turborx8

iTrader: (1)

What would be the best choice for 17x7 rims?

Stock Tire Specs
Specification - Sidewall - Radius - Diameter - Circumference - Revs/Mile - Difference

225/45-18 - 4.0in - 13.0in - 26.0in - 81.6in - 777 - 0.0%

Winter Tire Specs
Specification - Sidewall - Radius - Diameter - Circumference - Revs/Mile - Difference

225/50-17 - 4.4in - 12.9in - 25.9in - 81.2in - 780 - -0.4%
205/55-17 - 4.4in - 12.9in - 25.9in - 81.3in - 779 - -0.4%
215/55-17 - 4.7in - 13.2in - 26.3in - 82.7in - 767 - +1.3%

turborx8

iTrader: (1)

The more narrow the tire the better in the snow so the 205/55-17 would be a good choice but would those fit on a 7" wide rim?

Plus it would be the cheapest of the three!

Slick

Go for the 205/55R17s.
Best size for winters, with the correct diameter like stock, and will fit just right on a 7" wide rim.

DarkBrew

+1.
Narrow is good in snow.
but I never even heard of that tire size....

SolarYellow510

There are a few more choices of tires in 215/55-17. The difference in diameter only puts it about 1/8" closer to fenders, but also buys you that much more ground clearance. It's really insignificant.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

generalities are only that, without proper context they're what get most people into trouble

too narrow can be as dangerous, if not more

TireRack recommends 225/50-17 with 215/55-17 as an alternate, go with the recommendation

Astral

I would recommend 215's for a safe choice. They look just right on 17x7 rims, tons of members are running them, there are plenty of tires in that size.

I had 215 last winter and they worked well. Though I am running 225 this winter (found a good deal), still exact same tire model, I will find out the snow traction differences if any. So far, I can say that the 225's look a little bulging out.

I was considering 205's, but I was a bit hesitant without TireRack "approving" of the size. Though there are plenty of people that run 205's, on Mazda3 rims for example (if you search).

I don't know why TireRack recommends 225. I always wanted to ask.

I would not go for 225's if I was buying new tires. Go with 215's or 205's.

You can look at the tradeoff this way: if you want maximum snow performance, go with 205's. If you want to lose less wet/dry grip, go with 215's.

There's a reason rally drivers run really narrow tires in snow stages (they look like our space saver spares).

Astral

I just checked and my winter rims are actually 7.5 width, not 7. So I wouldn't go with 205 on my 7.5" wide rims.

coolstorm92

iTrader: (1)

i dont know which is considered best. probabaly not a lot of difference in them. but i am selling some 225/45/17 hankook icebear w300 that i used one season for $200 if you are interested.
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/fs-hankook-icebear-w300-snow-winter-tires-17-225-45-17-%24200-131821/