The 2016 Fiat 500 carries the familiar small-car character that made the modern 500 appealing to drivers who wanted compact dimensions with a distinctly European look and feel. Within this model year, tire selection is tied closely to trim level, wheel package, and driving character rather than one universal setup. The 2016 Fiat 500 uses three primary radial tire sizes: 185/55R15, 195/45R16, and 205/40R17. That creates meaningful differences in wheel diameter, sidewall profile, and available tire choices, including blackwall performance-oriented options and a wide whitewall radial for a more custom or style-driven presentation. The key first step is matching the tire to the exact sub-model and wheel size already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Fiat 500
The 2016 Fiat 500 uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Some trims stay with 15-inch wheels, while others use 16-inch or 17-inch fitments, and several performance-oriented versions can be found with more than one size. Before choosing a tire, confirm the sub-model and the actual wheel diameter on the car.
195/45R16 is a metric radial size that uses a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. On the 2016 Fiat 500, this size suits trims that step up from the base wheel package and keeps the short-sidewall, modern radial character expected on a contemporary compact car. It is the primary size used on Sport models and also appears on Abarth, Abarth Cabrio, and Turbo configurations alongside another available fitment. Choosing this size starts with confirming that the car is actually running a 16-inch wheel rather than a 15-inch or 17-inch setup.
205/40R17 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 40-series profile, and a 17-inch rim diameter. For the 2016 Fiat 500, this is the larger-wheel fitment used on Abarth, Abarth Cabrio, and Turbo versions that call for a 17-inch tire. Available choices in this size come from BFGoodrich in blackwall form, including the g-Force Sport Comp 2 and g-Force Phenom T/A series, which gives the buyer a clear performance-oriented product comparison within the correct size. The practical question is not style alone, but whether the car’s actual wheel package matches this 17-inch fitment.
Fit(s): Easy, Lounge, Pop w/aluminum wheels, Pop w/steel wheels, c Easy, c Lounge, c Pop w/aluminum wheels, c Pop w/steel wheels, e Front, and e Rear
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
185/55R15 is a metric radial size that combines a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 2016 Fiat 500, this size is used across Easy, Lounge, Pop, c Easy, c Lounge, c Pop, and 500e front and rear applications, making it the main fitment for many non-performance trims. Tire selection in this size includes both blackwall and wide whitewall options, with American Classic and Michelin offering distinctly different visual and product-character choices. This size is the right place to focus when the car remains on its original-style 15-inch wheel package.
Tire fitment on the 2016 Fiat 500 varies by sub-model, and some trims use more than one wheel-and-tire combination. Checking the exact version matters here because a 15-inch setup, a 16-inch setup, and a 17-inch setup all appear within the same model year.
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2016 Fiat 500 Abarth
The 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth uses either 195/45R16 or 205/40R17 radial tires, so tire selection starts with confirming which wheel package is on the car. That makes wheel-diameter verification especially important before comparing product options or choosing between available performance-oriented tires.
The 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio also uses either 195/45R16 or 205/40R17 radial tires rather than one fixed size. Tire choice depends on identifying the installed wheel diameter first, then narrowing the decision to the correct size and product style for the car’s current setup.
The 2016 Fiat 500 Easy uses the 185/55R15 radial size on a 15-inch wheel package. That makes tire selection more straightforward, with the main decision shifting to sidewall appearance, brand, and the kind of road use or visual presentation you want from the car.
The 2016 Fiat 500 Lounge uses 185/55R15 radial tires. With the fitment narrowed to one primary size, the buyer can concentrate on product character, including whether a traditional blackwall or a more distinctive wide whitewall look better suits the car.
The 2016 Fiat 500 Pop w/aluminum wheels uses the 185/55R15 radial size. Since this sub-model stays with one primary fitment, the practical comparison becomes wheel compatibility, sidewall style, and whether the tire choice is aimed more at everyday presentation or a more customized appearance.
The 2016 Fiat 500 Pop w/steel wheels uses 185/55R15 radial tires. Because the fitment is straightforward, the decision centers less on size and more on selecting a tire that matches the car’s existing wheel setup, intended use, and preferred sidewall appearance.
The 2016 Fiat 500 Sport uses the 195/45R16 radial size. That keeps tire selection focused on the correct 16-inch fitment, with the next step being confirmation that the car has not been changed to a different wheel package since new.
The 2016 Fiat 500 Turbo uses either 195/45R16 or 205/40R17 radial tires depending on wheel setup. Tire selection therefore starts with confirming the wheel diameter already on the car, then choosing within the proper size rather than assuming all Turbo models use the same fitment.
The 2016 Fiat 500 c Easy uses 185/55R15 radial tires. That single-size fitment simplifies the search, so the more useful comparison becomes sidewall style, brand character, and whether the tire complements the car’s stock appearance or a more personalized look.
The 2016 Fiat 500 c Lounge uses the 185/55R15 radial size. Since there is one primary fitment, choosing a tire is mainly about matching the 15-inch wheel package and deciding how much importance to place on visual style versus a conventional blackwall presentation.
The 2016 Fiat 500 c Pop w/aluminum wheels uses 185/55R15 radial tires. With size selection already settled, attention can shift to product details such as sidewall treatment and rim-width compatibility within the correct 15-inch category.
The 2016 Fiat 500 c Pop w/steel wheels uses the 185/55R15 radial size. That makes the fitment question simple, and the remaining decision is choosing a tire that suits the wheel package, the car’s visual style, and the way it will be driven.
The 2016 Fiat 500 e Front uses 185/55R15 radial tires. Tire selection should stay focused on that 15-inch fitment first, with any comparison among available choices centered on wheel compatibility and the kind of appearance you want from the finished setup.
The 2016 Fiat 500 e Rear uses 185/55R15 radial tires as well. Matching the rear tire to the correct 15-inch size is the first priority, followed by checking that the chosen product suits the existing wheel width and overall presentation of the car.
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 Fiat 500 Tires for Sale
Available 2016 Fiat 500 tire choices are concentrated in 185/55R15 and 205/40R17, with options from American Classic, Michelin, and BFGoodrich. The product mix includes blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, along with performance-oriented g-Force series and a more style-driven asymmetrical-tread radial.
Common 2016 Fiat 500 tire questions usually come down to matching the correct size to the exact sub-model, confirming wheel diameter, and comparing available radial choices by sidewall style, brand, and intended use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Fiat 500?
The 2016 Fiat 500 uses three primary tire sizes: 185/55R15, 195/45R16, and 205/40R17. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model and wheel package, with many Easy, Lounge, Pop, c, and 500e applications using 185/55R15, the Sport using 195/45R16, and Abarth, Abarth Cabrio, and Turbo versions using either 195/45R16 or 205/40R17.
The practical step is to confirm the exact trim and then verify the wheel diameter already on the car. A 15-inch, 16-inch, or 17-inch wheel requires the matching tire size, and that matters more than assuming all 2016 Fiat 500 models share the same fitment.
What size rim does a 2016 Fiat 500 use?
A 2016 Fiat 500 can use 15-inch, 16-inch, or 17-inch rims, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 185/55R15 fitment uses a 15-inch rim, 195/45R16 uses a 16-inch rim, and 205/40R17 uses a 17-inch rim.
That means rim diameter should be checked before any tire purchase, especially on Abarth, Abarth Cabrio, and Turbo models that may have more than one fitment. Looking at the sidewall marking on the current tire or measuring the installed wheel helps prevent ordering a tire for the wrong wheel diameter.
Why does the 2016 Fiat 500 have more than one tire size?
The 2016 Fiat 500 has more than one tire size because fitment changes with sub-model and wheel package. Non-performance trims commonly use 185/55R15, the Sport uses 195/45R16, and Abarth-family and Turbo versions can use either 195/45R16 or 205/40R17.
That variation reflects how the car was configured rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For the buyer, the important point is to identify the exact version of the car and confirm the wheels currently installed, especially if the Fiat has had any wheel changes during its life.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2016 Fiat 500 tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact 2016 Fiat 500 sub-model and wheel diameter, since this model year uses 185/55R15, 195/45R16, and 205/40R17. From there, compare the tire’s construction, rim-width suitability where stated, sidewall appearance, and overall product character so the choice matches how the car is set up and driven.
Appearance can matter just as much as fitment on a small car with strong styling cues. A blackwall tire gives a more conventional modern look, while a wide whitewall in 185/55R15 creates a very different presentation, so it helps to decide early whether the goal is stock-style restraint or a more customized finish.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 Fiat 500 tires?
Available sidewall styles for the 2016 Fiat 500 include blackwall and wide whitewall, depending on tire size and product line. The 205/40R17 options are blackwall performance radials, while the 185/55R15 category includes both a blackwall Michelin choice and an American Classic wide whitewall radial.
That gives the buyer a real appearance decision in the 15-inch size range. A blackwall keeps the look contemporary and understated, while a wide whitewall changes the visual personality of the car considerably, so sidewall style should be chosen with the wheel design and overall look of the Fiat in mind.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 Fiat 500?
Tires for the 2016 Fiat 500 are available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, and Michelin within the sizes covered here. BFGoodrich appears in 205/40R17, while American Classic and Michelin offer different 185/55R15 options with distinct styling and product character.
Brand choice should come after confirming the correct size and wheel diameter. Once fitment is settled, compare whether the tire is aimed more at performance-style use, conventional modern road use, or visual presentation, and also check any stated rim-width and load details that apply to the specific product.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2016 Fiat 500?
A period-style 2016 Fiat 500 still begins with the correct modern radial size for the exact sub-model, since this car does not use vintage bias-ply fitments. For many trims that run 185/55R15, the available choices include both a conventional blackwall and a wide whitewall radial, which creates the strongest visual contrast in the lineup.
The right choice depends on whether the goal is a cleaner factory-inspired presentation or a more customized retro look. Since appearance preferences vary widely on the Fiat 500, it helps to compare the tire against the car’s wheel design, trim level, and overall build theme before settling on sidewall style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2016 Fiat 500 restoration or cosmetic refresh?
Correct tire fitment matters because the 2016 Fiat 500 uses multiple wheel diameters and low-profile metric radial sizes that strongly affect stance and appearance. Using the proper 15-inch, 16-inch, or 17-inch fitment keeps the car visually balanced and avoids turning a cosmetic refresh into a wheel-and-clearance problem.
Getting the size right also preserves the relationship between the tire, the wheel opening, and the wheel design already on the car. Even when the goal is mainly visual, it is worth checking the exact sub-model and installed wheels first so the finished result looks intentional rather than mismatched.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Fiat 500?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Fiat 500, especially because the car already uses more than one wheel diameter and several low-profile radial sizes. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, or spacer use can change the way 185/55R15, 195/45R16, or 205/40R17 tires sit in the fenders.
That makes it important to verify more than just the sidewall size. Wheel diameter, wheel width, clearance at full steering lock, and the relationship between the tire and suspension components should all be checked whenever the car has been changed from its original wheel-and-tire setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Fiat 500 on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 Fiat 500 on new tires, inspect basic installation and condition points such as correct tire size, proper wheel diameter, inflation pressure, bead seating, valve-stem condition, and visible clearance around suspension and bodywork. It is also smart to confirm that all four tires match the intended setup for the sub-model.
A short, careful first drive helps reveal any rubbing, vibration, or pulling that may need attention. Rechecking pressure after the first miles and looking again for sidewall or inner-fender contact is especially worthwhile on cars with alternate wheel packages or any prior wheel or suspension changes.
How often should tires on a 2016 Fiat 500 be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Fiat 500 should be inspected regularly, with a quick visual check before normal driving and a more thorough inspection at routine service intervals. Look for uneven wear, cuts, bulges, cracking, and slow air loss, since compact cars with short-sidewall tires can be especially sensitive to pressure and alignment changes.
Periodic inspection matters even more on a Fiat that is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Checking pressure, tread condition, and visible age-related deterioration helps catch problems early, and it is a sensible habit to inspect the tires again before any longer highway trip or seasonal return to the road.
