The 2005 Chrysler 300 marked the return of Chrysler’s big rear-drive sedan formula with a distinctly upright, modern American look that quickly stood out in the mid-2000s market. Depending on trim, this car could be a straightforward full-size cruiser, an upscale 300C, or an aggressive SRT8 with staggered 20-inch fitment. Tire choice matters because the 2005 Chrysler 300 uses four different radial sizes across the model range: 215/65R17, 225/60R18, 245/45R20, and 255/45R20. Available options also vary by performance-oriented tire series and sidewall treatments such as blackwall, redline, and raised white letter. The key is matching the tire to the exact sub-model and wheel setup before comparing style and performance character.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2005 Chrysler 300
The 2005 Chrysler 300 uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. All of these are radial fitments, but they span 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch rims, so confirming the car’s trim and actual wheel setup should come first. That matters most on SRT8 applications, where front and rear sizing differs.
A 215/65R17 tire uses a 215-millimeter section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. On the 2005 Chrysler 300, this size serves the more standard 17-inch wheel applications and keeps the selection focused on matching the intended trim and wheel package rather than sorting through construction types. Its profile is part of the original fitment character for the covered models that use it. This is the size to evaluate when the car has 17-inch wheels and the goal is to stay aligned with the proper base, Touring RWD, or Limited RWD fitment.
A 225/60R18 tire has a 225-millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and fits an 18-inch rim. For the 2005 Chrysler 300, this size applies to several upper or all-wheel-drive configurations, making wheel diameter confirmation especially important before moving into product selection. It carries a slightly different proportion than the 17-inch fitment while staying within the modern metric radial format used across the model line. This is the right size to consider when the car is equipped with the 18-inch setup used on C, C LX, Limited AWD, or Touring AWD applications.
A 245/45R20 tire combines a 245-millimeter section width with a 45-series profile and a 20-inch rim diameter in radial construction. On the 2005 Chrysler 300, this size is tied to the front position of the SRT8 setup, so it should not be treated as a universal 20-inch fitment for every car. Product choice is broader here, with BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options, plus blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewall presentations across several performance-oriented series. This size deserves close attention when preserving the intended front fitment and appearance of an SRT8-equipped car.
A 255/45R20 tire uses a 255-millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, radial construction, and fits a 20-inch rim. For the 2005 Chrysler 300, this is the rear SRT8 size, creating a staggered front-to-rear arrangement with the 245/45R20 front tire. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac products, with blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewall treatments depending on the tire series. This size should be chosen only after confirming the rear wheel position and making sure the car still retains the proper staggered 20-inch wheel setup.
Tire fitment on the 2005 Chrysler 300 varies substantially by sub-model, and in some cases by drivetrain and wheel position. Identifying the exact trim is the first step, since this model range spans 17-inch, 18-inch, and staggered 20-inch radial combinations.
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2005 Chrysler 300 Base
The 2005 Chrysler 300 Base uses the 215/65R17 radial size. Tire selection here centers on keeping the correct 17-inch fitment in place and confirming that the car has not been changed to a different wheel package over time.
The 2005 Chrysler 300 C uses the 225/60R18 radial size. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation important before comparing tire options, especially on cars that may have been updated with aftermarket wheels.
The 2005 Chrysler 300 C LX also uses the 225/60R18 radial size. The main buying decision is not construction type, but making sure the 18-inch wheel setup is still present and selecting a tire that suits the car’s intended road use.
The 2005 Chrysler 300 C SRT8 uses a 20-inch radial setup, with separate front and rear sizing. Tire choice should preserve that staggered arrangement unless the car’s wheels and overall setup have been deliberately changed and rechecked for clearance.
The front position on the 2005 Chrysler 300 C SRT8 uses 245/45R20. That front-specific fitment means the buyer should compare products within the correct size while keeping steering clearance and wheel-width compatibility in mind.
The rear position on the 2005 Chrysler 300 C SRT8 uses 255/45R20. Selection should focus on maintaining the proper rear size in the staggered setup and choosing among available sidewall styles and tire series only after confirming the rear wheel specification.
The 2005 Chrysler 300 Limited (AWD) uses the 225/60R18 radial size. Tire replacement starts with keeping the proper 18-inch fitment and verifying that any wheel changes have not altered the vehicle from its intended AWD configuration.
The 2005 Chrysler 300 Limited (RWD) uses the 215/65R17 radial size. That makes it important to distinguish this car from the AWD version before choosing tires, since the two Limited configurations do not share the same wheel diameter.
The 2005 Chrysler 300 Touring (AWD) uses the 225/60R18 radial size. Buyers should confirm that the car still carries its 18-inch wheel package, then compare tires within that size based on intended driving use and overall tire character.
The 2005 Chrysler 300 Touring (RWD) uses the 215/65R17 radial size. The practical takeaway is simple: verify the 17-inch wheel setup first, then choose within the correct size rather than assuming all Touring models use the same tire.
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 2005 Chrysler 300 Tires for Sale
Available products focus on the 20-inch SRT8 sizes, where BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac choices appear across several performance-oriented series. Buyers can compare blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewall styles, along with size-specific rim-width and load-capacity details where offered.
Owners of a 2005 Chrysler 300 usually need to sort out the exact trim, wheel diameter, and in SRT8 form, front versus rear sizing. These FAQs cover fitment, product selection, appearance choices, and practical checks before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2005 Chrysler 300?
A 2005 Chrysler 300 can use 215/65R17, 225/60R18, 245/45R20, or 255/45R20, depending on the sub-model. Base, Limited RWD, and Touring RWD use 215/65R17, while C, C LX, Limited AWD, and Touring AWD use 225/60R18. The SRT8 uses 245/45R20 at the front and 255/45R20 at the rear.
The right starting point is the exact trim level and the wheel diameter actually on the car. A 17-inch, 18-inch, or staggered 20-inch setup changes the tire choice completely, and cars from this era are often modified. Checking the current wheels before selecting a tire prevents mixing sizes meant for different Chrysler 300 configurations.
What size rim does a 2005 Chrysler 300 use?
The 2005 Chrysler 300 uses three rim diameters across the model range: 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch. The 215/65R17 size belongs to a 17-inch rim, the 225/60R18 size belongs to an 18-inch rim, and the SRT8’s 245/45R20 and 255/45R20 sizes are built for 20-inch rims.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because a tire designed for one wheel diameter cannot be mounted on another. On SRT8 models, that check also needs to include front and rear wheel position since the car uses different 20-inch tire sizes. Buyers should also verify actual wheel width when comparing individual tire options.
Do all 2005 Chrysler 300 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 2005 Chrysler 300 does not use one tire size across every sub-model. Different trims use either 215/65R17 or 225/60R18, and the SRT8 adds a staggered 20-inch setup with 245/45R20 in front and 255/45R20 in the rear.
That variation means tire selection should begin with the exact sub-model rather than the Chrysler 300 name alone. Drivetrain also matters on some trims, since AWD and RWD versions can use different sizes. A quick look at the vehicle’s current wheels, front and rear if applicable, helps confirm the correct path before comparing brands or sidewall styles.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R20 or 255/45R20 tire for a 2005 Chrysler 300?
On a 2005 Chrysler 300 using the 20-inch SRT8 sizes, the first consideration is position: 245/45R20 is the front size and 255/45R20 is the rear size. From there, compare the tire series, sidewall presentation, and any available rim-width or load-capacity details for the exact size you need.
This matters because the 20-inch fitment is not just about diameter; it is also about preserving the intended staggered setup. A buyer choosing between blackwall, redline, and raised white letter options may also want to think about whether the car is kept closer to stock appearance or aimed at a more customized look. Wheel width should be confirmed before final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 2005 Chrysler 300 tires?
For the 20-inch Chrysler 300 sizes, available sidewall styles include blackwall, redline, and RWL, which is a raised white letter sidewall. Those choices appear in 245/45R20 and 255/45R20, giving the SRT8 owner room to shape the car’s visual presentation without changing the basic tire size.
Sidewall style is mainly an appearance decision, but it should always come after the correct size and wheel position are confirmed. A blackwall keeps the look understated, while redline and raised white letter options introduce a more assertive, custom-performance flavor. The best choice depends on how original or personalized the car’s overall styling direction is meant to be.
What brands offer tires for the 2005 Chrysler 300?
For the 20-inch fitments used on the 2005 Chrysler 300 SRT8, available brands include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those products cover several tire series, including g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, Nitto NT555 G2, and Pro-Trac Street Pro III.
Brand choice should be treated as one part of a broader fitment decision, not the only one. It is still necessary to match the exact front or rear size, review sidewall style, and check any wheel-width range attached to the tire being considered. Once those basics are settled, the series and appearance differences become easier to compare in a useful way.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2005 Chrysler 300?
A period-style 2005 Chrysler 300 starts with the exact size used by the specific trim, whether that is 215/65R17, 225/60R18, or the SRT8’s staggered 245/45R20 and 255/45R20 setup. Since this is a modern radial application, the goal is usually preserving the correct overall fitment and stance rather than deciding between vintage bias-ply and radial construction.
Appearance then becomes the real differentiator, especially on 20-inch applications where blackwall, redline, and raised white letter choices are available. A cleaner stock-style presentation usually points toward blackwall, while redline or raised white letter can lean more custom. Buyers pursuing exact historical authenticity should compare those choices against original sales literature or marque-specific references.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2005 Chrysler 300?
On the 2005 Chrysler 300, tire construction does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial appearance decision because the primary fitments are radial. The visual effect comes more from the tire’s profile, the wheel diameter tied to the trim level, and, where available, the sidewall style chosen for the 20-inch SRT8 sizes.
That means a restoration-oriented owner should focus first on keeping the correct size for the specific model and wheel package. A mismatch in diameter or front-to-rear sizing changes the look of the car much more than subtle brand differences. Once fitment is right, sidewall treatment becomes the cleanest way to steer the finished appearance toward stock-minded or more custom territory.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2005 Chrysler 300?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2005 Chrysler 300. Aftermarket wheels, suspension lowering, altered offsets, or changes from the original trim-level wheel package can all change the size that works on the car, especially when moving between the 17-inch, 18-inch, and staggered 20-inch factory-type fitment patterns.
That is particularly important on an SRT8 because front and rear sizes are different to begin with. A car that has been changed from stock should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at steering lock and full suspension movement before any replacement tire is chosen. Assuming the car still matches its original setup can lead to the wrong purchase.
What should I inspect before driving a 2005 Chrysler 300 on new tires?
Before driving a 2005 Chrysler 300 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, verify that the new tires match the intended front and rear positions, and make sure there is no interference with suspension or body components. Tire pressure should also be checked before the first road use.
A short initial drive is useful for confirming that the car tracks properly and that nothing rubs during turning or over bumps. It also helps to recheck inflation after installation and keep an eye on any vibration that could point to wheel or balance issues. On a staggered SRT8 setup, front-to-rear placement deserves extra attention.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 2005 Chrysler 300?
Before a longer drive in a 2005 Chrysler 300, confirm that all four tires are the correct size for the car’s trim and wheel positions, that pressures are set properly, and that there are no visible cuts, bulges, cracking, or unusual tread wear. A quick look at wheel condition and lug security is also worthwhile.
Longer trips put more stress on any fitment mistake or aging issue, so cars that see occasional use deserve extra attention. It is smart to listen for vibration, check for air loss, and inspect the spare plan if the car no longer carries its original roadside equipment. That routine matters even more when the Chrysler 300 has aftermarket wheels or suspension changes.
