The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu marked a major step in the model’s modern midsize-sedan evolution, with a lighter, more contemporary platform and a trim lineup that ranged from practical daily transportation to more upscale configurations. Tire fitment on this Malibu depends heavily on trim, with four primary radial sizes used across the lineup: 205/65R16, 225/55R17, 245/45R18, and 245/40R19. That makes the real decision less about vintage-style construction and more about confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter first. Once that is settled, the choice turns to the right balance of tread style, sidewall appearance, and road-use priorities for the way the car is equipped and driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu uses four primary tire sizes, and they are tied to specific sub-models and wheel diameters. Every fitment here is a radial, but the first step is still identifying the exact trim and confirming whether the car is on 16-, 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels, especially if it has been changed from its original setup.
225/55R17 is a modern metric radial size in which 225 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, this size suits trims equipped with 17-inch wheels and keeps the fitment within the car’s modern radial tire profile. Available choices include Blackwall, Wide Whitewall, and Redline sidewall treatments, along with BFGoodrich g-Force and Silvertown Radial series. This size is worth close attention if appearance matters as much as everyday road use, since it offers both contemporary and more distinctive visual options.
205/65R16 is a modern metric radial size where 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 16 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, this size is associated with trims using the smaller 16-inch wheel package and reflects the car’s more standard radial fitment approach. Its dimensions point to a narrower section width than the larger Malibu tire options. This is the size to verify carefully when replacing tires on L or LS trims, or on any Malibu that may have had wheel changes over time.
245/45R18 follows the same metric radial format, with 245 showing nominal section width in millimeters, 45 marking the aspect ratio, R for radial construction, and 18 for the rim diameter. On the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, this size belongs to trims using 18-inch wheels and represents one of the wider factory-style fitments in the lineup. Available product choices include BFGoodrich and Nitto Blackwall tires across g-Force and NT555 G2 series. This size becomes especially important to confirm on LT and Premier models, since those trims can overlap with other wheel and tire packages.
245/40R19 is a modern metric radial with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 19-inch rim diameter. For the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, this size is used on 19-inch wheel applications and carries the lowest-profile look among the primary fitments. Available choices are centered on Blackwall performance-oriented radial offerings in BFGoodrich g-Force series and the g-Force Phenom T/A line. This size deserves careful wheel confirmation before purchase, because the 19-inch diameter and lower-profile sidewall leave less room for assumptions if the car has been altered from stock.
Tire fitment on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu varies by sub-model, and some trims were offered with more than one wheel-and-tire package. Checking the exact trim matters here because Malibu fitment spans four different tire sizes and four rim diameters.
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2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid uses the 225/55R17 radial size on a 17-inch wheel. That makes selection relatively straightforward, with the main decision shifting to tread style, sidewall appearance, and whether the car is being kept visually stock or given a more personalized presentation.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu L uses the 205/65R16 radial size on a 16-inch wheel. Tire selection starts with staying in that size and then confirming that the car still carries its original wheel diameter rather than a later upgrade to a larger Malibu wheel package.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu LS also uses the 205/65R16 radial fitment on a 16-inch wheel. Because this trim shares its size with the L, the practical focus is on confirming wheel size and choosing a tire that matches the car’s intended everyday use and ride expectations.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT can use either 225/55R17 or 245/45R18, depending on how the car is equipped. That makes wheel diameter the key first check before comparing tires, since the right replacement depends on whether the car is on 17-inch or 18-inch rims.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier can use either 245/40R19 or 245/45R18, making it one of the trims where assumptions can cause mistakes. Tire selection begins with confirming whether the car has 18-inch or 19-inch wheels, then comparing the available Blackwall radial options 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 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Tires for Sale
Available 2016 Chevrolet Malibu tire choices center on radial fitments from BFGoodrich and Nitto, with differences by size in tire series, rim-width compatibility, and sidewall style. The 17-inch 225/55R17 size offers the widest appearance range, including Blackwall, Wide Whitewall, and Redline options.
Tire questions for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu usually come down to trim-based size differences, wheel diameter, product selection, and what to inspect before putting the car back into regular road use. The answers below focus on those exact fitment decisions.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu uses four primary radial tire sizes: 205/65R16, 225/55R17, 245/45R18, and 245/40R19. The correct size depends on the sub-model and wheel package, with L and LS using 205/65R16, Hybrid using 225/55R17, LT using either 225/55R17 or 245/45R18, and Premier using either 245/45R18 or 245/40R19.
The practical takeaway is that trim name alone is not always enough, especially on LT and Premier models. Checking the tire sidewall already on the car and confirming actual wheel diameter helps prevent ordering the right section width and profile for the wrong rim.
What size rim does a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu use?
A 2016 Chevrolet Malibu can use 16-inch, 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch rims, depending on the trim and tire package. The 205/65R16 size uses a 16-inch rim, 225/55R17 uses a 17-inch rim, 245/45R18 uses an 18-inch rim, and 245/40R19 uses a 19-inch rim.
That rim difference is the first fitment check to make before comparing tires. A Malibu that has had wheel upgrades, take-off wheels, or aftermarket replacements may no longer match its original trim-based specification, so the wheel on the car matters more than assumptions tied to the badge.
Why does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have more than one tire size?
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has more than one tire size because the model was offered in several trims and wheel packages. Some versions use narrower 16-inch or 17-inch fitments, while others step up to wider 18-inch or 19-inch tires with lower-profile sidewalls.
That variation means a buyer should identify both the exact sub-model and the actual wheel diameter before choosing tires. On LT and Premier cars in particular, the same trim can appear with different tire sizes, so a visual check of the current setup is an important part of accurate replacement.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu tire?
Start with the correct size for the car’s trim and wheel diameter, since the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu uses four different radial fitments. After size is confirmed, compare construction details that matter within that size, such as tire series, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and whether the tire is aimed more at everyday driving or a sportier presentation.
Appearance can also matter more than expected, especially in 225/55R17 where Blackwall, Wide Whitewall, and Redline options exist. Matching the tire to how the Malibu is actually used helps narrow the field, whether the goal is a standard road-going look or something more distinctive.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 Chevrolet Malibu tires?
Sidewall choice depends on the tire size. In 225/55R17, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has Blackwall, Wide Whitewall, and Redline options, while the larger 245/45R18 and 245/40R19 sizes are represented here by Blackwall tires.
That makes the 17-inch fitment the strongest choice for buyers who want to shape the car’s appearance as much as its road manners. Sidewall style does not change the need to verify the proper size and wheel diameter, but it can significantly change the Malibu’s visual character once those basics are settled.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
BFGoodrich appears across the 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch Malibu fitments, and Nitto is also available in 245/45R18. The available series include BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, Silvertown Radial, and the Nitto NT555 G2.
Brand choice works best as a second-step decision after confirming the correct tire size. Once the proper size is set, comparing series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width suitability gives a clearer picture than choosing by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
A period-style approach on a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu still begins with the correct trim-based radial size, since this is a modern car with modern radial fitments. Among the available options, 225/55R17 stands out because it includes BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial offerings with Wide Whitewall and Redline sidewall treatments alongside more contemporary Blackwall choices.
That makes the 17-inch setup especially useful for buyers who want a more distinctive or retro-inspired look without leaving the proper size category. The best appearance choice depends on the wheels on the car and the visual direction of the build, not just the trim badge.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
Construction is less of an appearance question on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu than it is on older collector cars, because the primary fitments here are all radial. The visual difference comes more from sidewall treatment and profile, especially where 225/55R17 can be had in Blackwall, Wide Whitewall, or Redline form.
Wheel diameter also plays a strong role in how the car presents itself. A 16-inch or 17-inch setup carries a different visual balance than an 18-inch or 19-inch package, so appearance planning should include both the tire sidewall and the actual wheel fitted to the Malibu.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu even when the tire size itself is correct for a factory trim. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension lowering, or body modifications can all change clearance at the fender, strut, or steering components.
That is especially important on LT and Premier cars, where more than one factory-style wheel diameter may already be in play. Checking the actual wheel and measuring available clearance helps prevent problems that a trim-based size lookup alone may not catch.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the rim diameter, and look over suspension and steering components for wear that could affect alignment or clearance. Tire pressure should also be set correctly before regular road use.
A quick visual check is worth making after installation as well. Watch for uneven spacing near the inner wheelhouse, strut area, and fender edge, and make sure there is no rubbing during full-lock steering or over bumps, particularly on the wider 18-inch and 19-inch fitments.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
Before a longer drive, check tire pressure, tread condition, and the sidewalls for cuts, bulges, or cracking. It also helps to confirm that all four tires match the intended size for the car’s wheel setup, since the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu can use several different rim diameters across its trim range.
Longer trips put more emphasis on stability and heat buildup, so any slow air loss or irregular wear pattern deserves attention first. Cars that have sat for extended periods, or that wear older tires with low mileage, should be inspected especially carefully before extended highway use.
