The 2012 Ford Taurus sits in the era when the full-size American sedan blended everyday comfort with a more substantial, modern chassis and a wider range of trim personalities. In one model year, that could mean a straightforward family sedan, a more upscale cruiser, or the performance-minded SHO. Tire fitment reflects that spread, with four primary radial sizes used across the 2012 Ford Taurus: 235/60R17, 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20. That makes the first step identifying the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then narrowing the choice by sidewall style and tire series where applicable. For a stock-height car, proper selection starts with matching the original size strategy before comparing individual tire options.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2012 Ford Taurus
The 2012 Ford Taurus uses four primary tire sizes, and they do not apply uniformly across the lineup. Sizes vary by sub-model and by wheel diameter, so the most important step is confirming the exact trim and whether the car is on 17-inch, 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch wheels before selecting a tire. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to choosing the right radial tire within the correct size and overall style.
255/45R19 is a metric radial size in which 255 is the section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 19 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2012 Ford Taurus, this size serves trims that use a lower-profile 19-inch setup rather than the smaller 17-inch or 18-inch fitments. It is best approached as a trim-specific modern fitment, not a universal Taurus size. The practical reason to focus on this size is preserving the intended wheel-and-tire relationship on cars equipped with 19-inch wheels from the start.
235/55R18 is a metric radial size that combines a 235-millimeter section width with a 55-series profile on an 18-inch wheel. For the 2012 Ford Taurus, it represents one of the mid-range fitments used on certain trims, bridging the gap between the 17-inch and 19-inch combinations. Its sizing format is familiar to modern buyers, but the key is still matching it to the right trim and wheel package. Choosing this size makes sense when the car is already set up for 18-inch wheels and stock-style proportions are the goal.
235/60R17 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, and fitment on a 17-inch wheel. On the 2012 Ford Taurus, it is one of the taller-profile factory-style combinations and applies only to certain configurations rather than the full model range. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, since a 17-inch tire cannot be used on 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch rims. This size is the right place to start when the car retains its 17-inch setup and the goal is to stay close to its intended ride-height relationship.
245/45R20 is a metric radial size that uses a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. Within the 2012 Ford Taurus range, this size is specific to the trim applications that use the largest wheel package. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options, with blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewall treatments depending on the tire series. It is the size to evaluate when the car is already equipped with 20-inch wheels and you want to compare both performance-oriented and appearance-driven product choices.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2012 Ford Taurus because tire size changes across the lineup rather than staying uniform. Before comparing tires, confirm whether the car is a Limited, SE, SEL, or SHO, then match that trim to the wheel diameter already on the vehicle.
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2012 Ford Taurus Limited
The 2012 Ford Taurus Limited uses the 255/45R19 radial tire size. That keeps tire selection focused on the correct 19-inch fitment first, followed by overall tire character and compatibility with the car's existing wheel setup.
The 2012 Ford Taurus SE can use either 235/55R18 or 235/60R17, both in radial construction. That makes wheel diameter the deciding factor, so the car should be checked for its current 17-inch or 18-inch wheels before choosing a replacement tire.
The 2012 Ford Taurus SEL uses either 235/55R18 or 255/45R19 in radial construction. Tire selection therefore depends on whether the car carries the 18-inch or 19-inch wheel package, not simply the SEL badge alone.
The 2012 Ford Taurus SHO uses either 245/45R20 or 255/45R19, both as radial fitments. That means the right choice starts with confirming whether the car is on 20-inch or 19-inch wheels, then comparing the available tire series and sidewall styles within that exact size.
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 2012 Ford Taurus Tires for Sale
Available 245/45R20 choices for the 2012 Ford Taurus include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac radial tires. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series, blackwall versus redline or raised white letter sidewalls, and rim-width details where they are stated.
Owners shopping tires for a 2012 Ford Taurus usually need to sort out trim-level size differences, wheel diameter, and the available 245/45R20 product choices. These FAQs focus on fitment, tire selection, maintenance, and what to verify before putting the car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2012 Ford Taurus?
The 2012 Ford Taurus uses four primary radial tire sizes: 235/60R17, 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model and wheel package, so there is not one universal tire size that applies to every Taurus in this model year.
The next step is to confirm both the trim and the actual wheel diameter on the car. An SE may use 17-inch or 18-inch tires, an SEL may use 18-inch or 19-inch tires, and an SHO may use 19-inch or 20-inch tires, so checking the current wheel setup prevents ordering the right size for the wrong configuration.
What size rim does a 2012 Ford Taurus use?
A 2012 Ford Taurus may use 17-inch, 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch rims depending on the sub-model and tire size. The matching tire sizes are 235/60R17 for 17-inch rims, 235/55R18 for 18-inch rims, 255/45R19 for 19-inch rims, and 245/45R20 for 20-inch rims.
Rim diameter is the first thing to verify because tire diameter at the bead must match the wheel exactly. Looking only at the model name is not enough on this Taurus, especially if the car has had wheel changes over time, so checking the existing wheel size before comparing tires is the safest approach.
Why does the 2012 Ford Taurus have more than one tire size?
The 2012 Ford Taurus has more than one tire size because different sub-models were equipped with different wheel-and-tire packages. Limited uses 255/45R19, SE uses 235/60R17 or 235/55R18, SEL uses 235/55R18 or 255/45R19, and SHO uses 255/45R19 or 245/45R20.
That variation means tire selection should follow the exact configuration of the individual car rather than the model year alone. A Taurus wearing different wheels than it left the factory with may need a different size than another car carrying the same trim badge, so visual wheel confirmation is just as important as trim identification.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R20 tire for a 2012 Ford Taurus?
A 245/45R20 tire for a 2012 Ford Taurus should first match the car's 20-inch wheel setup, which is used on certain SHO applications. After size, the main comparison points are radial tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility where it is stated on the individual product.
Available 245/45R20 choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac products, with blackwall, redline, and raised white letter presentations. That gives the buyer a mix of performance-oriented and appearance-focused options, but the final choice still needs to line up with the actual wheel dimensions and the way the car is driven.
What sidewall styles are available for 2012 Ford Taurus tires?
In the available 245/45R20 fitment for the 2012 Ford Taurus, sidewall styles include blackwall, redline, and RWL, which means raised white letter. Those choices change the visual character of the tire even when the overall size remains the same.
Blackwall keeps the look understated and modern, while redline and raised white letters add a more expressive appearance. Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct tire size is confirmed, since appearance options only matter once the wheel diameter and trim-specific fitment are already matched to the car.
What brands offer tires for the 2012 Ford Taurus?
For the available 245/45R20 fitment on the 2012 Ford Taurus, tire choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those brands appear across several radial tire series, giving the buyer more than one approach within the same basic size.
Brand comparison is most useful when it is paired with the rest of the specification. Looking at sidewall treatment, stated rim-width range, tire series, and load information where shown will tell a buyer more than the brand name alone, especially on a Taurus that may be used as either a daily driver or a more selective enthusiast car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2012 Ford Taurus?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2012 Ford Taurus even when the tire size itself is correct for a stock application. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offsets, lowering, suspension changes, or body modifications can all change the clearance relationship around the tire.
A Taurus that has been changed from its original setup should be checked carefully for steering clearance, fender clearance, and wheel compatibility before replacement tires are selected. The issue is especially important on trims that can use more than one wheel diameter, because a correct size for one factory package may not suit a modified setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 2012 Ford Taurus on new tires?
Before driving a 2012 Ford Taurus on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the tire size matches the car's wheel diameter, and check that the tires are inflated properly. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires start life on a sound chassis.
A short road test should follow to make sure there is no rubbing, vibration, or pulling. Any collector-used or low-mileage Taurus also deserves a close look at valve stems, alignment condition, and the general health of older wheels, since fresh tires cannot correct problems caused by worn components or an altered wheel setup.
How often should tires on a 2012 Ford Taurus be inspected?
Tires on a 2012 Ford Taurus should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks worn. Pressure, tread condition, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and sidewall cracking all deserve routine attention, especially on a car that may sit for stretches and then return to road use.
A quick visual check before longer drives is a good habit, and a more careful inspection should follow any impact, pothole strike, or noticeable change in ride quality. Keeping an eye on condition matters just as much as choosing the right size, because even the correct Taurus fitment can become unsafe if age, damage, or chronic air loss is ignored.
