The 2017 Kia Optima sits in the midsize sedan class with a more streamlined, modern character than many family cars of its era, and tire choice plays a real role in preserving that balance of comfort, efficiency, and road manners. For this model year, fitment centers on three radial sizes: 205/65R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18, with size depending on the exact Optima sub-model. That means the first step is confirming trim and wheel diameter before comparing tire options. Available choices focus on modern blackwall radial performance tires in BFGoodrich g-Force series, so the decision is less about vintage construction and more about matching the right size, rim width, and driving priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2017 Kia Optima
The 2017 Kia Optima uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Sizes are split across 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch rims, so confirming both trim and current wheel setup comes first. Once that is settled, the real comparison is between the available radial tire options in the correct size and rim-width range.
215/55R17 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. On the 2017 Kia Optima, this size suits specific sub-models that use a middle-ground wheel package between the 16-inch and 18-inch setups. Available choices in this size come from BFGoodrich in blackwall g-Force series, including g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A. This size is worth considering when the car already carries 17-inch wheels and the goal is to stay with the intended balance of fitment, appearance, and road use.
205/65R16 is a metric radial size that reads as 205 millimeters wide with a 65-series profile on a 16-inch rim. Its radial construction and taller sidewall give it a different visual and fitment character than the lower-profile 17-inch and 18-inch Optima sizes. For the 2017 Kia Optima, this size applies to certain trims, so it should not be treated as universal across the lineup. It becomes the right choice when the car retains its 16-inch wheel setup and the buyer is verifying size by sub-model rather than choosing by appearance alone.
235/45R18 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. On the 2017 Kia Optima, this size belongs to specific higher-wheel-diameter configurations and carries a lower-profile look than the 16-inch and 17-inch fitments. BFGoodrich offers several blackwall choices here, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A. This size deserves close attention when selecting for an SX or SX Limited, especially because rim-width compatibility is part of the decision alongside overall fitment.
Tire fitment on the 2017 Kia Optima varies by sub-model, so trim identification matters before choosing a replacement tire. The main divide is between 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch wheel packages, which changes the correct tire size even though all use radial construction.
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2017 Kia Optima EX
The 2017 Kia Optima EX uses a 17-inch radial tire setup, placing it between the smaller LX-family fitment and the larger SX-family package. Tire selection starts with staying in the proper 17-inch size and then comparing available blackwall radial options that match the wheel width and intended road use.
The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid EX shares the same 17-inch radial tire fitment as the standard EX. That keeps replacement selection fairly straightforward, with the main job being confirmation of the existing wheel setup before comparing the available BFGoodrich blackwall choices in the correct size.
The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium uses the 16-inch radial tire size found on certain Optima trims rather than the larger-diameter setups. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation especially important if the car has ever had wheel changes, since moving between Optima sizes is not just a matter of preference.
The 2017 Kia Optima LX uses the 16-inch radial fitment, which separates it from EX and SX models. Tire choice here is mainly about matching the correct size to the existing wheel package and checking overall wheel compatibility if the sedan has been updated with aftermarket wheels.
The 2017 Kia Optima LX 1.6T also uses the 16-inch radial tire setup. That means replacement selection should begin with confirming the original wheel diameter, then moving to the tire size that belongs to this trim rather than assuming every 2017 Optima uses the same dimensions.
The 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX uses the 17-inch radial fitment shared with other specific Optima variants. For tire selection, the practical focus is keeping the correct 17-inch size in place and comparing the available blackwall radial performance-oriented options within the proper rim-width range.
The 2017 Kia Optima SX uses the 18-inch radial tire size, making it distinct from the 16-inch and 17-inch trims. Choosing tires for this sub-model means confirming that the car still carries its 18-inch wheels and then comparing the available BFGoodrich g-Force series options in that exact size.
The 2017 Kia Optima SX Limited shares the 18-inch radial fitment with the SX. That points the buyer toward the larger, lower-profile tire size for this trim and makes wheel-diameter verification especially important on any car that may have seen wheel or suspension changes over time.
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 Kia Optima Tires for Sale
Available 17-inch and 18-inch options for the 2017 Kia Optima center on BFGoodrich blackwall radial tires. The product grid lets you compare g-Force series choices, construction details, rim-width compatibility, weight, and select load-capacity figures within the correct size.
These 2017 Kia Optima tire FAQs focus on the questions that matter most once the exact trim is known: correct size, wheel diameter, available radial choices, product differences, and the fitment and maintenance checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2017 Kia Optima?
The 2017 Kia Optima uses three primary tire sizes: 205/65R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model. LX, LX 1.6T, and Hybrid Premium use 205/65R16, EX, Hybrid EX, and Plug-In Hybrid EX use 215/55R17, and SX and SX Limited use 235/45R18.
The practical step is to verify the trim level and confirm the wheel diameter currently on the car before ordering tires. Many Optimas stay with their original wheel package, but aftermarket wheels can change what is mounted. The right replacement starts with the correct size for the sub-model, not simply any tire that fits a 2017 Optima.
What size rim does a 2017 Kia Optima use?
A 2017 Kia Optima can use 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch rims, depending on the sub-model. The 205/65R16 size uses a 16-inch rim, 215/55R17 uses a 17-inch rim, and 235/45R18 uses an 18-inch rim. Rim diameter is tied directly to the tire size and cannot be mixed casually.
Checking the actual wheel on the car is the safest way to avoid a mismatch, especially on a used vehicle. A trim badge helps, but a visual confirmation of the rim diameter matters more if wheels have been changed. Tire size, rim diameter, and the wheel's width all need to work together before narrowing the choice to brand or tire series.
Why does the 2017 Kia Optima have more than one tire size?
The 2017 Kia Optima has more than one tire size because different sub-models use different wheel packages. Some trims use 16-inch wheels, others use 17-inch wheels, and SX-family trims use 18-inch wheels. Those wheel changes bring their own matching tire sizes, even though all of them are radial constructions.
That means tire selection starts with identifying the exact Optima trim rather than comparing sizes as interchangeable options. A 16-inch tire does not belong on a 17-inch or 18-inch rim, and the lower-profile 18-inch fitment serves a different wheel setup than the 16-inch package. Confirm the trim, the current wheels, and then compare products within that one correct size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2017 Kia Optima?
Start with the correct size for the exact 2017 Kia Optima sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, compare radial construction details, approved rim-width range, weight, and any stated load-capacity figures. On the sizes with available product options, the main choices are within BFGoodrich g-Force series and blackwall sidewall presentation.
A useful approach is to match the tire to how the car is actually used. An Optima that stays close to its original wheel setup needs the proper size first, then a tire whose specifications suit that wheel. On cars with aftermarket wheels or suspension changes, check wheel width and clearance before treating any same-diameter tire as automatically suitable.
What brands offer tires for the 2017 Kia Optima?
The available products for the 2017 Kia Optima in the supported 17-inch and 18-inch sizes come from BFGoodrich. Those options appear in several g-Force series, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A, all in blackwall radial form.
Brand alone should not be the only filter. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare the specific series that are offered in that size and make sure the tire suits the wheel width on the car. A 215/55R17 Optima and a 235/45R18 Optima do not draw from the same product pool, so size and rim compatibility still come before brand familiarity.
What tire series are available for the 2017 Kia Optima?
For the 2017 Kia Optima, the available product lineup includes BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A, depending on size. The 17-inch fitment is available in g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A, while the 18-inch fitment adds g-Force Sport Comp 2.
Series differences matter only after the correct tire size is established for the sub-model. Once that is settled, compare the series by their rim-width compatibility, construction details, and other visible specifications in the product grid. The 18-inch SX-family setup offers the widest series choice, while the 17-inch applications have a narrower but still meaningful selection.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2017 Kia Optima restoration?
Yes. Even on a modern sedan like the 2017 Kia Optima, correct tire fitment matters if the goal is to return the car to a clean, proper-looking configuration. The right size is tied to the trim and wheel diameter, with 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch setups used across the model range.
Appearance is part of the result, but fitment should lead the decision. A car intended to resemble its original trim presentation should stay with the wheel diameter and tire size used on that sub-model. If the Optima has replacement wheels, confirm whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance or a modified setup before selecting tires.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2017 Kia Optima?
On the 2017 Kia Optima, tire construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. That means the appearance question is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about maintaining the proper size, sidewall proportion, and wheel diameter for the trim being restored or refreshed.
A restored-looking Optima benefits from keeping the original fitment theme intact, especially the correct 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch package for the sub-model. Since the available supported products here are blackwall radials, the visual difference comes mostly from the tire's overall profile and wheel pairing rather than from vintage-style sidewall treatments.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2017 Kia Optima?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2017 Kia Optima even when the tire size seems close to stock. Aftermarket wheels may change width or offset, and suspension changes can alter clearance at the fenders, struts, or steering components. Those variables matter on all three Optima tire sizes.
A good habit is to confirm the actual wheel diameter and width on the car before choosing tires, then inspect clearance at full steering lock and normal ride height. That is especially important on SX and SX Limited models with 235/45R18 tires, where the package differs more noticeably from the 16-inch and 17-inch setups.
What should I inspect before driving a 2017 Kia Optima on new tires?
Before driving a 2017 Kia Optima on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the vehicle setup. It is also smart to check for any obvious suspension or alignment issues that could affect how the new tires sit and wear.
A short initial road test helps confirm there is no rubbing, vibration, or pull after installation. Recheck pressure after the tires have settled, and keep an eye on tread wear during the first part of service. Any Optima that has seen wheel swaps, curb damage, or suspension work deserves an extra clearance and balance check.
How often should tires on a 2017 Kia Optima be inspected?
Tires on a 2017 Kia Optima should be inspected regularly rather than only when tread looks low. Pressure, visible wear, cuts, punctures, bulges, and sidewall damage are worth checking often, especially before longer drives. Routine inspections matter on any of the Optima's three tire sizes because all depend on proper inflation and even wear.
Monthly checks are a sensible baseline, with another quick inspection before highway trips or seasonal weather changes. Any sign of uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension issues rather than a tire problem alone. On a car with low annual mileage, age and condition still matter even when the tread appears serviceable.
