Best 235/65R16 Tires in 2026: 8 Picks Compared
The Firestone All Season Touring 235/65R16 is our top recommendation for most cars and SUVs: it pairs a T speed index with a 103 load index and an all-season tread that fits the common 235/65R16 application for crossovers and family sedans. We selected this list from a pool of 8 tires in this size, comparing the manufacturer-declared specs for tread type, load capacity, and vehicle fitment. Nobody on our staff has driven these tires; the recommendations come from the listed specifications and the makers' published information.
8 picks from 8 tires that match this guide with a price we can quote today. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- For crossovers and family sedans: If you need a direct replacement for a 235/65R16 all-season tire on a car or crossover, the Firestone gives you a well-known brand with a 103 load index and a T speed index. See pick 1
- For light trucks and vans: The Nexen Roadian CT8 HL is built for commercial light-truck use with a 119 load index and R speed index; choose this when you carry heavy loads in a pickup or van. See pick 5
- For all-weather confidence: The Delinte Centurion 365 LMD uses an all-weather tread, a 12-ply build and a 121/119 load index, making it a strong choice if you want one tire for varied conditions. See pick 7
- For a set of four at once: If you need a full set of four tires and want to order them in a single listing, the Travelstar pack is the only one in this size that appears as a set. See pick 2
Our 8 picks
1 Best overall
Firestone All Season Touring Tire 235/65R16 103 T
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Tread
- All Season
- Rim size
- 16 in
- Tire size
- 235/65R16
$139.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:41 UTC (Details)
The Firestone All Season Touring covers the most common use for this size: a passenger car or crossover running an all-season tire with a 103 load index and T speed index. It is one of only two tires in this list with that combination, and it is listed with a clearly defined all-season tread.
Pros
- All-season tread
- 103 load index, matches most crossovers
- T speed index for highway driving
- Brand from an established tire maker
Cons
- Load capacity is lower than the light-truck and commercial options in this list
- T speed index is lower than the H-index Ironman iMove
Good fit if
- Sedan and crossover drivers
- Drivers who want a direct replacement for factory all-season tires
Skip if
- You carry heavy loads in a van or pickup
- You need a higher speed index or a 12-ply construction
Verdict: The Firestone is the safest default choice for passenger cars and SUVs in this size.
2 Best for a complete set
Set of 4 (Four) Travelstar UN99 235/65R16 103H All Season Radial Car
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Tread
- All Season
- Rim size
- 16 in
- Tire size
- 235/65R16
- Sold as
- Set of 4
$381.99 price as of 2026-10-05 06:15 UTC (Details)
This is the only listing in the pool that contains four tires in one order, so it removes the hassle of buying singles. It matches the common 103H specification: a 103 load index and H speed index, which is higher than the T-index Firestone and General.
Pros
- Set of 4 in a single listing
- 103 load index
- H speed index
- All-season tread
Cons
- Pack may not suit someone who only needs one or two tires
- Less known than the Firestone or General brands
Good fit if
- Drivers who need a full set and want one order
- Shoppers who use high-speed highways
Skip if
- You only need one or two tires
- You prefer a more established brand name
Verdict: Choose the Travelstar when you want all four tires delivered together and a higher speed index.
3 Best for a T-speed passenger tire
General 235/65R16 103T GENERAL ALTIMAX RT45 BW
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Rim size
- 16 in
- Tire size
- 235/65R16
$148.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:45 UTC (Details)
The General Altimax RT45 is a passenger car tire with a 103 load index and T speed index, matching the Firestone's load capacity. Its tread type is not stated by the seller, so we base its placement on the load and speed spec plus the General Tire name.
Pros
- 103 load index
- T speed index
- Car and SUV fitment
- Listed by an established tire brand
Cons
- Tread type not stated by the seller
- T speed index is lower than the H-index options in this list
Good fit if
- Drivers who want a 103-load tire with a T speed index
- Shoppers who already know the General brand
Skip if
- You want a clearly labeled all-season or all-weather tread
- You need a higher speed index such as H or V
Verdict: The General is a solid T-speed passenger tire, though the Firestone is more clearly specified.
4 Best H-speed passenger tire
Ironman iMove PT Plus All Season 235/65R16 103H Passenger Tire
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Tread
- All Season
- Rim size
- 16 in
- Tire size
- 235/65R16
$80.06 price as of 2026-10-05 05:52 UTC (Details)
The Ironman iMove PT Plus is the only passenger-car tire in this list with an H speed index, which suits drivers who frequently travel at highway speeds. It still uses a 103 load index and an all-season tread, so it combines the typical load capacity with a higher speed capability.
Pros
- H speed index
- All-season tread
- 103 load index
- Passenger car fitment
Cons
- Load capacity is lower than the light-truck and commercial tires
- Brand is less prominent than Firestone or General in this list
Good fit if
- Drivers who want a higher speed index in a passenger tire
- Sedan and coupe owners with an H-speed tire specification
Skip if
- You carry heavy loads
- You need a T speed index to match your owner's manual
Verdict: For a passenger tire that can handle higher speeds, the Ironman iMove is the top choice.
5 Best for light truck loads
Nexen Roadian CT8 HL Commercial Truck Radial Tire-235/65R16C 119R
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Rim size
- 16 in
- Tire size
- 235/65R16
$191.13 price as of 2026-10-05 06:05 UTC (Details)
The Nexen Roadian CT8 HL is a commercial light-truck tire with a 119 load index and R speed index, giving it a much higher load capacity than the passenger-car tires here. It is the only light-truck tire in the pool with a 119 load index, which makes it a good match for half-ton pickups and vans that steer clear of the heaviest 121-index options.
Pros
- 119 load index, higher than the 103 passenger tires
- R speed index for commercial use
- Light-truck fitment
- Single tire listing from an established tire maker
Cons
- No tread type stated by the seller
- R speed index is lower than the T or H indexes in this list
Good fit if
- Truck and van owners who need a 119 load index
- Commercial drivers who want a dedicated light-truck tire
Skip if
- You only need a passenger-car tire with a 103 load index
- You need a 121 load index for a heavier load
Verdict: Choose the Nexen when you need a light-truck tire with a 119 load index.
6 Best for heavy van loads
Continental VanContact A/S Commercial Truck Tire
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Tread
- All Season
- Rim size
- 16 in
- Tire size
- 235/65R16
$216.20 price as of 2026-10-05 05:34 UTC (Details) Typical price: $235.58, 8% off
The Continental VanContact A/S is the only tire here with a single 121 load index and an all-season tread, making it suitable for heavier vans and commercial vehicles. It out-loads the Nexen's 119 index and matches the 121 index used on other commercial tires in this pool, but with a simpler single-number designation.
Pros
- 121 load index, the highest single index in this list
- All-season tread
- Commercial light-truck fitment
- Continental is a well-known global tire maker
Cons
- R speed index is lower than the passenger tires
- Load capacity is more than a passenger car needs
Good fit if
- Drivers of heavy vans or delivery trucks
- Anyone who needs a 121 load index and an all-season tread
Skip if
- You drive a car or crossover with a 103 load requirement
- You prefer a dual load index such as 121/119
Verdict: The Continental is the best choice when a van needs a 121 load index and an all-season tread.
7 Best all-weather passenger tire
Delinte Centurion 365 LMD 235/65R16 121/119R All Weather F
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Tread
- All Weather
- Rim size
- 16 in
- Tire size
- 235/65R16
$121.89 price as of 2026-10-05 05:35 UTC (Details)
The Delinte Centurion 365 LMD is the only all-weather tire in the pool, meaning it is designed for year-round use with a 12-ply construction and a dual 121/119 load index. It fits cars and SUVs in this size while offering a higher load capacity and a more aggressive tread pattern than standard all-season tires.
Pros
- All-weather tread, the only one in this list
- 12-ply construction
- 121/119 dual load index
- Car and SUV fitment
Cons
- R speed index is lower than the passenger tires
- The dual load index may be more than a typical car needs
Good fit if
- Drivers who want a single tire for all seasons
- Those who need a 12-ply tire on an SUV
Skip if
- You only need a standard all-season tire
- You require a higher speed index than R
Verdict: The Delinte stands out as the only all-weather tire in this size, combining a 12-ply build with a high load index.
8 Best all-season light truck tire
Ironman All Country CHT All Season 235/65R16C 121/119R F Light Truck
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Tread
- All Season
- Rim size
- 16 in
- Tire size
- 235/65R16
$118.08 price as of 2026-10-05 05:52 UTC (Details)
The Ironman All Country CHT is the only light-truck tire in the pool with an all-season tread and a dual 121/119 load index, making it a versatile option for pickups and vans that need off-road capability without switching to a dedicated winter tire. It shares the load index with the Delinte but is labeled for light trucks rather than cars and SUVs.
Pros
- All-season tread
- 121/119 dual load index
- Light-truck fitment
- Listed with a 12-ply construction (F)
Cons
- R speed index
- Heavier construction may affect ride comfort on empty trucks
Good fit if
- Light truck owners who want an all-season tire with a high load capacity
- Drivers who need a tire for both highway and light off-road use
Skip if
- You drive a passenger car and do not need the load capacity
- You prefer a smoother-riding passenger tire
Verdict: The Ironman All Country CHT is the best all-season tire for light trucks in this size.
Specifications side by side
| # | Tire | Vehicle | Tread | Rim size | Tire size | Sold as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Firestone All Season Touring Tire 235/65R16 103 T | Car and SUV | All Season | 16 in | 235/65R16 | not stated |
| 2 | Set of 4 (Four) Travelstar UN99 235/65R16 103H All Season Radial Car | Car and SUV | All Season | 16 in | 235/65R16 | Set of 4 |
| 3 | General 235/65R16 103T GENERAL ALTIMAX RT45 BW | Car and SUV | not stated | 16 in | 235/65R16 | not stated |
| 4 | Ironman iMove PT Plus All Season 235/65R16 103H Passenger Tire | Car and SUV | All Season | 16 in | 235/65R16 | not stated |
| 5 | Nexen Roadian CT8 HL Commercial Truck Radial Tire-235/65R16C 119R | Light truck | not stated | 16 in | 235/65R16 | not stated |
| 6 | Continental VanContact A/S Commercial Truck Tire | Light truck | All Season | 16 in | 235/65R16 | not stated |
| 7 | Delinte Centurion 365 LMD 235/65R16 121/119R All Weather F | Car and SUV | All Weather | 16 in | 235/65R16 | not stated |
| 8 | Ironman All Country CHT All Season 235/65R16C 121/119R F Light Truck | Light truck | All Season | 16 in | 235/65R16 | not stated |
How the picks were chosen
To build this guide, we looked at a pool of 8 tires listed in size 235/65R16, drawn from the current catalog. Each tire's specs come from the product listing and the maker's public documentation. We shortlisted every tire in the pool because the pool contains fewer than 12 entries. We then grouped them by intended vehicle class: passenger car and SUV versus light truck, and by tread type: all-season and all-weather. Prices on the page are live, read from the store listing at a specific time; they are not part of our scoring. We have not physically tested any of these tires; our evaluation relies only on the stated specifications, load capacities, and the manufacturer's own material. We also consulted Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards that define tire labeling, load limits, and speed designations.
Picking the right one for you
Understand your vehicle's tire size and load index
The size 235/65R16 specifies the tire's width in millimeters (235), aspect ratio (65 percent), construction (radial, R), and rim diameter in inches (16). The load index, such as 103, 119, or 121, tells you the maximum weight each tire can carry at a given pressure. Your vehicle's owner's manual or the door jamb sticker lists the recommended load index and speed index for your exact model. Using a tire with a lower load index than required is unsafe, while a higher index is generally acceptable. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (49 CFR 571.110) requires that the sum of the load indices on an axle be at least equal to the gross axle weight.
Match the speed index to your driving style
Speed indexes are letters that indicate the maximum sustained speed a tire can handle. A T index (118 mph) is common for family sedans and crossovers, while H (130 mph) suits sportier vehicles. Light-truck tires often use R (106 mph), which is perfectly adequate for commercial and off-road use. Choose a speed index at least as high as the original tire on your vehicle; a higher index does no harm but may affect ride comfort and cost. The exact speeds are not standardized across all markets, but the letter mapping is well known. Refer to the tire's sidewall and your owner's manual for the required index.
Choose the right tread type for your climate
All-season tires are the default for most drivers, offering a balance of dry, wet, and light snow traction. All-weather tires, like the Delinte in this list, carry the mountain-snowflake symbol and are designed to perform in more severe winter conditions while remaining usable year-round. For trucks and vans that see heavy loads, an all-season light-truck tire provides the needed durability. If you live in a region with heavy snow, a dedicated winter tire might be a better choice, but for most of the country an all-season or all-weather tire is sufficient. The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association and the Tire Industry Association provide general guidance on tire types and maintenance.
Consider construction and ply count
The ply count, sometimes shown as a letter like F or a number, indicates the tire's strength. A 12-ply tire, such as the Delinte or the Ironman All Country CHT, is heavier and more resistant to punctures, making it suitable for off-road and heavy-load use. Passenger-car tires typically have a lower ply count for a smoother ride and lower rolling resistance. Check the tire's sidewall for the load range and ply count to ensure it meets your vehicle's requirements. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 139 (49 CFR 571.139) defines the testing and labeling requirements for new pneumatic radial tires for light vehicles.
Questions
What does 235/65R16 mean?
The first number, 235, is the tire's section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. The second, 65, is the aspect ratio: the sidewall height is 65 percent of the width. The R stands for radial construction, and 16 is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches. This size is common on midsize SUVs, crossovers, and some minivans.
Can I use a light-truck tire on my SUV?
Yes, if the load index and speed index meet or exceed the vehicle's requirements. Light-truck tires (LT) are built with stronger sidewalls and often have higher load capacities, which can be useful if you frequently carry heavy cargo. However, they may ride stiffer and reduce fuel economy. Always check your owner's manual and the door sticker before changing tire type.
How do I know the correct tire pressure?
The recommended cold inflation pressure is printed on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual. It is not the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Keeping tires at the correct pressure improves safety, fuel economy, and tread life. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2 percent for every 1 psi drop, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
What is the difference between all-season and all-weather tires?
All-season tires are designed for year-round use in mild conditions, offering decent performance in dry, wet, and light snow. All-weather tires meet the severe snow service standard and carry the mountain-snowflake symbol, so they provide better winter traction while still being usable in summer. If you face moderate snow, an all-weather tire can eliminate the need for a separate winter set.
Should I replace all four tires at once?
It is recommended to replace all four tires to maintain consistent handling and traction. If you replace only two, they should be mounted on the rear axle to prevent oversteer. The new tires have a different tread depth and diameter, which can affect stability systems. For best results, replace all four and have them balanced and aligned by a professional.
Revision notes
- : First published.