The 2016 Tesla Model S sits at an important point in modern EV history, when all-electric luxury performance had moved from novelty to everyday reality. Its low center of gravity, quiet drivetrain, and sharp acceleration make tire choice especially important because wheel size and package selection affect both stance and road feel. This Model S uses radial tires in three fitment sizes: 245/45R19, 245/35R21, and 265/35R21, with the 21-inch setup split between front and rear sport-package applications. The main decision is confirming whether the car is on 19-inch wheels or a staggered 21-inch sport arrangement, then choosing the right tire within that exact fitment and intended driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Tesla Model S
The 2016 Tesla Model S uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on wheel diameter and sub-model configuration. Standard applications use 245/45R19 on a 19-inch rim, while sport-package cars use a 21-inch staggered setup with 245/35R21 in front and 265/35R21 in the rear. The first step is confirming whether the car has 19-inch wheels or the 21-inch sport package before comparing tire choices.
245/35R21 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 35-series profile, and a 21-inch rim diameter. On the 2016 Tesla Model S, this size serves as the front fitment for sport-package applications, where the lower-profile sidewall contributes to the visual and handling character of the 21-inch setup. It should be evaluated as part of the complete staggered arrangement rather than as a stand-alone substitute for the 19-inch package. Confirming the exact front sport-package application and matching it correctly with the rear size is the key step before replacement.
245/45R19 is a metric radial size that translates to a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 19-inch wheel diameter. For the 2016 Tesla Model S, this is the standard fitment used across several sub-models that are not configured with the 21-inch sport package. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Nitto options, with blackwall styling and tire series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. Buyers comparing 19-inch replacements should focus on wheel compatibility, intended road use, and the overall character of the tire series.
265/35R21 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter section width, a 35-series profile, and a 21-inch rim diameter. On the 2016 Tesla Model S, it is used as the rear tire in sport-package applications, creating a staggered front-to-rear setup with a wider rear footprint than the front axle. That makes it a size tied to the rear position rather than a general replacement for every Model S configuration. Tire selection in this fitment starts with confirming that the car retains the 21-inch sport-package wheel setup and has not been changed to a square arrangement.
Fitment for the 2016 Tesla Model S varies by wheel package and by whether the application is a standard model or a sport-package front or rear position. Checking the exact sub-model matters because some cars use a single 19-inch size, while sport-package versions use a staggered 21-inch setup.
1
2016 Tesla Model S 70
The 2016 Tesla Model S 70 uses either the standard 245/45R19 fitment or the 21-inch sport-package arrangement. Tire selection starts with confirming which wheel package is on the car, since the replacement path is very different between a 19-inch square setup and a staggered 21-inch setup.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 70 w/Sport Pkg. Front uses the 245/35R21 front tire size. Choosing a replacement means matching the front axle correctly within the staggered 21-inch package rather than treating it as a universal Model S fitment.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 70 w/Sport Pkg. Rear uses the wider 265/35R21 rear tire size. That rear-specific fitment should be checked against the existing wheel setup so the staggered sport-package arrangement remains properly matched front to rear.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 70D uses either 245/45R19 in the standard configuration or the optional 21-inch sport-package sizing. The important step is confirming the actual wheel package on the car before choosing a replacement tire or comparing available product options.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 70D w/Sport Pkg. Front uses 245/35R21 on the front axle. Replacement should stay focused on the front sport-package position and be checked alongside the rear tire size to preserve the intended staggered setup.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 70D w/Sport Pkg. Rear uses 265/35R21 at the rear. That wider rear fitment makes wheel confirmation especially important, particularly if the car has seen aftermarket wheel changes or previous tire substitutions.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 85 follows the same fitment pattern as other standard Model S variants, using either 245/45R19 or the 21-inch sport-package setup. Tire choice depends first on wheel diameter, then on selecting a radial tire that suits how the car is driven.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 85 w/Sport Pkg. Front uses 245/35R21. This front-only sport-package fitment should be replaced with attention to axle position, since it is part of a staggered 21-inch combination rather than a square setup.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 85 w/Sport Pkg. Rear uses 265/35R21 on the rear axle. Buyers should treat it as a dedicated rear sport-package size and confirm the wheel package before selecting a replacement.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 85D can use the standard 245/45R19 fitment or the staggered 21-inch sport-package sizes. That makes wheel and package identification the first step, especially on cars that may have changed wheels over time.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 85D w/Sport Pkg. Front uses the 245/35R21 front tire size. Replacement should be chosen with the front axle role in mind and matched appropriately to the rear sport-package tire.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 85D w/Sport Pkg. Rear uses 265/35R21. Because this is the rear half of a staggered package, checking wheel size and making sure the tire is being selected for the correct axle position is essential.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 90D uses either 245/45R19 in standard form or the 21-inch sport-package arrangement. The practical decision is identifying the wheel package first so the tire search stays aligned with the car's actual configuration.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 90D w/Sport Pkg. Front uses 245/35R21. Selecting the correct replacement means staying with the front sport-package size and verifying the car has retained its 21-inch staggered wheel setup.
The 2016 Tesla Model S 90D w/Sport Pkg. Rear uses 265/35R21 at the rear. That wider rear fitment should be matched to the correct wheel diameter and front companion size before tire replacement.
The 2016 Tesla Model S P85D uses either the standard 245/45R19 size or the staggered 21-inch sport-package sizes, depending on configuration. Confirming which wheels are actually on the car is the most important first step before comparing tire options.
The 2016 Tesla Model S P85D w/Sport Pkg. Front uses 245/35R21. It should be selected as the front component of the staggered 21-inch setup, with care taken not to confuse it with the standard 19-inch fitment.
The 2016 Tesla Model S P85D w/Sport Pkg. Rear uses 265/35R21 on the rear axle. Maintaining the intended staggered arrangement means confirming both axle position and wheel diameter before replacement.
The 2016 Tesla Model S P90D follows the same two-path fitment pattern, using either 245/45R19 or the 21-inch staggered sport-package sizes. Tire choice becomes straightforward once the actual wheel package on the car has been confirmed.
The 2016 Tesla Model S P90D w/Sport Pkg. Front uses 245/35R21. That means the replacement tire should be chosen specifically for the front sport-package position and kept consistent with the rear 21-inch setup.
The 2016 Tesla Model S P90D w/Sport Pkg. Rear uses 265/35R21. Buyers should confirm the rear wheel size and the full staggered layout before choosing a tire, especially on cars that may no longer wear their original wheels.
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 Tesla Model S Tires for Sale
Available 245/45R19 choices for the 2016 Tesla Model S include BFGoodrich and Nitto radial tires in blackwall form. The product grid lets buyers compare tire series, rim-width compatibility, weight, and load-related specifications within the standard 19-inch fitment.
These 2016 Tesla Model S tire FAQs focus on the most important decisions: 19-inch versus 21-inch fitment, staggered sport-package sizing, available 245/45R19 tire choices, and the wheel, clearance, and maintenance checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Tesla Model S?
The 2016 Tesla Model S uses three primary tire sizes: 245/45R19, 245/35R21, and 265/35R21. The 245/45R19 size is used on standard 19-inch applications, while the 21-inch sport package uses a staggered arrangement with 245/35R21 in front and 265/35R21 in the rear.
The right choice depends on the wheel package and axle position, not just the year and model name. A quick check of the wheel diameter and whether the car has a square 19-inch setup or a staggered 21-inch setup will keep the replacement search on the correct path.
What size rim does a 2016 Tesla Model S use?
A 2016 Tesla Model S uses either a 19-inch rim or a 21-inch rim, depending on configuration. The 245/45R19 tire mounts on a 19-inch wheel, while the 245/35R21 and 265/35R21 sizes are used with 21-inch wheels in sport-package applications.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before comparing tire choices because the same Model S can appear with two very different wheel packages. It also helps to verify whether the car still has its original wheel setup, since later wheel changes can alter which tire size is appropriate.
Why does the 2016 Tesla Model S have more than one tire size?
The 2016 Tesla Model S has more than one tire size because it was offered with different wheel packages. Standard applications use 245/45R19, while sport-package versions use 21-inch tires with a narrower front size and a wider rear size to create a staggered setup.
That means the correct replacement depends on more than the model badge alone. Checking the wheel diameter and confirming whether the tire is for the front or rear axle on a sport-package car will prevent mixing a standard 19-inch fitment with a 21-inch staggered application.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R19 tire for a 2016 Tesla Model S?
Start with the basics: the tire should match the 245/45R19 size, radial construction, and 19-inch wheel diameter used on the standard Model S fitment. Then compare the available tire series, rim-width compatibility, weight, and any load-related specifications that matter for how the car is driven.
The available 245/45R19 options include BFGoodrich and Nitto blackwall tires, so the decision is less about finding the size and more about choosing the tire character that suits the car. A close look at wheel width and the vehicle's actual setup is worthwhile before settling on one option.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 Tesla Model S tires?
The available 245/45R19 products for the 2016 Tesla Model S use a blackwall sidewall style. That gives the standard 19-inch fitment a clean, modern appearance that suits the Model S without introducing a vintage or decorative sidewall treatment.
Sidewall style matters mostly as an appearance choice once the correct size has been confirmed. For this fitment, the more meaningful differences are the tire series, wheel-width compatibility, and other product specifications rather than selecting between multiple sidewall treatments.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 Tesla Model S?
BFGoodrich and Nitto offer 245/45R19 tires for the 2016 Tesla Model S. Within that standard 19-inch fitment, the available series include BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A, and Nitto NT555 G2.
Brand choice should come after confirming that the car actually uses the 245/45R19 standard setup rather than the 21-inch sport package. Once size is settled, compare the tire series and wheel-width specifications so the selection matches both the wheel and the way the car will be used.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Tesla Model S?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Tesla Model S. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or switching between a square and staggered setup can all change which tire size is appropriate and how much clearance is available.
A modified car should be checked at the wheel, not just by the model year. Verifying actual rim diameter, wheel width, front-to-rear sizing, and clearance around the fenders and suspension helps prevent choosing a tire that matches the catalog size but not the current vehicle setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Tesla Model S on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter, confirm the tire size matches the axle position, and make sure inflation is set properly for the chosen tire. It is also smart to check for any visible rubbing points, uneven wear patterns, or signs that the old tires masked an alignment issue.
A short, careful test drive can reveal vibration, steering pull, or clearance problems that are easier to address early. Cars that use the 21-inch staggered setup deserve extra attention because front and rear sizes differ, and mixing positions can create immediate fitment problems.
How often should tires on a 2016 Tesla Model S be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Tesla Model S should be inspected regularly, with quick visual checks before routine driving and a more thorough inspection at service intervals or before longer trips. Look for uneven tread wear, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, and any signs of slow air loss.
Regular inspection matters even more on a heavier performance-oriented electric car because tire wear can develop quickly if pressure or alignment is off. It also helps to verify that front and rear sizes remain in the correct positions on sport-package cars, since the 21-inch setup is staggered.
