The 2016 Buick Regal sits at an interesting point in Buick’s modern lineup, blending midsize comfort with a more European-flavored shape and driving character than many buyers expect from the badge. For owners, that means tire choice is tied closely to trim level and wheel package, not just the Regal name alone. This Regal uses radial tires in four primary sizes: 235/50R17, 235/50R18, 245/40R19, and 255/35R20. Available choices range from straightforward blackwall performance radials to redline and raised white letter options in select sizes. The right match starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then deciding how much weight to give appearance, handling feel, and everyday road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Buick Regal
The 2016 Buick Regal uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel package. Sizes also span four different rim diameters, from 17 to 20 inches, so wheel diameter should be confirmed before anything else. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to the tire’s profile, brand, sidewall treatment, and the type of road use you expect from the car.
Fit(s): Base, Premium Turbo, Premium eAssist, and Sport Touring
Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
235/50R18 is a metric radial size in which 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2016 Buick Regal, this size is a mainstream fitment that balances wheel presence with a moderate sidewall profile. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac offerings, with blackwall, redline, and raised white letter styles across series such as g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, and Street Pro III. It is the size to evaluate carefully when appearance options matter as much as everyday drivability.
245/40R19 is a metric radial size that uses a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and a 19-inch rim diameter. On the 2016 Buick Regal, this lower-profile size is tied to a more performance-oriented setup than the taller 17- and 18-inch combinations. BFGoodrich offers this size in several g-Force series, all in blackwall form, giving buyers a choice between different product lines without changing the visual sidewall treatment. It is worth choosing carefully if the car’s wheel package and handling character are central to how the Regal is used.
255/35R20 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter nominal section width, a short 35-series profile, and a 20-inch rim diameter. On the 2016 Buick Regal, it represents the most aggressive factory-style wheel-and-tire presentation among the primary fitments covered here. Choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac products, with blackwall options as well as redline and raised white letter versions in the Street Pro III series. This size deserves extra attention because the shorter sidewall and wider section make wheel width, ride expectations, and overall appearance more significant parts of the decision.
235/50R17 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter nominal section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. For the 2016 Buick Regal, it keeps the same basic width and profile family as 235/50R18 but on a smaller wheel, which makes wheel verification especially important. The available product choice here is a blackwall BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, giving the size a straightforward, modern radial presentation. It is the fitment to confirm closely on Premium eAssist cars, especially if the vehicle has changed hands or its wheels have been swapped.
Tire fitment for the 2016 Buick Regal is not uniform across the lineup. Some sub-models share the same 18-inch setup, while others use distinct 17-, 19-, or 20-inch sizes, so identifying the exact Regal trim and wheel package is the first step before comparing tire choices.
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2016 Buick Regal Base
The 2016 Buick Regal Base uses the 235/50R18 radial size. That keeps tire selection focused on product line and sidewall appearance, with blackwall, redline, and raised white letter options available within the same general fitment.
The 2016 Buick Regal GS uses 245/40R19 and 255/35R20 radial tire sizes, making wheel diameter confirmation especially important before replacement. Once the current wheel setup is verified, the choice comes down to profile, tire series, and whether the car is staying with a blackwall look or moving toward a more distinctive sidewall treatment in 20-inch form.
The 2016 Buick Regal Premium Turbo uses the 235/50R18 radial size. That gives the car access to one of the broadest product selections in the Regal range, including multiple brands, several tire series, and sidewall styles that can lean either subtle or more visually assertive.
The 2016 Buick Regal Premium eAssist can use either 235/50R17 or 235/50R18 radial tires, so the actual wheel diameter on the car needs to be checked before ordering replacements. That distinction matters more than anything else, because it determines not just the tire size but also the available product range and appearance choices.
The 2016 Buick Regal Sport Touring uses the 235/50R18 radial size. Buyers with this trim can concentrate on comparing tire series, brand preference, and sidewall presentation rather than sorting through multiple primary fitments.
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 2016 Buick Regal Tires for Sale
Available 2016 Buick Regal tire choices center on radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall performance-oriented series such as g-Force and NT555 G2 alongside Street Pro III options in redline or raised white letter form.
Questions about 2016 Buick Regal tires usually come down to exact size by sub-model, wheel diameter, sidewall style, and how to choose among the available radial performance options. The FAQs below focus on fitment, product selection, and practical road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Buick Regal?
The 2016 Buick Regal uses four primary tire sizes: 235/50R17, 235/50R18, 245/40R19, and 255/35R20. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model and wheel package, with Base, Premium Turbo, and Sport Touring using 235/50R18, GS using 245/40R19 or 255/35R20, and Premium eAssist using either 235/50R17 or 235/50R18.
The most important next step is confirming what is actually on the car today. A Regal that has had wheel changes, dealer-installed accessories, or a previous owner’s modifications may no longer match the original trim-based setup, so the wheel diameter and the current tire size should both be checked before replacement.
What size rim does a 2016 Buick Regal use?
The 2016 Buick Regal uses 17-inch, 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch rim diameters, depending on sub-model and tire size. The 235/50R17 tire fits a 17-inch rim, 235/50R18 fits an 18-inch rim, 245/40R19 fits a 19-inch rim, and 255/35R20 fits a 20-inch rim.
That spread in rim diameters means a buyer should not choose a replacement tire by Regal model name alone. Checking the wheel itself is especially important on GS and Premium eAssist cars, since those trims can appear in more than one wheel-and-tire configuration and a one-inch difference in rim diameter changes the fitment completely.
Do all 2016 Buick Regal sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 2016 Buick Regal sub-models do not all use the same tire size. Several trims share 235/50R18, but the GS uses 245/40R19 or 255/35R20, and the Premium eAssist can use either 235/50R17 or 235/50R18. Tire selection for this Regal depends on the exact trim and the wheel diameter on the car.
That matters because the differences are not just minor specification changes. Moving from a 17- or 18-inch setup to a 19- or 20-inch setup changes the tire profile, product selection, and sidewall appearance options, so matching the tire to the actual sub-model and wheel package is the safest way to start the buying process.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 235/50R18 tire for a 2016 Buick Regal?
A 235/50R18 tire for a 2016 Buick Regal should first match the correct wheel diameter, then be compared by product line, sidewall style, and rim-width compatibility. In this size, choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac offerings, with blackwall, redline, and raised white letter presentations available.
The practical decision usually comes down to how the car is used and how you want it to look. A more understated daily-driven Regal may suit a blackwall tire, while a car with a stronger visual theme may benefit from redline or raised white letter styling, provided the wheel width and overall setup remain appropriate for the tire selected.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 Buick Regal tires?
Sidewall style depends on tire size, but the 2016 Buick Regal has blackwall choices across all covered sizes and redline or raised white letter options in select 18-inch and 20-inch applications. The more specialized appearance options appear in Pro-Trac Street Pro III fitments, while BFGoodrich and Nitto offerings in these Regal sizes are blackwall tires.
That means sidewall style should be chosen after the correct size is confirmed, not before. A buyer looking for a more custom or nostalgic look may need to stay within the sizes that actually offer redline or raised white letter versions, while a stock-looking modern presentation is easier to maintain with blackwall choices.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 Buick Regal?
Tires for the 2016 Buick Regal are available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac, depending on the size. BFGoodrich appears across all four primary sizes covered here, while Nitto and Pro-Trac are available in selected 18-inch and 20-inch fitments where buyers have a broader mix of product styles to compare.
Brand choice is best treated as one part of a larger fitment decision. After confirming the correct size and wheel diameter, compare each option’s tire series, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width suitability so the final choice matches both the car’s setup and the type of driving the Regal is expected to see.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2016 Buick Regal?
A period-style 2016 Buick Regal usually starts with the correct original-size radial for the exact trim, then narrows to a sidewall and tire series that suit the car’s presentation. Blackwall tires give the Regal a clean late-model appearance, while certain 18-inch and 20-inch fitments add redline or raised white letter options for a more customized visual statement.
The key is separating size accuracy from appearance preference. A visually distinctive sidewall can work well on a personalized or enthusiast-built Regal, but a more restrained blackwall often suits an unmodified car, so matching the tire’s look to the overall build theme is just as important as staying with the correct dimensions.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2016 Buick Regal?
On a 2016 Buick Regal, tire construction is less of a visual dividing line than sidewall treatment because the primary fitments covered here are radial across the board. The more noticeable appearance changes come from the tire’s profile, the wheel diameter, and whether the sidewall is blackwall, redline, or raised white letter.
That makes size and sidewall selection the main styling tools for a restoration-minded owner. A Regal kept close to its original late-model character will usually look most natural with the proper radial size and a subdued sidewall, while a more expressive build may lean toward the sidewall options available in select 18-inch and 20-inch fitments.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Buick Regal?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Buick Regal even when the tire size looks close to stock. Aftermarket wheels can change width or offset, and suspension changes can alter how much room the tire has during steering, compression, and full-load driving, especially on lower-profile 19-inch and 20-inch combinations.
A Regal with any wheel or suspension change should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the inner fender, outer fender, and strut area before replacement tires are chosen. That step matters most on GS applications, where the shorter sidewalls leave less visual and physical margin for error.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Buick Regal on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 Buick Regal on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tires match the correct size and rim diameter, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the application. It is also wise to check for rubbing at full steering lock and look over suspension and alignment condition if the previous tires showed uneven wear.
A careful first inspection helps the new tires wear properly and prevents a fitment issue from becoming a larger problem on the road. After the first miles, recheck pressure and look for any marks that suggest contact with liners or suspension components, particularly on cars using the lower-profile 19-inch or 20-inch sizes.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 2016 Buick Regal?
Before a longer drive in a 2016 Buick Regal, check tire pressure, tread condition, sidewall condition, and any signs of puncture damage or slow air loss. It also helps to inspect the wheels for bends or impact damage and confirm that the tire size on the car matches the wheel diameter actually installed.
Longer highway trips put more heat and sustained load into the tire than short local use, so small issues become easier to feel and harder to ignore. A Regal that has been sitting for stretches should also be checked for age-related cracking or flat-spotting, especially if it is driven infrequently or stored for part of the year.
