The Ford Fusion, known for its sophisticated design and reliable performance, has been a stalwart in the mid-size saloon segment for years. The 2016 model year brought refinements and updates, making it an even more compelling choice for British drivers. One crucial aspect often overlooked when purchasing or maintaining a vehicle is understanding the proper tyre specifications. This guide will explore everything you need to know about 2016 Ford Fusion tyre sizes, from standard fitments to performance alternatives.
Table of Contents
Understanding Tyre Size Nomenclature
Before delving into the specific tyre sizes for the 2016 Ford Fusion, it’s essential to understand how tyre sizes are denoted. The standard format follows a pattern such as 225/50R17 94H, where each component provides specific information about the tyre’s dimensions and capabilities.
The first number (225) represents the millimetre tyre width from sidewall to sidewall. The second number (50) indicates the aspect ratio, the sidewall height as a percentage of the tyre width. The letter ‘R’ denotes radial construction, which is standard for modern tyres. The following number (17) represents the wheel diameter in inches, while the final alphanumeric code (94H) indicates the load index and speed rating, respectively.
Standard Tyre Sizes for the 2016 Ford Fusion
The 2016 Ford Fusion offered several different tyre size options, depending on the trim level and wheel package selected. The base models typically featured more conservative tyre sizes optimised for comfort and fuel economy, while higher trim levels offered larger wheels with lower-profile tyres for enhanced handling characteristics.
Base and Mid-Level Trim Specifications
The entry-level 2016 Ford Fusion models, including the S and SE variants, came standard with 16-inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tyres. This configuration provided an excellent balance between ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The 205mm width offers an adequate contact patch for good traction without excessive rolling resistance, while the 65 aspect ratio provides sufficient sidewall height to absorb road imperfections effectively.
Many mid-level trims had optional 17-inch alloy wheels, typically used with 225/50R17 tyres. This step up in wheel size and corresponding reduction in sidewall height improved the vehicle’s handling response while maintaining reasonable ride quality. The wider 225mm tyre width enhanced cornering grip and stability during highway driving.
Higher Trim and Sport Variants
The more premium trim levels, including the Titanium and Sport variants, featured larger wheel and tyre combinations as standard equipment. These models typically came with 18-inch wheels fitted with 235/45R18 tyres. The 235mm width provided increased contact area for better grip, while the lower 45 aspect ratio improved steering response and reduced sidewall flex during cornering.
Some 2016 Ford Fusion models, particularly those with sport-oriented packages, offered 19-inch wheels as an option. These impressive wheels were typically fitted with 235/40R19 tyres, providing the most aggressive stance and sharpest handling characteristics available for the model. However, this configuration had trade-offs regarding ride comfort and tyre replacement costs.
Performance Considerations for Different Tyre Sizes
The choice of tyre size significantly impacts various aspects of vehicle performance, from fuel economy to handling characteristics. Understanding these relationships helps drivers make informed decisions when replacing tyres or considering wheel upgrades.
Fuel Economy and Rolling Resistance
Smaller tyres generally offer better fuel economy due to reduced rolling resistance and lower aerodynamic drag. The base 205/65R16 configuration on entry-level 2016 Ford Fusion models was explicitly chosen to maximise fuel efficiency while providing adequate daily driving performance. The taller sidewall also contributes to lower rolling resistance by allowing the tyre to deform more easily over road surfaces.
Conversely, the larger and wider tyres on higher trim levels create more rolling resistance and can negatively impact fuel consumption. However, modern tyre technology has significantly reduced these penalties, and many drivers find the performance benefits worth the modest decrease in fuel economy.
Handling and Ride Quality Balance
The relationship between wheel size and tyre sidewall height creates a fundamental trade-off between handling precision and ride comfort. The 2016 Ford Fusion’s various tyre size options clearly demonstrate this principle.
Models equipped with 16-inch wheels and 205/65R16 tyres prioritise ride comfort, with the taller sidewall providing excellent absorption of road irregularities. This configuration is ideal for drivers who primarily use their vehicle for commuting and value a smooth, quiet ride above sporty handling characteristics.
The intermediate 225/50R17 setup strikes a balance between comfort and performance. The slightly wider tyre improves cornering grip and stability, while the moderate reduction in sidewall height enhances steering response without severely compromising ride quality. This size represents the sweet spot for many drivers who want improved performance without sacrificing comfort.
At the performance end of the spectrum, the 235/45R18 and 235/40R19 configurations prioritise handling precision and steering response. The lower sidewall height reduces flex during cornering, providing more direct feedback from the road surface. However, these larger wheel and tyre combinations transmit more road noise and impact harshness into the cabin.
Seasonal Tyre Considerations
British weather conditions present unique challenges, influencing tyre selection for the 2016 Ford Fusion. The country’s temperate climate, frequent rainfall, and occasional winter conditions require careful consideration throughout the year.
Summer Tyre Performance
During warmer months, summer tyres provide optimal performance for the 2016 Ford Fusion across all wheel sizes. These tyres feature compounds optimised for temperatures above 7°C and tread patterns designed to evacuate water effectively while maintaining good dry-weather grip.
For the larger wheel sizes (18-inch and 19-inch), summer tyres often feature asymmetric tread patterns that maximise dry-weather performance while maintaining adequate wet-weather capabilities. The wider contact patches of 235mm tyres work well with these advanced tread designs to provide excellent cornering grip and stability.
Winter and All-Season Alternatives
British winters, while not typically severe, can present challenging conditions including temperatures below 7°C, frequent rainfall, and occasional snow or ice. Many 2016 Ford Fusion owners consider winter tyres or high-quality all-season alternatives for these conditions.
Winter tyres use softer compounds that remain flexible in cold temperatures and feature specialised tread patterns with increased siping for better traction on wet and slippery surfaces. All tyre sizes available for the 2016 Ford Fusion have excellent winter tyre options from premium manufacturers.
All-season tyres represent a compromise solution, offering reasonable performance across a broad temperature range. While they don’t match the extreme-weather capabilities of dedicated seasonal tyres, modern all-season designs provide acceptable performance for drivers who prefer the convenience of year-round fitment.
Manufacturer Recommendations and OEM Specifications
Ford’s engineering team carefully selected the original equipment tyre specifications for the 2016 Fusion to optimise various performance parameters. Understanding these choices helps owners make informed decisions when replacing tyres or considering alternatives.
Load Index and Speed Rating Requirements
To ensure safe operation, all 2016 Ford Fusion tyre sizes must meet specific load index and speed rating requirements. The load index indicates the maximum weight each tyre can support, while the speed rating denotes the maximum sustained speed capability.
For the base 205/65R16 size, typical load indices range from 94 to 96, corresponding to load capacities between 670kg and 710kg per tyre. The standard speed rating is usually H (210 km/h maximum), though some performance-oriented replacements may offer V (240 km/h) or W (270 km/h) ratings.
Larger tyre sizes generally maintain similar load requirements but may offer higher speed ratings as standard. The 235/40R19 configuration often comes with W or Y (300 km/h) speed ratings, reflecting the performance intentions of vehicles fitted with these wheel and tyre combinations.
Pressure Recommendations
Proper tyre pressure is crucial for optimal performance, safety, and tyre longevity. The 2016 Ford Fusion’s recommended pressures vary slightly depending on the tyre size fitted, with larger tyres often requiring marginally higher pressures to support their increased width and lower sidewall profile.
Typical pressure recommendations range from 2.2 to 2.4 bar (32-35 PSI) for front tyres and 2.1 to 2.3 bar (30-33 PSI) for rear tyres. However, owners should always consult the vehicle’s door placard or owner’s manual for specific recommendations. These pressures should be checked monthly and adjusted for accuracy when tyres are cold.
Aftermarket Wheel and Tyre Options
Many 2016 Ford Fusion owners consider aftermarket wheel and tyre combinations to personalise their vehicle’s appearance or enhance specific performance characteristics. Understanding the constraints and opportunities within Fusion’s specifications helps ensure successful upgrades.
Plus-Sizing Considerations
Plus-sizing involves fitting larger diameter wheels with correspondingly lower-profile tyres to maintain the overall rolling circumference. This modification can improve handling and appearance but requires careful attention to load ratings, clearances, and performance trade-offs.
For 2016 Ford Fusion owners starting with 16-inch wheels, moving to 17-inch or 18-inch alternatives represents popular plus-sizing options. The key is maintaining the overall diameter within manufacturer tolerances to avoid affecting speedometer accuracy, ABS calibration, and drivetrain components.
Offset and Fitment Requirements
Proper offset (ET) is crucial when selecting aftermarket wheels to maintain correct suspension geometry and avoid clearance issues. The 2016 Ford Fusion typically requires wheel offsets between ET40 and ET50, depending on the specific wheel width and design.
An incorrect offset can lead to premature bearing wear, altered handling characteristics, and potential interference with suspension components or bodywork. Professional fitting and consultation ensure optimal results when upgrading wheel and tyre combinations.
Maintenance and Replacement Guidelines
Proper maintenance extends tyre life and ensures optimal performance throughout the service interval. The 2016 Ford Fusion’s various tyre sizes each require specific maintenance and replacement considerations.
Rotation Patterns and Intervals
Regular tyre rotation helps ensure even wear across all four tyres, maximising their service life and maintaining consistent performance. The recommended rotation pattern for the 2016 Ford Fusion depends on whether the tyres are directional or asymmetric.
A cross-rotation pattern typically works best for non-directional tyres, moving front tyres to the opposite rear positions and rear tyres straight forward. Directional tyres require front-to-back rotation on the same side of the vehicle. Rotation intervals of 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres are generally recommended, though this may vary based on driving conditions and tyre design.
Wear Indicators and Replacement Timing
Modern tyres feature built-in wear indicators that become visible when the tread depth reaches 1.6mm, the legal minimum in the UK. However, many experts recommend replacement when the tread depth reaches 3mm, particularly for rear tyres, as wet-weather performance degrades significantly below this threshold.
The lower-profile tyres fitted to higher trim 2016 Ford Fusion models may show wear more quickly due to their reduced sidewall height and larger contact patches. Regular inspection for uneven wear patterns can identify suspension or alignment issues before they cause premature tyre replacement.
Cost Considerations and Value Analysis
The various tyre sizes available for the 2016 Ford Fusion span a significant range in replacement costs. Understanding these financial implications helps owners budget appropriately and make informed decisions about trim levels and wheel upgrades.
Replacement Cost Variations
The base 205/65R16 tyres are the most economical replacement option, with quality tyres available from budget to premium segments. Conversely, larger 235/40R19 tyres command premium prices due to their specialised nature and lower production volumes.
Mid-size options like 225/50R17 and 235/45R18 fall between these extremes, offering reasonable replacement costs and enhancing performance over the base specification. Many owners find these intermediate sizes provide the best performance and long-term value balance.
Performance Tyre Premiums
High-performance summer tyres for larger wheel sizes can cost significantly more than standard touring tyres. However, the performance benefits in handling, braking, and cornering grip often justify the additional expense for enthusiastic drivers.
Ultra-high-performance tyres designed for 19-inch wheels may cost double or triple that of standard 16-inch replacements. Prospective buyers should factor these ongoing costs into their decision-making process when selecting trim levels or considering wheel upgrades.
Environmental and Sustainability Factors
Modern tyre manufacturing increasingly considers environmental impact and sustainability. The 2016 Ford Fusion’s various tyre sizes present different environmental considerations that conscious consumers may want to evaluate.
Rolling Resistance and Fuel Consumption
Lower rolling resistance tyres directly contribute to reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. The narrower 205/65R16 tyres fitted to base models inherently offer lower rolling resistance than wider alternatives, supporting Ford’s fuel economy targets for the Fusion range.
EU tyre labelling provides standardised information about rolling resistance, wet grip, and noise levels, helping consumers make informed choices about replacement tyres. Selecting tyres with superior rolling resistance ratings can improve fuel economy while maintaining safety performance.
Longevity and Waste Reduction
Tyre longevity directly impacts environmental sustainability by reducing the frequency of replacements and associated waste generation. The 2016 Ford Fusion’s various tyre sizes exhibit different wear characteristics, influencing their service life.
Smaller, higher-profile tyres generally last longer due to reduced stress concentrations and better heat dissipation. The 205/65R16 configuration typically provides excellent mileage, while larger, lower-profile alternatives may require more frequent replacement due to their performance-oriented design priorities.
Technical Specifications and Engineering Insights
The engineering decisions behind the 2016 Ford Fusion’s tyre size options reflect careful consideration of multiple performance parameters and customer requirements. Understanding these technical aspects provides insight into why specific sizes were chosen for different trim levels.
Suspension Tuning and Tyre Interaction
Ford’s engineers tuned the 2016 Fusion’s suspension components to work optimally with each available tyre size. The spring rates, damper settings, and anti-roll bar specifications vary between trim levels to accommodate the different wheel and tyre combinations.
Models fitted with larger wheels and lower-profile tyres typically feature firmer suspension settings to maximise the handling benefits of reduced sidewall flex. Conversely, variants with smaller wheels and higher-profile tyres use softer suspension tuning to prioritise ride comfort and refinement.
Unsprung Weight Considerations
The choice of wheel and tyre size significantly impacts unsprung weight, which affects suspension performance, fuel economy, and acceleration. Larger wheels are heavier than smaller alternatives, but the reduced weight of lower-profile tyres partially offsets this.
Ford’s engineers carefully balanced these considerations when specifying the various wheel and tyre combinations for the 2016 Fusion. The result is a range of options catering to different priorities while maintaining the vehicle’s fundamental character and performance targets.
Conclusion
The 2016 Ford Fusion offers tyre sizes ranging from the comfort-focused 205/65R16 to the performance-oriented 235/40R19. For most drivers, intermediate sizes like 225/50R17 or 235/45R18 provide the best handling, comfort, and value balance. Always prioritise quality brands that meet original specifications and consider your driving needs when selecting replacements.