2013 Volkswagen Trucks brought together two very different crossover SUVs under one badge: the compact Tiguan and the larger, more upscale Touareg. Both reflected Volkswagen’s emphasis on European road manners, but they used distinctly different wheel and tire packages depending on model and trim level. Across the 2013 Volkswagen Trucks range, six tire sizes appear across two models, and none of those sizes are shared between the Tiguan and Touareg. The practical choice starts with identifying your exact model, then confirming which wheel diameter is on the vehicle now, since the right tire depends more on model-specific fitment than on a simple year-and-make search.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2013 Volkswagen Trucks
Six tire sizes are used across 2013 Volkswagen Trucks vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Every size here is a radial, so the main decision is not bias-ply versus radial construction but confirming whether you have a Tiguan or Touareg and then matching the correct wheel diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 2013|Fit(s): Tiguan|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
The 215/65R16 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. This Tiguan-specific size is available from BFGoodrich with RBL, redline, and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and load ratings reach 1,930 pounds at 65 psi depending on the product. It suits an owner who wants to stay with the smaller-diameter Tiguan wheel package while choosing between a more utility-focused look and a more distinctive custom-style sidewall treatment.
Year(s): 2013|Fit(s): Tiguan|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
The 235/50R18 is a metric radial size that measures 235 millimeters wide, uses a 50-series aspect ratio, and mounts on an 18-inch wheel. This Tiguan-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product at W for 168 mph and Y for 186+ mph. It is the right direction for a Tiguan running the 18-inch factory-style wheel package, especially when the goal is maintaining the lower-profile appearance associated with that setup.
Year(s): 2013|Fit(s): Tiguan|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19 in
The 255/40R19 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and a 19-inch rim diameter. This Tiguan-specific size comes from BFGoodrich in blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product at W for 168 mph and Y for 186+ mph. It fits the largest Tiguan wheel package in this year range and is the choice to confirm when your vehicle carries the sportier 19-inch setup.
Year(s): 2013|Fit(s): Touareg|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19-in rim
The 265/50R19 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 19-inch wheel. This size is specific to the Touareg rather than universal across 2013 Volkswagen Trucks. It is the size to match if your Touareg is equipped with the 19-inch wheel package, and confirming that wheel diameter first is the key step before moving on to brand or tread selection.
Year(s): 2013|Fit(s): Touareg|Construction: Radial|Rim: 20-in rim
The 275/45R20 is a metric radial size with a 275-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. This size is specific to the Touareg and represents the largest wheel fitment used across 2013 Volkswagen Trucks. It is the correct path for a Touareg already running 20-inch wheels, where maintaining the proper diameter and profile relationship matters more than comparing it directly to Tiguan sizes.
Year(s): 2013|Fit(s): Touareg|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
The 255/55R18 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch rim. This size is specific to the Touareg and serves a different model and wheel package than the 18-inch Tiguan size, even though both mount on 18-inch wheels. It is the size to confirm when your Touareg uses the smaller factory wheel option for that model.
Two models are covered for 2013 Volkswagen Trucks. Tire size varies by model, so identifying whether you have a Tiguan or a Touareg is the first step before narrowing down wheel diameter and product choice. Select a model below to explore model-specific fitment history and tire options in more detail.
2013 Volkswagen Trucks Tiguan
The 2013 Volkswagen Trucks Tiguan was Volkswagen’s compact crossover, sized and tuned to appeal to drivers who wanted a more European feel than the average small SUV. Its tire fitments span 16-, 18-, and 19-inch wheels, reflecting the difference between more basic and more appearance-oriented configurations.
The 2013 Volkswagen Trucks Touareg sat higher in Volkswagen’s SUV range, with a more substantial footprint and a more premium touring character than the Tiguan. Its tire packages mount on 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels, so wheel diameter confirmation matters before comparing any specific tire.
Thirteen products are available across three tire sizes for 2013 Volkswagen Trucks vehicles. The 215/65R16 has three BFGoodrich radial options with RBL, redline, and wide whitewall styles; 235/50R18 has four radial choices from BFGoodrich and Nitto in blackwall form; 255/40R19 has four BFGoodrich radial blackwall choices. Confirm your exact size first, since speed ratings vary within the 18- and 19-inch Tiguan fitments.
These FAQs focus on the model-specific tire differences across 2013 Volkswagen Trucks, including how Tiguan and Touareg sizes differ, how metric sizing reads, what sidewall and brand choices exist, and what to check before regular use or longer trips.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2013 Volkswagen Trucks vehicles?
2013 Volkswagen Trucks vehicles use six sizes across two models. The Tiguan uses 215/65R16, 235/50R18, and 255/40R19, while the Touareg uses 255/55R18, 265/50R19, and 275/45R20. Every size here is a radial, but the rim diameter changes by size, ranging from 16 to 20 inches depending on the model and wheel package. Where product dimensions are available, the 215/65R16 works with rims from 5.50 to 7.50 inches wide, the 235/50R18 fits 6.5 to 8.5-inch rims, and the 255/40R19 fits 8.5 to 10.0-inch rims.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly. A Tiguan owner must first confirm whether the vehicle has 16-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels, and a Touareg owner must verify whether the vehicle carries 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels. If the vehicle has been changed from its original wheel package, the tire already on the wheel and the wheel diameter itself matter more than the factory baseline for another trim.
What does 215/65R16 mean on a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks tire?
On a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks Tiguan, 215/65R16 is a metric radial size. The 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 65 percent of the section width, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this application, the size belongs to the Tiguan rather than the Touareg and is used on a 16-inch wheel package.
That code tells you more than overall fit. It places the tire in the smaller-wheel Tiguan group, which affects sidewall height, visual stance, and available product styles. In this size, BFGoodrich offers an RBL version along with redline and wide whitewall variations, so the same base size can support a more stock-looking replacement or a more customized appearance depending on how the vehicle is being presented.
Do all 2013 Volkswagen Trucks models use the same tire size?
No, 2013 Volkswagen Trucks models do not share a common tire size across the full range. The Tiguan and Touareg each use three different sizes, and none of the Tiguan sizes overlap with the Touareg sizes. Even where both models use an 18-inch or 19-inch wheel, the actual tire dimensions are different, such as 235/50R18 for one Tiguan fitment versus 255/55R18 for one Touareg fitment.
That distinction matters because a matching wheel diameter does not make two sizes interchangeable. Section width, aspect ratio, and intended model all change the tire’s overall proportions. If you are comparing tires for a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks SUV, identify the model first, then verify the exact size currently mounted or the factory wheel diameter for your configuration before narrowing the choice to brand, sidewall style, or speed rating.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2013 Volkswagen Trucks tires?
Sidewall style depends heavily on size for 2013 Volkswagen Trucks vehicles. The 215/65R16 used on the Tiguan is available in RBL, redline, and wide whitewall form, while the 235/50R18 and 255/40R19 Tiguan sizes are blackwall only in the current product range shown here. The Touareg sizes do not have product-level sidewall style detail attached in this set, so the clearest style variety appears in the 16-inch Tiguan fitment.
For most late-model Volkswagen SUVs, blackwall is the natural visual fit and the most faithful match to how these vehicles were commonly delivered. Redline and whitewall versions in 215/65R16 are more of a custom or specialty styling choice than a factory-authentic one for a 2013 crossover. If appearance matters as much as fitment, start by confirming the correct size, then decide whether you want a contemporary SUV look or something more personalized.
What brands make tires for 2013 Volkswagen Trucks vehicles?
2013 Volkswagen Trucks fitments are covered here by BFGoodrich and Nitto. BFGoodrich appears in all three currently populated sizes, including 215/65R16, 235/50R18, and 255/40R19, while Nitto appears in 235/50R18. Within those sizes, BFGoodrich spans everything from Silvertown Radial styling options to g-Force performance-oriented blackwall tires, while Nitto appears with the NT555 G2 in the 18-inch Tiguan application.
Brand choice is easiest to sort once size is settled. If your Tiguan uses 16-inch wheels, your options lean toward distinctive sidewall presentation as well as all-terrain styling. If your Tiguan uses 18- or 19-inch wheels, the choices move toward modern blackwall performance-oriented radials. Touareg owners should first identify their exact 18-, 19-, or 20-inch size before comparing brands, since fitment there is defined more tightly by wheel package.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 and BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S for the 2013 Volkswagen Trucks?
For 2013 Volkswagen Trucks Tiguan fitments, both series appear in 235/50R18 and 255/40R19 blackwall radial form, but they are not identical. In 235/50R18, the g-Force Sport COMP-2 carries a 97W service description with a 1,609-pound load figure at 51 psi, while the g-Force COMP-2 A/S is also a W-rated option in the same rim width range. In 255/40R19, the g-Force COMP-2 A/S appears in both W- and Y-rated versions, while the Sport COMP-2 appears as a W-rated tire with a 1,764-pound load figure at 50 psi.
The practical takeaway is to compare the exact service description, speed rating, and rim width range rather than choosing by series name alone. On a Tiguan with 18- or 19-inch wheels, these products all stay within the same basic fitment family, but the speed symbol and load information can differ enough to matter. Matching the tire to your wheel width and the way you use the vehicle is more important than assuming one product line automatically replaces another.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2013 Volkswagen Trucks tires require?
Rim width guidance is available for the three Tiguan sizes that currently have detailed product coverage. The 215/65R16 fits rims from 5.50 to 7.50 inches wide, the 235/50R18 fits 6.5 to 8.5-inch rims, and the 255/40R19 fits 8.5 to 10.0-inch rims. Those ranges reflect the tire’s intended section width and profile, so they should be treated as part of the basic fitment check rather than a minor detail.
That matters most when a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks SUV has aftermarket wheels or when you are replacing tires on wheels that may not be original to the vehicle. A tire can share the correct diameter but still be wrong for the wheel if the width falls outside the approved range. Before final selection, confirm the wheel diameter and measure or verify the wheel width so the tire sits correctly and maintains the shape its design expects.
Do 2013 Volkswagen Trucks tires require inner tubes?
The current 2013 Volkswagen Trucks tire coverage points to tubeless radial construction in the sizes with detailed product information. The 215/65R16, 235/50R18, and 255/40R19 products are modern radial tires and do not carry tube-type markings in their size descriptions. That is consistent with late-model SUV wheel design, where tubeless operation is the normal arrangement rather than an exception.
Even so, tube decisions should always follow the wheel as much as the tire. If a wheel has damage, corrosion, or has been altered, sealing concerns can affect whether tubeless use is practical. For a stock 2013 Volkswagen Trucks application, the starting assumption is tubeless radial fitment, but it is still smart to inspect the wheel condition, valve stems, and bead seats before mounting a new set.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A 2013 Volkswagen Trucks SUV should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that accelerates rubber aging. Keeping the tires clean and properly inflated helps the carcass hold its shape during long periods of inactivity. Because every size here is radial, flat-spotting is usually less severe than with older bias-ply construction, but any tire can still develop temporary shape change if it sits in one position for too long.
For a vehicle that is driven only occasionally, move it periodically or place it on stands if it will be parked for a long stretch. Avoid storing it on damp ground or allowing one tire to carry a disproportionate load. A simple storage routine does more for long-term tire life than many owners expect, especially on heavier SUVs like the Touareg where curb weight places more static stress on the tires.
How long do tires on a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks typically last?
On a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks vehicle, tire age is usually more important than mileage alone, especially when the SUV is driven infrequently. A sensible collector and enthusiast rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the sidewall tells you when the tire was built.
That approach matters because a Tiguan or Touareg can look perfectly fine at a glance while the rubber has already hardened or begun to crack internally with age. If the vehicle sees seasonal use, low annual mileage can create a false sense of security. Tread depth is only one part of the picture; sidewall condition, air retention, ride quality, and the tire’s age all deserve equal attention before regular road use.
How often should tires on a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks SUV should be checked before every drive and more thoroughly before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, punctures, and pressure loss, and make sure each valve stem is in good condition. On vehicles that sit for long periods, a visual inspection alone is not enough; pressure should be verified with a gauge because slow air loss may not be obvious.
A quick pre-drive routine can prevent the most common tire-related problems on enthusiast-owned modern classics. On a Tiguan or Touareg, uneven wear may also point to alignment or suspension issues rather than a tire defect. If one tire is wearing differently from the others, correct the underlying cause before replacing the set, or the new tire may develop the same pattern in short order.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 2013 Volkswagen Trucks Tiguan?
A 2013 Volkswagen Trucks Tiguan originally used modern radial tires, not bias-ply construction, and the factory-style fitments in this year range fall into the 215/65R16, 235/50R18, and 255/40R19 family depending on wheel package. Those sizes reflect the Tiguan’s late-model crossover design and its use of relatively modern wheel diameters. Original-equipment branding can vary by market and trim, so the strongest point of authenticity is matching the correct size, profile, and overall visual type for the wheel package on the vehicle.
For an accuracy-minded owner, the first goal is confirming the vehicle’s wheel diameter and the size it was delivered with, especially if the SUV has changed hands or has aftermarket wheels. Sidewall appearance matters too, since a blackwall tire is more in character for a 2013 Tiguan than a vintage-style custom sidewall treatment. If the vehicle is being judged, a Volkswagen marque specialist or original window sticker can help verify trim-specific expectations.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks, even though these vehicles are newer than traditional collector cars. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts will notice whether the tire size matches the wheel package, whether the sidewall appearance suits the era, and whether the tire’s overall profile looks appropriate for the model. A 2013 Tiguan or Touareg wearing the wrong aspect ratio or an obviously out-of-character sidewall treatment can stand out immediately.
For a show-oriented vehicle, authenticity usually means staying close to the original wheel diameter and using a sidewall style that matches how a Volkswagen SUV of this period would normally appear. On a Tiguan, that usually points toward blackwall in the 18- or 19-inch sizes, while redline or wide whitewall treatment is more of a custom statement than a factory-style restoration choice. Event-specific standards can vary, so local judging rules and marque clubs are worth checking in advance.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial Redline and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial 2.25 Inch Whitewall for the 2013 Volkswagen Trucks?
For the 2013 Volkswagen Trucks Tiguan in 215/65R16, both BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions share the same size, radial construction, 16-inch rim diameter, 5.50 to 7.50-inch rim width range, 1,565-pound load figure at 35 psi, and 25-pound tire weight. The visible difference is the sidewall treatment: one uses a redline and the other uses a 2.25-inch whitewall. Fitment and basic dimensions stay the same between the two.
That makes the choice almost entirely visual. A redline gives the Tiguan a more custom performance-inspired accent, while the wide whitewall creates a stronger retro look that is far removed from typical 2013 Volkswagen SUV styling. If your goal is originality, neither sidewall treatment is as natural a visual match for the period as a plain contemporary sidewall. If your goal is individuality, either version lets you keep the correct 215/65R16 size while changing the vehicle’s character.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2013 Volkswagen Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, the 2013 Volkswagen Trucks tire sizes covered here are modern radial designs intended for real road use, and the detailed Tiguan fitments carry highway-capable speed ratings. The 215/65R16 example includes a 103S tire rated to 112 mph, while the 235/50R18 and 255/40R19 examples include W-rated tires rated to 168 mph and Y-rated tires rated to 186+ mph depending on product. Those figures exceed ordinary U.S. highway speeds by a wide margin.
Safety on the road depends on more than the speed symbol alone. The tire must also be the correct size for the wheel, properly inflated, and in sound condition with no age cracking or impact damage. On a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks SUV, suspension condition, alignment, brake performance, and the vehicle’s actual load matter just as much as the tire’s theoretical top-speed capability, so the whole vehicle should be considered before extended highway travel.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2013 Volkswagen Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure on a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks vehicle should follow the factory vehicle placard or owner’s manual for normal service, while the tire’s own maximum pressure figure should be understood as a load-rating reference rather than a blanket everyday setting. Among the detailed examples here, the 215/65R16 appears at 1,565 pounds at 35 psi in one version and 1,930 pounds at 65 psi in another, the 235/50R18 reaches 1,609 pounds at 51 psi or 1,819 pounds at 50 psi depending on product, and the 255/40R19 reaches 1,764 pounds at 50 psi in certain versions.
Those numbers should not be transferred from one size to another or from one product line to another. A Tiguan on 16-inch wheels does not use pressure logic from a 19-inch performance fitment, and a Touareg should always be checked against its own placard and load needs. Start with the vehicle recommendation, then make sure the chosen tire’s rated pressure and load capacity are appropriate for the application and intended use.
What should I check before taking a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks on a longer drive?
Before a longer trip in a 2013 Volkswagen Trucks SUV, inspect every tire for cracking, punctures, bulges, exposed cords, and uneven wear, then verify cold inflation pressure with an accurate gauge. Check the spare as well, since compact spares and full-size spares are often forgotten until they are needed. A close look at the valve stems, tread depth, and any signs of prior curb or pothole impact is also worthwhile before spending extended time at highway speed.
A longer drive is also the right time to think beyond the tires. Wheel fastener torque, alignment behavior, brake feel, and suspension noises all affect how confidently the vehicle will travel once heat builds up on the road. If the Tiguan or Touareg has been sitting, a short local test drive before departure can reveal vibration, pull, or pressure loss early enough to correct it without turning a routine trip into a roadside problem.