The 2016 Ford Taurus sits in the final chapter of Ford’s full-size sedan line, blending everyday comfort with a broad-shouldered modern shape that still appeals to drivers who want substantial road presence. Tire selection matters more here than on many older single-fitment vehicles because this Taurus was offered with three different radial sizes depending on sub-model and wheel package: 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20. The 245/45R20 size carries the widest visible product choice, including blackwall, redline, and raised white letter options across several performance-oriented series. The key is matching the exact wheel diameter and sub-model before choosing for appearance, handling character, or replacement planning.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Ford Taurus
The 2016 Ford Taurus uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends first on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. These are all radial fitments, but they are split across 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch rims, so identifying the car’s actual wheel setup is the first step before comparing tire style, brand, or series.
245/45R20 is a metric radial size that uses a 245 millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, and a 20-inch rim. On the 2016 Ford Taurus, this size is part of the larger-wheel fitment and applies to specific sub-models rather than the full range. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac, with blackwall, redline, and RWL sidewall treatments across series such as g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, Street Pro III, and NT555 G2. It is the size to evaluate carefully when appearance and wheel presence matter as much as basic replacement fitment.
255/45R19 is a metric radial size with a 255 millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 19-inch rim diameter. For the 2016 Ford Taurus, it is tied to a narrower slice of the model range, so it should not be assumed across every Taurus with a similar appearance. Its dimensions place it close to the other Taurus fitments in overall height, but the wheel diameter and tire width are distinct enough to require confirmation before replacement. This size is most relevant when preserving the vehicle’s existing 19-inch wheel setup rather than moving between wheel packages.
235/55R18 is a metric radial size that combines a 235 millimeter section width with a 55-series profile on an 18-inch rim. On the 2016 Ford Taurus, this size serves the 18-inch wheel fitment and appears on different sub-models than the 19-inch and 20-inch options. Its taller sidewall profile gives it a different sizing character than the 45-series alternatives even though overall diameter remains in the same general range. This is the size to confirm when the car retains its factory-style 18-inch wheel package or when replacement planning starts with ride height and wheel diameter already in place.
Sub-model fitment on the 2016 Ford Taurus is not uniform, and some trims were offered with more than one tire size. Checking the exact trim and the actual wheel diameter on the car matters before selecting a replacement tire.
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2016 Ford Taurus Limited
The 2016 Ford Taurus Limited uses either a 245/45R20 or 255/45R19 radial tire depending on wheel setup. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before comparing available tires, since both sizes are correct only for their matching rim diameter.
The 2016 Ford Taurus SE uses the 235/55R18 radial size. Tire selection here centers less on size choice and more on confirming the 18-inch wheel package before moving to replacement planning.
The 2016 Ford Taurus SEL can use either 235/55R18 or 245/45R20 radial tires. The practical step is identifying whether the car has the 18-inch or 20-inch wheel package so the replacement tire matches the existing setup.
The 2016 Ford Taurus SHO uses the 245/45R20 radial size. That keeps the fitment question straightforward, allowing the focus to shift toward tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility within the 20-inch fitment.
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 Ford Taurus Tires for Sale
Available product choice centers on 245/45R20, where BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac offer several radial series with blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewall treatments. That makes the product grid most useful for comparing appearance, tire series, and rim-width specifications within the same basic fitment.
For a 2016 Ford Taurus, the main questions usually come down to identifying the right tire size by trim and wheel diameter, then comparing radial options by series, sidewall style, and intended use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Ford Taurus?
The 2016 Ford Taurus uses three primary tire sizes: 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20. All three are radial fitments, and the correct size depends on the sub-model and the wheel package actually on the car.
The most important check is wheel diameter, because these sizes fit 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch rims respectively. A Taurus with replacement wheels or a trim that offered more than one size should be verified by reading the current tire sidewall and confirming the wheel setup before choosing a replacement.
What size rim does a 2016 Ford Taurus use?
A 2016 Ford Taurus can use 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch rims depending on sub-model and wheel package. The matching tire sizes are 235/55R18 for 18-inch rims, 255/45R19 for 19-inch rims, and 245/45R20 for 20-inch rims.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because the tire size must match it exactly. It also helps to check wheel width, especially on 245/45R20 applications where some products include stated rim-width ranges, since the correct diameter alone does not answer every fitment question.
Why does the 2016 Ford Taurus have more than one tire size?
The 2016 Ford Taurus has more than one tire size because different sub-models and wheel packages were equipped with different rim diameters. That created three primary fitments across the model line: 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20.
This means tire selection starts with identifying the exact trim and confirming the wheels currently on the vehicle. A Limited or SEL may not use the same size as another Taurus parked beside it, and a car with changed wheels should always be matched to its present diameter rather than trim name alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R20 tire for a 2016 Ford Taurus?
Start by confirming that 245/45R20 is the correct fitment for the specific 2016 Ford Taurus, since this size applies to certain trims and wheel packages rather than the entire model range. Once size is confirmed, compare tire series, brand, sidewall style, and any stated rim-width specifications.
Within this size, choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac, along with blackwall, redline, and RWL appearances. That makes the decision less about basic fitment and more about how the tire matches the car’s look, intended use, and wheel setup, especially when a performance-oriented or custom appearance is part of the goal.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 Ford Taurus tires?
For the 2016 Ford Taurus 245/45R20 fitment, available sidewall styles include blackwall, redline, and RWL. Those options create noticeably different visual presentations even when the tire size and basic radial construction remain the same.
Blackwall suits a more modern, understated look, while redline or raised white letter treatments can push the car toward a stronger custom or performance-inspired appearance. The key is to choose the sidewall style only after confirming the correct size and rim diameter, since appearance does not override fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 Ford Taurus?
In the 245/45R20 fitment used on certain 2016 Ford Taurus applications, available brands include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those options span several series, including g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, Street Pro III, and NT555 G2.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside size confirmation, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than in isolation. Two tires may share the same nominal size but differ in series character, sidewall treatment, or rim-width guidance, so the best comparison starts with the exact Taurus configuration and intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2016 Ford Taurus?
A period-style 2016 Ford Taurus tire choice starts with using the correct original-size fitment for the car’s trim and wheel diameter, whether that is 235/55R18, 255/45R19, or 245/45R20. From there, the visual decision is mostly about sidewall treatment and how modern or custom the finished look should be.
On 245/45R20 applications, blackwall, redline, and RWL choices create distinctly different presentations. Buyers aiming for a showroom-era appearance usually begin with the right size and a restrained sidewall, while a more personalized Taurus can lean into stronger visual cues without changing the underlying fitment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2016 Ford Taurus?
The 2016 Ford Taurus uses radial tires across its primary fitments, so construction changes are less of an appearance issue here than on older collector vehicles. Visual character comes more from the actual size, sidewall profile, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
That makes details like blackwall, redline, or raised white letter styling more important to the finished look, especially in 245/45R20. A restoration-oriented Taurus should first match the correct wheel and tire size, then use sidewall style to support either a clean factory-era presentation or a more customized result.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Ford Taurus?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Ford Taurus even when the tire size appears close to stock. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, and body alterations can change clearance at the fender, steering components, and inner wheelhouse.
That matters most on a Taurus with 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch wheel conversions, since the original size choices were tied to specific rim diameters. A modified car should be checked for actual wheel width, diameter, and clearance at full steering lock and suspension movement before any replacement tire is chosen.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Ford Taurus on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 Ford Taurus on new tires, inspect the wheel diameter, confirm the installed tire size matches the intended fitment, and check inflation pressure, lug torque, and valve stem condition. A quick visual check for rubbing points around the fenders and suspension is also worthwhile.
The first road miles should be treated as a fitment confirmation period rather than a formality. Steering feel, vibration, and any sign of contact during turns can reveal issues tied to wheel choice or previous modifications, so catching those early helps protect both the new tires and the car.
How often should tires on a 2016 Ford Taurus be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Ford Taurus should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, uneven tread wear, cuts, bulges, and sidewall damage. A visual check every few weeks and before longer drives is a practical routine, especially on a car that may see seasonal or intermittent use.
Inspection is particularly important when the Taurus has larger-wheel fitments such as 245/45R20, because low-profile tires can make wheel damage, shoulder wear, or alignment problems easier to miss until they become more serious. Consistent pressure checks and early correction of wear patterns help preserve ride quality and fitment integrity.
