Choosing the correct tire size for your 2017 Honda Ridgeline ensures proper handling, accurate speedometer readings, and dependable safety on the road. The standard factory tire sizes for this midsize pickup truck depend primarily on the specific trim level, ranging from the base RT to the fully-loaded Black Edition. Most second-generation Ridgelines roll off the factory floor equipped with either 245/60R18 or 245/65R17 tires, mounted on either 18-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels.
Getting the size right matters immensely because the Ridgeline features an advanced Intelligent Traction Management system and an innovative unibody platform. Putting incorrect rubber on your wheels can throw off the all-wheel-drive system sensors, negatively impact fuel economy, or cause frustrating rubbing against the inner fender liners during sharp turns. This guide walks you through original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications, alternative sizes, and practical factors to weigh before buying your next set of tires.
Factory Tire Sizes by Trim Level
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline came in several trim levels, and factory wheel diameters dictate your baseline tire options. Knowing your exact trim prevents costly ordering mistakes.
RT, RTS, and Sport Trims
The entry-level RT, mid-tier RTS, and appearance-driven Sport trims typically feature 17-inch wheels. For another look on this story, refer to the latest update from Reuters.
- OEM Tire Size: 245/65R17
- Load/Speed Rating: Usually 105T or higher
- Wheel Width: 7.5 inches
This specific size provides a generous sidewall height. That extra rubber absorbs road imperfections well, making daily commutes and unpaved cottage roads comfortable.
RTL, RTL-T, RTL-E, and Black Edition Trims
Higher-end trims step up to larger 18-inch alloy wheels to deliver a sharper stance and slightly more responsive road handling.
- OEM Tire Size: 245/60R18
- Load/Speed Rating: 105H
- Wheel Width: 8.0 inches
The lower profile on the 18-inch setup sharpens cornering response, though you sacrifice a microscopic amount of cushion compared to the 17-inch setup.
Decoding Tire Sidewall Markings
Understanding tire terminology helps you buy replacements confidently without relying entirely on a salesperson. Every tire features a standardized alphanumeric code stamped on its sidewall.
Take the common 245/60R18 size as an example.
- 245: The section width measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
- 60: The aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 60 percent of the tire's total width.
- R: Radial construction, which is standard for modern passenger vehicles and light trucks.
- 18: The wheel diameter measured in inches.
Beyond these core numbers, you will find a service description like 105H. The number 105 represents the load index, indicating the maximum weight a single tire can safely support. The letter H denotes the speed rating, which signifies the maximum safe speed capability of the tire under optimal conditions. Always match or exceed the factory load index to ensure your Ridgeline handles heavy payloads and towing duties safely.
Exploring Alternative Tire Sizes
Some drivers look to alter their tire dimensions for better aesthetic appeal, enhanced snow performance, or improved off-road grip. While minor adjustments are generally safe, you must stay within strict dimensional tolerances to avoid mechanical interference.
Upgrading to All-Terrain Tires
Many Ridgeline owners want a more aggressive look than the factory highway-terrain tires provide. Moving to a dedicated all-terrain tire in the stock dimensions is straightforward and requires no vehicle modifications.
If you want a slightly taller or wider stance, minor up-sizing is possible, but keep these boundaries in mind:
- Tire Rubbing: The Ridgeline unibody design leaves tight clearances near the front strut spring perches and rear wheel wells. Exceeding an overall diameter change of roughly 3 percent risks severe rubbing.
- Speedometer Error: Changing overall tire height alters wheel revolutions per mile. If your new tires are significantly taller, your speedometer will read slower than your actual vehicle speed, risking speeding tickets.
- Gearing and Fuel Economy: Heavier, knobbier tires add rotational mass, which causes drops in fuel efficiency and puts extra strain on the transmission.
For official guidance on vehicle specifications and safety standards set by transport authorities, check resources like Transport Canada.
Choosing the Right Tire Category for Your Driving Habits
Your daily driving climate and routine dictate which rubber compound and tread pattern serve you best. The Ridgeline operates primarily as a front-wheel-drive vehicle on base trims, shifting power to the rear via its i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system on higher models. Selecting the correct category optimizes this engineering.
All-Season Tires
Factory-equipped tires are usually standard all-seasons. They provide balanced dry and wet grip, low road noise, and long tread life. They work wonderfully for drivers in moderate climates who rarely encounter heavy snow or deep mud.
All-Weather Tires
Often confused with all-seasons, true all-weather tires carry the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. They feature a rubber compound designed to stay flexible in freezing temperatures and biting edges for packed snow. For drivers living in regions with severe winters who prefer not to swap between dedicated winter and summer sets, all-weather tires offer a practical middle ground.
Dedicated Winter Tires
If your region experiences harsh winters with regular accumulation of ice and deep snow, dedicated winter tires are essential. Even with advanced all-wheel drive, stopping power relies entirely on your tires' contact patches. Dropping down to a 17-inch dedicated winter wheel-and-tire package is a popular strategy among Ridgeline owners seeking a narrower footprint to slice through snow more effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Replacing tires sounds simple, but a few common missteps can cost you money or compromise safety.
- Ignoring Load Ratings: Buying a passenger car tire with a low load index instead of a light truck or crossover-rated tire can lead to sidewall flexing and premature failure when hauling heavy cargo in the truck bed.
- Mixing Tread Patterns: Putting mismatched tires on an all-wheel-drive vehicle creates uneven rolling diameters. This constant speed discrepancy forces the transfer case and differentials to work overtime, risking expensive mechanical damage.
- Neglecting Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): The Ridgeline uses direct TPMS sensors inside each wheel. When swapping wheels or tires, ensure the sensors are compatible and properly reset through the vehicle infotainment or dashboard menu.
For more technical details on Honda's engineering standards and vehicle maintenance schedules, consult the official Honda Owners Site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put 18-inch tires on a 2017 Ridgeline that came with 17-inch wheels?
You can install 18-inch tires only if you also replace your factory 17-inch wheels with 18-inch wheels. The inner diameter of the tire must match the wheel diameter precisely.
What is the maximum tire size I can run without a lift kit?
Sticking to the factory dimensions of 245/65R17 or 245/60R18 is safest. You can occasionally push slightly wider or taller (such as a 255/60R18 or 245/70R17), but verify full-lock clearance to prevent rubbing against the inner suspension components.
How often should I rotate the tires on my Ridgeline?
Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or roughly every second oil change. Because all-wheel-drive systems wear front and rear tires differently, regular rotation ensures even tread wear and extends tire life.
Should I inflate my Ridgeline tires to the number printed on the tire sidewall?
No. The number on the sidewall represents the maximum pressure the tire can physically hold, not the ideal pressure for your vehicle. Always follow the placard located on the driver's door jamb for proper inflation specs.
