LE / SE tire options (17" rim)

215/55R17 is an acceptable size for the original 17x6.5" rims, and a lot more common. I suggest including that size in your search.

(Can't advise on all-weather - I'm switching between summer 195/50R19 and studded winter 215/55R17).

 

If you wait a bit, CrossClimate 3 in 205/55R17 is a possibility. 1.1% smaller than the stock. You'd only lose about 1/8" of ground clearance. It was just announced in Europe. Should eventually make it to North America.


For the 19" owners, Michelin Europe has also added a CC3 205/50R19. 1.5% bigger than stock. I think I've found my next tire.

 

Yeah, I'm not certain anyone out there(in North America at least) makes a 205/60R17. Your realistic choices are between the 205/55R17 and the 215/55R17. You need to decide whether a small reduction in sidewall/clearance or a small reduction in mpg is more important to you.

205/55R17
Pros - Should be about the same mpg. Probably very, very slightly better at city speeds and very slightly worse at highway speeds. CC2 available now.
Cons - Tiny bit smaller tire. Lose about 1/8" ground clearance and about 3/16" sidewall. CC3 not available yet - maybe not until next year.

215/55R17
Pros - Very slightly bigger tire. Less than 1/8" more sidewall and negligible increase in clearance. Lots of great tire choices.
Cons - Small but noticeable hit in mpg due to increased weight and air resistance. Starting to be a little wide for the wheel, but still acceptable.

215/60R17
Pros - A full 1/2" more sidewall, and 1/2" more ground clearance over stock.
Cons - Bigger hit to mpg over 215/55R17. Not many great tires in this size, but some are available. Also a little wide for the wheel(but still acceptable).

 

Nope. Only mediocre(at best) all-season and a great winter. No all-weather.

All-Season:
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus
Toyo Extensa A/S II B
Goodyear Assurance MaxLife2

Winter:
Michelin X-Ice Snow

 

Sorry, no idea to either question. I suspect there are no major differences between the Toyo, Bridgestone or Goodyear. I think they're all standard quality tires that emphasize efficiency and economy over grip performance.

As for the Nexen, I had never heard of that brand before. Google says it's a budget South Korean brand that's been around for 70 years(so they were founded shortly after the Korean War). I don't think I'd personally try them, but I probably live in harsher conditions than you do. I'm also a bit of a tire snob. I had several bad experiences due to bad tires when I was in my teens/twenties, so I'm no longer willing to compromise to save a few bucks.

 

No, you don't need to balance it. A compact spare has low mass, isn't meant to be driven over 50/55mph, or driven more than 50 miles. A full size spare should be balanced like any other tire, but not a compact spare.

 

True, all other things being equal. If you open the search to other sizes, those things may not be equal though.

A narrower ultra low rolling resistance tire may do quite a bit worse in snow than a wider all season. There are so many choices in 215/55 that they can be bewildering for someone like me who doesn't make a hobby of tire shopping.

The Dunlop Enasaves that came on Corolla were pretty good on a dry road and provided measurably better efficiency than the tire with which I replaced them, but were not safe in the wet and snow. I bought new wheels and mounted Michelin Defenders, a good all season tire with good water evacuation. Efficiency dropped a bit but I gained consistently mediocre adhesion in rain and snow.

Choosing from a size everyone makes may allow you to better pursue your priorities.

 

What about 205/55/17? Only 1.9% difference in circumference than stock.
Several all season options including non run flats like Michelin Cross Climate 2 and Continental TrueContact Tour 54.
I do not have experience with any new tires yet for this vehicle, but these two did receive good ratings on Tire Rack.

 

Sounds like 215 width is what you will need if you want taller sidewalls and a decent tire selection. Hopefully someone can chime in with winter environment experience too. Maybe difficult to find a tire with eco focus if you also prefer a tire that favors winter.

 

Are you planning to have two sets of wheels and tires? The Michelin X-Ice snow are dedicated winter tires.

 

useful and practical info 215-55-17 on the stock wheels should be ok if you live in the snowy parts just put a dedicated snow on when the season suggests no all season beats a dedicated snow