The 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage came from an era when compact cars were expected to be light, efficient, and easy to live with day after day. That makes tire fitment especially important on this model, because small changes in size can noticeably affect stance, ride, and clearance. This Mirage uses radial tires, but the exact size depends on sub-model, with 145/80R13, 175/70R13, and 185/65R14 all appearing across the lineup. That means the real choice starts with identifying whether the car is an LS, S 2 Dr., or S 4 Dr. Once that is settled, the focus shifts to correct rim diameter, tire proportions, and the right replacement for the way the car is being used.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage
The 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage uses three different primary tire sizes, and they are tied to specific sub-models and two different rim diameters. Before choosing a tire, the first step is confirming whether the car is an LS, S 2 Dr., or S 4 Dr., then verifying whether it uses a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel. Once that is clear, selecting the right tire becomes much more straightforward.
185/65R14 is a metric radial size in which 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage, this size is used on a 14-inch rim and applies to the LS sub-model. Its proportions give the buyer an important fitment checkpoint because it is not interchangeable with the Mirage's 13-inch tire sizes. The practical decision here is confirming the wheel diameter first so the replacement matches the car's actual wheel and intended setup.
145/80R13 is a metric radial size with a 145-millimeter nominal width, an 80-series profile, and fitment for a 13-inch wheel. On the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage, this size belongs to the S 2 Dr. and represents a noticeably narrower tire format than the other Mirage fitments. That makes the size itself the key part of the selection, not just the brand or tread pattern. Buyers should make sure the car still carries the correct 13-inch wheel setup and has not been changed to a different wheel and tire package over time.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size where 175 is the nominal width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. This size is used on the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage S 4 Dr. and keeps the fitment on a 13-inch wheel while using a wider, lower-profile package than 145/80R13. Available choices in this size include Avon CR6ZZ in a Blackwall radial tire series. For buyers with an S 4 Dr., the main consideration is staying with the correct 13-inch fitment while comparing tire character, rim-width suitability, and overall intended use.
Tire fitment on the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage varies by sub-model, so identifying the exact version of the car matters before choosing a replacement. The Mirage lineup here uses three different sizes across two wheel diameters, which makes a quick wheel and trim check worthwhile before ordering tires.
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1996 Mitsubishi Mirage LS
The 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage LS uses the 185/65R14 radial tire size, making it the sub-model in this group with a 14-inch wheel fitment. That means LS owners should confirm that the car still carries its 14-inch setup before comparing replacement tires.
The 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage S 2 Dr. uses the 145/80R13 radial size, a narrower 13-inch fitment than the other Mirage versions shown here. Tire selection for this sub-model starts with preserving that smaller wheel diameter and checking whether the car has remained on its original wheel format.
The 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage S 4 Dr. uses the 175/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch wheel. Owners of this sub-model can focus on choosing within that size, including available Blackwall radial options, while confirming wheel width and overall fitment condition.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage Tires for Sale
Available product choice for the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage is centered on 175/70R13, where buyers can compare an Avon CR6ZZ radial with a Blackwall sidewall style, 13-inch rim fitment, and a stated rim-width range of 4.5 to 6.0 inches.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to check when comparing wheel size, tire choice, and road-use readiness.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage?
The 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage does not use one universal tire size across every version. The LS uses 185/65R14, the S 2 Dr. uses 145/80R13, and the S 4 Dr. uses 175/70R13. All three are radial tire sizes, but they are tied to different sub-models and wheel diameters.
Choosing the right replacement starts with identifying the exact sub-model and checking the wheel currently on the car. Since this Mirage uses both 13-inch and 14-inch rims depending on configuration, a quick confirmation of wheel diameter helps avoid ordering a tire that matches the model year but not the specific car.
What size rim does a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage use?
A 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage can use either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The LS uses a 14-inch rim with 185/65R14 tires, while the S 2 Dr. and S 4 Dr. use 13-inch rims with 145/80R13 and 175/70R13 tires respectively.
Rim diameter is the first thing to verify because the tire must match the wheel exactly. It also helps to check wheel width, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels or a replacement set from another Mirage. Matching both the tire size and the actual wheel setup keeps fitment closer to the car's intended proportions.
Why does the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage have more than one tire size?
The 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage has more than one tire size because the fitment changes by sub-model. The LS uses a 14-inch package, while the S 2 Dr. and S 4 Dr. use different 13-inch sizes. That means the Mirage nameplate covers more than one wheel and tire setup for this model year.
This matters because replacement tires should follow the configuration of the actual car, not just the year and model name. Two Mirage owners can both own 1996 cars and still need different tires. Checking the trim level, current wheel diameter, and the size on the existing tire sidewall is the safest starting point before comparing options.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 175/70R13 tire for a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Start with the basics: the tire must be 175/70R13 and the car should be the S 4 Dr. using a 13-inch wheel. In this size, the available product choice shown here is an Avon CR6ZZ radial with a Blackwall sidewall. That makes size accuracy and wheel compatibility more important than trying to compare across unrelated Mirage fitments.
The next step is checking how the tire suits the wheel and the way the car is driven. A stated rim-width range of 4.5 to 6.0 inches is available for this size, which gives a useful compatibility checkpoint. Buyers should also look at sidewall style, tread character, and the overall condition of the wheels before mounting new tires.
What sidewall styles are available for 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage tires?
Among the available product choices shown for the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage, the visible sidewall style is Blackwall in 175/70R13. That gives the car a clean, understated appearance that suits many compact cars from the period. No additional sidewall treatments appear here for the covered Mirage fitments.
Sidewall style matters mostly for appearance, but it should still be considered only after the correct size and wheel diameter are confirmed. On a Mirage, the first priority is matching the sub-model's actual fitment. Once that is settled, the sidewall presentation can help finish the look without changing the tire size or wheel compatibility.
What brands offer tires for the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage?
The available product assortment for the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage includes Avon in 175/70R13. That product appears as the Avon CR6ZZ radial for the Mirage S 4 Dr. fitment. Brand choice shown here is therefore limited and should be considered within the correct size rather than across all Mirage sub-models.
For most buyers, the more important issue is confirming the car's exact tire size before focusing on brand. A 1996 Mirage can use three different sizes across the lineup, so the wrong size would be a bigger problem than a narrow brand selection. Wheel diameter, fitment accuracy, and intended use should lead the decision.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage?
A period-style choice for a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage starts with using the correct size for the exact sub-model. That means 185/65R14 for the LS, 145/80R13 for the S 2 Dr., and 175/70R13 for the S 4 Dr. Keeping the original size format does more for the car's visual balance than changing to a different diameter or profile.
Appearance on a compact car from this era depends heavily on preserving the right proportions between wheel and sidewall. A Mirage with the proper size tends to look more settled and authentic to its period. Buyers pursuing a detailed restoration can also compare the car against original literature, period photos, or marque-specific references before finalizing a tire choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage restoration because the car uses different sizes across its sub-model range. A mismatched diameter or profile can alter the way the car sits and change the visual relationship between the tire and wheel opening. Even on a modest compact, those differences are easy to notice.
Using the proper size also simplifies practical fitment by keeping the wheel and tire combination closer to the Mirage's intended setup. That is especially important when replacing old tires on a car that may have changed hands several times. Verifying the sub-model, wheel diameter, and current wheel condition helps keep the restoration focused and consistent.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, or body alterations can change the space available around the tire and may also alter the wheel width or offset. That matters even more on a small car where the original fitment is relatively compact to begin with.
A Mirage that has been modified should be checked carefully before a replacement tire is chosen. Wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance all deserve a close look. Even when the car originally used one of the factory sizes, changes made over time can mean the existing setup no longer matches stock sub-model specifications.
What should I inspect before driving a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage on new tires?
Before driving a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the tire size matches the sub-model, and confirm proper inflation. It also helps to check that the tires seat correctly on the rims and that there is no obvious interference with suspension or body components once the car is back on the ground.
A short, careful road test is a smart next step after installation. Listen for rubbing, watch for vibration, and recheck air pressure after the first miles if the car has been sitting or the wheels are older. On a lightweight compact like the Mirage, small fitment issues tend to show up quickly in ride feel and steering response.
How often should tires on a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage be inspected?
Tires on a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Look over the tread and sidewalls for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of air loss. Older compact cars often spend time parked, which makes condition checks just as important as tread depth.
Routine inspections are also a good time to confirm that all four tires still match the car's intended fitment. A Mirage with mixed wheel or tire sizes can develop handling and clearance issues that are easy to miss at a glance. Checking pressure, visual condition, and basic fitment every month is a practical habit for road use.
