2023 Honda Pilot Tire Size & Pressure

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 255/60R18 or 255/50R20
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (on door placard): 35 psi (front and rear)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x120
• Wheel Size: 18x8" or 20x8"
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 106H or 101H
• Spare Tire Size: T165/80D17
• TPMS Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Recommended replacement tires

The 2023 Honda Pilot is a versatile family SUV that performs well on the highway and in the city. The best replacement tires will enhance its comfortable ride and all-weather capability.

• Premium All-Season: Michelin CrossClimate2. A top-tier choice known for its excellent performance in all weather conditions, including light snow. It offers a quiet, comfortable ride and a long tread life warranty, making it a great investment for drivers who want the best in safety and performance. Expect to pay a premium for this tire.
• Mid-Tier All-Season: General AltiMAX RT45. This tire is a fantastic value, providing a smooth, quiet ride and reliable all-season traction. It's a significant step up from budget options without the premium price tag of a Michelin or Continental. It offers a great balance of performance and longevity.
• Budget-Friendly All-Season: Kumho Solus TA11. For drivers looking for a dependable and affordable option, the Solus TA11 is a solid choice. It delivers good all-season performance and a comfortable ride for daily driving. While it may not have the performance limits or tread life of more expensive options, it provides reliable service for its price point.
• All-Terrain (for TrailSport): Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail. If you have a TrailSport model or want to add more rugged capability to your Pilot, this tire is an excellent choice. It's designed for crossovers and SUVs, providing a great balance between on-road comfort and off-road traction. It's more aggressive than a standard all-season tire but still civilized for daily driving.

Lug nut torque & pattern

Properly torquing your lug nuts is crucial for safety. Uneven or incorrect torque can lead to wheel vibration, premature brake wear, or even a wheel detaching from the vehicle.

• Lug Nut Torque: 94 ft-lbs (127 N-m)
• Lug Nut Pattern: When tightening the lug nuts, always use a star or crisscross pattern. This ensures the wheel is seated evenly against the hub. Tighten the lugs in three stages, first snugging them by hand, then torquing them to half the recommended spec, and finally to the full 94 ft-lbs.

Never use an impact wrench to tighten lug nuts, as this can easily overtighten them and cause damage. Always use a calibrated torque wrench for final tightening.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

The 2023 Honda Pilot is a new generation, but we can anticipate some common tire-related issues based on previous models and general observations for this vehicle class.

• Premature Edge Wear: Like many modern SUVs with independent rear suspension, the Pilot can be sensitive to alignment issues. Misalignment, often from hitting potholes or curbs, can cause the inside or outside edges of the tires to wear much faster than the center. Regular alignment checks (at least once a year or every 12,000 miles) can prevent this issue.
• Vibration at Highway Speeds: If you experience a vibration or shimmy in the steering wheel, the most common culprit is a tire and wheel imbalance. This can happen over time as tires wear or after hitting a significant pothole. Having the tires re-balanced by a qualified technician will usually solve the problem.
• TPMS Malfunctions: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warns you of low tire pressure. Sometimes, a sensor can fail due to battery life (they typically last 5–7 years) or damage. If your TPMS light is flashing, it indicates a system malfunction, and you should have it inspected by a technician. If the light is solid, it means one or more of your tires are low on air.

Regular tire rotations (every 5,000–7,500 miles) and maintaining correct tire pressure are the two most effective things you can do to maximize tire life and ensure a safe, comfortable ride in your 2023 Pilot.

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.