The 2017 Ford Taurus belongs to the final chapter of Ford’s full-size sedan line, a period when comfort, all-weather confidence, and a more substantial road presence still mattered to many drivers. In this generation, tire fitment depends heavily on trim and wheel package rather than a single across-the-board size. The 2017 Ford Taurus uses radial tires in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch fitments, with 245/45R20 appearing on several sub-models. That creates a real choice between standard modern blackwall performance tires and more appearance-driven options such as redline or raised white letter sidewalls. The right selection starts with the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then balances look, use, and overall fitment.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2017 Ford Taurus
Three tire sizes apply to the 2017 Ford Taurus, and they vary by sub-model and wheel diameter. The first step is confirming the exact trim and whether the car is on 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels, because that determines whether the correct radial fitment is 235/55R18, 255/45R19, or 245/45R20. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to product style, brand, and sidewall treatment within the proper size.
245/45R20 is a metric radial size in which 245 is the section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 20 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2017 Ford Taurus, this size is tied to 20-inch wheel fitments and appears on several sub-models. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac products, with blackwall, redline, and RWL sidewall treatments represented across several tire series. This size is the one to evaluate when the car already wears 20-inch wheels and the owner wants either a modern performance look or a more distinctive period-inspired sidewall presentation.
255/45R19 is a metric radial size that uses a 255-millimeter nominal section width, a 45-series profile, and a 19-inch wheel diameter. For the 2017 Ford Taurus, this size applies only to certain configurations, so it should not be assumed across the full model range. Its practical role is to match a Taurus equipped with 19-inch wheels rather than substitute across other rim diameters. The key reason to choose this size is simple fitment accuracy: once the wheel diameter and trim are confirmed, staying with the proper 19-inch specification keeps the tire selection centered on the vehicle’s intended wheel package.
235/55R18 is a metric radial size in which 235 gives the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, and 18 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2017 Ford Taurus, this size serves the 18-inch wheel fitment used on specific sub-models. Its role is distinct from the 19- and 20-inch setups, so correct wheel confirmation matters more than comparing the size by appearance alone. This is the size to use when the Taurus is equipped with the 18-inch package and the goal is to keep tire selection aligned with the car’s actual wheel diameter and trim-specific setup.
Tire fitment on the 2017 Ford Taurus is trim-sensitive, and not every sub-model uses the same wheel diameter or tire size. Checking the exact sub-model matters first, especially because Limited and SEL configurations can appear with more than one correct radial fitment.
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2017 Ford Taurus Limited
The 2017 Ford Taurus Limited can use either a 245/45R20 or 255/45R19 radial fitment, so wheel diameter must be confirmed before choosing a tire. That makes this trim less about general Taurus sizing and more about matching the car’s actual 19-inch or 20-inch wheel package.
The 2017 Ford Taurus SE uses the 235/55R18 radial fitment. Tire selection for this sub-model is therefore straightforward once the 18-inch wheel setup is verified and the focus turns to maintaining proper size, profile, and overall road use suitability.
The 2017 Ford Taurus SEL can be fitted with either 235/55R18 or 245/45R20, depending on the wheel package on the car. This trim needs a careful wheel-diameter check before any purchase, since the correct tire choice depends on whether the vehicle carries 18-inch or 20-inch wheels.
The 2017 Ford Taurus SHO uses the 245/45R20 radial size. That keeps tire selection centered on 20-inch fitment, with the main decision becoming which available product style, brand, or sidewall treatment best matches the car’s use and appearance goals.
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 2017 Ford Taurus Tires for Sale
Available 245/45R20 choices for the 2017 Ford Taurus include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac radial tires. The product grid gives buyers a useful mix of blackwall performance-oriented series along with redline and raised white letter options for a more distinctive look.
Owners shopping tires for a 2017 Ford Taurus usually need to confirm trim, wheel diameter, and the correct radial size first. The questions below focus on fitment by sub-model, 18-inch through 20-inch rim use, product selection, and the maintenance checks that matter before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2017 Ford Taurus?
A 2017 Ford Taurus can use three different tire sizes: 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20. The correct size depends on the sub-model and wheel package, not simply the model name alone. SE uses 235/55R18, SHO uses 245/45R20, while Limited and SEL can appear with more than one fitment.
That means the safest first check is the actual wheel diameter on the car and the exact trim designation. Looking at the current tire sidewall and confirming whether the car has 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels will narrow the selection quickly and help avoid choosing a tire that matches the Taurus name but not the vehicle’s specific setup.
What size rim does a 2017 Ford Taurus use?
The 2017 Ford Taurus uses three rim diameters across its fitments: 18 inches, 19 inches, and 20 inches. Those rim sizes correspond to 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20 tires. There is no single rim diameter that covers every Taurus sub-model for this model year.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed before comparing brands or tread styles, because an 18-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 19- or 20-inch wheel. Owners should verify the wheel actually on the car rather than relying only on trim name, especially on used vehicles where wheel packages may have been changed during previous ownership.
Do all 2017 Ford Taurus sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 2017 Ford Taurus sub-models do not all use the same tire size. SE uses 235/55R18, SHO uses 245/45R20, and Limited and SEL can use more than one size depending on wheel package. That makes the sub-model and wheel combination an important part of proper tire selection.
A buyer should treat trim identification as the starting point, then confirm the wheel diameter on the vehicle itself. On Limited and SEL models in particular, it is worth checking the current tire sidewall and wheel size before purchasing, since the same sub-model name can still lead to different correct fitments within the 2017 Taurus range.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R20 tire for a 2017 Ford Taurus?
A 245/45R20 tire for a 2017 Ford Taurus should first match the car’s actual 20-inch wheel fitment. Within that size, available choices differ by brand, tire series, sidewall style, and some product specifications such as rim-width range and load figure where stated. BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac all appear in this size.
After confirming size, the next decision is what character the tire should have on the car. A blackwall performance-oriented tire gives a more contemporary appearance, while redline or raised white letter options change the visual presentation. Rim-width compatibility should also be checked against the wheel on the car before narrowing the final choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 2017 Ford Taurus tires?
For 245/45R20 fitments on the 2017 Ford Taurus, available sidewall styles include Blackwall, Redline, and RWL. Blackwall is the dominant modern presentation in this size, while redline and raised white letter options offer a more customized visual approach without changing the stated tire size itself.
Sidewall choice is mainly an appearance decision once the correct size and wheel diameter are confirmed. Buyers who want the Taurus to retain a clean late-model look may lean toward blackwall, while those building a more personalized street presentation may prefer redline or RWL. The important point is to keep appearance choices secondary to correct fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 2017 Ford Taurus?
In the available 245/45R20 fitment for the 2017 Ford Taurus, brands include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those options cover several tire series, including g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, Nitto NT555 G2, and Pro-Trac Street Pro III.
Brand should be compared alongside the actual tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as the only decision point. Two tires from the same brand can still serve different priorities, and a buyer should compare the intended look and use of the car before deciding which product best suits that specific Taurus setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2017 Ford Taurus?
A period-style 2017 Ford Taurus still starts with the correct modern radial size for the car’s trim and wheel diameter: 235/55R18, 255/45R19, or 245/45R20. On 20-inch applications, the available tire lineup includes both contemporary blackwall designs and more appearance-focused options that can give the car a stronger visual identity.
For a restoration-minded or presentation-focused Taurus, the goal is usually to preserve the right proportions first and then select a sidewall style that matches the build. Owners of 20-inch cars may compare blackwall against redline or RWL, while owners of 18- and 19-inch setups should keep the emphasis on correct fitment and overall appearance balance.
Which sidewall style suits a period-style 2017 Ford Taurus?
A period-style 2017 Ford Taurus can take different visual directions depending on the tire sidewall. In 245/45R20, blackwall gives the most understated late-model appearance, while redline and RWL add a more expressive custom look. None of those choices changes the need to stay within the correct tire size for the wheel on the car.
The best match depends on how the Taurus is being presented. A cleaner, more OEM-inspired build often looks more natural on blackwall tires, while a street-oriented or show-oriented build may benefit from redline or raised white letters. Sidewall styling should complement the car’s wheels and stance instead of trying to compensate for the wrong size.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2017 Ford Taurus?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2017 Ford Taurus. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, or previous wheel-package swaps can alter the tire size the car currently needs or safely accepts. That matters even more on a Taurus with multiple possible factory-style fitments across 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels.
A modified car should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fender and steering range before any tire is selected. Used vehicles deserve the same caution, since the trim badge may no longer reflect the wheel setup now on the car. Verifying the physical setup helps prevent ordering by assumption.
What should I inspect before driving a 2017 Ford Taurus on new tires?
Before driving a 2017 Ford Taurus on new tires, inspect the wheel size, confirm the tire size matches that wheel, and check overall mounting condition. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the wheels should be examined for damage, bent flanges, or anything that could affect sealing or balance on a radial tire.
A road-use check should also include tread and sidewall inspection on any remaining tires, along with a look at suspension and steering components if wear has been uneven. On a car with non-original wheels, turning clearance and fender clearance are worth verifying before longer trips. Those checks matter just as much as the tire size itself.
How often should tires on a 2017 Ford Taurus be inspected?
Tires on a 2017 Ford Taurus should be inspected regularly, not only when tread appears worn. A routine check for air loss, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and sidewall damage helps catch problems early, especially on vehicles that may sit for stretches and then return to normal road use without much warning.
Inspection should also happen before a longer drive or seasonal change in use. Looking over the tires while the car is parked makes it easier to spot cracking, embedded debris, or unusual shoulder wear that could point to alignment or suspension issues. Consistent inspection is one of the simplest ways to protect both ride quality and fitment confidence.
