The 2019 Nissan LEAF sits in the part of the EV market where everyday practicality, quiet operation, and efficient packaging matter just as much as styling or trim level. For owners, tire choice plays a bigger role than it might on a conventional compact, because wheel diameter, ride character, and appearance can vary noticeably between trims. This model uses two primary radial tire sizes, 205/55R16 and 215/50R17, depending on sub-model. Available choices range from blackwall performance-oriented radials to a wide whitewall option in 205/55R16. The key is matching the exact trim and wheel setup before comparing sidewall style, series, and overall presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2019 Nissan LEAF
The 2019 Nissan LEAF uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the sub-model and wheel diameter. S and S Plus models use 205/55R16 on a 16-inch rim, while SL, SL Plus, SV, and SV Plus models use 215/50R17 on a 17-inch rim. The first step is confirming the exact trim and wheel size, then comparing the available radial choices within that fitment.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size in which 205 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2019 Nissan LEAF, this size is used on 16-inch-wheel trims and keeps the fitment in a modern radial format. Product choices include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic, with both blackwall and wide whitewall presentations available across several series. This size is the right place to focus if your LEAF has the 16-inch wheel setup and you want to balance correct fitment with appearance preference.
215/50R17 is a metric radial size where 215 represents nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 17 indicates a 17-inch rim. This size applies to the 17-inch-wheel versions of the 2019 Nissan LEAF and gives those trims a different fitment than the 16-inch models. Available choices center on BFGoodrich blackwall tires in several g-Force series, giving buyers a few distinct product families within the same size. It is the correct size to evaluate only after confirming that the car is one of the LEAF trims equipped with 17-inch wheels.
Tire fitment for the 2019 Nissan LEAF depends on the exact sub-model, because the covered trims split between 16-inch and 17-inch wheel packages. Confirming whether the car is an S or S Plus versus an SL, SL Plus, SV, or SV Plus is the most important step before choosing a tire.
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2019 Nissan LEAF S
The 2019 Nissan LEAF S uses the 205/55R16 radial tire size. That keeps selection focused on 16-inch radial choices, including differences in brand, tire series, and whether a traditional blackwall or wide whitewall look better suits the car.
The 2019 Nissan LEAF S Plus also uses the 205/55R16 radial tire size. Tire selection therefore comes down to comparing 16-inch radial options by sidewall presentation, product family, and wheel compatibility rather than deciding between multiple primary sizes.
The 2019 Nissan LEAF SL uses the 215/50R17 radial tire size. That places the focus on 17-inch blackwall radial options, so the main buying decision is which available tire series best matches the car's intended road use and wheel setup.
The 2019 Nissan LEAF SL Plus uses the 215/50R17 radial tire size. For this trim, the important step is staying with the correct 17-inch fitment and then comparing the available radial series within that size.
The 2019 Nissan LEAF SV uses the 215/50R17 radial tire size. That means the tire search should stay centered on 17-inch radial fitment, with attention paid to product family, wheel width compatibility, and the car's actual wheel configuration.
The 2019 Nissan LEAF SV Plus uses the 215/50R17 radial tire size. Choosing a tire for this version is mainly about selecting among the available 17-inch radial offerings after confirming the wheel size already on the vehicle.
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 2019 Nissan LEAF Tires for Sale
Available 2019 Nissan LEAF tire choices span 205/55R16 and 215/50R17 radial fitments, with BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic represented. Buyers can compare blackwall and wide whitewall styles, along with several g-Force series and other radial product lines depending on size.
These FAQs focus on the two LEAF tire sizes, how fitment changes by trim, what the 16-inch and 17-inch wheel setups mean, and how to compare available radial tires by sidewall style, series, and day-to-day use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2019 Nissan LEAF?
The 2019 Nissan LEAF uses two tire sizes: 205/55R16 and 215/50R17. The 205/55R16 size applies to the LEAF S and S Plus, while the 215/50R17 size applies to the LEAF SL, SL Plus, SV, and SV Plus. Both are radial fitments, but they are tied to different wheel diameters.
The most important step is matching the tire to the exact trim and wheel already on the car. A 16-inch LEAF should stay with the 205/55R16 fitment, and a 17-inch LEAF should stay with 215/50R17 unless the wheel setup has been changed and all related dimensions have been checked.
What size rim does a 2019 Nissan LEAF use?
A 2019 Nissan LEAF uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch rim, depending on sub-model. LEAF S and S Plus models use the 16-inch setup paired with 205/55R16 tires, while SL, SL Plus, SV, and SV Plus models use the 17-inch setup paired with 215/50R17 tires.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before comparing tires because the two LEAF fitments are not just different sizes on paper; they are built around different wheel diameters. Checking the sidewall marking on the current tire and verifying the wheel itself helps prevent ordering a tire that matches the trim name but not the actual wheel on the car.
Do all 2019 Nissan LEAF sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 2019 Nissan LEAF does not use one tire size across every sub-model. S and S Plus models use 205/55R16, while SL, SL Plus, SV, and SV Plus models use 215/50R17. The split follows the trim and wheel package rather than a single universal LEAF fitment.
That means trim identification matters before looking at brands or tire series. Two LEAFs from the same model year can need different tires simply because one has a 16-inch wheel and the other has a 17-inch wheel. If the car has aftermarket wheels, confirm the actual wheel diameter and tire markings instead of relying on trim alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2019 Nissan LEAF tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the car: 205/55R16 for S and S Plus, or 215/50R17 for SL, SL Plus, SV, and SV Plus. From there, compare radial construction details such as tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width compatibility so the tire matches both the wheel and the way the car is used.
A LEAF owner often ends up choosing between straightforward blackwall radials and a more stylized option such as the 205/55R16 wide whitewall. It also helps to review load figures, product family, and whether the tire's presentation suits a stock daily driver, a personalized build, or a cleaner restoration-inspired look.
What sidewall styles are available for 2019 Nissan LEAF tires?
Sidewall style depends on tire size. In 205/55R16, the available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall. In 215/50R17, the available products are blackwall radials. That means sidewall appearance is part of the decision for 16-inch LEAF trims, while the 17-inch fitment stays more conventional in the current product selection.
Appearance should be considered alongside fitment, not ahead of it. A wide whitewall can completely change the visual character of a 2019 Nissan LEAF, but it only applies within the correct 205/55R16 setup. Buyers with 17-inch-wheel trims should focus more on tire series and specifications because sidewall styling choices are narrower in that size.
What brands offer tires for the 2019 Nissan LEAF?
Tires for the 2019 Nissan LEAF are available from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic, depending on size. The 205/55R16 fitment has the broadest brand mix, while 215/50R17 currently centers on BFGoodrich offerings. Brand choice therefore varies with the specific LEAF trim and wheel diameter.
A useful way to compare brands is to look beyond the name and focus on what each tire brings to the fitment. Product family, sidewall treatment, rim-width range, and load specification can matter more than the badge on the sidewall, especially when one LEAF size has a styling option and the other is more performance-series oriented.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2019 Nissan LEAF?
A period-style 2019 Nissan LEAF still needs the correct modern size for the trim, so the starting point is 205/55R16 for S and S Plus or 215/50R17 for SL, SL Plus, SV, and SV Plus. Among those choices, the 205/55R16 American Classic Radial with a 1.50 inch whitewall offers the most distinctive vintage-inspired presentation.
That look will not suit every LEAF, but it can work well on a personalized or retro-themed build that wants more visual character than a standard blackwall provides. Owners of 17-inch trims have a more restrained appearance path, so the emphasis shifts toward choosing the right blackwall radial series within the proper fitment.
Which sidewall style suits a period-style 2019 Nissan LEAF?
For a period-style take on the 2019 Nissan LEAF, the sidewall choice depends first on size. The 205/55R16 fitment offers both blackwall and wide whitewall options, while 215/50R17 is available in blackwall form. A whitewall creates a much more deliberate design statement than a conventional modern blackwall.
The best visual match depends on how the car is presented overall. A stock-looking LEAF may feel more cohesive on blackwalls, while a custom or retro-influenced car can carry the wide whitewall more naturally. Since trim dictates tire size, confirm the wheel package first and then choose the sidewall style that fits the car's intended personality.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2019 Nissan LEAF?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2019 Nissan LEAF even when the original trim size is known. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, or body alterations can change the space available around the tire and may also alter the wheel width or diameter the car is actually using.
That matters because a LEAF originally built for 205/55R16 or 215/50R17 may no longer be on its factory wheel setup. Measuring the actual wheel diameter and width, then checking clearance at the fender, strut, and steering range, is the safest approach before choosing a new set for a modified car.
What should I inspect before driving a 2019 Nissan LEAF on new tires?
Before driving a 2019 Nissan LEAF on new tires, inspect the wheel size, wheel condition, valve stems, and the basic condition of the suspension and alignment-related components. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, secure bead seating, and any visible shipping or mounting damage before the car goes into regular use.
A short, careful road check is a smart next step. Listen for rubbing, feel for vibration, and verify that the tire clears throughout the steering range if the car uses the 16-inch or 17-inch setup with anything other than stock wheels. Rechecking inflation and overall appearance after the first miles helps catch problems early.
How often should tires on a 2019 Nissan LEAF be inspected?
Tires on a 2019 Nissan LEAF should be inspected regularly rather than only when tread looks low. A routine visual check for cuts, bulges, irregular wear, punctures, and air loss is worthwhile, especially because EVs can be driven quietly enough that tire issues are not always obvious at first.
Monthly pressure checks and periodic close inspections make sense for a LEAF, along with an extra look before longer trips. Pay attention to shoulder wear, sidewall condition, and any signs that the tire is contacting suspension or body components. Cars that sit for longer periods should also be checked for flat spotting and age-related deterioration.
