The 2009 Nissan Altima sits in the era when midsize sedans were expected to balance daily comfort, responsive road manners, and a more athletic feel than basic commuter cars of the decade before. That matters when choosing tires, because this Altima uses modern radial fitments in two different sizes depending on trim. Most sub-models use 215/60R16, while the SE moves to 215/55R17 on a 17-inch wheel. The key decision is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter first, then choosing a tire that matches how the car is actually driven. For a clean replacement, fitment accuracy matters more here than period styling.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Nissan Altima
The 2009 Nissan Altima uses two primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Base, Hybrid, S, and SL models use 215/60R16, while the SE uses 215/55R17. Both are radial sizes, so the first step is confirming whether the car has 16-inch or 17-inch wheels before comparing tire choices.
A 215/60R16 tire uses a 215-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim. On the 2009 Nissan Altima, this is the primary fitment for Base, Hybrid, S, and SL models, making it the more common size across the range. Its modern metric radial format is familiar to current buyers and centers the decision on correct trim identification rather than vintage sizing interpretation. Choose this size only after confirming the car is one of the 16-inch-wheel sub-models and has not been changed to a different wheel package.
A 215/55R17 tire keeps the same 215-millimeter section width but uses a lower 55-series profile on a 17-inch rim. For the 2009 Nissan Altima, this size belongs to the SE, so it serves a specific trim rather than the full model range. Available products in this size include BFGoodrich options in the g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A series, both with Blackwall styling. This size should be evaluated with close attention to the actual wheel diameter on the car, especially if wheels have ever been changed.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2009 Nissan Altima because the lineup splits between 16-inch and 17-inch wheel packages. Most covered trims share one tire size, but the SE uses a different size, so confirming the exact sub-model and wheel setup avoids ordering the wrong tire.
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2009 Nissan Altima Base
The 2009 Nissan Altima Base uses the 215/60R16 radial size. Tire selection for this sub-model starts with matching that 16-inch fitment and then confirming the current wheel setup if the car has ever been upgraded or modified.
The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid also uses the 215/60R16 radial size. That keeps fitment straightforward, but the wheel diameter still needs to match before moving on to tire choice, especially on a used car with replacement wheels.
The 2009 Nissan Altima S uses the same 215/60R16 radial fitment as several other trims in the range. The practical decision is less about multiple size options and more about verifying that the car still wears its intended 16-inch wheel package.
The 2009 Nissan Altima SE uses 215/55R17 rather than the 16-inch size found on the other covered sub-models. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, and product choice in this size can then be narrowed by series, Blackwall presentation, and rim-width compatibility.
The 2009 Nissan Altima SL uses the 215/60R16 radial size. For this trim, proper selection means staying with the correct 16-inch fitment unless the car has been altered, then checking tire condition, use, and wheel match before road service.
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 2009 Nissan Altima Tires for Sale
Available product choices center on 215/55R17 and include BFGoodrich options in the g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A series. Both are radial Blackwall tires, with differences in tire series and rim-width specifications that are worth comparing against the SE's wheel setup.
Common questions for the 2009 Nissan Altima usually come down to trim-specific tire size, 16-inch versus 17-inch wheel fitment, available radial choices, and what to inspect before putting a replacement set into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Nissan Altima?
The 2009 Nissan Altima uses two tire sizes: 215/60R16 and 215/55R17. Base, Hybrid, S, and SL models use 215/60R16, while the SE uses 215/55R17. Both are radial sizes, but they are tied to different wheel diameters and trim levels.
The practical step is identifying the exact sub-model and then confirming whether the car has 16-inch or 17-inch wheels. That matters even more on used Altimas, since wheel changes are common and the tire size must match the wheel diameter before any brand or tread-pattern decision is made.
What size rim does a 2009 Nissan Altima use?
A 2009 Nissan Altima uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The 215/60R16 fitment uses a 16-inch rim, and the 215/55R17 fitment uses a 17-inch rim. The wheel diameter is built directly into the last number of each tire size.
Rim diameter should be verified before selecting replacement tires, since a 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 17-inch wheel and vice versa. Checking the sidewall, wheel markings, and actual trim level helps prevent a mismatch, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels or a replacement wheel from another Altima.
Do all 2009 Nissan Altima sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 2009 Nissan Altima Base, Hybrid, S, and SL use 215/60R16, while the SE uses 215/55R17. That means the covered sub-models do not all share one tire size, even though both sizes use the same 215-millimeter section width and radial construction.
This split makes trim identification more than a formality. The lower-profile 17-inch SE size belongs to a different wheel package, so selecting by model year alone is not enough. Matching the actual sub-model and the wheel currently on the car is the safest way to narrow the correct tire size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2009 Nissan Altima?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model: 215/60R16 for Base, Hybrid, S, and SL, or 215/55R17 for SE. After that, compare construction, wheel match, and how the car is used, whether that means daily commuting, occasional highway travel, or a more responsive road feel.
A good choice should match the wheel diameter first, then suit the car's actual setup and use. On the 215/55R17 size, rim-width compatibility and tire series are especially relevant, while any modified Altima should be checked for clearance and overall fit before moving away from its established wheel-and-tire package.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Nissan Altima?
BFGoodrich offers available tires in the 215/55R17 size used on the 2009 Nissan Altima SE. The current choices include the g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A series, both built as radial Blackwall tires for a 17-inch rim.
Brand is only one part of the decision. Once the size and wheel diameter are confirmed, it helps to compare the tire series, the intended character of each option, and the wheel-width range against the actual wheels on the car. That approach keeps the selection focused on fitment and use rather than name alone.
What tire series are available for the 2009 Nissan Altima?
In the 215/55R17 fitment used on the 2009 Nissan Altima SE, available tire series include BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A. Both are radial Blackwall choices, but they remain distinct product lines within the same overall size category.
Series names help separate product character when two tires share the same basic dimensions. After confirming the Altima is an SE with 17-inch wheels, compare the series alongside rim-width specifications and the car's intended use. That keeps the decision centered on the right fitment rather than assuming all same-size tires serve the same role.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2009 Nissan Altima restoration?
Yes. Even on a newer vehicle like a 2009 Nissan Altima, correct tire fitment affects both appearance and mechanical compatibility. The visual stance of a 215/60R16-equipped Base, Hybrid, S, or SL differs from an SE on 215/55R17, so the right size helps preserve the car's intended look.
A restoration-minded owner should confirm the actual trim, wheel diameter, and whether the car still carries its original style of wheel package. If exact presentation matters, comparing the car against period brochures, dealer literature, or marque-specific references can help verify whether the current wheels and tire size match the configuration being restored.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2009 Nissan Altima?
The 2009 Nissan Altima uses radial tires, so the construction question is less about bias-ply versus radial appearance and more about staying within the proper modern profile for the trim. The difference between 215/60R16 and 215/55R17 has a visible effect on sidewall height and how the car fills the wheel opening.
For a restoration-oriented result, the key is matching the tire size to the correct wheel package rather than chasing a vintage-style sidewall treatment. A car restored with the wrong wheel diameter or profile can look off even when the tire is mechanically mountable, so wheel-and-tire proportion deserves as much attention as cosmetic condition.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Nissan Altima?
Yes. Wheel changes, suspension lowering, replacement struts, and aftermarket wheel offsets can all affect tire fitment on a 2009 Nissan Altima. Even when the tire size looks close on paper, the wrong wheel diameter or width can change how the tire sits and whether it clears the fender and suspension properly.
Any modified Altima should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel before a new tire decision is treated as settled. It also helps to confirm the actual wheel diameter on the car, since the factory fitment already varies between 16-inch and 17-inch packages depending on sub-model.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Nissan Altima on new tires?
Before putting a 2009 Nissan Altima back into regular road use on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, air pressure, and tread seating after installation. It is also wise to look over the suspension and steering for worn parts that could cause uneven wear or poor tracking, especially on a higher-mileage sedan.
A final fitment check should confirm that the tire size matches both the wheel diameter and the sub-model. After the first miles, recheck inflation and look for any rubbing, vibration, or pull. Those early signs often reveal whether the car's alignment, wheel setup, or prior modifications need attention.
How often should tires on a 2009 Nissan Altima be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Nissan Altima should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. Sidewall damage, irregular wear, cuts, punctures, and slow air loss can appear long before the tire looks completely worn out, and an older sedan may also have alignment or suspension issues that show up in the tread pattern.
A quick visual check every month and before longer trips is a sensible routine. Pay extra attention if the car sits for stretches, has recently changed wheels, or has been fitted with a different trim's wheel package. Catching pressure loss or clearance problems early helps protect both ride quality and fitment.
