The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax arrived as a compact crossover built for city driving, easy maneuverability, and everyday practicality, while still carrying the taller stance many drivers want from a small utility vehicle. Its tire fitment reflects that split between value-minded trims and the more upscale wheel package used higher in the lineup. The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax uses radial tires in either 205/70R16 or 215/55R18, depending on sub-model. That makes the real decision less about vintage-style construction and more about confirming trim, wheel diameter, and the balance between ride profile and appearance before choosing replacement tires.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax
Two tire sizes apply to the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax, and the correct choice depends on sub-model and wheel diameter. LS and LT models use a 16-inch setup with 205/70R16 tires, while the LTZ uses a 215/55R18 tire on an 18-inch rim. Confirming the exact trim and wheel size should come first, because these are separate primary fitments rather than interchangeable alternatives.
205/70R16 is a metric radial size in which 205 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax, this size is used on the 16-inch-wheel setup found on certain sub-models. Its proportions suit buyers who are replacing the standard wheel-and-tire package rather than changing the vehicle's appearance. Choosing this size starts with confirming that the Trax still has its 16-inch wheels and matching the replacement tire to the intended trim-level fitment.
215/55R18 is a metric radial size where 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax, this size belongs to the 18-inch-wheel fitment used on a specific sub-model. Compared with the 16-inch setup, it represents a different wheel-and-tire package rather than a simple alternate tire choice. Buyers considering this size should first verify that the vehicle is equipped with 18-inch wheels and has not been changed from its original trim-level configuration.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax because tire size changes with trim. LS and LT share one radial size, while LTZ moves to a different tire on a larger rim, so identifying the exact sub-model avoids ordering for the wrong wheel package.
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2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax LS
The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax LS uses the 205/70R16 radial fitment. Tire selection for this sub-model starts with keeping the 16-inch wheel setup in mind and choosing a replacement that matches the vehicle's standard-size configuration.
The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax LT also uses the 205/70R16 radial size. That keeps fitment straightforward, but it is still worth confirming that the vehicle has retained its 16-inch wheels if any prior wheel or tire changes have been made.
The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax LTZ uses the 215/55R18 radial fitment rather than the 16-inch setup found on other sub-models. Tire selection here depends on maintaining the 18-inch wheel package and checking that the vehicle has not been converted to a different wheel diameter.
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
Tire questions for the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax usually come down to trim-specific size fitment, 16-inch versus 18-inch wheels, and making sure the current wheel setup matches the tire being replaced.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax?
The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax uses two primary tire sizes: 205/70R16 and 215/55R18. LS and LT sub-models use 205/70R16 radial tires, while the LTZ uses 215/55R18 radial tires. Both are true primary fitments, but they apply to different trim-level wheel packages.
The important next step is confirming which sub-model and wheel diameter the vehicle actually has today. A Trax that has had aftermarket wheels installed, or a trim that has been changed from its original wheel package, needs to be matched to its current 16-inch or 18-inch rim before selecting replacement tires.
What size rim does a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax use?
A 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax uses either a 16-inch rim or an 18-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The 205/70R16 fitment uses a 16-inch wheel, while the 215/55R18 fitment uses an 18-inch wheel. Rim diameter is part of the tire size itself, so it must match exactly.
Checking the wheel before ordering is especially important on used crossovers, where wheel swaps are common. A tire sized for a 16-inch rim cannot be mounted on an 18-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. Reading the size on the current tire and verifying the trim level together helps avoid a mismatch.
Do all 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax sub-models use the same tire size?
No, not all 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax sub-models use the same tire size. The LS and LT share the 205/70R16 radial size, while the LTZ uses 215/55R18. That means tire fitment is consistent within some trims, but not across the full Trax lineup for the model year.
This matters because the difference is tied to both tire size and wheel diameter. Identifying the sub-model is the quickest starting point, but it is still smart to verify the current wheel setup on the vehicle itself. That extra check is helpful whenever prior owners may have changed wheels or tires.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax?
Start with the correct trim-specific size: 205/70R16 for LS and LT models, or 215/55R18 for LTZ models. The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax uses radial construction in both sizes, so the main selection issue is not bias-ply versus radial, but matching the right tire to the correct wheel package.
After size confirmation, compare the intended use of the vehicle and the current wheel setup. A daily-driven Trax, a lightly used spare vehicle, and one with aftermarket wheels may each need a different level of fitment checking. Wheel diameter, overall tire condition on the vehicle, and clearance around suspension and fenders all deserve a quick review.
How do I choose between the available 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax tire sizes?
The two sizes are not optional alternatives for the same setup. A 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax with 16-inch wheels uses 205/70R16, while one with 18-inch wheels uses 215/55R18. Choosing between them is really a matter of identifying the wheel-and-trim configuration already on the vehicle.
That distinction keeps the process simple once the wheel diameter is confirmed. If the Trax still has its original trim-level wheels, the tire choice follows naturally from that setup. If the vehicle has been modified, rely on the actual wheel size and available clearance rather than assuming the original sub-model fitment still applies.
Why does the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax have more than one tire size?
The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax has more than one tire size because different sub-models use different wheel packages. LS and LT models use 205/70R16 tires on 16-inch rims, while the LTZ uses 215/55R18 tires on 18-inch rims. Both sizes belong to the same model year, but they serve different trim configurations.
For a buyer, that means trim identification is part of tire fitment. It also means the size difference is tied to wheel diameter, not just tread or profile preference. Looking at the current tire sidewall and confirming the wheel size on the vehicle is the safest way to select the right replacement size.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax, even though it is a newer vehicle than a traditional collector car. Using the proper 205/70R16 or 215/55R18 size for the correct sub-model helps preserve the intended wheel-and-tire proportions and keeps the vehicle visually consistent with its trim-level setup.
Appearance is only one part of the decision, though. A restoration-minded owner should also confirm whether the Trax still has its original wheel diameter before ordering tires. If exact originality matters, trim-level photos, window-sticker records, and marque-specific reference material can help verify the wheel-and-tire presentation being recreated.
How does tire size affect the appearance of a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax?
Tire size affects the stance and visual balance of a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax because the 16-inch and 18-inch fitments create different wheel-and-sidewall proportions. A 205/70R16 setup carries a taller sidewall on a smaller rim, while the 215/55R18 arrangement gives the LTZ a larger-wheel look with a shorter sidewall profile.
That makes size choice important whenever appearance is part of the goal, especially on a vehicle being refreshed to match its original trim character. The key is not choosing whichever size looks better in isolation, but selecting the size that belongs with the wheel package actually on the Trax and checking for any prior modifications.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel offset, suspension alterations, or body modifications can change the space available for either 205/70R16 or 215/55R18 tires. Even when the size on paper matches a factory fitment, the vehicle's current setup still matters.
A quick inspection before replacing tires can prevent clearance issues later. Check the actual wheel diameter, confirm there is no rubbing at full steering lock, and look at the distance between the tire and nearby suspension or fender surfaces. Those steps are especially worthwhile if the Trax has been customized by a previous owner.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax on new tires, inspect the wheel diameter, verify the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It is also smart to look over the wheels for damage and confirm there is no visible interference around brakes, suspension components, or inner fenders.
A short follow-up check after the first drive is just as useful. Watch for vibration, uneven tracking, air loss, or any sign of contact during turns. Since the Trax uses two trim-specific sizes, that post-installation review helps confirm the new tires suit the wheel package currently on the vehicle.
How often should tires on a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Trax should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. Routine visual checks for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and pressure loss are worthwhile, especially on a vehicle that sees mixed city driving, longer highway trips, or periods of lighter seasonal use.
Inspection becomes even more important when the Trax has had wheel changes or when its maintenance history is unclear. Looking at tread wear across the full width of the tire can reveal inflation or alignment issues early. Catching those problems sooner helps protect both the tires and the vehicle's day-to-day road manners.
