What Size Tires Can I Put on My Honda Pilot?

The size you can safely run depends on your Pilot’s model year, trim, and wheel diameter; stick to the sizes on your driver’s door-jamb placard. In brief: 2003–2008 Pilots typically use 235/70R16 (some trims 235/65R17), 2009–2015 use 235/65R17 or 245/60R18, 2016–2022 use 245/60R18 or 245/50R20 (2022 TrailSport 245/60R18), and 2023–2025 generally use 255/50R20 (Sport/Touring/Elite), 255/60R18 (EX-L), or 265/60R18 (TrailSport). If you’re upsizing, keep overall diameter within about ±3% of stock to avoid rubbing and speedometer errors.

How to confirm your correct tire size

The definitive source for your tire size is the certification/placard label on the driver’s door jamb. It lists the factory wheel and tire size, plus the required load index and speed rating. If your wheels are non-stock, match the tire size to the wheel diameter (e.g., 18-inch tire for an 18-inch wheel) and ensure the tire’s overall diameter stays close to the OEM specification.

Factory tire sizes by generation and trim

The following list summarizes typical original equipment (OE) tire sizes for the Honda Pilot across generations. Variations may exist by trim and special packages, so always verify with your door placard.

• 2003–2008 (1st gen): Commonly 235/70R16; some higher trims used 235/65R17.
• 2009–2015 (2nd gen): Typically 235/65R17 (LX/EX) or 245/60R18 (EX-L/Touring).
• 2016–2022 (3rd gen): 245/60R18 (LX/EX/EX-L); 245/50R20 (Touring/Elite/Black Edition). 2022 TrailSport: 245/60R18 all-terrain/all-season.
• 2023–2025 (4th gen): 255/50R20 on most 20-inch trims (Sport/Touring/Elite); 255/60R18 on EX-L; 265/60R18 on TrailSport (A/T tire from factory).

Match the tire to your wheel diameter and trim. If you’ve changed wheels, choose a tire that fits the wheel width range and keeps overall diameter close to the OE spec to maintain clearance and accuracy.

Common upsizes that usually fit without modifications

These suggestions assume stock suspension, stock wheel offset, and no body modifications. Staying within roughly ±3% of your OEM overall diameter generally avoids rubbing and keeps the speedometer/odometer close to correct. Always check clearances before committing.

• 2003–2008 on 16-inch wheels (stock ~235/70R16): 245/70R16 often fits (+3.2% diameter; check for full-lock clearance). On 17-inch (stock ~235/65R17): 245/65R17 or 255/60R17 typically fit.
• 2009–2015 on 17-inch (stock ~235/65R17): 245/65R17 is a mild, usually trouble-free upsize. On 18-inch (stock ~245/60R18): 255/60R18 is a common, safe upsize; 265/60R18 (~+3%) may fit but can be close at full lock or over big bumps.
• 2016–2022 on 18-inch (stock 245/60R18): 255/60R18 is a popular upsize; 265/60R18 (~+3%) is common but may require slight trimming depending on tire model and wheel offset. On 20-inch (stock 245/50R20): 255/50R20 is mild; 265/50R20 (~+3%) is common but near the practical limit. 255/55R20 (~+4.6%) often rubs without lift or trimming and is generally not recommended on stock suspension.
• 2023–2025 non-TrailSport on 20-inch (stock 255/50R20): 265/50R20 (~+1.9%) is a typical upsize that usually clears; wider options may depend on wheel width/offset. TrailSport (stock 265/60R18): same size is already generous; 265/65R18 (~+4.3%) often rubs unless lifted and trimmed, so it’s not advised on a stock setup.

Tire models vary in “true” dimensions, and wheel offset matters: even a nominally safe size can rub with an aggressive offset or a square-shouldered tire. Test fit when possible.

Fitment rules and what to check

Before changing sizes, make sure your selection respects key fitment criteria to keep your Pilot safe and pleasant to drive.

• Overall diameter: Keep within about ±3% of OEM to protect clearance and drivetrain calibrations.
• Width vs. wheel width: Ensure the tire’s recommended rim width range matches your wheel. Many Honda 18×8 wheels accept 235–265 widths; 20×8–8.5 typically accept 245–275, but confirm with the tire maker.
• Load index and speed rating: Meet or exceed the values on your door placard, especially if towing or carrying full passengers/cargo.
• Offset and backspacing: More aggressive fitment can push the tire into fender liners or suspension components (strut, upper control arm). Stock-like offsets minimize issues.
• Suspension travel: Even if static clearance looks fine, rubbing can occur at full lock, compression, or while reversing. Check with wheels turned and during a careful test drive.
• AWD considerations: Use four identical tires of the same size and similar tread depth; large circumference differences can stress the AWD system. Avoid mixing old and new tires if tread depth differs by more than ~2/32 inch.
• TPMS and speedometer: Slight size changes can alter indicated speed; a ±3% diameter shift yields a similar speedo change. TPMS relearn may be needed after a tire/wheel swap.
• Spare-tire bay and chains: Larger diameters may not fit under-floor spare locations; ensure winter chains are compatible with your chosen size.
• After install: Torque lugs to spec and schedule an alignment to protect tire life and handling.

Following these fundamentals helps ensure your new tires fit correctly, wear evenly, and don’t introduce annoying rubbing or calibration issues.

How to measure clearance and sanity-check your choice

If you’re considering a larger size, a quick measurement routine can prevent surprises. Here is a simple approach you can do at home.

1. Compare specs: Look up your current tire’s section width and overall diameter, then the candidate tire’s. Target within ±3% diameter and a modest width increase.
2. Turn-to-lock check: With the current tires, turn the steering fully left and right. Note clearances at inner fender liners, pinch welds, and the front of the wheel well.
3. Compression check: Bounce the vehicle or carefully drive over a curb/driveway to simulate compression, listening for contact. More sidewall or width reduces margin.
4. Consider offset: If changing wheels, factor in offset change; lower offset pushes the tire outward (fender risk), higher pulls it inward (suspension risk).
5. Test fit: If possible, mount one tire and test at full lock both directions and over a bump at low speed before committing to a full set.

A few minutes of verification can save you from returns or trimming plastic liners after the fact.

Examples by use case

Choosing the right size also depends on how you use your Pilot. These examples assume stock wheels and suspension unless noted.

• All-season daily driving: Stick with OE sizes (e.g., 245/60R18 or 245/50R20 on 2016–2022; 255/50R20 on 2023–2025) for best ride, handling, and speedometer accuracy.
• Snow-focused setup: Consider a narrower winter tire on downsized wheels (e.g., 235/65R17 or 245/60R18 where applicable) to cut through snow with better load index and chain clearance.
• Light off-road and camping: On 18-inch wheels, 265/60R18 is a common all-terrain fit on many 2016–2022 Pilots (may be near the limit, check clearance). 2023–2025 TrailSport already runs 265/60R18 A/T from the factory.
• Towing and payload: Prioritize load index at or above stock; avoid oversized, soft-sidewall tires that can introduce sway. Many owners keep OE diameter and step up to XL or higher-load variants.

Match tread type (all-season, all-weather, winter, or all-terrain) to your driving, then pick a size that fits the constraints above.

When to change wheel size

Wheel changes can expand your tire options, but confirm brake clearance and offset. The Pilot platform generally supports 18- and 20-inch wheels; some trims ship with 18s (EX-L, TrailSport) while others use 20s (Sport/Touring/Elite).

• Minus-one for winter: Moving from 20-inch to 18-inch wheels improves sidewall and winter tire choice. Ensure the wheel clears your brake calipers and matches the bolt pattern/center bore and offset requirements.
• Plus-one for appearance: Upsizing to 20-inch from 18-inch can maintain similar overall diameter using lower-profile tires (e.g., 245/60R18 to 245/50R20), but may slightly firm ride and increase wheel vulnerability on rough roads.
• Off-road focus: Stick with 18-inch wheels to allow taller sidewalls; it’s easier to find A/T options that fit within clearance limits.

Choose wheels with proper load rating and compatible offset to avoid creating rubbing issues that the tire size alone wouldn’t cause.

Summary

Your Honda Pilot’s safe tire size depends on year, trim, and wheel diameter. As a rule: 2003–2008 typically 235/70R16 (some 235/65R17); 2009–2015 235/65R17 or 245/60R18; 2016–2022 245/60R18 or 245/50R20 (2022 TrailSport 245/60R18); 2023–2025 mostly 255/50R20 (Sport/Touring/Elite), 255/60R18 (EX-L), or 265/60R18 (TrailSport). If you upsize, keep overall diameter within ±3% of stock, meet or exceed the OEM load index/speed rating, and verify clearance at full lock and compression. Tell me your exact model year and trim, and I can give a precise, dialed-in recommendation.

What is the biggest size tire you can fit without a lift?

The largest tire you can fit on a vehicle without a lift kit depends on the specific truck or SUV model, but generally, a 33-inch tire is the maximum size for many common models, such as the Toyota Tacoma, often with minor trimming. Some vehicles, like certain Toyota Tundras and Jeep Gladiators, may accommodate slightly larger sizes such as 35-inch tires, though modifications like removing crash bars or trimming may still be required to prevent rubbing. 
Factors to Consider

• Vehicle Model: Different vehicles have different clearances and body styles. A 33-inch tire is a good baseline for many trucks, but some larger models might fit 35-inch tires. 
• Tire Width and Offset: The width of the tire and the offset of the wheel can affect fitment. 
• Minor Trimming: In some cases, a small amount of trimming of plastic or metal components, like crash bars or the front air dam, might be necessary to fit slightly larger tires without a lift. 
• Wheel Size: The size of the wheel can also influence the maximum tire size that will fit. 

Examples by Vehicle

• Toyota Tacoma: . Opens in new tabA 33-inch tire is often the maximum that can be fitted without a lift, sometimes requiring minimal trimming. 
• Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator: . Opens in new tabSome models can fit 35-inch tires without a lift, but this can sometimes lead to rubbing, especially at full turns. 
• Toyota Tundra: . Opens in new tabLarger sizes, like 285/65R18 (around 33 inches) or potentially 35-inch tires, are sometimes possible without a lift, depending on the specific configuration. 

Can you put bigger tires on a Honda Pilot?

Honda suggested good grip and stability from tire widths ranging from 235/70R16 to 245/65R17. Although bigger tires could improve off-road performance, it’s important to look for possible clearance problems to prevent interference with suspension or fenders.

What size tires will fit a Honda Pilot?

Honda Pilot Tire Specifications

Model Year	Tire Size
2016-2020	245/60R18
2021-2022	245/50R20
2023	245/50R20

Sep 24, 2024

How many tire sizes can I go up?

To determine how much bigger you can go with your tires, it’s generally recommended to stay within a 3% increase in overall diameter from your original tire size. This 3% rule helps to minimize potential issues with speedometer accuracy, handling, and braking. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Understand Tire Size Notation: 

• Tire sizes are typically written as a series of numbers and letters, like 225/65R17. This indicates:
  • 225: Tire width in millimeters.
  • 65: Aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width).
  • R: Radial construction.
  • 17: Wheel diameter in inches. 

2. Calculate the Diameter:

• To find the overall diameter, you’ll need to calculate the sidewall height (aspect ratio * width), then add that to the wheel diameter. 
• You can use an online tire size calculator or consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the original tire size and specifications. 

3. Determine the 3% Limit:

• Once you know the original tire diameter, multiply it by 0.03 (3%) to find the maximum allowable increase in diameter. 
• For example, if your original tire’s diameter is 27 inches, a 3% increase would be 0.81 inches (27 * 0.03 = 0.81). 

4. Consider Other Factors:

• Rubbing: Larger tires might rub against the wheel wells, especially during turns or when the suspension compresses. Check for clearance issues. 
• Ride Quality: Bigger tires can sometimes lead to a harsher ride due to less sidewall flex. 
• Fuel Economy: Wider tires can slightly reduce fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance. 
• Braking: Larger tires can affect braking performance. 
• Speedometer Accuracy: Changing tire size can affect your speedometer reading. 
• Consult Professionals: It’s always a good idea to consult with a tire professional or mechanic to ensure the tires you choose are appropriate for your vehicle and driving conditions. 

5. Example:
If your original tire has a diameter of 27 inches and you want to go bigger, you can use the 3% rule. 27 inches * 0.03 = 0.81 inches. This means you should aim for a tire with an overall diameter no more than 27.81 inches (27 + 0.81 = 27.81). 
By following these guidelines and considering the potential impacts, you can safely and effectively choose larger tires for your vehicle.