2017 Toyota RAV4: Tire Size, Pressure, & Wheel Specs

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 225/65R17 or 235/55R18
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Door Placard): 36 PSI (front and rear)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3mm
• Wheel Size: 17x7J or 18x7J
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 102H (225/65R17) or 100H (235/55R18)
• Spare Tire Size: T165/80D17 (temporary spare)
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Recommended replacement tires

Choosing the right replacement tires for your 2017 Toyota RAV4 is crucial for maintaining its handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. Here are a few popular and reliable options across different price tiers:

• Michelin Defender LTX M/S (Premium): Known for its exceptional longevity, all-season traction, and comfortable ride. It's a great choice if you prioritize durability and performance. Expect to pay around $180-$220 per tire.

• Continental CrossContact LX25 (Mid-Range): This tire offers a balanced combination of all-season grip, quiet ride, and good tread life at a more accessible price point. It's a solid all-around performer for most RAV4 owners. Pricing typically ranges from $150-$190 per tire.

• Firestone Destination LE3 (Value): A reliable and affordable option that still provides good all-season performance and a comfortable ride. If you're looking for a budget-friendly tire without sacrificing too much quality, this is a strong contender. You can often find these for $130-$170 per tire.

When to inflate to max load psi

The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is a passenger SUV, not a heavy-duty truck. Therefore, you should never inflate your tires to the "max load psi" (maximum cold inflation pressure) listed on the tire's sidewall. This pressure is intended for commercial vehicles or specific towing applications that the RAV4 is not designed for.

Always refer to the tire pressure placard located on the driver's side door jamb for the recommended cold tire inflation pressure for your specific vehicle. For the 2017 RAV4, this is typically 36 PSI for both front and rear tires, regardless of load. Overinflating your tires can lead to a harsh ride, premature tire wear, reduced traction, and potentially dangerous handling characteristics.

Lug nut torque & pattern

Properly torquing your lug nuts is essential for wheel safety. When changing a tire or rotating your wheels on a 2017 Toyota RAV4, follow these specifications:

• Lug Nut Torque: 76 ft-lbs (103 Nm)
• Lug Nut Tightening Pattern: Always tighten lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern. This ensures even pressure is applied to the wheel hub and prevents the wheel from becoming warped or improperly seated. Start with one lug nut, then move to the one directly across from it, and continue this pattern until all lug nuts are snug. After they are all snug, go around again in the same pattern to torque them to the specified 76 ft-lbs.

It's a good idea to re-check your lug nut torque after driving for about 50-100 miles, especially after a wheel installation or rotation, to ensure they haven't loosened.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

Owners of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 generally experience reliable tire performance, but like any vehicle, some common issues can arise:

• Uneven Wear: Misaligned suspension, improper tire pressure, or unbalanced wheels can lead to uneven tire wear, such as feathering, cupping, or wear on one edge. Regular tire rotations (every 5,000-7,500 miles) and alignments can help mitigate this.

• Road Noise: As tires wear down, many all-season tires can become noisier, especially those with more aggressive tread patterns. Choosing touring-oriented tires can help reduce road noise.

• Vibrations: Vibrations can indicate an unbalanced wheel, a bent rim, or a tire with internal damage. If you feel vibrations at certain speeds, it's important to have your wheels and tires inspected by a professional.

• TPMS Malfunctions: While not a tire issue itself, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can sometimes have issues. This might manifest as a persistent warning light even after tire pressures are correct, often due to a dying sensor battery or a faulty sensor. The 2017 RAV4 uses 315 MHz TPMS sensors.

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