2016 Honda Pilot: Tire Size, Pressure & Specs

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 245/60R18 or 245/50R20 depending on the trim level.
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Placard): 35 psi (front and rear).
• Bolt Pattern: 5x120 mm
• Wheel Size: 18x8 inches (LX, EX, EX-L) or 20x8 inches (Touring, Elite).
• Wheel Offset: +55 mm
• Load Index / Speed Rating: 105H (18-inch) or 102H (20-inch).
• Spare Tire Size: T165/80D17 temporary spare.
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz.

---

Tire Sizes by Trim

The 2016 Honda Pilot came equipped with two different wheel and tire sizes from the factory. The size on your specific vehicle depends on its trim level. It is crucial to install the correct size tire to maintain proper vehicle handling, speedometer accuracy, and the function of safety systems like ABS and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control).

Trim	Standard Tire Size	Standard Wheel Size
LX	245/60R18	18x8"
EX	245/60R18	18x8"
EX-L	245/60R18	18x8"
Touring	245/50R20	20x8"
Elite	245/50R20	20x8"

Both tire sizes have an identical overall diameter, making them interchangeable from a fitment perspective, but you must use the correct size for your specific wheels.

Recommended Replacement Tires

Choosing the right replacement tire depends on your budget and driving priorities (e.g., all-season traction, quiet ride, longevity). The 2016 Pilot is a family-focused crossover, so a quality all-season touring tire is typically the best fit.

• Premium Tier - Michelin CrossClimate2: This is a top-tier "all-weather" tire, offering superior performance in rain and light snow compared to standard all-seasons, without sacrificing a quiet, comfortable ride. Expect to pay a premium, but the safety and performance benefits are significant.
• Mid-Tier - General AltiMAX RT43: A very popular and well-regarded choice, the AltiMAX RT43 offers a fantastic balance of a quiet ride, long tread life, and reliable all-season traction. It represents a strong value for most drivers.
• Mid-Tier / Value - Hankook Kinergy PT (H737): Often found at a slightly lower price point than the General, the Hankook Kinergy is another excellent option known for its long treadwear warranty and comfortable highway manners.
• Budget Tier - Kumho Crugen HP71: For drivers on a tighter budget, the Crugen HP71 provides safe, dependable performance. While it may not match the refinement or winter grip of the premium options, it's a solid choice for general-purpose driving.

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI

This section does not apply to the 2016 Honda Pilot. The "Max Load PSI" listed on a tire's sidewall is the maximum pressure the tire can safely contain. This pressure is intended for heavy-duty (HD) trucks carrying their maximum rated payload or towing a very heavy trailer.

For a crossover SUV like the Honda Pilot, you should always inflate the tires to the pressure recommended on the door jamb placard, which is 35 psi for all four tires. Inflating to the sidewall's maximum pressure will result in a harsh, uncomfortable ride, reduced traction, and accelerated center tread wear.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

Properly torquing the lug nuts is critical for safety. Overtightening can stretch the studs and damage the wheels, while undertightening can allow the wheel to come loose.

• Lug Nut Torque Spec: 94 ft-lbs (127 N-m)
• Tightening Pattern: Always use a star or cross pattern when tightening lug nuts. This ensures the wheel is seated evenly against the hub. Start by snugging all five nuts down by hand, then use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten them in a star sequence (e.g., 1-3-5-2-4). Never rely on an impact gun to set the final torque.

Common Tire Issues for This Vehicle

The 2015-2020 generation of the Honda Pilot is known for a specific tire wear pattern: accelerated wear on the inner edge of the rear tires.

Many owners report the inside shoulder of their rear tires wearing out significantly faster than the rest of the tread, sometimes requiring tire replacement in as little as 20,000-30,000 miles. This issue is often attributed to the factory rear camber alignment settings. While the settings may be technically "within spec," they can be on the aggressive side of the acceptable range.

To mitigate this, it is crucial to:

1. Perform regular tire rotations every 5,000-7,500 miles. This helps to even out wear across all four tires.
2. Get a four-wheel alignment annually or whenever you install new tires. Ask the alignment technician to set the rear camber to be as close to the positive end of the specification range as possible to reduce the negative camber that causes inner edge wear.

---

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.