I've been running a slightly larger diameter tire than OE since 2009, and haven't had any problems with the car. The gearing is slightly taller, but not unmanageable. Imagine if you drove an area where steep uphill starts were the norm, it might have negative effects on the clutch in a manual version.
The 225/50 17s that are on my Vibe are fine at a Diameter of 25.9" and may go with a 225/55 17 when current tires wear out.
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There was a Vibe owner in Churchill Falls, Labrador a few years ago that I think stuck a set of 235/60 16s on his steel wheels to get a little more clearance. Not much in the way of pavement up there... wish I had stored pictures of that car. That tire has a Diameter of 27.1" !!!
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Another Canadian, in Ontario, Mad Bill, (some here may know him!
) ( definitely a hero of mine when Vibes come to mind), engineered a set of hubs to fit Corvette wheels on his Vibe. I do have pictures of that car. The rubber was fairly massive (275/40 17s if I recall correctly) and did peek out of the wheel arches the smallest tad up front. Diameter wasn't that far off at 25.7" compared to the OE RS-A 24.9" Diameter, but it was a great exercise and ended up with a great stance...
Mad Bill's white Vibe is still a thing of beauty
I'm a fan.