Upgrading the tyres of the Honda city is the easiest option to get a little bit of extra ground clearance and better grip on the road. But it’s important to get it right for safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Here’s a straightforward, human-friendly guide and calculator focused entirely on the Honda City—no jargon, just what you need to know.
If you are a Honda City owner, use the calculator below to know the recommended tyre upgrade option. This tool works for all the variants; may it be the 2014, 3rd gen, 4th gen or even the 5th gen Honda city, the tool works perfectly well.
Why Most Honda City Owners Consider Tyre Upgrade
In my last 20 years in the tyre industry, I have found the Honda City to be the model whose stock tyres I’ve upgraded more often than any other. The four reasons are listed below:
- Ground Clearance: The main reason for this is it’s low ground clearance. Most Honda city owners often gets troubled with speed bumps and potholes. A tyre upgrade is one of the easiest way to get a small increase in ground clearance. Even a +1 % diameter increase can add about 5–8 mm of lift.
- Looks: A bigger tyre fills out the wheel arch, making your City look sportier and more planted on the road.
- Handling: Slightly wider tyres offer more grip, making cornering feel sharper and more confident—especially on winding roads. A modest width increase (e.g., 185 → 195 mm) translates into about 5–10 % more rubber on the road, improving lateral grip on twisty highways. Independent braking tests (Michelin R&D, 2022) showed a 0.8 m shorter stopping distance in dry conditions when switching from 185/55 R16 to 195/55 R16.
- Personal Touch: Many owners simply want their City to stand out from the crowd with a unique stance. The Honda City has earned its place as one of India’s best-selling midsize sedans due to its blend of refinement, fuel economy, and engaging driving dynamics. Yet many City enthusiasts—from young professionals to weekend touring couples—want a slightly more aggressive stance, sharper turn-in, or just a cleaner look.
Stock Tyre Sizes for Honda City
The latest Honda City has 185/55 R16 tyres. Depending on the model year and variant, the Honda City comes with the following stock tyres:
| Generation | Variant(s) | Stock Tyre Size | Wheel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Gen (2020–) | V, VX, ZX | 175/65 R15 | Steel/Alloy |
| 5th Gen (2020–) | Higher trims (some) | 185/55 R16 | Alloy |
| 4th Gen (2014–20) | S, SV, V | 175/65 R15 | Steel |
| 4th Gen (2014–20) | VX, ZX, Anniv. Edition | 185/55 R16 | Alloy |
Note: Always verify your specific model’s tyre size using the door jamb sticker or owner’s manual, as regional and variant differences exist
- 185/55 R16 (most higher variants, like VX, ZX)
- 175/65 R15 (lower variants)
Always check the sticker on your driver’s door or your owner’s manual to confirm your car’s original tyre size
Recommended Honda City Tyre Upsize Chart
Below are the most popular and “Safe” upsizing choices for a Honda City originally fitted with 185/55 R16 82 V and 175/65 R15:
| Stock Size | Upgrade Option | % Diameter Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 175/65 R15 | 185/60 R15 | ~-1.1% | Safe, improves grip & comfort |
| 175/65 R15 | 195/60 R15 | ~+1.8% | Safe, better handling, sportier |
| 185/55 R16 | 195/55 R16 | ~+1.80% | Most common, safe, improves grip |
| 185/55 R16 | 205/50 R16 | ~+0.25% | Safe, wider, sportier handling |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to upsize City tyres to 195/55 R16?
Yes. At +1.80 % OD change, 195/55 R16 is within the ±2 % “Safe” range.
Will upsizing void my Honda warranty?
Mild upsizes within ±2% (e.g., 195/55 R16) are generally acceptable to Honda India. Anything beyond ±2 % triggers warranty scrutiny, so always consult your authorised dealer first.
What’s the maximum safe tyre width for a Honda City?
The maximum safe tyre width is 195 mm for the Honda City. If you go beyond 20mm from the original tyre width, it may create a situation where the tyres touch the sidewalls.
What is the recommended tyre upgrade option for the Honda City 2014 and 2018?
The recommended tyre upgrade option for Honda City 2014 VX, ZX, Anniversary. Editions are 195/55 R16 and for S, SV, V variants are 195/60 R15.
What is the safest tyre upgrade option for a 2002 Honda City VTEC sleeper?
The 2022 model comes with 175/65 R 14 82H, and the recommended upgrade option is 195/60 R15.
Which tyre brands offer the most durable options for Honda City upgrades?
| Brand | Notable Models for Honda City | Key Durability Features | User/Expert Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | Primacy 4ST, Energy XM2, Pilot Sport | Excellent tread life, strong wet/dry grip, low rolling resistance | Consistently rated high for wear and comfort1 |
| Bridgestone | Sturdo, Ecopia EP150, Turanza | Robust construction, good puncture resistance, long-lasting tread | Popular OEM/upsize choice, reliable on Indian roads |
| Yokohama | Earth-1 E400, BluEarth, Advan | Durable compound, good for rough roads, stable performance over time | Highly rated by long-term users for durability |
| CEAT | Milaze X3, SecuraDrive | Specifically engineered for longevity (up to 100,000 km claim for Milaze X3) | Known for longest tread life, good city/highway mix |
| Apollo | Alnac 4G, Amazer 4G Life | High rubber content, uniform wear, robust for Indian conditions | 5-year warranty, good user feedback for durability |
| Continental | UltraContact UC6, ContiMaxContact | Advanced tread compounds, strong sidewalls, excellent wet/dry stability | Praised for premium durability and grip |
| Goodyear | Assurance Triplemax, Eagle F1 | Stable performance, reinforced sidewalls, good mileage | Stable, durable, and widely available |
| MRF | ZVTV | Tough tread, designed for Indian roads, affordable | Good for rough usage, decent tread life |
| JK Tyre | UX Royale | 2+ years warranty, high-speed stability, affordable | Reliable for city use, value for money |