2016 Mitsubishi spanned two very different corners of the market, from the long-running Lancer compact sedan to the battery-electric i-MiEV city car. That split matters when choosing tires, because the year’s model range does not share a common size strategy. Four radial sizes appear across two models, and each model uses its own pair of sizes rather than sharing a universal fitment across the make. The practical choice starts with identifying whether you have a Lancer or an i-MiEV, then confirming which wheel diameter your car uses before narrowing the search to the correct size and the product style that suits your driving needs.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2016 Mitsubishi
Four tire sizes are used across 2016 Mitsubishi vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full model range. Every size here is a radial, so the real decision is first confirming whether you have a Lancer or an i-MiEV, then matching the correct wheel diameter and tire size to that model. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 2016|Fit(s): Lancer|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/60R16 is a metric radial size with a 205 millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. This Lancer-specific size is available from American Classic with a wide whitewall sidewall style, and its load rating reaches 1,356 pounds at 35 psi. It suits a buyer who wants a 16-inch radial fitment with a more distinctive vintage-inspired sidewall appearance rather than a contemporary blackwall look.
Year(s): 2016|Fit(s): Lancer|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
215/45R18 is a metric radial size with a 215 millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch wheel. This Lancer-specific size is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall form, and the products in this size carry a W speed rating with a 168 mph ceiling. It fits buyers keeping an 18-inch wheel package on the Lancer and looking for a modern radial format with a contemporary sidewall style.
Year(s): 2016|Fit(s): i-MiEV|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
145/65R15 is a metric radial size with a 145 millimeter section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. This i-MiEV-specific size has no product details attached here, so the key point is that it is not interchangeable with the Lancer sizes used elsewhere in the 2016 Mitsubishi range. It is the narrow front-size format associated with the i-MiEV and should be matched to that model before moving on to product selection.
Year(s): 2016|Fit(s): i-MiEV|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
175/60R15 is a metric radial size with a 175 millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. This i-MiEV-specific size also stays within the electric hatchback’s own fitment pattern rather than crossing over to the Lancer. It is the wider 15-inch size used on the i-MiEV, so buyers should confirm position, wheel, and model details before choosing a tire in this size.
Two models are covered for 2016 Mitsubishi, and tire sizing changes by model rather than remaining consistent across the whole make. In practical terms, that means year and make alone are not enough here; identifying whether you have a Lancer or an i-MiEV is the first step before choosing a size. Select a model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer was the brand’s established compact car, known for its sport-sedan image and broad appeal from everyday transportation to enthusiast ownership. Its tires mount on either 16-inch or 18-inch wheels depending on configuration, so wheel diameter is the key first check before narrowing to the correct radial size.
The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV was Mitsubishi’s compact battery-electric hatchback, designed around urban efficiency and a footprint much smaller than the Lancer. Its tire setup stays on 15-inch wheels, but the two sizes reflect the model’s own specialized fitment pattern rather than anything shared with the rest of the make.
Three products are available across four tire sizes for 2016 Mitsubishi vehicles. The 205/60R16 has one American Classic radial with a wide whitewall style, while the 215/45R18 has two BFGoodrich radials in blackwall form. Confirm your model, wheel diameter, and preferred appearance before selecting.
Radial Tires
American Classic Radial | 1.50 Inch Whitewall | 205/60R16
These FAQs cover how 2016 Mitsubishi tire sizing splits between the Lancer and i-MiEV, what the metric radial codes mean, which sidewall styles and brands appear by size, and what to check for safe use on low-mileage modern collector vehicles.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2016 Mitsubishi vehicles?
2016 Mitsubishi vehicles use four tire sizes across two model lines: 205/60R16 and 215/45R18 for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, plus 145/65R15 and 175/60R15 for the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The Lancer sizes mount on 16-inch or 18-inch wheels, while both i-MiEV sizes mount on 15-inch wheels. Rim-width guidance is available for the Lancer sizes with products here: 205/60R16 fits 5.50 to 7.50 inch rims, and 215/45R18 fits 7.0 to 8.0 inch rims.
The important takeaway is that 2016 Mitsubishi fitment is model-specific, not make-wide. A Lancer owner should begin by confirming whether the car has 16-inch or 18-inch wheels, while an i-MiEV owner should confirm which of the two 15-inch sizes belongs at the position being replaced. Using year and make alone is not enough on this range, because the electric i-MiEV and gasoline-powered Lancer follow completely different size patterns.
What does 205/60R16 mean on a 2016 Mitsubishi tire?
On a 2016 Mitsubishi, 205/60R16 is a metric radial size. The 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. For the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, this size appears on a 16-inch fitment and is available with a wide whitewall sidewall treatment from American Classic.
That decoding matters because every part of the size tells you something different: overall section width, profile, construction, and wheel diameter. If your 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer has 16-inch wheels and you want the more distinctive whitewall look offered in this size, 205/60R16 is the place to focus. It should still be checked against the actual wheel and the car’s placard or owner information before final selection.
Do all 2016 Mitsubishi models use the same tire size?
No. The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer uses 205/60R16 or 215/45R18, while the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses 145/65R15 and 175/60R15. None of those sizes cross over between the two models, and the wheel diameters differ as well, with the Lancer using 16-inch or 18-inch wheels and the i-MiEV staying with 15-inch wheels.
That difference changes how you should approach tire research. If you own a 2016 Mitsubishi and have not yet identified the exact model, do that before comparing products or sidewall styles. Once the model is confirmed, the next step is verifying the wheel diameter on the car, because a Lancer with 18-inch wheels and an i-MiEV on 15-inch wheels are working from completely separate tire categories.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 Mitsubishi tires?
2016 Mitsubishi tire sidewall styles vary by size. The 205/60R16 used on the Lancer is available with a 1.50-inch wide whitewall through American Classic, while the 215/45R18 Lancer fitment appears in blackwall form through BFGoodrich. The i-MiEV sizes shown here do not carry sidewall-style detail, so the visible contrast in this year and make is between a whitewall 16-inch Lancer option and blackwall 18-inch Lancer options.
For most 2016 Mitsubishi buyers, sidewall choice is about appearance more than fitment. A blackwall 215/45R18 keeps a contemporary late-model look on the Lancer, while the whitewall 205/60R16 offers a more customized visual treatment that stands apart from factory-modern styling. If appearance is important to your build, confirm the wheel diameter first and then choose the sidewall style that matches the personality of the car.
What brands make tires for 2016 Mitsubishi vehicles?
American Classic and BFGoodrich both appear in 2016 Mitsubishi fitments here. American Classic covers the 205/60R16 used on some 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer applications, while BFGoodrich covers the 215/45R18 Lancer size with g-Force series radials. The i-MiEV sizes, 145/65R15 and 175/60R15, are part of the 2016 Mitsubishi size range but are not paired here with brand-specific product detail.
Brand choice is tied closely to size on 2016 Mitsubishi vehicles, so it is more useful to start with the correct size than to start with a preferred nameplate. Once the model and wheel diameter are confirmed, you can compare what each brand offers in that exact fitment, including sidewall appearance and any load or speed details attached to the product. That keeps the decision centered on compatibility instead of appearance alone.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A for the 2016 Mitsubishi?
For the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer in 215/45R18, both BFGoodrich options share radial construction, blackwall styling, a 93W service description, and a 7 to 8 inch rim-width range. The g-Force COMP-2 A/S weighs 24 pounds, while the g-Force Phenom T/A weighs 24.25 pounds and carries a maximum load figure of 1,433 pounds at 50 psi. Both use the same 18-inch wheel diameter.
The practical difference is not a change in fitment but a change in the specific tire series and its accompanying specifications. Because both are the same size and speed-rated to the same 168 mph ceiling, the choice comes down to the product line you prefer within the BFGoodrich range and the exact spec details that matter to you. A Lancer owner comparing these two should verify the wheel width and then compare the individual tire’s intended character.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2016 Mitsubishi tires require?
Rim-width guidance is available for two 2016 Mitsubishi sizes here. The 205/60R16 used on the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer fits rims from 5.50 to 7.50 inches wide, while the 215/45R18 Lancer size fits 7.0 to 8.0 inch rims. Those widths match the wheel diameters tied to each size, with 16-inch diameter for the 205/60R16 and 18-inch diameter for the 215/45R18.
Rim width matters because the same nominal tire size can behave differently if the wheel is too narrow or too wide for the tire’s approved range. Before replacing tires on a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, measure or verify the actual wheel width rather than assuming all factory-looking wheels are the same. If you are working with an i-MiEV, confirm the wheel and tire pairing already on the car before selecting a replacement size.
Do 2016 Mitsubishi tires require inner tubes?
The 2016 Mitsubishi products shown here are radial tires without tube-type markings in the size descriptions, so the Lancer products covered here read as tubeless. The 205/60R16 American Classic and both 215/45ZR18 BFGoodrich products do not carry TT markings. The i-MiEV sizes do not have product-level tube information attached here, so the first step there is checking the tire and wheel combination actually being used.
On a modern-era vehicle like a 2016 Mitsubishi, tubeless fitment is the expectation unless the tire or wheel setup says otherwise. Even so, it is smart to confirm the exact sidewall marking on the product you choose and inspect the wheel condition, valve stems, and sealing surfaces during installation. That is especially important on a used set of wheels, where corrosion or damage can create air-loss issues unrelated to the tire itself.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2016 Mitsubishi when the tires are fitted?
A 2016 Mitsubishi that sits for extended periods should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, or other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so one section of the tread does not carry the load for months at a time. Radial tires generally resist prolonged-storage distortion better than old bias-ply designs, but they still age from heat, ozone, and static loading.
Collector-minded storage habits matter even on a newer vehicle if it is driven only occasionally. If the car will be parked for a season, slightly increasing attention to pressure checks and occasional repositioning helps preserve the casing and sidewalls. For a lightweight i-MiEV or a sport-oriented Lancer alike, good storage practice is less about mileage and more about minimizing environmental aging while the car is not in regular use.
How long do tires on a 2016 Mitsubishi typically last?
Tires on a 2016 Mitsubishi should be judged as much by age as by tread depth. A common collector-vehicle guideline is to start evaluating tires closely around five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement consideration even if tread remains. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the quickest way to determine when a tire was built.
That approach is especially important on low-mileage cars, where tires can look usable long after age-related hardening or cracking has started. A 2016 Mitsubishi that spends much of its time indoors may keep tread, but age, heat cycles, and storage conditions still matter. If the car is driven at higher speeds, carries passengers regularly, or has been parked for long periods, age-based evaluation becomes even more important before the next season of use.
How often should tires on a 2016 Mitsubishi be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Mitsubishi deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more deliberate inspection before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, punctures, bulges, abnormal shoulder wear, embedded debris, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure between drives. Pressure should be checked when the tires are cold, and the spare should be included if the car still carries one.
Regular inspection is one of the easiest ways to catch problems before they become a roadside issue. On a Lancer with 18-inch performance-oriented tires, watch for uneven wear that can signal alignment or suspension problems; on an i-MiEV, confirm that the narrow and wider sizes are staying in the correct positions. If a tire has been curb-struck, driven underinflated, or stored flat for a long time, inspect it more carefully before returning the car to regular use.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2016 Mitsubishi tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 2016 Mitsubishi tires in these radial sizes can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, properly inflated, and in sound condition. The 215/45R18 options for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer carry a W speed rating, which corresponds to a 168 mph ceiling, and that far exceeds normal highway use. The 205/60R16 American Classic also carries a modern radial construction, though safe road use still depends on age, condition, and proper installation.
For real-world driving, tire condition usually matters more than the maximum speed letter printed on the sidewall. A 2016 Mitsubishi is also limited by its own alignment, brakes, suspension condition, and load rather than by tire speed capability alone during ordinary use. Before a highway trip, inspect for age cracks, confirm cold pressures, and make sure the exact size on the car matches the wheel and the intended position.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2016 Mitsubishi tires?
Inflation pressure on a 2016 Mitsubishi should begin with the vehicle’s factory recommendation for the exact model, size, and axle position, then be checked against the tire maker’s own maximum-pressure marking. One load-and-pressure figure appears here for the 205/60R16 at 1,356 pounds at 35 psi, and another appears for one 215/45ZR18 product at 1,433 pounds at 50 psi. Those figures are product ratings, not universal settings for every 2016 Mitsubishi tire.
The key is not to transfer one tire’s pressure number to a different size or model. A Lancer on 16-inch tires and a Lancer on 18-inch tires may use different operating pressures, and the i-MiEV’s 15-inch sizes should be treated according to its own factory guidance. Use the door-jamb or owner-manual recommendation as the starting point, then confirm that the chosen tire’s pressure range aligns with that application.
What should I check before taking a 2016 Mitsubishi on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 2016 Mitsubishi, inspect all four tires for cracks, cuts, bulges, tread damage, and uneven wear, then set pressures cold and make sure the valve stems are in good condition. Confirm that the tire sizes on the car match the model’s proper fitment pattern, especially on the i-MiEV where the narrow and wider 15-inch sizes serve different roles. Check the spare as well if one is carried.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip picture, but they are the fastest place to spot age or storage-related problems. A longer drive is also a good reason to look over brakes, suspension, fluids, and battery condition, particularly on a car that sees intermittent use. If the vehicle has recently been parked for months, take a short shakedown drive first and recheck pressure and visual condition afterward.
