Tire Size 285/60r20 vs 285/65r20
The main difference between 285/60r20 and 285/65r20 tires is the aspect ratio. The higher aspect ratio means a taller sidewall, and the lower aspect ratio means a shorter sidewall.
The aspect ratio is the second number in the tire size designation, and it represents the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the tire’s width.
| / | R |
| / | R |
| Parameter | 235/35 R18 | 205/40 R18 | Differ. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Height | |||
| Section Width | |||
| Circumference | |||
| Sidewall Height | |||
| Revolutions | |||
| Rim Size |
Fitment Guide
The overall diameter of the 285/65r20 is 3.4% larger than the 285/60r20. Replacement tires should be within 3% of the original size to prevent clearance issues or speedometer inaccuracy.
The 285/65r20 may require minor adaptations like a leveling kit to fit properly and avoid rubbing at a complete turn.
Gas Mileage
With a marginally smaller contact patch and rolling resistance, the 285/60r20 is slightly more fuel-efficient than the 285/65r20.
This can lead to minor but meaningful fuel savings over time, making the 285/60r20 a smart choice for daily drivers focused on efficiency.
Ground Clearance
The taller sidewall of the 285/65r20 provides an extra 0.56 inches (14 mm) of ground clearance over the 285/60r20.
This added clearance is useful for navigating rough, uneven terrain without scraping or damaging the undercarriage. However, the larger diameter 285/65r20 causes a lower speedometer reading.
Ride Comfort
The softer sidewall of the 285/65r20 absorbs road impacts better than the 285/60r20, potentially providing a smoother, more comfortable ride over cracked or bumpy pavement. This cushier ride comes at a small cost of handling precision.
Aesthetics
Visually, the difference is subtle, but the 285/65r20’s additional sidewall height gives it a slightly “stretched” look compared to the 285/60r20’s shorter sidewall.
For some vehicles, this taller profile aesthetically suits trucks and SUVs better than a low-profile tire.
Handling & Stability
The 285/60r20 offers sharper, more responsive handling with a shorter, stiffer sidewall than the 285/65r20.
However, both deliver stable handling for normal driving conditions. The 285/65r20 gains a handling advantage on loose or uneven surfaces.
Noise & Vibration
The 285/60r20’s stiff sidewall transmits more road noise and vibration into the cabin compared to the shock-absorbing 285/65r20.
However, the two sizes’ noise and ride quality differences are relatively minor.
Durability & Wear
The lower-profile 285/60r20 exhibits slightly more even tire wear compared to the flexing 285/65r20.
Both deliver comparable tread life if rotated regularly. The taller 285/65r20 places marginally more stress on suspension components.
Adverse Conditions
Both sizes perform similarly across wet, snowy, and off-road conditions. The extra ground clearance of the 285/65r20 provides a small advantage in navigating ruts, rocks, and over rough terrain.
Speedometer Difference
At an actual speed of 20 mph, the speedometer reads 20.67 mph with 285/65r20 tires versus 20 mph with 285/60r20 tires.
This 0.67 mph speedometer difference results from the larger diameter of the 285/65r20.
What Does 285/60r20 Tire Mean?
The first number in a 285 60r20 tire size 285 refers to the width of the tire in millimeters. The second number, 60, is the aspect ratio.
This number indicates what percentage of the tire’s width is made up of the height of the sidewall. In this case, 60% of 285mm.
The last number in size, 20, is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is designed to fit. Now that we know what each number in 285 60r20 means, let’s look at how this compares to 285 65r20 tires.
285/65r20 vs 285/60r20
This table will provide a quick overview of the differences to help you better understand.
Our Observation
Both the 285/60R20 and 285/65R20 offer comparable overall performance with only minor differences.
The 285/60R20 has a slight responsiveness and fuel efficiency edge, while the 285/65R20 provides somewhat improved ride comfort and off-road clearance.
For most drivers and conditions, either tire should satisfy. However, for vehicles frequently driven over rough or uneven terrain, we recommend the 285/65R20 for its extra cushioning and ground clearance.
For sports cars or performance vehicles focused on sharp handling, we give the nod to the 285/60R20. Overall, the differences are slight, and both remain good options.
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.
