The 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV came from a moment when city-focused electric cars prioritized efficiency, compact dimensions, and low rolling resistance over conventional tire fitment. Its narrow stance and dedicated EV packaging give it a very specific tire story, because this car uses a staggered radial setup rather than one uniform size at all four corners. The front uses 145/65R15, while the rear uses 175/60R15, both on 15-inch rims. That makes the real decision less about choosing between multiple fitment packages and more about matching each position correctly, then comparing available tire styles and road-use priorities. For an i-MiEV, correct front-to-rear sizing matters before any other tire choice.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
The 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied to front and rear fitment rather than optional trim packages. Both are radial tires on 15-inch rims, but the first step is making sure the narrower 145/65R15 stays on the front and the wider 175/60R15 stays on the rear before comparing individual tire options.
145/65R15 is a metric radial size in which 145 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV, this size is used at the front, where the car relies on a narrow tire footprint as part of its original layout. Its relatively slim section helps define the i-MiEV's position-specific fitment pattern rather than a universal four-corner setup. Choosing this size means confirming that the tire is intended for the front axle and not treating it as interchangeable with the rear fitment.
175/60R15 is a metric radial size with a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV, this is the rear tire size, giving the car a wider rear fitment than the front. That staggered arrangement is an important part of the vehicle's tire selection story and should be preserved when replacing worn tires. This size should be evaluated as the rear fitment specifically, with attention to matching the correct axle position and maintaining proper front-to-rear sizing.
Sub-model fitment on the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is straightforward once the axle position is identified, because the covered front and rear applications use different tire sizes. Checking whether the tire is for the ES front or ES rear matters more than comparing trim differences.
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2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV ES Front
The 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV ES Front uses a 145/65R15 radial tire on a 15-inch rim. Tire selection here centers on keeping the correct narrow front fitment in place and avoiding confusion with the wider rear size.
The 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV ES Rear uses a 175/60R15 radial tire on a 15-inch rim. That means rear tire replacement should focus on preserving the proper staggered setup rather than trying to match the narrower front size.
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
Tire questions for the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV usually come down to its staggered front and rear sizes, 15-inch rim fitment, and how to replace position-specific radial tires without upsetting the car's intended setup.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?
The 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses two tire sizes rather than one matching size all around. The front fitment is 145/65R15 and the rear fitment is 175/60R15, with both sizes built as radial tires for 15-inch rims.
That means replacement starts with identifying which axle needs tires, because the front and rear sizes are not the same. A buyer should confirm wheel position first, then verify that the installed wheels are still 15-inch units and that no previous owner changed the original staggered setup.
What size rim does a 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV use?
Both primary tire sizes for the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV mount on 15-inch rims. The front 145/65R15 and rear 175/60R15 share the same rim diameter even though the tire widths and aspect ratios are different.
Shared rim diameter does not mean the tires are interchangeable from front to rear. The important next step is confirming that the wheels on the car are still the intended 15-inch fitment and that the tire being selected matches the correct axle position and overall vehicle setup.
Why does the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV have more than one tire size?
The 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses a staggered tire arrangement, with 145/65R15 in front and 175/60R15 in the rear. Instead of a single size at all four corners, the car relies on a narrower front tire and a wider rear tire within the same 15-inch rim diameter.
For tire replacement, that means the decision is not which size is generally correct for the car, but which size belongs at each end. Owners should avoid assuming that any 15-inch tire can serve either position and should check the current wheel and axle placement before purchasing replacements.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 145/65R15 or 175/60R15 tire for a 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?
Start with the basic fitment facts: the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses 145/65R15 in front and 175/60R15 in the rear, both as radial tires on 15-inch rims. Choosing the right tire begins with keeping each size on its intended axle rather than treating the car like a same-size four-corner application.
After size and position are confirmed, compare the tire's intended use with how the car is driven. Wheel condition, any prior modifications, and the need to preserve the original staggered layout all matter, especially on a specialized EV platform where even small fitment changes can alter clearance and overall balance.
How do I choose between the available 145/65R15 and 175/60R15 tires for a 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?
The first distinction is not brand or tread style but location on the car. A 145/65R15 tire belongs at the front of the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV, while a 175/60R15 belongs at the rear, so selection should always begin with the axle that needs replacement.
Once that is settled, compare practical details such as the tire's dimensions, radial construction, and compatibility with the wheel currently on the car. It is also wise to inspect the matching tire on the opposite side of the same axle so the car does not end up with uneven wear patterns or mismatched service life.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing tires for a 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?
Rim diameter is the first check, and the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses 15-inch rims for both of its primary tire sizes. Even with the same rim diameter front and rear, the car still uses different tire dimensions, so wheel fitment should be verified along with tire position.
A buyer should also make sure the wheels on the car have not been changed from the original style or width. Any aftermarket wheel, spacer, or suspension change can affect how a narrow 145/65R15 front tire or a wider 175/60R15 rear tire sits in relation to steering and body clearance.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV restoration or preservation project?
Yes. Even though the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a modern electric car rather than an earlier collector-era vehicle, preserving its correct staggered tire layout remains important to an accurate presentation. The front 145/65R15 and rear 175/60R15 sizes are part of how the car is visually and mechanically configured.
For a preservation-minded owner, using the correct front and rear sizes keeps the car closer to its intended stance and avoids a generic same-size appearance. Anyone pursuing exact originality should also compare the car against manufacturer literature, period photos, or marque-specific references before making appearance-driven substitutions.
How does tire sizing affect the appearance of a preserved 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?
Tire sizing has a noticeable visual effect on a 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV because the car does not use the same size at all four corners. Its narrow 145/65R15 front tire and wider 175/60R15 rear tire contribute to the proportions and stance that distinguish the car from a conventional compact hatchback.
Changing away from that staggered arrangement can alter the look even before it affects fitment. Owners who care about preservation should confirm the tire size installed at each axle and avoid assuming that a shared 15-inch rim diameter means the same tire dimensions will maintain the original presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?
Yes. The 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV already uses a position-specific tire setup, so aftermarket wheels, spacers, suspension changes, or previous-owner substitutions can complicate fitment quickly. Even when the wheel remains 15 inches in diameter, changes in wheel width or offset can affect how the tire sits and clears surrounding components.
That makes it important to inspect the actual wheel and tire package on the car before replacing anything. A modified i-MiEV should be checked for steering clearance at the front, body and suspension clearance at both ends, and whether the staggered 145/65R15 front and 175/60R15 rear layout has been preserved.
What should I inspect before driving a 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV on new tires?
Start by confirming that the new tires are mounted in the correct positions, with 145/65R15 on the front and 175/60R15 on the rear. Then inspect inflation pressure, valve stems, tread seating, and the wheels themselves for damage, corrosion, or any sign that the mounting surface is not in good condition.
A short test drive should be paired with another visual check for rubbing, unusual noises, or uneven stance. It also helps to inspect the older tires that came off the car, since uneven wear can point to alignment, suspension, or rotation issues that should be corrected before regular road use continues.
How often should tires on a 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV be inspected?
Tires on a 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV should be inspected regularly, especially because this car uses different front and rear sizes and may spend periods in low-mileage service. Routine checks should include tread condition, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, punctures, and any signs of slow air loss.
Collector-like usage patterns can be hard on tires even when mileage stays low, so age and condition matter as much as tread depth. A quick visual inspection before driving and a more careful check at regular service intervals can help catch problems before they affect road manners or damage the staggered setup.
