The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV comes from a period when automakers were refining compact battery-electric cars for real-world city use, and its narrow, efficiency-minded tire fitment is part of that story. This small EV relies on a staggered setup rather than the same tire at all four corners, with 145/65R15 radials in front and 175/60R15 radials in the rear. That means the main decision is not bias-ply versus radial, but making sure each axle keeps the correct size and profile. For owners focused on proper road manners, efficiency, and clearance, verifying front-versus-rear placement is the most important step before comparing actual tire choices.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses two primary tire sizes, and they are position-specific rather than interchangeable across the car. Both are radial tires on 15-inch rims, but the front uses 145/65R15 while the rear uses 175/60R15. The first step is confirming whether the tire is for the front or rear axle, since choosing by wheel position matters more here than choosing among multiple construction types.
145/65R15 is a metric radial size in which 145 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV, this size serves the front position and reflects the car's narrow, low-drag tire strategy. Its smaller section width and shorter overall dimensions are part of the vehicle's staggered setup rather than a universal four-corner fitment. Choosing this size starts with confirming that the wheel and mounting position are actually the front axle, especially on a vehicle that may have seen tire rotation mistakes or wheel changes.
175/60R15 is a metric radial size where 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 15 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV, this size is used at the rear, making it a distinct part of the car's staggered fitment. Compared with the front tire size, it carries a wider footprint and a different overall proportion suited to rear placement on this model. Selecting it correctly means verifying rear-axle use and checking that the car still has the proper wheel arrangement if it has been modified or serviced by someone unfamiliar with the i-MiEV setup.
Sub-model fitment on the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is straightforward once wheel position is understood, because the covered front and rear applications each use one dedicated tire size. Checking the exact front-versus-rear sub-model matters here because the two sizes are different even though both use 15-inch radial tires.
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2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV ES Front
The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV ES Front uses the 145/65R15 radial size as its dedicated front fitment. Tire selection for this position should center on keeping the correct front size rather than assuming the wider rear tire can be used interchangeably.
The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV ES Rear uses the 175/60R15 radial size as its dedicated rear fitment. That makes rear tire selection a matter of preserving the staggered setup and confirming the wheel remains in the correct rear position before replacement.
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
Owners of a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV usually need clear answers about its staggered tire sizing, 15-inch rim fitment, front-versus-rear replacement, and the checks to make before putting the car back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?
The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses a staggered tire setup with 145/65R15 on the front and 175/60R15 on the rear. Both are radial tires, and both mount on 15-inch wheels, but they are not the same size at all four corners.
That means replacement starts with confirming which axle needs the tire. A front tire should stay with the 145/65R15 fitment, while a rear tire should stay with 175/60R15 unless the car has been deliberately reconfigured and all wheel, clearance, and handling considerations have been checked carefully.
What size rim does a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV use?
Both primary tire sizes for the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV use a 15-inch rim diameter. The front 145/65R15 and the rear 175/60R15 are both built around a 15-inch wheel, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire widths and profiles differ.
The practical point is that matching rim diameter alone does not make the front and rear tires interchangeable. Wheel width, tire width, and the car's staggered layout still need to be respected, especially if a wheel has been replaced, moved from one axle to the other, or changed from the original setup.
Why does the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV have more than one tire size?
The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV has more than one tire size because it uses a staggered fitment: 145/65R15 in front and 175/60R15 in the rear. This is a position-specific setup rather than a case of optional tire sizing for the same wheel location.
For the owner, that changes the buying process. Instead of asking which single size fits the whole car, the important step is confirming whether the replacement is for the front or rear axle and checking that past service work did not mix wheel positions or install a mismatched tire where it does not belong.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?
Start with the car's staggered sizing, because the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses 145/65R15 in front and 175/60R15 in the rear. Both tires are radial and fit 15-inch rims, so the first priority is selecting the correct size for the correct axle rather than comparing unrelated tire constructions.
After size is confirmed, look at overall tire condition on the opposite axle, wheel compatibility, and whether the car still has its intended front and rear wheel arrangement. A matched approach side to side on each axle helps preserve predictable behavior, especially on a compact electric car with narrow, purpose-specific tire dimensions.
How do I choose between the front and rear tires on a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?
Choosing between the front and rear tires on a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is really a matter of wheel position. The front uses 145/65R15, while the rear uses 175/60R15, so the decision is determined by where the tire will be mounted rather than by personal preference.
A good check is to confirm the mounting location before purchase and again before installation. On cars that have had rotations, flat repairs, or wheel swaps, it is worth verifying that the narrower tires remain at the front and the wider tires remain at the rear to maintain the intended staggered layout.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV tires?
The key rim-fitment detail is 15-inch diameter, since both 145/65R15 front tires and 175/60R15 rear tires for the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV are built for 15-inch wheels. After that, the wheel's actual position on the car becomes just as important as the tire size printed on the sidewall.
It is smart to verify that the wheel itself belongs on the correct axle and has not been mixed during past service. Any wheel change, even with the same diameter, should also be checked for width and clearance so the tire remains properly matched to the car's narrow front and wider rear arrangement.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV even when the replacement tire appears to match the original size. Wheel changes, altered suspension height, spacer use, or mixing front and rear wheel positions can all create issues on a car that already uses a staggered tire setup.
A careful check should include wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and clearance at the fender and suspension. Because the front and rear tires are different sizes, any modification should be evaluated by axle position so the narrower front and wider rear fitment remain properly sorted.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV on new tires?
Before road use, inspect inflation pressure, bead seating, visible sidewall condition, tread condition, and any signs of rubbing once the new tires are mounted on the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV. It is also important to confirm that 145/65R15 tires are on the front and 175/60R15 tires are on the rear.
A short, careful test drive can help reveal vibration, pull, or contact that was not obvious in the shop. Collector habits apply even to newer EVs: recheck pressure after the first drive, watch for slow air loss, and make sure a recently serviced wheel was not returned to the wrong axle.
How often should tires on a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV should be inspected regularly rather than only when tread looks worn. Because the car uses narrow front tires and wider rear tires, each axle can show different wear behavior, making routine visual checks and pressure checks especially worthwhile.
Monthly inspections are a sensible habit, along with checks before longer drives or after the car has been parked for extended periods. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and confirm that the staggered arrangement has not been disturbed during service, roadside repair, or seasonal maintenance.
