60R18 at the same true speed.
For example, at an actual speed of 20 mph, the speedometer reads 21.73 mph with the 275/70R18 but only 20 mph with the 265/60R18, a difference of 1.73 mph.
Can I Use 275/70r18 Instead of 265/60r18?
No, it is not recommended to replace 265/60r18 tires with 275/70r18 tires. In this case, the 275 tires have a diameter 8.6% larger than the original 265 tires.
Since that exceeds the 3% threshold typically advised for mismatched tire diameters, it could negatively impact handling and potentially damage the 4×4 system over time.
Tires that stay within 3% of the OEM diameter and meet the load rating should be used for safe operation.
How Much Taller Is A 275/70r18 Tire Than A 265/60r18?
The 275/70r18 tire is 2.64 inches (or 67mm) taller than a 265/60r18 tire. This equals an 8.6% increase in overall height between the two tire sizes.
The 275/70r18 tire has an overall height of 33.16 inches (842.2mm), while the 265/60r18 tire is 30.52 inches (775.2mm) tall.
How Much Wider Is A 275/70r18 Tire Than A 265/60r18?
The 275/70r18 tire has a width 0.39 inches (3.8%) greater than the 265/60r18 tire. Specifically, the tire size 275/70r18 measures 10.83 inches in width, while the 265/60r18 has a width of 10.43 inches.
What Does 265/60r18 Mean?
The tire size 265/60R18 converts to 30.5×10.4R18 when measured in inches. The “265/60r18” tire size indicates a width of 265 millimeters, where the sidewall height is 60% of the width.
The “R” signifies radial construction, and the number “18” denotes the wheel diameter in inches that the tire is designed to fit.
What Does 275/70r18 Mean?
The tire size “275/70r18” is a numerical code providing essential information about the tire’s characteristics. The “275” signifies the tire’s width in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall.
The “70” represents the aspect ratio, indicating that the sidewall height is 70% of the tire’s width. The letter “R” denotes radial construction, a common tire type known for its durability and performance.
Lastly, the “18” indicates the wheel diameter in inches that the tire is designed to fit. Expressing the tire dimensions in inches, 275/70r18 is the same as 33.2×10.8R18.
Our Observation
Overall, both the 265/60R18 and 275/70R18 tire sizes have merits depending on intended usage and priorities. For improved fuel efficiency, the 265/60R18 is slightly better.
However, the 275/70R18 provides an advantage in ground clearance, off-road stability, and ride comfort thanks to its taller sidewall.
While differences are modest, the additional clearance and compliance suits lifted trucks and SUVs well, whereas the 265/60R18 suits lowered vehicles needing responsiveness.
For most drivers not requiring specialized performance, the 275/70R18 strikes the best balance of capability both on and off the road.
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.