Tire Scouter

205/45R16 tires

Compare 23 models made in this size across 5 categories, ranked by spec score, then confirm fitment for your vehicle.

Spec scores are estimates from five manufacturer specs, not road tests. How we score

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Our top pick in 205/45R16

Hankook Ventus R-S4

  • Ultra high performance summer

Best for track-day enthusiasts.

The Hankook Ventus R-S4 is a go-to option for drivers focused on dry grip and handling precision.

  • Perfect dry grip score of 10, surpassing the category average of 8.7, making it a strong choice for track enthusiasts.
  • Wet grip rating of 9 is well above the category average of 7.6, providing confidence in wet conditions.
  • Handling score of 10 indicates precise steering response, ideal for spirited driving.
Full analysis

The highest spec score among ultra high performance summer tires in this size that we have analysis for, the most common category for 205/45R16.

77Strong
None listed
200
AA
W · 168 mph

Every scale below runs from the lowest to the highest spec score among the 23 scored tires in 205/45R16 (52 to 79).

Best ultra high performance summer tires in 205/45R16

11 models, highest spec score first.

All ultra high performance summer tires

  1. Hankook Ventus R-S4

    Best for track-day enthusiasts.

    77StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    200
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Perfect dry grip score of 10, surpassing the category average of 8.7, making it a strong choice for track enthusiasts.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 is well above the category average of 7.6, providing confidence in wet conditions.
    • No treadwear warranty and a UTQG of 200 mean frequent replacements, increasing the total cost of ownership.

  2. Yokohama ADVAN NEOVA AD09

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    77StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    200
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Perfect dry grip score of 10, significantly above the category average of 8.7, makes it ideal for spirited driving on dry roads.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 outperforms the category average of 7.6, offering reliable performance in wet conditions.
    • The tire's treadwear rating of 200 indicates a potentially shorter lifespan, which could be a concern for those seeking longevity.

  3. Toyo Proxes R1R

    Best for enthusiasts in wet climates.

    77StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    200
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 surpasses the ultra high performance summer category average of 7.6, making it a strong choice for rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, which are competitive for spirited driving and track days.
    • The R speed rating is lower than typical for ultra high performance summer tires, potentially limiting its suitability for high-speed applications.

  4. Toyo Proxes R888R

    Best for track enthusiasts.

    77StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    100
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 exceeds the category average of 7.6, making it reliable in damp conditions.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, providing strong performance on track days.
    • The lack of a treadwear warranty and low treadwear rating mean frequent replacements, increasing long-term costs.
Show 7 more ultra high performance summer tires

  1. Nankang Sportnex CR-S

    Best for drivers in wet climates.

    77StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    200
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  2. Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    70Good
    Warranty
    30k mi
    Treadwear
    340
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  3. Michelin Pilot Sport 3

    Best for enthusiastic drivers.

    68Good
    Warranty
    20k mi
    Treadwear
    320
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  4. Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS

    Best for weekend track enthusiasts.

    68GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    200
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  5. Hoosier A7

    Best for track enthusiasts.

    52FairFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    40
    Traction
    C
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  6. Hoosier R7

    Best for track-day enthusiasts.

    52FairFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    40
    Traction
    C
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  7. Kumho Ecsta 4X II

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    65GoodFrom 2 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    40k mi
    Treadwear
    Not graded
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

Best performance all-season tires in 205/45R16

7 models, highest spec score first.

All performance all-season tires

  1. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus

    Best for high-mileage drivers.

    79Strong
    Warranty
    50k mi
    Treadwear
    560
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Treadlife score of 9.5 is significantly above the category average, supported by a 50,000-mile warranty.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, making it a solid choice for spirited driving in various conditions.
    • Wet grip performance lags slightly behind some competitors, which could be a concern in regions with frequent rain.

  2. General G-MAX AS-07

    Best for budget-conscious performance drivers.

    78Strong
    Warranty
    50k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Treadlife score of 9 with a 50,000-mile warranty, slightly below the category average of 51,717 miles but still strong for a performance all-season tire.
    • Dry grip rating of 8 matches the category expectation, ensuring reliable performance on dry roads.
    • Wet grip performance is below some competitors, which could be a concern for those frequently driving in rainy conditions.

  3. Nitto Neo Gen

    Best for enthusiastic drivers.

    77StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    280
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph
    • Perfect dry grip and handling scores of 10, surpassing the category average of 8.7, make it a strong choice for spirited driving.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 is well above the category average of 7.6, providing confidence in rainy conditions.
    • Lack of a treadwear warranty could be a concern for budget-conscious buyers looking for long-term value.

  4. Hankook Ventus V2 concept2

    Best for rainy climate drivers.

    75Strong
    Warranty
    45k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 significantly exceeds the category average of 7.2, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Treadlife score of 9 aligns with a 45,000-mile warranty, providing above-average longevity for a performance all-season tire.
    • Dry grip performance is not as strong as some competitors, which could be a concern for drivers prioritizing maximum traction on dry roads.
Show 3 more performance all-season tires

  1. Riken Raptor ZR A/S

    Best for budget-conscious performance drivers.

    71GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  2. BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS

    Best for enthusiastic drivers.

    69Good
    Warranty
    45k mi
    Treadwear
    400
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  3. Toyo Extensa HP II

    Best for budget-conscious drivers.

    69Good
    Warranty
    45k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph

Best grand touring all-season tires in 205/45R16

2 models, highest spec score first.

All grand touring all-season tires

  1. Falken ZIEX ZE960 A/S

    Best for comfort-focused drivers.

    76Strong
    Warranty
    65k mi
    Treadwear
    640
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph
    • Comfort and noise scores of 8 match the category benchmarks, making it a solid choice for pleasant long drives.
    • Wet grip rating of 7.5 slightly exceeds the category average of 7.4, offering reliable performance in rainy conditions.
    • The 45,000-mile treadwear warranty is significantly below the category average, making it less appealing for high-mileage drivers.

  2. Vredestein Quatrac

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for comfort-focused drivers.

    68Good
    Warranty
    55k mi
    Treadwear
    400
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph
    • Comfort and noise scores both at 8, matching the category benchmarks, which makes for a pleasant ride.
    • Wet grip score of 7.5 slightly exceeds the category average of 7.4, providing reliable performance in rainy conditions.
    • The 55,000-mile treadwear warranty is below the category average, which could increase long-term costs for high-mileage drivers.

Best max performance summer tires in 205/45R16

2 models, highest spec score first.

All max performance summer tires

  1. Kumho Ecsta PS31

    Best for dry-weather enthusiasts.

    76StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    460
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Dry grip and handling both score a perfect 10, outperforming the category average dry grip of 8.7.
    • Treadwear warranty of 45,000 miles exceeds the category average of 37,754 miles, offering a longer lifespan than many competitors.
    • Wet grip performance is not as strong as some competitors, which could be a concern in regions with frequent rain.

  2. Firestone Firehawk Indy 500

    Best for dry performance enthusiasts.

    72StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    340
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Perfect dry grip score of 10, surpassing the category average of 8.7, ideal for spirited driving in dry conditions.
    • Handling also scores a perfect 10, making it a strong choice for drivers who prioritize responsive steering and cornering.
    • Limited wet grip performance compared to competitors like the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4), which could affect confidence in rainy conditions.

Best touring all-season tires in 205/45R16

1 model, highest spec score first.

All touring all-season tires

  1. Continental ProContact TX

    Best for drivers prioritizing dry performance.

    70Good
    Warranty
    55k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    H · 130 mph
    • Treadwear warranty of 55,000 miles, though below the category average, is still reasonable for a touring tire.
    • Dry grip score of 9.5 significantly exceeds the category average of 7.8, offering strong performance in dry conditions.
    • The low treadwear rating of 400 could mean more frequent replacements, impacting long-term value.

Vehicles that use 205/45R16

A sample of recent vehicles whose factory front size is 205/45R16. Sizes can vary by trim, so confirm yours before you buy.

  • 2011 Hyundai Accent
  • 2011 Kia Rio
  • 2011 Kia Rio5
  • 2010 Hyundai Accent
  • 2010 Kia Rio
  • 2010 Kia Rio5
  • 2009 Hyundai Accent
  • 2009 Kia Rio
  • 2009 Kia Rio5
  • 2008 Hyundai Accent
  • 2008 Kia Rio
  • 2008 Kia Rio5

Showing 12 of the most recent.

Popular brands in 205/45R16

The number beside each brand is how many of its models come in this size.

What 205/45R16 means

205/45R16 designates a tire 205 mm (8.1") wide with a sidewall 45% as tall as it is wide — about 92 mm (3.6") — mounted on a 16-inch wheel. That works out to an overall diameter of roughly 23.3", a circumference of about 73.1", and approximately 867 revolutions per mile. Exact figures vary slightly by manufacturer and tread design.

Of the 23 205/45R16 tire models we track, the most common category is ultra high performance summer (11 models), followed by performance all-season (7) — a good indicator of the kind of vehicles and driving this size is designed for.

Sidewall height
92 mm
Overall diameter
23.3 in
Circumference
73.1 in
Revs per mile
867

Frequently asked questions

What does 205/45R16 mean?

205/45R16 breaks down as follows: 205mm is the tire's section width (the widest point), 45 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), R means radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches.

What vehicles use 205/45R16 tires?

205/45R16 is a common fitment for vehicles like the 2011 Hyundai Accent, 2011 Kia Rio, 2011 Kia Rio5, 2010 Hyundai Accent and others. Always confirm your specific trim's fitment before purchasing.

How tall is a 205/45R16 tire?

A 205/45R16 tire has a sidewall height of about 92 mm (3.6") and an overall diameter of roughly 23.3", turning approximately 867 revolutions per mile. Actual dimensions vary slightly by manufacturer and model, so confirm against your vehicle's placard before changing sizes.

205/45R16 research guides

Summer vs all-season tires

Where summer tires lose grip, the cold-cracking risk, and what all-season tires trade for their range.

Read the guide

Speed rating chart

A practical chart for common tire speed ratings and what they mean for everyday driving.

Read the guide

Changing tire size

Plus-sizing and alternate sizes: diameter limits, load and speed ratings, and speedometer error.

Read the guide

Confirm 205/45R16 fits your vehicle

Wheel size can vary by trim and option package. Enter your year, make, model, and trim to verify fitment before you order.

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