By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-24
The Ford Focus was discontinued in the U.S. after 2018 but remains widely used as a commuter and value car. The Focus SE and Titanium need a straightforward all-season. The Focus ST is a hot hatch with a 2.0T turbocharged engine that deserves a proper performance tire.
Ford Focus tire sizes
The Focus S uses 195/65R15 on 15-inch wheels. The Focus SE uses 215/55R16 on 16-inch wheels (215/50R17 on some SE packages). The Focus Titanium and SEL use 215/50R17 on 17-inch wheels. The Focus ST uses 235/40R18 on 18-inch performance wheels.
Verify on the driver door sticker; different years and trims used different wheel packages.
Best tires for the Focus SE and Titanium
Michelin Defender T+H (215/55R16): best long-wear all-season for high-mileage Focus SE owners. Up to 80,000-mile warranty, excellent wet braking, quiet highway ride.
Continental TrueContact Tour (215/55R16, 205/50R17): the quietest all-season for the Focus. Smooth highway ride, excellent wet scores. Good for Focus Titanium owners who want a refined daily driver experience.
General AltiMAX RT43 (215/55R16): best budget option for Focus SE owners. Competitive wet performance, 75,000-mile warranty, lowest price in the segment.
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Best tires for the Ford Focus ST
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 (235/40R18): the top all-season pick for the Focus ST. Available in 235/40R18. Outstanding wet and dry performance with the sport character the ST drivetrain deserves.
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 (235/40R18): summer performance alternative for the ST. Strong dry and wet grip. Best for ST owners in warm-weather markets.
Frequently asked
What tire size does the Ford Focus use?
Focus S: 195/65R15. Focus SE: 215/55R16 or 215/50R17. Focus Titanium/SEL: 215/50R17. Focus ST: 235/40R18. Verify on the driver door sticker.
How much do Ford Focus tires cost?
195/65R15: $75 to $120 per tire. 215/50R17: $100 to $155 per tire. 235/40R18 (ST): $130 to $200 per tire. A full set on 15-inch installed runs $300 to $480.
How do I know when my Focus needs new tires?
The penny test is the fast check: if Lincoln's whole head shows, replace the tire. Also watch for hydroplaning in the rain, vibration, and uneven wear, which shows up early on a front-driver like the Focus. The fronts almost always wear out before the rears.
Is it worth buying used tires for a Focus?
Usually not. Used tires hide their real age and history, and a bad prior repair or dry-rotted sidewall isn't always obvious. On a daily commuter, a set of quality budget-tier all-seasons costs little more and comes with a warranty and known wear. Save used tires for a spare, not your daily set.
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Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.