225 65r17 vs 235 65r17 Tire Size: How Do They Differ?

Are you confused about choosing between the 225 65R17 vs 235 65R17 tire size and want to learn more about the two types of tires? Then guess what you are at the right place.

In this guide, we are going to provide you with all the necessary details that you need to know about these two types of tires . Moreover, we will provide you with a unique comparison crat that will answer all your questions.

So, what are you waiting for? If you really want to learn all the basics about these two types of tires then read ahead and enlighten yourself to the fullest.

225/65r17 vs 235/65r17 Tire size Comparison Chart

225 65R17 vs 235 65R17 Tire Size

This comparison chart is designed in such a way that it will provide you with all the details, big or small, and let you decide which tire type will go best for your vehicle. Knowing the differences well, you will be able to invest in your vehicle better.

Let’s have a good look at the comparison chart so that you can spot the key differences clearly. Here is the chart:

Features225/65r17 Tire235/65r17 Tire
Section Width8.86 inches9.25 inches
Sidewall Height5.76 inches6.01 inches
Overall Diameter28.52 inch 29.03 inch
Circumference89.58 inches91.19 inches
Revs Per Mile707694
Radius14.26 inch14.51 inch
Typical Weight27.7 kg29.9 kg
Rim Width Range6.00-8.00 inches6.50-8.50 inches
Rim Diameter17 inches17 inches
Tire TypesA-Radial Ply TireA-Radial Ply Tire
Vehicle HeightBasic+6.5 mm
Ground ClearanceStock+6.5 mm
Actual Speed62.14 mph61.04 mph

225 65R17 vs 235 65R17 Tires – How Do They Differ?

As we can see there, that 235 65R17 tire has a larger contact patch than a 225 65R17 tire, so that tire comes with better traction. So, here we have to fix which type of tire we need. Now we will talk about the basic differences below.

Section Width

At first, let us compare the section width of the two tire types. Cross-section width or commonly known as section width is one of the key components that decide the fate of a tire.

When it comes to the question of your vehicle’s traction, ride comfort, and steering wheel response, section width plays a vital role. 

So, you should always be extra careful and never improperly fit your tires. Otherwise, your vehicle will face steering and wheel-related issues.

The section width of 225 65r17 tires is 8.86 inches or 225 mm. Whereas, the section width of  235 65r17 tires is 9.25 inches or 235mm. The difference between the two tires in terms of the section width is 0.25 inches or 10 mm.

In terms of the section width, the 235 65r17 tires are 4.3%  bigger than the 225 65r17 tires. This usually means that your 235 65r17 tires will provide you with slightly more traction than the 235 65r17 tires

Circumference

The circumference of a tire is equal to the total distance traveled by the tire in a single revolution. It affects the speedometer of your vehicle. If the circumference of the tire is higher, the speedometer will give incorrect readings. Your vehicle’s gear ratios also get affected by this. 

The circumference of the 225 65r17 tires is  89.58 inches or 2275 mm. On the contrary, the circumference of the 235 65r17 tires is around 91.19 inches or 2316 mm. The difference between the two is 1.61 inches or 41 mm. Percentage-wise the difference stands at 1.8% only. 

Since the circumference of the 235 65r17 tires is on the higher side, it provides inaccurate speedometer readings. On the other hand, the circumference of the 225 65r17 tires is on the lower side. So, you will get accurate speedometer readings for 225 65r17 tires.

Overall Diameter

The overall diameter of a tire is yet another crucial aspect that you must take into consideration before choosing a specific tire type. Overall diameter affects your vehicle’s handling performance and gives you an amazing driving experience.

You must not underestimate the overall diameter of the tire because incorrect diameters may disrupt the handling, fuel economy, and overall driving experience of your vehicle. So, it is something you should never take lightly.

In the case of the 225 65r17 tires, the overall diameter is 28.52 inches or 724.3 mm. Whereas, the overall diameter of 235 65r17 tires is 29.03 inches or 737.3 mm. 

The difference between the two tires in terms of the overall diameter is 0.51 inches or 13 mm. Percentage-wise the difference is 1.8% only.

Sidewall Height

Sidewall height of your tire is also very crucial because it gives you a more comfortable riding experience. Moreover, it can affect the overall handling of your vehicle as well.

The more sidewall height you have in your tire, the more flex your vehicle will receive. Though it will not offer you any traction advantages, it will surely protect your vehicle from bending over when the wheel hits any curbs or potholes. 

If the sidewall height of your vehicle is shorter, you will enjoy a faster steering response and improved handling. Moreover, it plays a vital part in reducing the effective spring rates. It saves some of your money as well.

For the 225 65r17 tires, the sidewall height is 5.76 inches or 146 mm. Whereas, the sidewall height for the 235 65r17 tires is 6.01 inches.

The difference between the two sidewall heights of the two tires is 0.26 inches or 6.5 mm. Percentage-wise the difference stands at 4%.

Radius 

If your tire’s sidewall height and the radius of the rims get combined, you will get the total radius of your tire. The radius of a tire is crucial because it helps you match and get the replacement parts for your tires very easily.

In the case of the 225 65r17 tires, the radius is 14.26 inches or 362.2 mm. On the other hand, for the 235 65r17 tires, the radius is 14.51 inches or 368.5 mm. The difference in radiuses is 0.25 inches or 6.35 mm.

Revolutions Per Mile

Revolutions per mile (RPM) means how many times the tire will move or complete a full round while it covers a distance of one mile. Your vehicle’s fuel consumption rate is affected by this.

The RPM of the 225 65r17 tires is 707. Whereas, the RPM of the 235 65r17 tires is 694. The difference between the two RPMs is 13. Percentage-wise it stands at 1.8%.

This means that the 225 65r17 tires will rotate 13 times more than the 235 65r17 tires. So, I guess you know what this means right, don’t you?

Tire Types 

Both the 225 65r17 and 235 65r17 tires have a radial tire construction type. In a radial tire construction type,  the cord plies are arranged in such a way that the angle always remains at 90 degrees to the direction it travels.

Radial tire construction type reduces build-up heat and offers you a more comfortable riding experience. Moreover, these tire types can distribute weights evenly and have stiffer treads.

Rim-Width Range

The 225 65r17 tires have a rim-width range of 6.00-8.00 inches. On the other hand, the 235 65r17 tires have a rim-width range of 6.50-8.50 inches. The difference between the two is 0.5-0.5 inches.

Rim Diameter

Rim or wheel diameter refers to the distance which is usually measured in inches across the face of the wheel. A wider rim diameter is crucial because it offers driving safety and enables your vehicle to carry more loads as well.

In the case of the 225 65r17 tires, they have a rim diameter of 17 inches. The same thing applies to the 235 65r17 tires as they have the same diameter as well. 

So, it is great to see that both tire types have the same rim diameter. So, in the case of the performance, there is actually no difference between the two.

Actual Speed

The actual speed of the 225 65r17 tires is 62.14 mph. Whereas, in the case of the 235 65r17 tires, the actual speed is around 61.04 mph. The speed difference between the two tire types is around 1.04 mph.

Typical Weight

The weight of the tire is responsible for increasing the weight of the vehicle to a large extent. Heavier vehicles find it a lot harder to reach top speed. Similarly, they can’t slow down on time either. This also affects their fuel consumption too.

For the 225 65r17 tires, the typical weight is 27.7 kg. On the contrary, the 235 65r17 tires have a weight of 29.9 kg. The 235 65r17 tires are 2.2 kg heavier than the 225 65r17 tires.

225 65R17 vs 235 65R17 Tires: A Detailed Analysis

Design

Wider tires and wider rims offer enhanced beauty to your vehicle. Since 235 65r17 tires are wider than the 225 65r17 tires, they provide an attractive look and design to the owner of the vehicle.

Fuel Consumption 

Wider tires have higher rolling resistance than the not so wider tires. Moreover, they are heavier in size. That’s why wider tires need more fuel to run.

Since 235 65r17 tires are both wider and heavier, they require more fuel to operate. On the other hand, the 225 65r17 tires need less fuel to operate and provide higher mileage.

Ride Comfort & Noise

Wider tires tend to capture more air inside them. So, they make more noise and make riding uncomfortable for everyone.

225 65r17 tires and not so wide as the 235 65r17 tires. That’s why they make less noise. However, the 235 65r17 tires are wider and larger. Thus they create more noise and make riding uncomfortable.

The Grip on Wet Pavement

Wider and larger tires fail to expel water from under the wheel. That’s why they cannot brake as effectively as narrower tires on wet pavement.

The 225 65r17 tires are narrower and thus perform better on wet pavements than the 235 65r17 tires who are much wider in nature.

The Grip on Dry Pavement

Wider tires perform much better than narrower tires on dry pavements. The 235 65r17 tires are much wider and they have increased contact patches and increased traction. 

That’s why the 235 65r17 tires provide much better braking performance than the 225 65r17 tires.

225 65R17 vs 235 65R17 Tires: Strengths and Weaknesses

It will be an act of foolishness if you say that this tire is absolutely perfect and that one is garbage. No, you just can’t do that. Like many other tires from many other brands, our 225 65r17 and 235 65r17 tires have some strengths and weaknesses.

They both possess some good qualities and some minorities as well. Let us now have a closer look at the pros and cons of the two given tire types.

Strengths and Weaknesses of 225 65R17 Tires

The Strengths and Weaknesses of the 225 65  tires are given below:

Strengths

  • Suitable for small vehicles
  • Performs better on wet and slippery surfaces
  • Offers better gas mileage
  • More riding comfort and less noise
  • Comes with a longer tread wear warranty of 70000 miles.

Weaknesses

  • Has low acceleration speed

Strengths and Weaknesses of 235 65R17 Tires

The Strengths and Weaknesses of the 235 65r17 tires are given below:

Strengths

  • Suitable for heavy vehicles
  • Has high acceleration speeds
  • Offers high stability when accelerating
  • More enhanced design
  • Can carry heavy loads

Weaknesses

  • Less riding comfort and more noise

225 65r17 Tire Size – What Are The Close Equivalents?

225/65R17 is a common tire size that fits many SUVs, crossovers, and minivans. If you’re looking to replace your tires, you may wonder what other tire sizes are close equivalents. Here are some options:

Equivalent Tire SizesOverall DiameterDifferences
235/65R17 29.0 in+1.7%
215/70R1729.0 in+1.7%
225/60R1828.6 in+0.6%
235/60R1829.1 in+2.2%
235/55R1929.2 in+2.6%

As you can see, there are several tire sizes that are close equivalents to 225/65R17. The first column shows the equivalent tire sizes, the second column shows the overall diameter in inches, and the third column shows the difference in overall diameter compared to the 225/65R17 size.

For example, if you switch to a 235/65R17 tire size, your overall diameter will increase by 1.7%. This may affect your speedometer reading and fuel economy slightly, but it’s generally not a significant difference.

Ultimately, when selecting a tire size, it’s important to consider the manufacturer’s recommendations and the load and speed ratings of the tire. You should also consult with a professional if you’re not sure which size is best for your vehicle.

Also Read: 215 55R17 vs 215 50R17 Tire Size: Comparison Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Vehicle owners and drivers have many questions hovering upon their minds regarding which type of tire they should use for their precious vehicles. Some of the frequently asked questions are discussed below so that you may decide better.

Between the Two Tires Which One Is Fuel Efficient? 225 65R17 Or 235 65R17?

In general, wider and larger tires have more contact patches than smaller tires. Moreover, they are heavier in size. Thus they need more fuel to operate.

So, it is safe to say that, being wider and heavier, the 235 65r17 tires are not as fuel efficient as their counterpart the 225 65r17  tires.

Is It Possible to Replace 235/65R17 Tyres with 225/65R17?

Yes, it is possible to do so but not advisable at all. You see, the 225 65r17 tires do have not as wide treads and contact patches as the 235 65r17 tires. So. you should think twice before replacing them.

Does the width of a Tire matter?  

Yes, it matters a lot because it affects the grip, noise level, driving comfort, appearance, and price as well.

Why Smaller Tires Are Better?

Smaller tires are better because they offer improved traction, better handling, less sidewall roll when cornering, and more torque as well.

Final Thoughts

Both tires, 225 65r17 and 235 65r17, have some unique strengths and forgivable weaknesses. So, it depends completely on you to choose the best one that will serve your vehicle in the best possible way.

I am an engineer and the chief editor of tireslover.com, I am a passionate blogger as well. I am the person who can ensure a perfect, informative, honest, and helpful, guide with 10 years of work experience with different varieties of tires.

Leave a Comment