The 2011 Ford Taurus belongs to the generation that pushed Ford’s full-size sedan back toward a more substantial, modern touring character, with trim levels that ranged from everyday family use to the higher-output SHO. Tire choice on this car starts with identifying the exact sub-model and wheel package, because the 2011 Ford Taurus uses four different primary radial sizes: 235/60R17, 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20. The 20-inch fitment also opens up noticeable choice in brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment. For any Taurus in this range, the right decision comes from matching the tire to the actual wheels on the car and the look and road use you want.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2011 Ford Taurus
The 2011 Ford Taurus 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, 19-inch, and 20-inch rims, so the first step is confirming both the trim level and the actual wheels currently on the car before comparing tire choices.
255/45R19 is a modern metric radial size in which 255 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 19 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2011 Ford Taurus, this size belongs to 19-inch wheel applications and is part of the model’s more upscale or sport-oriented fitment picture. It sits close to the other Taurus sizes in overall diameter while using a lower-profile sidewall than the 17-inch and 18-inch options. This is the size to evaluate when the car already wears 19-inch wheels and the goal is to preserve that wheel-and-tire proportion.
235/55R18 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series profile, radial construction, and an 18-inch rim requirement. For the 2011 Ford Taurus, it serves as one of the mid-range fitments and appears on specific sub-model configurations rather than across the full lineup. Its sizing places it between the taller-sidewall 17-inch setup and the lower-profile 19-inch and 20-inch options. Buyers choosing this size should confirm that the car is still on its 18-inch wheels before comparing tires, since a similar overall diameter does not override the need for the correct rim diameter.
235/60R17 is a metric radial size where 235 gives the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 17 indicates the wheel diameter. On the 2011 Ford Taurus, this size is tied to 17-inch wheel fitment and represents the tallest sidewall among the primary sizes used on this model. Its overall diameter remains close to the other Taurus fitments, but it is not interchangeable as a primary choice unless the vehicle is equipped with the proper 17-inch wheels. This size makes sense when preserving the original wheel diameter already on the car.
245/45R20 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 45-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. On the 2011 Ford Taurus, this is the 20-inch fitment used on certain SHO configurations and it has the broadest visible product choice, including BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options in blackwall, redline, and raised white letter form. Tire series in this size include g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, Nitto NT555 G2, and Street Pro III. This is the size to compare when maintaining a 20-inch SHO-style presentation and selecting among appearance and series differences.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2011 Ford Taurus because tire size changes across the range and wheel diameter changes with it. Before selecting a tire, confirm whether the car is an SE, SEL, Limited, SHO, or SHO w/Performance Pkg., and then verify that the wheels on the vehicle still match that setup.
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2011 Ford Taurus Limited
The 2011 Ford Taurus Limited uses the 255/45R19 radial size, making 19-inch wheel fitment central to tire selection. This trim calls for buyers to stay focused on the correct profile and wheel diameter rather than comparing it directly to the 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch Taurus setups.
The 2011 Ford Taurus SE can use either 235/55R18 or 235/60R17, so confirming the actual wheel diameter is the key first step. Once that is settled, the decision becomes choosing the right radial tire within the correct size rather than trying to mix 17-inch and 18-inch fitments.
The 2011 Ford Taurus SEL uses either 235/55R18 or 255/45R19 depending on wheel setup. That means tire selection starts with checking whether the car is on 18-inch or 19-inch wheels, then comparing tires that suit the desired road manners and appearance within that exact size.
The 2011 Ford Taurus SHO can use either 245/45R20 or 255/45R19, so wheel diameter must be verified before anything else. The 20-inch size also brings more visible variation in available brands, tire series, and sidewall treatments, which gives SHO owners a wider style and performance-oriented comparison.
The 2011 Ford Taurus SHO w/Performance Pkg. uses the 245/45R20 radial size, tying the car to a 20-inch wheel setup. That makes it important to compare tires within the 245/45R20 category and to consider whether blackwall, redline, or raised white letter styling best suits the car’s presentation.
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 2011 Ford Taurus Tires for Sale
Available 2011 Ford Taurus tire choices center on 245/45R20, with BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options spanning g-Force and Street Pro III series. Buyers can compare blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewalls along with differing rim-width specifications and load details where stated.
Tire questions for the 2011 Ford Taurus usually come down to size-by-sub-model fitment, wheel diameter, and how to choose among available radial tires. The FAQs below focus on those exact decisions, along with appearance, maintenance, and road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2011 Ford Taurus?
The 2011 Ford Taurus uses four primary tire sizes: 235/60R17, 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20. The correct size depends on the sub-model and wheel package, with SE, SEL, Limited, SHO, and SHO w/Performance Pkg. applications not all using the same fitment.
The practical first step is to confirm the exact trim and then verify the wheels currently on the car, especially if it has changed hands or been modified. A Taurus can have a similar overall tire diameter across different sizes, but the 17-inch, 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch fitments are tied to different rim diameters and should be selected accordingly.
What size rim does a 2011 Ford Taurus use?
A 2011 Ford Taurus can use 17-inch, 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch rims, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The four primary combinations are 235/60R17 on a 17-inch rim, 235/55R18 on an 18-inch rim, 255/45R19 on a 19-inch rim, and 245/45R20 on a 20-inch rim.
Rim diameter should be checked before comparing tire options because it determines which size family the car belongs to. Looking only at tread width or overall appearance can be misleading, especially on a car like the Taurus where several sizes remain close in outside diameter while still requiring different wheels.
Do all 2011 Ford Taurus sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 2011 Ford Taurus sub-models do not all use the same tire size. Limited uses 255/45R19, SE uses 235/55R18 or 235/60R17, SEL uses 235/55R18 or 255/45R19, SHO uses 245/45R20 or 255/45R19, and SHO w/Performance Pkg. uses 245/45R20.
That variation means the sub-model name alone is not always enough if the car has had wheel changes over time. Matching the tire to the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle is just as important as knowing the trim badge, particularly on SEL and SHO models where more than one primary size may apply.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2011 Ford Taurus?
Start with the correct primary size for the car: 235/60R17, 235/55R18, 255/45R19, or 245/45R20. From there, compare construction, wheel compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, and any stated load or rim-width details that apply to the exact size you need.
The best choice depends on how the Taurus is used and how closely the owner wants to preserve its current look. A daily-driven sedan, a cleaner trim-focused SHO, and a car with aftermarket wheels can all point toward different priorities, so it helps to check the wheel diameter first and then compare the available product characteristics within that exact fitment.
What sidewall styles are available for 2011 Ford Taurus tires?
The visible sidewall choices available for the 2011 Ford Taurus center on the 245/45R20 size. In that fitment, blackwall, redline, and RWL sidewalls are available, giving the car anything from a subdued modern appearance to a more assertive period-inspired muscle-style presentation.
Sidewall style does not change the need for the correct size, rim diameter, or wheel compatibility, but it can significantly change the way the car looks. Blackwall suits a cleaner understated presentation, while redline or raised white letter styling can stand out more on a Taurus SHO with 20-inch wheels and a more aggressive visual theme.
What brands offer tires for the 2011 Ford Taurus?
For the 245/45R20 fitment used on certain 2011 Ford Taurus applications, available brands include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those choices span several tire series rather than a single generic option, which gives buyers room to compare both styling and product character within the correct size.
Brand selection should follow size confirmation, not replace it. Once the car’s wheel diameter and fitment are settled, comparing the series, sidewall treatment, and any stated load or rim-width figures will usually be more useful than choosing by brand name alone, especially on a model where multiple primary sizes exist across the lineup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2011 Ford Taurus?
A period-style 2011 Ford Taurus tire choice starts with keeping the correct factory-era size and wheel diameter for the exact sub-model. On a standard sedan that may mean 235/60R17, 235/55R18, or 255/45R19, while certain SHO applications use 245/45R20.
Appearance then becomes the deciding factor within the right size. Blackwall generally preserves a clean modern original-era look, while redline or raised white letter treatment in 245/45R20 can create a stronger visual statement. For owners pursuing strict originality, trim-specific brochures, window stickers, and marque references remain the best way to confirm how an individual car was equipped.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2011 Ford Taurus?
All primary 2011 Ford Taurus fitments here are radial, so the visual difference comes less from construction type and more from size, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment. A 17-inch setup presents more sidewall, while a 20-inch SHO fitment gives the car a lower-profile, more performance-oriented stance.
That means appearance decisions are mostly about preserving the right proportions for the trim level and choosing a sidewall style that suits the car. On available 245/45R20 products, blackwall keeps the look restrained, while redline or raised white letter styling changes the personality noticeably without altering the need for correct wheel and tire fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2011 Ford Taurus?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2011 Ford Taurus. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, brake upgrades, or previous owner wheel swaps can all change which tire size is appropriate, even when the car still carries one of the original sub-model badges.
A careful check should include actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fender, strut, and steering range before choosing a tire. That matters especially on SEL and SHO models, where more than one primary size may apply and visual similarity between sizes can hide a mismatch until mounting time.
What should I inspect before driving a 2011 Ford Taurus on new tires?
Before driving a 2011 Ford Taurus on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm the tire size matches the car’s setup, and check for rubbing at full steering lock if anything about the wheel package has changed. A quick look at alignment wear patterns on the old tires is also worthwhile.
After installation, maintain proper inflation, recheck lug torque if appropriate, and watch for vibration, pull, or unusual contact in the first miles. Even on a modern sedan, older suspension wear, bent wheels, or prior modifications can affect how a new set behaves, so early inspection helps catch issues before they become tire-wear problems.
How often should tires on a 2011 Ford Taurus be inspected?
Tires on a 2011 Ford Taurus should be inspected regularly rather than only at replacement time. Check them for uneven tread wear, cuts, bulges, cracking, air loss, and impact damage, especially because this model may run 17-inch through 20-inch wheel packages and some lower-profile sizes can show road damage differently.
Monthly pressure checks are a sensible baseline, with a closer inspection before longer trips or seasonal driving changes. Cars that are driven less often still deserve routine checks, since age, storage conditions, and long periods of sitting can affect tire condition even when the tread still looks usable from a quick glance.
