What size tires fit an Acura?
There isn’t a single tire size that fits every Acura. The exact size depends on the model, year, trim, and wheel package. To be sure, check the door placard or the owner’s manual for the OEM size, or ask a tire professional with your VIN in hand.
Tire sizing for Acura vehicles is a practical matter of matching the manufacturer’s specifications with your specific car configuration. This guide explains how to determine the correct size and what to consider if you’re thinking about changing sizes or upgrading wheels and tires.
How to determine the correct tire size
Use these sources to confirm the exact size for your car before purchasing replacements.
- Doorjamb placard: The sticker on the driver’s door frame lists the original equipment (OE) tire size, plus recommended tire pressure.
- Owner’s manual: Contains the official tire size and replacement guidelines for your vehicle.
- Current tires: Check the tire sidewall marking (e.g., P225/60R17) to confirm the size you’re using now, which is often OE for stock setups.
- VIN-specific guidance: Some Acura portals and dealers can confirm the recommended size for your exact VIN, especially if you have optional wheels or trims.
- Online resources: Reputable retailers and Acura’s official resources can verify sizes by year/model and trim.
Knowing the OE size helps ensure proper fit, TPMS compatibility, and accurate speedometer readings. If you’re considering an upgrade, stay mindful of changes in overall diameter and clearance.
In general, when upgrading sizes, aim to keep the overall tire diameter within a few percent of OEM to avoid performance and instrumentation issues.
Upgrading or changing sizes: considerations
If you’re exploring alternatives to the stock size, keep these factors in mind before buying.
- Diameter difference: Try to stay within about +/- 3% of the OEM diameter to maintain speedometer accuracy and ABS/traction control performance.
- Load index and speed rating: Ensure the new tires meet or exceed the original load and speed ratings for your model and trim.
- Wheel compatibility: Confirm the new tires will fit the wheel width and offset of your current or planned wheels without rubbing.
- TPMS compatibility: Check that the sensors and vehicle monitoring systems will function correctly with the new size.
- Warranty and insurance implications: Some upgrades can affect warranty coverage or driving dynamics; consult the dealer or manufacturer guidance if in doubt.
Upgrading can improve grip or appearance, but improper sizing can affect braking, steering feel, and reliability. Always verify with a professional if you’re unsure about fitment.
Model line snapshots: typical ranges by Acura category
Acura vehicles span sedans, crossovers, and performance models, and wheel/tire sizing generally follows a pattern: smaller wheels on base trims and larger wheels on higher trims or sport-focused variants. Exact OEM sizes vary by year and package, so use the sections below as a general guide and verify for your specific car.
Sedans and sport sedans: TLX, ILX, Integra
These models cover entry to mid-luxury profiles. Most configurations use wheels in the mid-size range, with possible upgrades to larger diameters on sport-oriented trims. Always confirm the OE size for your exact year and trim, as there can be multiple wheel/tire options within a generation.
SUVs and crossovers: MDX, RDX
Acura’s SUVs commonly pair mid-to-large wheel diameters with all-season or performance tires depending on trim. The base versions may use smaller wheels, while higher trims or optional wheel packages push toward 18- or 19-inch (and occasionally 20-inch) configurations.
Performance and luxury: NSX, RLX (where applicable)
Performance-oriented or flagship models tend to use wider tires and lower profile options to optimize grip and dynamics. These trims often feature larger wheels and distinctive tire sizes, requiring careful matching to avoid clearance or drivetrain issues.
How to get the exact size for your car
For the most precise answer, provide your Acura’s exact model, year, and trim, and, if possible, the wheel size you’re considering. With that information, I can give you the OE tire size and reliable aftermarket alternatives that maintain proper fitment and performance.
Summary
In short, there isn’t a universal tire size for all Acuras. The right size depends on model, year, trim, and wheels. Always start with the OEM size listed on the door placard or in the owner’s manual, and verify it for your exact VIN. If you plan to upgrade, keep diameter changes minimal and consult a tire professional to ensure compatibility with the vehicle’s systems and safety features. For precise sizing guidance, share your specific Acura model and year and I’ll provide the exact OE sizes and solid upgrade options.
Where to look up the exact size for your Acura
When in doubt, use these trusted sources to confirm the exact tire size for your specific car configuration:
- Door placard on the driver’s door jamb
- Owner’s manual or vehicle specification pages
- Acura’s official owner portal or dealer resources
- Reputable tire retailers with VIN lookup capabilities
Having the exact size ensures proper fitment, performance, and safety for your Acura, whether you’re replacing worn tires or upgrading for style or performance.
How much bigger can you go on tire size?
For most passenger vehicles, you should aim to increase tire diameter by no more than 3% of the original size to avoid issues with handling, fuel economy, and speedometer accuracy. However, larger increases, sometimes up to 15% for trucks and SUVs, may be possible with a lift kit and other modifications, which requires careful research on specific vehicle fitment.
For most cars
- Follow the 3% rule: A general guideline is to keep the new tire's total diameter within 3% of your original tires' diameter.
- Understand the impact: An increase larger than 3% can negatively affect performance, handling, and fuel economy.
- Check clearance: Ensure the new tires will not rub against the vehicle's body or suspension components, especially when turning.
For trucks and SUVs
- Lift kits enable larger tires: A lift kit provides the necessary clearance to install significantly larger tires, with some vehicles accommodating up to a 15% size increase.
- Research specific models: The maximum size varies greatly by make and model, so it's crucial to research what your specific truck or SUV can handle.
- Consider components: Upsizing tires may require other related upgrades, such as a lift kit or leveling kit.
Before you make a change
- Check your owner's manual: Your owner's manual or the sticker on the driver's side doorjamb will list the original recommended tire sizes.
- Use an online calculator: Many online tire size calculators can help you compare old and new sizes to see the expected changes in diameter and speedometer error.
- Consult a professional: A tire specialist can help you explore options and determine if any other modifications are necessary for a safe and proper fit.
What size tires go on an Acura?
Acura MDX Tire Size for 2017 Models: 245/60R18, 245/50R20. Acura MDX Tire Size for 2019 Advance Package Models: 265/45R20. Acura MDX Tire Size for 2022 and Later Models: 255/50R20, 255/55R19, 275/40R21 (Type S)
What size are the Acura rims?
Deals for your 2021 Acura TLX A-SPEC FWD
The Acura TLX has a range of stock rim sizes, including 17-inch rims, 18-inch rims, 19-inch rims and 20-inch rims, depending on the year and trim level of your TLX.
Is a 285 tire the same as a 33?
No, a 285 tire is not the same as a 33-inch tire because the numbers represent different dimensions: 285 refers to the tire's width in millimeters, while 33 inches typically refers to the overall height. However, a specific tire size like a 285/70R17 is close in height to a 33-inch tire, with an approximate overall diameter of 32.7 inches.
Tire sizing explained
- 285: This number in a metric tire size (like 285/70R17) is the tire's width across the tread in millimeters.
- 33: In common off-road tire terminology, "33" refers to the tire's approximate overall height in inches.
- The middle number: The number in the middle of the metric size (e.g., 70 in 285/70R17) is the aspect ratio—the height of the tire's sidewall as a percentage of its width.
- Putting it together: To find the overall diameter, you calculate the sidewall height (width multiplied by aspect ratio) and add it twice, then add the wheel diameter.
- For a 285/70R17:
- Width: 285 mm≈11.22 inches285 mm is approximately equal to 11.22 inches285 mm≈11.22 inches
- Sidewall height: 11.22 inches×0.70≈7.85 inches11.22 inches cross 0.70 is approximately equal to 7.85 inches11.22 inches×0.70≈7.85 inches
- Total height: (7.85 inches×2)+17 inch wheel≈32.7 inchesopen paren 7.85 inches cross 2 close paren plus 17 inch wheel is approximately equal to 32.7 inches(7.85 inches×2)+17 inch wheel≈32.7 inches
- For a 285/70R17:
- Why the confusion: A 285/70R17 tire is frequently called a "33-inch" tire because its actual diameter is very close to 33 inches.
