The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer spans a wider enthusiast range than many compact sedans of its era, from practical daily-driver trims to the rally-bred Evolution models that gave the nameplate a serious performance reputation. That spread shows up clearly in tire fitment. A 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer uses one of three primary radial sizes depending on sub-model: 195/60R15, 205/50R16, or 235/45R17. Available choices range from traditional-looking whitewall, redline, and raised white letter options in 195/60R15 to blackwall performance-oriented selections in the larger sizes. The key step is matching the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before comparing tire style, series, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and its wheel diameter. ES, OZ Rally, and SE models use 195/60R15, the Ralliart uses 205/50R16, and Evolution variants use 235/45R17. Before choosing a tire, confirm the specific trim and make sure the car is still using the correct 15-inch, 16-inch, or 17-inch wheel setup.
195/60R15 is a metric radial size where 195 identifies section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer, this size suits the more road-oriented ES, OZ Rally, and SE trims rather than the higher-performance variants. Available choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter sidewalls from BFGoodrich and Michelin across Silvertown Radial, Radial T/A, and Primacy 3 lines. That makes this size especially important for owners balancing everyday driving needs with a more customized or restoration-inspired appearance.
Fit(s): Evolution, Evolution MR, Evolution RS, and Evolution SE
Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
235/45R17 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. This fitment belongs to the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution family, including Evolution, Evolution MR, Evolution RS, and Evolution SE, where the tire choice leans toward the car's higher-performance mission. Product options are blackwall radials from BFGoodrich and Nitto in g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, and NT555 G2 series. This is the size to evaluate carefully if the car is expected to retain its sharper handling character and correct wheel diameter.
205/50R16 follows the same metric radial convention, with 205 showing nominal section width in millimeters, 50 indicating aspect ratio, R for radial, and 16 for rim diameter in inches. On the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer, this size is used by the Ralliart, placing it between the standard 15-inch-wheel trims and the 17-inch Evolution models. Available tires are blackwall BFGoodrich options in the g-Force Sport Comp 2 and g-Force Comp 2 AS series. This size is the right place to focus if the goal is preserving the Ralliart's intended wheel-and-tire balance rather than moving toward either the base-model or Evolution setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer because tire size changes across the range rather than staying uniform. Identifying whether the car is an ES, SE, OZ Rally, Ralliart, or one of the Evolution variants is the first step before comparing tires.
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2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES uses the 195/60R15 radial size. That keeps the selection focused on choosing the right sidewall look and tire series for a standard-wheel setup rather than sorting through multiple fitment possibilities.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution uses the 235/45R17 radial size. Tire selection here centers on maintaining the correct 17-inch fitment and comparing blackwall performance-oriented options that suit the model's more serious road and handling character.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR uses the same 235/45R17 radial size as the other Evolution variants covered here. The practical next step is confirming the wheel setup and then comparing the available blackwall tire series within that exact size.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution RS also uses 235/45R17 radial tires. That means the focus stays on proper 17-inch performance fitment, with selection based more on tire series and intended driving use than on alternate primary sizes.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE uses 235/45R17 radial tires. Owners should confirm that the car still carries the correct wheel diameter, then compare the available blackwall options that fit the Evolution family sizing.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer OZ Rally uses the 195/60R15 radial size. That opens the door to more appearance-driven choices than the larger performance sizes, including traditional sidewall treatments alongside standard blackwall offerings.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart uses the 205/50R16 radial size. Choosing a tire means staying with the correct 16-inch fitment and comparing the available blackwall performance series built around that specific size.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer SE uses the 195/60R15 radial size. Tire selection is straightforward once the 15-inch wheel setup is confirmed, with the main choices involving sidewall presentation and tire series rather than alternate sizes.
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 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Tires for Sale
Available 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer tires vary by sub-model and size, with BFGoodrich, Michelin, and Nitto options across Silvertown Radial, Radial T/A, Primacy 3, g-Force, and NT555 G2 lines. Buyers can compare traditional sidewall treatments in 195/60R15 and blackwall performance-focused choices in the 16-inch and 17-inch sizes.
The most useful tire questions for a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer usually come down to exact sub-model fitment, wheel diameter, available radial choices, and how to choose between appearance-oriented and performance-oriented tire options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer?
A 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer uses one of three tire sizes depending on sub-model: 195/60R15, 205/50R16, or 235/45R17. ES, OZ Rally, and SE models use 195/60R15, the Ralliart uses 205/50R16, and Evolution, Evolution MR, Evolution RS, and Evolution SE models use 235/45R17.
The key is matching the tire to the exact trim level before looking at brands or sidewall style. A quick check of the car's current wheel diameter is also important, especially if aftermarket wheels have been installed, because the Lancer range spans 15-inch, 16-inch, and 17-inch fitments.
What size rim does a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer use?
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer uses different rim diameters depending on sub-model. The 195/60R15 fitment uses a 15-inch rim, the 205/50R16 fitment uses a 16-inch rim, and the 235/45R17 fitment uses a 17-inch rim.
Confirming wheel diameter should come before any tire purchase because each of these sizes is built around a different rim. The most practical way to avoid mistakes is to verify the trim level and inspect the wheel itself, especially on cars that may have been modified or upgraded over time.
Why does the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer have more than one tire size?
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer covers several distinct sub-models, and they do not share the same wheel-and-tire package. Standard trims such as ES, OZ Rally, and SE use 195/60R15, the Ralliart moves to 205/50R16, and the Evolution family uses 235/45R17.
That means the first fitment decision is not brand or tread style, but identifying exactly which Lancer you have. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the tire search becomes much narrower and more useful, since each size points to a different combination of wheel diameter, tire profile, and available product types.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model, since the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer uses 195/60R15, 205/50R16, or 235/45R17 depending on trim. From there, compare radial construction details that matter to your use, including tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility within the correct size.
Appearance and intended use can change the decision quite a bit. A 195/60R15 buyer may be choosing between blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, or raised white letter styling, while a 16-inch or 17-inch buyer is usually focused on blackwall performance-oriented options and proper compatibility with the existing wheel setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer tires?
Sidewall style depends on tire size. In 195/60R15, the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer has blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and RWL choices. The 205/50R16 and 235/45R17 sizes are represented by blackwall tires, which suits the more performance-focused character of those fitments.
That makes sidewall style a meaningful part of the decision for ES, OZ Rally, and SE models using 15-inch tires. Owners of Ralliart and Evolution variants are more likely to compare tire series and intended driving use, since the available larger-size options stay within a more uniform blackwall presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer?
BFGoodrich appears across all three 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer tire sizes, while Michelin is available in 195/60R15 and Nitto appears in 235/45R17. Tire series include Silvertown Radial, Radial T/A, Michelin Primacy 3, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, and NT555 G2.
Brand choice should still come after size confirmation, since not every brand or series is offered in every Lancer fitment. Once the correct sub-model size is established, compare the available brands by sidewall style, intended look, and basic wheel-compatibility details rather than assuming one brand serves every trim equally well.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer?
A period-style 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer tire choice starts with the correct sub-model size, then shifts to the visual character of the available tire. For 195/60R15 applications, options include wide whitewall, redline, raised white letter, and blackwall styles, giving standard-wheel trims the broadest appearance range.
That approach works best when the goal is capturing a certain era-inspired look without claiming exact factory originality. Owners who care about exact restoration detail should compare the car's trim, market, and historical references carefully, while still keeping wheel diameter and correct tire size at the center of the decision.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Construction is straightforward on the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer because the primary fitments here are radial across all covered sizes. Even with the same radial construction, appearance can still vary significantly through sidewall treatment, especially in 195/60R15 where blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter choices are available.
That means the visual result depends less on bias-ply versus radial and more on choosing a sidewall style that suits the car's intended presentation. On Ralliart and Evolution models, the available blackwall selections keep the look closer to a performance-oriented setup rather than a decorative or retro-style finish.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer even when the original tire size is known. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, different offsets, lowering, or suspension work can all change how a 195/60R15, 205/50R16, or 235/45R17 tire sits in the wheel opening.
A Lancer that no longer has its original wheel setup should be checked carefully before selecting tires by catalog size alone. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender and steering components deserve close attention, particularly on Evolution models where the wider 17-inch fitment leaves less room for casual substitutions.
What should I inspect before driving a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer on new tires?
Before driving a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire in use. It is also wise to check for rubbing at full steering lock and to verify that valve stems and balancing hardware are in good condition.
A short local test drive is a sensible next step before relying on the car for longer trips. Pay attention to vibration, pulling, unusual noise, or any sign of contact with suspension or bodywork, since those issues are easier to correct early than after miles of use.
How often should tires on a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer be inspected?
Tires on a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks worn. Check pressure, tread condition, cuts, bulges, cracking, and uneven wear at routine intervals, and give the tires another look before longer drives or after the car has been parked for an extended period.
Frequent inspection matters because age, storage conditions, and alignment issues can affect a lightly driven car as much as mileage does. A quick visual check can also reveal whether the tire still suits the wheel and suspension setup, which is especially useful on cars that may have seen wheel changes over the years.
