The 2013 Scion iQ was built around a distinctly urban mission, with a tiny footprint, clever packaging, and a design that appealed to drivers who wanted maneuverability without giving up a modern passenger-car feel. That packaging makes tire fitment more configuration-specific than its size might suggest. A 2013 Scion iQ uses radial tires, but the exact size depends on the sub-model, with 175/60R16 and 175/65R15 both in the mix. The real decision is confirming which wheel and tire package your car carries, then choosing a tire that matches your priorities for everyday driving, appearance, and proper fit on the existing wheels.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 Scion iQ
The 2013 Scion iQ uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. Both fitments are radial, but one uses a 16-inch rim and the other uses a 15-inch rim, so confirming the exact sub-model and the wheels currently on the car should come before comparing tire choices.
175/60R16 is a metric radial size in which 175 refers to the section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2013 Scion iQ, this size belongs with the 16-inch wheel fitment rather than the alternate 15-inch setup. Its proportions are part of the car's intended overall tire and wheel package, so the key question is matching the tire to the actual wheels on the vehicle. This size should be evaluated as the correct fitment for the sub-model that uses it, not as a universal choice for every iQ.
175/65R15 is also a metric radial size, with a 175-millimeter section width, a 65-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch wheel diameter. For the 2013 Scion iQ, this size serves a different wheel package than the 16-inch alternative, even though both share the same nominal width. That makes wheel diameter the practical dividing line when choosing between the two fitments. Use this size only after confirming the sub-model and verifying that the car is still on the 15-inch wheel arrangement associated with this tire size.
Tire fitment on the 2013 Scion iQ changes by sub-model rather than staying uniform across the range. Checking the exact version matters here because the two fitments use different rim diameters, which makes wheel confirmation just as important as reading the tire size itself.
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2013 Scion iQ Base
The 2013 Scion iQ Base uses the 175/60R16 radial fitment tied to a 16-inch wheel setup. That means tire selection starts with preserving the correct wheel diameter and then choosing a replacement that suits the car's intended road use and overall package.
The 2013 Scion iQ EV uses the 175/65R15 radial fitment on a 15-inch wheel. That difference makes sub-model confirmation essential, especially if the vehicle has changed hands or the wheels have been swapped at some point in its service life.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main questions for the 2013 Scion iQ center on identifying the correct tire size by sub-model, confirming 15-inch versus 16-inch wheel fitment, and checking the car carefully before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 Scion iQ?
A 2013 Scion iQ uses one of two radial tire sizes: 175/60R16 or 175/65R15. The correct size depends on the sub-model. The Base uses 175/60R16, while the iQ EV uses 175/65R15.
The important step is matching the tire to the actual wheel package on the car, not just the model name on the badge. Since these fitments use different rim diameters, a quick check of the sidewall markings and the installed wheels can prevent ordering the wrong size, especially on a used vehicle or one that may have had wheel changes.
What size rim does a 2013 Scion iQ use?
A 2013 Scion iQ uses either a 16-inch rim or a 15-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The Base pairs with the 175/60R16 fitment on a 16-inch wheel, while the iQ EV uses 175/65R15 on a 15-inch wheel.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before choosing tires because a 15-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. It also helps to verify that the car still has its intended wheel setup, since aftermarket wheels or replacements from another trim can create confusion if only the vehicle year and model are used.
Why does the 2013 Scion iQ have more than one tire size?
The 2013 Scion iQ has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. The Base uses 175/60R16, while the iQ EV uses 175/65R15. Both are radial sizes, but they are built around different wheel diameters and slightly different overall tire dimensions.
That means the first decision is not choosing between two interchangeable sizes. It is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming the wheels currently on the car. Once that is settled, tire selection becomes much simpler, because the focus shifts from fitment uncertainty to choosing an appropriate replacement within the correct size and wheel package.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 175/60R16 tire for a 2013 Scion iQ?
Start by confirming that your 2013 Scion iQ is the Base model and still uses the 16-inch wheel package tied to 175/60R16. Since this is a metric radial fitment, the main concern is keeping the correct size and construction rather than trying to substitute a different primary size.
After that, compare the tire's intended use with how the car is driven. A low-mileage city car, a daily commuter, and a lightly used second vehicle can each have different priorities. It also makes sense to inspect the existing wheels for damage and verify that any previous owner did not change the wheel package, which could alter what the car actually needs now.
What should I consider when choosing a 175/65R15 tire for a 2013 Scion iQ?
For a 2013 Scion iQ using 175/65R15, the first step is confirming that the car is the iQ EV configuration or otherwise remains on the 15-inch wheel setup associated with that size. The tire should stay within that basic radial fitment unless the vehicle has been intentionally reconfigured.
Once the size is confirmed, think about the car's actual use, storage habits, and wheel condition. A vehicle that sits for long periods may need closer attention to tire age and flat-spotting, while a regularly driven example benefits from frequent pressure checks and tread monitoring. Matching the installed wheel diameter remains the most important filter before comparing any tire options.
How do I choose between the available tires for a 2013 Scion iQ?
The real choice on a 2013 Scion iQ is not between unrelated sizes, but between tires that match the correct sub-model fitment. Start with the proper size, either 175/60R16 or 175/65R15, and make sure the tire matches the wheel diameter already on the car.
From there, compare options based on how the car is used and maintained. A frequently driven iQ may call for different priorities than one kept mainly for occasional short trips. Tire age, service history, and the condition of the wheels also matter, especially on a compact car where small changes in fitment or inflation can have a noticeable effect on ride and everyday drivability.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2013 Scion iQ restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2013 Scion iQ restoration or preservation project, even though it is a modern compact rather than an early collector car. The right starting point is using the proper radial size for the exact sub-model: 175/60R16 for the Base or 175/65R15 for the iQ EV.
Keeping the proper size helps preserve the intended stance and wheel-to-tire relationship of the car. It also avoids visual and functional mismatches that can come from mixing the 15-inch and 16-inch packages. If originality is especially important, confirm that the wheels themselves match the sub-model before replacing tires, since an earlier wheel swap can mislead the selection process.
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2013 Scion iQ?
A period-style approach for a 2013 Scion iQ begins with the correct original fitment format, which in this case means a modern metric radial in the proper sub-model size. That means 175/60R16 for the Base or 175/65R15 for the iQ EV, matched to the corresponding wheel diameter.
Because the iQ comes from a later era than classic bias-ply vehicles, appearance is shaped more by keeping the proper proportions than by choosing vintage-style construction. The best way to preserve that look is to avoid casual substitutions and make sure the car still carries the wheel package intended for its sub-model. A mismatched wheel and tire combination changes the look very quickly on a car this small.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 Scion iQ?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2013 Scion iQ. Wheel changes, suspension lowering, spacer use, or body alterations can all change the clearances that the original 175/60R16 or 175/65R15 fitments were built around.
That matters because this car already uses compact tire dimensions, so even small setup changes can influence steering clearance, ride height, or how the tire sits in the wheel opening. A modified iQ should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at full steering lock before choosing replacements based only on stock year-make-model assumptions.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 Scion iQ on new tires?
Before driving a 2013 Scion iQ on new tires, inspect the wheels for bends or damage, confirm that the installed rim diameter matches the selected tire size, and verify proper inflation. It also helps to look over the valve stems and make sure the tires were mounted and balanced correctly.
A short test drive should be used to check for vibration, rubbing, pulling, or any sign that the car is not tracking normally. Since the iQ uses two distinct wheel-and-tire packages, this is also a good time to confirm that the vehicle was not fitted with the wrong size during a previous service. Catching a mismatch early is easier than diagnosing uneven wear later.
How often should tires on a 2013 Scion iQ be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 Scion iQ should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for extended periods. Pressure, tread wear, cuts, bulges, and sidewall cracking are all worth checking, even when the car has covered very few miles.
Compact cars can be sensitive to tire condition, so routine inspections help maintain predictable road manners and even wear. It is also smart to inspect after pothole impacts or curb contact, since wheel or sidewall damage may not be obvious at a glance. Keeping an eye on both condition and correct size is particularly important when the car could be running either a 15-inch or 16-inch package.
