The 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse marked a larger, more refined generation of Chevrolet’s three-row crossover, aimed at families who needed usable passenger space without moving into a full-size SUV. Its road manners, cargo flexibility, and trim spread make exact wheel-and-tire identification especially important at replacement time. This Traverse uses radial tires in two primary sizes, 255/65R18 and 255/55R20, depending on sub-model and wheel package. That means the real decision is not only size, but also confirming whether the vehicle is on 18-inch or 20-inch wheels. For everyday driving, appearance consistency, and proper fitment, matching the tire to the exact trim and wheel setup comes first.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse
The 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down to sub-model and wheel diameter. Both are radial fitments, but one mounts on an 18-inch wheel and the other on a 20-inch wheel, so confirming the actual rim diameter is the first step before choosing a tire. Some trims use only one size, while LS and LT can appear with either setup.
255/55R20 is a modern metric radial size: 255 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 20 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse, this size belongs to vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels and is used on High Country, Premier, RS, and some LS and LT models. Its role in this application is straightforward, but the important detail is wheel confirmation rather than visual guesswork. This is the size to evaluate when the Traverse is already set up on the 20-inch rim package.
255/65R18 is also a modern metric radial size, with the same 255-millimeter nominal width but a 65-series profile and an 18-inch wheel diameter. On the 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse, this size is used on the L model and on some LS and LT versions equipped with 18-inch wheels. Even though it shares nearly the same overall diameter as the 20-inch fitment, it is not chosen interchangeably without matching the wheel itself. This size is the correct starting point when the vehicle is fitted with the 18-inch factory-style wheel setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse because tire size changes with the wheel package. High Country, Premier, and RS are tied to one size, while LS and LT can use either of the two radial fitments, making wheel confirmation especially important before replacement.
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2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse High Country
The 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse High Country uses the 255/55R20 radial fitment. Tire selection starts with confirming the 20-inch wheel, then choosing a replacement that matches the vehicle’s intended road use and keeps the overall setup consistent.
The 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse L uses the 255/65R18 radial size. That makes the buying decision fairly direct, with the main priority being an 18-inch tire that matches the existing wheel and preserves proper fitment.
The 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse LS can use either the 255/55R20 or 255/65R18 radial fitment. For this trim, the exact wheel diameter on the vehicle must be checked before choosing a tire, since the two sizes are tied to different rim sizes.
The 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse LT also appears with either 255/55R20 or 255/65R18 radial tires. Replacement starts by identifying whether the vehicle is on 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, especially if wheels have ever been changed from the original setup.
The 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse Premier uses the 255/55R20 radial size. That keeps tire selection focused on the 20-inch wheel package and on choosing a tire that suits the vehicle’s current use and overall condition.
The 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse RS uses the 255/55R20 radial fitment. The practical step is verifying the 20-inch wheel and selecting within that size rather than comparing it against the 18-inch setup used on other Traverse configurations.
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
These 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse tire FAQs focus on the two correct sizes, 18-inch versus 20-inch wheel fitment, trim-level differences, and the basic checks that matter before replacement or regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse?
A 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse uses either 255/65R18 or 255/55R20 tires. Both are radial sizes, and the correct one depends on the sub-model and wheel package on the vehicle.
The key is matching the tire to the actual wheel diameter already on the Traverse. High Country, Premier, and RS use 255/55R20, while the L uses 255/65R18. LS and LT can appear with either size, so checking the sidewall of the current tire or measuring the wheel before ordering prevents choosing an 18-inch tire for a 20-inch rim, or the reverse.
What size rim does a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse use?
The 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse uses either an 18-inch or 20-inch rim, depending on trim and wheel setup. The 255/65R18 tire fits an 18-inch rim, and the 255/55R20 tire fits a 20-inch rim.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because the two Traverse tire sizes are tied to different wheels. LS and LT models can use either setup, which makes visual trim identification less reliable than checking the tire sidewall or the wheel itself. If the vehicle has aftermarket wheels, that confirmation matters even more before comparing replacement tires.
Do all 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse sub-models use the same tire size?
No, all 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse sub-models do not use the same tire size. The model range is split between 255/65R18 and 255/55R20, with some trims fixed to one size and others available with either.
High Country, Premier, and RS use 255/55R20, while the L uses 255/65R18. LS and LT are the trims that require extra attention because they can be equipped with either size. That makes the exact wheel-and-tire setup on the individual vehicle more important than trim name alone, especially if the Traverse has had wheel replacements or appearance upgrades over time.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse?
Start with the correct size and wheel diameter for the specific 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse in front of you. This model uses either 255/65R18 or 255/55R20, so identifying the actual rim size is the first and most important step.
After size is confirmed, compare the tire’s intended use with how the Traverse is driven. A family crossover that sees daily commuting, highway travel, and occasional heavy passenger or cargo use benefits from staying close to the proper overall fitment. It also helps to inspect the current wheel setup, especially on LS and LT trims, since those are the versions most likely to create confusion during replacement.
How do I choose between the available 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse tire sizes?
You do not choose between 255/65R18 and 255/55R20 by preference alone, because each size is tied to a different wheel diameter on the 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse. The correct choice depends on whether the vehicle is fitted with 18-inch or 20-inch wheels.
That distinction matters even though the two sizes are close in overall diameter. A tire for an 18-inch wheel cannot be mounted on a 20-inch wheel, and vice versa. Trim-level assumptions can also mislead buyers because LS and LT models may use either size, so checking the existing tire sidewall remains the safest way to confirm what belongs on the vehicle.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse tires?
The most important rim-fitment detail is diameter: 18 inches for 255/65R18 or 20 inches for 255/55R20. On a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse, that is the first point that separates the two correct tire sizes.
Once diameter is confirmed, inspect the wheel condition and make sure the replacement tire matches the existing setup rather than an assumed trim package. This is especially useful on used Traverse models, where wheels may have been changed by a previous owner. Looking at the current tire size marking, checking for wheel damage, and confirming a consistent set across all four corners helps avoid fitment mistakes.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse restoration or refurbishment?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters even on a newer vehicle such as a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse. Using the proper 255/65R18 or 255/55R20 size keeps the vehicle aligned with its intended wheel package and preserves the right visual proportion.
For a clean refurbishment, matching all four tires to the same size and wheel diameter is more important than chasing a different look. LS and LT trims deserve extra attention because either size may be present. Owners trying to return the Traverse to a more original-style presentation should verify the exact wheel setup already on the vehicle before replacing tires.
How does tire size affect the appearance of a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse?
Tire size has a noticeable effect on the appearance of a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse because the model uses either an 18-inch or 20-inch wheel package. The 255/65R18 and 255/55R20 sizes create different visual relationships between sidewall height and wheel diameter.
That means appearance changes should be approached carefully, especially on a vehicle that is being kept close to its original trim presentation. A Traverse already equipped with 20-inch wheels will naturally carry a different look than one on 18-inch wheels. Before changing anything, confirm that the wheel setup matches the trim and the visual result you want to maintain.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, and body or fender modifications can all change the clearance relationship around either the 255/65R18 or 255/55R20 tire setup.
That matters most on used vehicles where the current setup may no longer match the original trim package. A Traverse with aftermarket wheels should be checked for actual rim diameter and overall clearance before replacement. Looking at steering travel, suspension condition, and visible rubbing marks can help confirm whether the present tire size belongs to the vehicle as equipped today.
What should I inspect before driving a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse on new tires?
Before driving a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the size matches the rim diameter, and make sure the tires are mounted as a complete, properly matched set. Basic condition checks around the suspension and steering are also worthwhile.
It also helps to verify inflation, look for any interference at full steering lock, and confirm there is no contact with liners or suspension parts. On LS and LT trims, double-checking that all four tires are the same intended size is especially important. A short initial road test can reveal vibration, pulling, or clearance issues before longer-distance driving.
How often should tires on a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse be inspected?
Tires on a 2018 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse should be inspected regularly rather than only at replacement time. Frequent visual checks for uneven wear, cuts, bulges, cracking, and air loss help catch problems early on either the 255/65R18 or 255/55R20 setup.
Routine inspection is especially useful on a three-row crossover that may carry changing passenger and cargo loads. Looking over the tires before longer trips, after pothole impacts, or whenever ride quality changes can prevent a small problem from becoming a larger one. Checking pressure and confirming all four tires still match the vehicle’s wheel package are simple habits that support safe, predictable road use.
