The P215/60R17 has an O.D. of 27.2" while the P215/65R17 has an O.D. of 28.0". I believe that the bigger tire is only available with the FDII package which has some funky different final drive ratio to keep the speedometer/odometer correct. If I'm wrong then how do they correct for the error?

 

The speedometer can be adjusted with the Starscan tool at the dealers.

 

The tire size is so close I doubt you will see a differance in gas , but the FDII in the 2.4 should drop a mile or two at lower speeds . "This is my opinion only ". I have not seen a window sticker on the money with milage unless traveling down hill with wind at my back . My cherokee didnt change at all when I jumped 1" in size , I would get same milage on a full tank within 5-10 miles of fill-up .

 

What about the speedometer/odometer error after substituting larger or smaller diameter tires? Wouldn't that void the warranty?

 

im now understanding the all-terrians will be a bit louder too.

 

They call the 215/60R the touring and the other one the off-road tire.

What's that mean on the road, the ride could be better with the touring, I don't know, I have to make a choice, I'm never going off-road, I will order a Limited 4X4, 5 speed, here in Canada it's $250.00 for the all terrain tire with white letter, the 5 speed come with the 215/60R black.

If the ride is better with the touring I will forget the white letter.

 

off road tires aren't great in summer or in the winter...they aren't bad don't get me wrong but your best bet would be using the black wall tires for summer and getting some snow tires for winter

 

I've been running on snow tires in winter for the past six years on my Ford Focus, and definitely noticed a difference in traction and stopping. My Patriot order includes the Wheel Group, with the 17" tires and aluminum wheels. I like the look of the wheels, but now I wonder if the tires will give the same type of performance. Then again, we're comparing front wheel drive to 4x4 on a vehicle that is close to 700 pounds heavier. The tread on the Wrangler SR-A tires looks more aggressive than the 16 inch. It would be great to try them back to back in winter driving conditions.

 

For me I keep the 17" winter tire I have on my Caliber, I never went off-road, the black wall tire will be the best for me, it's all about the look for me, the white wall will be nicer for $275.00 more, I have to think about that before order my Patriot.

 

What brand/model winter tire are you using? For my Ford Focus, I bought a second set of rims at Canadian Tire and keep a set of Ultra Grip Ice tires (4) mounted. Changeover in Spring and Fall is quicker and easier. Getting a second set of rims and winter tires is a possibility for the Patriot, although a car dealer (not dealership) I know says it won't be necessary.

 

Continental 4X4 Wintercontact 215/60R/17 mounted on rims and I have the original Caliber Mags and tires for almost 7 months during the year.

I thing I'm able to use the same rims on my Patriot then I will not have to buy another set of rims and tires.