The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT brought a more practical hatchback shape to the Elantra line while keeping the compact, efficient character that made this generation appealing as a daily driver. For owners today, tire choice plays a major role in preserving that balance of ride quality, steering response, and appearance. This model uses radial tire fitments in either 205/55R16 or 215/45R17, so the first step is confirming which wheel package is on the car. From there, the decision centers on blackwall performance-oriented choices or, in 205/55R16, a wide whitewall option with a more distinctive visual style. Wheel diameter, intended use, and the car's current setup should guide the final selection.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference starts with wheel diameter: 205/55R16 fits a 16-inch rim, while 215/45R17 fits a 17-inch rim. Since the Base sub-model appears with both sizes, the key step is confirming the actual wheel package on the car before comparing tire series, sidewall style, or other product details.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size in which 205 identifies section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT, this size supports a modern radial fitment with a slightly taller sidewall than the 17-inch option. Available choices include BFGoodrich performance-focused series, a Michelin blackwall tire, and an American Classic Radial with a 1.50-inch wide whitewall. This size is worth considering if the car has 16-inch wheels and the goal is to balance everyday drivability with either a standard blackwall or a more distinctive appearance.
215/45R17 is a metric radial size where 215 represents section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 17 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT, this size corresponds to the 17-inch wheel setup and keeps the fitment squarely in modern radial territory. Product choices center on BFGoodrich blackwall tires across g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A series. This size should be evaluated when the car already wears 17-inch wheels and the priority is selecting among available performance-oriented radial options.
Tire fitment for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is straightforward in one sense because the covered sub-model is the Base, but the Base can use either of two tire sizes. Checking the actual wheel diameter on the car matters more than trim name alone when selecting a replacement tire.
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2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Base
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Base uses radial tires in either 205/55R16 or 215/45R17, depending on the wheel setup. That makes wheel confirmation the first step, followed by comparing available blackwall product lines or, in 205/55R16, considering a wide whitewall option for a different visual 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 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Tires for Sale
Available 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT tire choices center on 205/55R16 and 215/45R17 radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. The main comparison points are wheel-size compatibility, g-Force and other series differences, and sidewall treatment, with blackwall options in both sizes and a wide whitewall offered in 205/55R16.
Tire questions for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT usually come down to identifying the correct wheel size first, then comparing radial choices by series, sidewall style, and intended use. The answers below focus on fitment, selection, appearance, and everyday road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT?
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT uses two tire sizes: 205/55R16 and 215/45R17. Both are radial fitments, and both apply to the Elantra GT Base depending on which wheel package is on the car.
The practical difference is not trim level so much as wheel diameter. A 16-inch wheel uses 205/55R16, while a 17-inch wheel uses 215/45R17. Before choosing a tire, check the size already mounted on the vehicle and confirm the wheel itself, especially if the car has had replacement wheels or a previous owner changed the setup.
What size rim does a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT use?
A 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch rim, depending on the tire size fitted to the car. The 205/55R16 tire fits a 16-inch rim, and the 215/45R17 tire fits a 17-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the first fitment detail to verify because a 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 17-inch wheel, and a 17-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16-inch wheel. Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, compare tire options within that size and make sure the wheel width falls within the range appropriate for the tire you are considering.
Why does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT have more than one tire size?
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT appears with two factory-type radial sizes because it could be equipped with different wheel diameters. One setup uses 205/55R16 on a 16-inch rim, while the other uses 215/45R17 on a 17-inch rim.
That means replacement selection starts with the car's actual wheel package rather than assuming every Elantra GT uses the same size. Looking at the existing sidewall marking is the fastest check, but it is also wise to confirm the wheel itself if the car has been modified, had wheels swapped, or is new to you.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT?
Start with the correct primary size for the wheel on the car: 205/55R16 for a 16-inch rim or 215/45R17 for a 17-inch rim. From there, compare radial tire series, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and whether the car is used mainly for routine street driving or a more performance-oriented feel.
The 205/55R16 fitment offers the broadest visual variety, including blackwall and wide whitewall choices, while 215/45R17 centers on blackwall BFGoodrich options. It also helps to compare load figures where stated and to make sure the tire suits the car's current wheel width so the finished setup is both appropriate and balanced.
What sidewall styles are available for 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT tires?
Sidewall choices for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT include blackwall in both 205/55R16 and 215/45R17, plus a wide whitewall option in 205/55R16. That means most selections follow a modern blackwall look, while one 16-inch option adds a more distinctive appearance.
The right sidewall style depends on how the car is presented. Blackwall suits a standard late-model compact look and matches the majority of available performance-oriented products, while the wide whitewall creates a custom visual statement. Since the whitewall option is tied to the 16-inch size, confirm wheel diameter before choosing mainly on appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT?
Tires for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT are available from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. BFGoodrich appears in both primary sizes, while Michelin and American Classic are offered in 205/55R16.
Brand is only one part of the decision. It still makes sense to compare the tire series within the correct size, the sidewall style you want, and the wheel-width range for your specific wheel. On this application, BFGoodrich covers most of the performance-style blackwall choices, while American Classic introduces the wide whitewall alternative in the 16-inch fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT?
A period-style approach for a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT usually starts with keeping the wheel diameter and tire size already appropriate to the car, either 205/55R16 or 215/45R17. Since this is a modern hatchback-era vehicle, the visual character remains rooted in radial construction rather than older bias-ply styling.
For a more standard late-model presentation, blackwall tires fit the character of the car best. The 205/55R16 size also opens the door to a wide whitewall if the goal is a custom look rather than a stock-like appearance. Owners chasing exact original-delivery details should still compare against model-specific reference material before focusing on appearance alone.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT?
On a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT, tire construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. That means the visual change comes less from switching construction type and more from choosing between blackwall and, in 205/55R16, a wide whitewall treatment.
Appearance is also shaped by sidewall height and wheel diameter. A 16-inch setup with 205/55R16 presents differently than a 17-inch setup with 215/45R17, even though both are proper radial formats for this model. Keeping the wheel-and-tire combination consistent with the car's intended look is usually more important here than pursuing an older-style construction theme.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT even when the tire size itself looks familiar. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, or altered wheel offset can all change how a 205/55R16 or 215/45R17 tire sits in the wheel opening.
That is why it helps to confirm more than the size printed on the sidewall. Check actual wheel diameter and width, then inspect steering clearance, inner-fender space, and suspension travel before settling on a replacement. A car that remains stock is simpler to match, while a modified Elantra GT deserves a closer look before new tires are installed.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT on new tires?
Before driving a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm lug hardware is correct, and set inflation to the vehicle's required pressure. It is also smart to look over alignment-related wear items so the new tires are not compromised immediately.
A short follow-up check after the first drive is worthwhile. Listen for rubbing, make sure steering feels normal, and recheck pressure once the tires have settled in. Older compact cars can also benefit from a quick inspection of shocks, struts, and bushings, because worn suspension parts can affect how the new 16-inch or 17-inch tire package behaves on the road.
How often should tires on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT should be inspected regularly rather than only when a problem appears. A routine visual check for uneven tread wear, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, and pressure loss helps catch issues early on either 205/55R16 or 215/45R17 fitments.
Monthly pressure checks are a good habit, and the tires deserve a closer look before longer highway use or seasonal driving changes. Even on a newer-era vehicle, age still matters, especially if the car is driven infrequently. Watching condition over time is just as important as watching tread depth, since rubber deterioration can appear before the tire is worn out.
