The Ford Puma is considered a leading compact SUV on the vehicle market, noted for its broad use of technology to support the driving experience, alongside its spacious interior and reliable handling.
Not only is the Ford Puma incredibly practical but it is also Ford’s most affordable model, blending the prestige of the brand status with the functionality that modern drivers need.
As a compact SUV, the Puma is designed to manage both smooth roads and some light off-road adventuring - with its smaller size ensuring it performs predictably and consistently. Over the years, innovation across the sector means that the Puma now boasts a petrol, hybrid or fully electric version - with all noted as being easy to handle.
But while choosing the right vehicle may seem like the biggest decision on your list when it comes to everyday travel, ensuring you attach the right fitments to that vehicle is just as crucial. The best place to start is with your Ford Puma’s tyres.
What Kind of Tyres Are Best for an SUV?
The acronym SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle, and refers to some of the vehicle’s most important features - its utilitarian design, practical handling, and sporty aesthetic. Tyres for this kind of vehicle need to be versatile enough to perform well at speed on smooth roads, with the strength and stability to handle some light off-road driving too.
Typically, this means tyres are wider with a more aggressive tread pattern and chunky sidewall height to protect from damage caused by obstacles on different terrains.
And that’s not the only feature of leading SUV tyres worth noting. Low rolling resistance and high fuel efficiency are both important to SUV drivers, while wet grip remains a crucial component of tyre design - especially in the UK. With all that in mind, where should Ford Puma drivers start their search for new or replacement tyres?
Ideal Tyre Size for a Ford Puma
While the exact tyre size for a Ford Puma varies from one model to the next, there are a couple of commonly fitted sizes that bridge performance with the off-road functionality of the SUV.
The most common tyre sizes that we see fitted to a Ford Puma compact SUV include 215/55 R17 tyres and 225/40 R19 tyres. Note how the tyres are wide to facilitate stable handling and traction, with the wider sizes boasting a lower sidewall profile height and larger rim diameter to balance performance with durability and comfort. The sidewall height doesn’t just indicate superior comfort but also affects performance in different conditions.
With that in mind, how much of a tyre’s performance is affected by size and how much is affected by tyre type?
