Tire Size 295/60r20 vs 33×12.50r20
The main difference between 295/60r20 and 33×12.50r20 tires is their section width. 295/60r20 tires have a width of 11.61 inches, while 33×12.50r20 tires are slightly wider at 12.52 inches. This 7.8% increase in width affects various performance factors.
295/60r20 vs 33×12.50r20
This comparison table can help you grasp the distinctions between the tire sizes of 295/60r20 and 33×12.50r20.
295/60R20 | 33×12.5R20 | Difference |
---|---|---|
Tire Height 33.94″ | Tire Height 33.02″ | -0.92 inch |
Tread Width 11.61″ | Tread Width 12.52″ | 0.91 inch |
Circum. inch 106.62 | Circum. inch 103.74″ | -2.88 inch |
Sidewall Height 6.97″ | Sidewall Height 6.51″ | -0.46 inch |
Revolutions per mile 594 | Revolutions per mile 610 | 16.5 Mile |
Speedometer Reading 20 mph | Speedometer Reading 19.46 mph | -0.54 mph |
Fitment Guide
The 33×12.50r20 tire is 2.7% smaller in overall diameter and circumference than the 295/60r20. This is within the 3% diameter difference limit for direct replacement tires. However, the added width of the 33×12.50r20 may require adjustments to prevent rubbing or interference.
Ground Clearance
With a diameter 0.92 inches smaller, the 33×12.50r20 provides slightly less ground clearance than the 295/60r20. This reduction is minor but could increase the risks of scraping over obstacles. The 295/60r20 extra clearance gives a small advantage off-road.
Gas Mileage
The wider 33×12.50r20 tire has marginally more rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency slightly compared to the 295/60r20. Its added rotational mass also hampers efficiency. For long distances or daily driving, the 295/60r20 would provide slightly better gas mileage.
Ride Comfort
Despite a 6.6% shorter sidewall, the ride comfort difference between the tires is minimal. The 295/60r20 absorbs impacts slightly better, but the 33×12.50r20 still delivers a compliant ride. Overall, smoothness and vibration dampening are comparable.
Aesthetics
Visually, the differences are subtle. The 295/60r20 has a slightly lower profile look than the 33×12.50r20. Subjectively, the 295/60r20 suits cars, while the 33×12.50r20 taller sidewall fits trucks aesthetically. Overall appearance is broadly similar.
Handling & Stability
With a shorter, stiffer sidewall, the 295/60r20 offers a sharper handling response on the pavement. The 33×12.50r20 extra sidewall flex reduces handling precision slightly. However, both tires deliver responsive, stable handling for their intended purposes.
Noise & Vibration
Road noise and vibration levels are very similar between the tires. The 295/60r20 transmits marginally more noise, but damping is comparable. Cabin noise and vibrations are low in both tires.
Durability & Wear
The 295/60r20 shorter sidewall and reduced stresses could promote a slightly longer tread life. But both tires deliver very good durability and longevity for their sizes. Overall wear rates are broadly comparable in most conditions.
Adverse Conditions
Both tires perform well on wet roads, light snow, etc. The 295/60r20 skinnier footprint offers a small advantage, while the 33×12.50r20 provides a touch more off-road traction. Performance differences are minor in adverse conditions.
Speedometer Reading
Due to its 2.8% smaller diameter, the 33×12.50r20 causes the speedometer to read 0.54 mph lower than the actual speed of 20 mph indicated.
This discrepancy gets larger at higher speeds. Proper recalibration is advised when switching between these sizes.
Alternative For 295/65r20
If you’re looking for alternative tire sizes to replace 295/65r20, there are various options available, and you can use a table chart to compare them.
Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
---|---|---|
275/65R20 | 34.1″ (866 mm) | -2.9% |
305/60R20 | 34.4″ (874 mm) | -2% |
335/55R20 | 34.5″ (876 mm) | -1.8% |
285/65R20 | 34.6″ (878 mm) | -1.6% |
315/60R20 | 34.9″ (886 mm) | -0.7% |
325/60R20 | 35.4″ (898 mm) | 0.7% |
Alternative For 33/12.5r20
If you’re looking for alternative tire sizes to replace 33/12.5r20, there are various options available, and you can use a table chart to compare them.
Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
---|---|---|
275/55R20 | 31.9″ (810 mm) | -2.9% |
255/60R20 | 32″ (814 mm) | -2.4% |
305/50R20 | 32″ (814 mm) | -2.4% |
285/55R20 | 32.4″ (822 mm) | -1.4% |
315/50R20 | 32.4″ (824 mm) | -1.2% |
265/60R20 | 32.5″ (826 mm) | -1% |
295/55R20 | 32.8″ (832 mm) | -0.2% |
275/60R20 | 33″ (838 mm) | 0.5% |
305/55R20 | 33.2″ (844 mm) | 1.2% |
375/45R20 | 33.3″ (846 mm) | 1.4% |
285/60R20 | 33.5″ (850 mm) | 1.9% |
What Does 295/60r20 Tire Mean?
The 295 60r20 tire size is relatively popular among drivers. This size is often used on SUVs and trucks. The first number in size, 295, refers to the width of the tire in millimeters.
The second number, 60, refers to the height of the sidewall. The last number, 20, refers to the diameter of the wheel in inches. The letter R means that the tire is a radial tire.
Our Observation
Based on the in-depth comparison, the 33×12.50r20 and 295/60r20 tires have very similar characteristics and performance despite their differences in section width and overall diameter.
The wider 33×12.50r20 compromises slightly on handling, fuel economy, and ground clearance but matches the 295/60r20 well in ride comfort, noise, appearance, durability, and traction.
For most drivers, the minor advantages of each tire will not make a significant real-world difference. Either tire can deliver satisfying performance in a wide range of fitments and applications if adequately sized and matched to the vehicle.
The choice comes down to exact width and diameter needs, as well as personal preferences for aesthetics, capabilities, and pricing.

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.