What size tires are on a Honda Insight?
The tire size on a Honda Insight isn’t fixed across all years and trims; it varies by model year and equipment level. The exact size can be found on the driver’s door placard and in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
How to determine the correct tire size for your Honda Insight
To confirm the exact tire size for your specific car, use these reliable sources and checks.
- Check the tire placard on the driver’s door jamb for the exact recommended size.
- Consult the owner’s manual, which lists the tire size and load rating for each trim.
- Inspect the tire sidewall on one of your current tires for the size designation (it will appear as something like P215/50R17).
- Use a Honda dealership or official parts database to verify the exact size based on your VIN if needed.
- If you’ve changed wheels or tires, ensure the new size matches the vehicle’s design tolerances and speedometer calibration.
Using these sources will yield the precise tire size for your particular Honda Insight. Always rely on the vehicle-specific placard or manual rather than general guidance.
Tire size by generation: a general overview
First generation (1999–2006)
Early Insights used smaller wheels, with a focus on lightweight efficiency. Wheel diameters tended to be in the compact range, and tire sizes were chosen to minimize weight and rolling resistance.
- Typically smaller wheel options (13–14 inches were common in various markets and trims).
- Footprints were modest to optimize fuel economy in this generation.
For owners of the first-generation Insight, the exact size depended on the specific year and trim, so checking the placard or manual is essential.
Second generation (2009–2014)
The mid-generation Insight balanced efficiency with more modern wheel choices, offering a bit more wheel and tire variety than the very early model.
- Wheel sizes generally ranged from compact to mid-size (often 15–16 inches depending on trim and market).
- Tire profiles were selected to bolster efficiency while maintaining acceptable grip.
As with the earlier generation, verify the precise size on your vehicle’s door placard or manual for your exact trim.
Current generation (2019–present)
The latest Insight typically features two wheel-size options depending on trim: a smaller setup for base models and larger wheels for higher trims.
- Common configurations include 16-inch wheels on base or mid trims and 17-inch wheels on higher trims.
- The corresponding tires are chosen to balance efficiency, ride comfort, and handling characteristics for each wheel size.
Because tire sizes can vary within this generation by year and trim, always confirm with the door placard or owner’s manual for the exact specification on your car.
Summary
In short, there isn’t a single tire size that applies to all Honda Insight models. Tire size changes with each generation and trim level, so the best way to know your exact size is to read the door jamb placard, consult the owner’s manual, or ask a Honda dealership or trusted parts database using your VIN. If you share your specific model year and trim, I can provide the exact size used on that configuration.
