It’s impossible to drive anywhere without wheels, and you’ll need to outfit those wheels with a set of rubbers — otherwise known as tires — for a smooth and comfortable ride.
Finding the best tires for your car means reading reviews, studying product features, and diving into the ins and outs of available sizes and configurations. With the right tires, getting from point A to point B quickly and comfortably can become a quick, over-and-done with task.
We reviewed dozens of tires for passenger cars to identify the best of the best, based on Amazon reviews, how well they performed in tests, cost, and other considerations. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated tires vehicle owners can purchase to ensure a smooth running ride.
We’ve identified Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 All-Season Radial Tire as the best tire out there. With a wide belt for improved handling, these tires are ones that will keep your vehicle running in tip top shape. These benefits allow you to get where you’re going in a more comfortable fashion.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Tires
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 All-Season Radial Tire | 4.7 |
| Runner Up | Milestar MS932 All Season Radial Tire | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Buy | Prometer LL821 All-Season Tire | 4.8 |
| Best All-Season Tires | Vercelli Strada 2 All-Season Tire | 4.5 |
| Best Touring Tires | Westlake RP18 All- Season Radial Tire-205/55R16 91V | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 All-Season Radial Tire
The Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 All-Season Radial Tire took the top spot on our list of the best tires, and boasts a wide belt that helps to improve tread stiffness for improved handling in all weather conditions. The unique 3D effect on the block edge helps to evenly distribute road surface contact for the best braking and handling experience. It is made with a HPSR (High Tg Polymer & Specific Resin) compound for the best possible traction and braking in wet conditions.
Those who purchased and reviewed this tire appreciated that it provided excellent traction, especially in wet conditions. Some people found it to be a bit louder than other tires, and noticed their fuel economy was slightly worse. Many reviews commented on the positive of these tires being made in the USA.
With a price tag of about $66 per tire, it isn’t cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.7 on Amazon with nearly 100 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing vehicle owners to make the investment.
Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 All-Season Radial Tire Key Features:
- Available in a choice of sizes to suit various makes and models of vehicles
- Solid center rib provides superior traction, handling, and stability
- Noise care blocks on the shoulders mean a quieter ride
Our Runner Up Pick: Milestar MS932 All Season Radial Tire
The Milestar MS932 All Season Radial Tire took the runner-up spot on our list of the best tires, and boasts an all-season tread design that offers excellent traction and handling for all road conditions. It features a well-balanced, high performance design that offers a quiet and comfortable ride. It provides excellent wet weather handling and improved treadwear thanks to the advanced silica tread compound.
Those who purchased and reviewed this tire appreciated that it came with the brand’s 50,000 mile limited treadwear warranty, and found it to be adequate for a range of driving conditions. Many people commented that it was a little difficult to balance, but found it offered excellent tread life.
At a cost of around $47 per tire, it’s about the middle of the road as far as the cost of car tires go, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.4 on Amazon with nearly 300 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing vehicle owners to make the investment.
Milestar MS932 All Season Radial Tire Key Features:
- Choice of sizes from 14-20 inches to suit various makes and models of vehicles
- Available in T, H, and V speed ratings
- 540AA UTQG rated
Best Budget Pick: Prometer LL821 All-Season Tire
The Prometer LL821 All-Season Tire is an excellent choice for those looking for tires that won’t break the bank. It boasts a wide, flat tread design to help increase stability in all kinds of weather conditions. It offers excellent tread wear, and has been specifically designed to fit passenger cars, sedans, coupes, subcompacts, and small crossover vehicles of various makes and models. It comes complete with a 50,000 mile treadwear warranty for added value and peace of mind.
Those who purchased and reviewed this tire appreciated that it looked good and handled well in a variety of weather conditions. People found it to have quiet operation, and said that the ride was smooth.
With a cost of approximately $43 per tire, this tire is are a solid choice for those looking for a tire option on a budget. It has a rating of 4.8 on Amazon with more than 10 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing vehicle owners that this budget-friendly pick is just as good at keeping them moving safely and comfortably as their more expensive counterparts.
Prometer LL821 All-Season Tire Key Features:
- Wheel not included, rubber only
- Tread design helps to reduce the risk of hydroplaning
- Speed rating of H, 500AA UTQG rated
Best All-Season Tires: Vercelli Strada 2 All-Season Tire
The Vercelli Strada 2 All-Season Tire is an excellent option for those looking for one set of tires to get them through a year’s worth of driving. It makes use of a special high-silica compound to provide superior performance in both wet and dry conditions, and offers maximized tread life thanks to its low rolling resistance, which makes for increased fuel efficiency.
Those who purchased and reviewed this tire appreciated that it offered excellent traction and performance. Even after more than 40,000 miles, many reviewers said their tires were still going strong. People found that it was easy to install and balance, and felt it looked good on their cars. Some even commented that these tires outperformed even more expensive ones.
With a price tag of about $87 per tire, is isn’t cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.5 on Amazon with nearly 100 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing vehicle owners to make the investment.
Vercelli Strada 2 All-Season Tire Key Features:
- Wheel not included, rubber only
- Speed rating of W
- UTQG rated 500-A-A
Best Touring Tires: Westlake RP18 All- Season Radial Tire-205/55R16 91V
The Westlake RP18 All- Season Radial Tire-205/55R16 91V is an excellent choice for those who want a touring tire for their car. It boasts an intricate tread pattern and siping to provide efficient water evacuation in wet conditions. The vertical siping offers improved sideways traction and enhanced stability in all conditions for better handling. The symmetrical tread pattern makes tire rotations easy.
Those who purchased and reviewed this tire appreciated that it offered a smooth and quiet ride. People commented that it offered excellent traction and handling, and found it easy to install and balance.
At a cost of around $41, it’s pretty affordable as far as car tires go, and the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.4 on Amazon with more than 250 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing vehicle owners to make the investment.
Westlake RP18 All- Season Radial Tire-205/55R16 91V Key Features:
- Available in speed ratings of V, T, or H
- Tread wear indicator lets you know when it’s time to replace tires
- Suitable for use on sedans, coupes, minivans, crossovers, and older vehicles with smaller fitments
Who Should Buy Tires
Tires are an essential item for anyone who drives a car. A vehicle would be unable to move without some sort of rubber around the wheel.
People often buy new tires when their current tires have come to end of life. As a vehicle component that undergoes constant wear and tear with use, tires will eventually lose their tread and provide less responsive handling. Generally speaking, most tires nowadays last about 50,000 miles, but there are things that can cause them to wear faster and need replacing sooner.
Another reason someone might buy car tires is if one or more of their tires was damaged beyond repair. While some tire damage, such as a small screw or nail puncture, can be repaired with a plug kit, sometimes a tire is damaged beyond what can safely be repaired.
An important thing to keep in mind is that tires should always be replaced in pairs, so that they wear and perform properly. It’s best to replace both front or both rear tires at the same time if you need to replace only one (or two) tires.
And if you’re looking for information on other tire products, such as finding the best wheel covers, the best truck tires, or the best tire chains, we have in-depth buying guides that can help make your decision easier.
Important Features to Consider
Not all tires are created equal. A tire should provide a comfortable ride and responsive performance. Here’s what to consider when evaluating the options in search of the best tires for car:
- Tire type. You can easily determine the type of tire by the first letter in the identifying code: P means passenger car, LT means light truck, and ST indicates special trailer. Car tires will generally start with P, such as P 225/75R15.
- Tire width. Once you’ve selected the correct type of tire, you’ll need to find the right width. The number listed after the tire type indicated is the width of the tire in millimeters. If the code is P 225/75R15, the width of the tire is 225 mm.
- Tire height. The next number you need to check for is the number following the slash, which indicates the tire’s height. While it’s not really a measurement, it indicates the percentage of the tire’s width. In our example, P 225/75R15, the height of the tire is 75% of its width of 225 mm.
- Treadwear grade. Treadwear grades range from 50 to more than 600, and increases in 20-point increments. A treadwear grade indicates how long a tire is expected to last.
- Traction score. A traction score indicates the measurement of a tire’s ability to stop a car in a straight-ahead motion on a wet test surface pavement. AA is the best, while C is the worst.
- Temperature grade. Temperature grades represent a tire’s resistance to heat and its ability to dissipate heat under controlled conditions. A tire with a C grade meets the minimum performance standards, while A is the highest rating.
- Tire construction. Radial tires have rubber-coated steel cables running perpendicular across the tire and are better for long distance travel, as they stay cooler due to the fact that they provide less rolling resistance. The also have a longer tread life. Tires with the letter R in their code are radial tires.
Diagonal bias tires use layers of nylon textile cords crisscrossing at 30° angles, and are better for shorter distances or off-pavement situations. Diagonal bias tires have a shorter tread life than radial tires, and are indicated by the letter D in the tire code. - Wheel diameter. The last number in the sequence before the space is the diameter of the wheel in inches. In our example, P 225/75R15, the wheel is 15 inches in diameter.
- Speed rating. If you’ll be running your tires down the highway, you’ll want to choose a tire with a higher speed rating. Tires indicate their speed rating with a letter on the sidewall, with H for 130 mph, P for 93 mph, Q for 99 mph, R for 106 mph, S for 112 mph, T for 118 mph, V for 149 mph, W for 168 mph, Z for 149+ mph, and Y for 186+ mph.
- Price point. Finally, consider how much you are willing to spend on tires. Tires vary in price from $30-$200 or more per tire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two types of tires?
There are two main styles of tire construction: radial and diagonal bias. Radial tires have rubber-coated steel cables running perpendicular across the tire and are better for long distance travel, as they stay cooler due to the fact that they provide less rolling resistance. The also have a longer tread life. Tires with the letter R in their code are radial tires. Diagonal bias tires use layers of nylon textile cords crisscrossing at 30° angles, and are better for shorter distances or off-pavement situations. Diagonal bias tires have a shorter tread life than radial tires, and are indicated by the letter D in the tire code.
Can you have two different types of tires on your car?
It might not be ideal, but it is generally considered acceptable to have two different types of tires on your car. That said, tires should always be replaced in pairs, so that they wear and perform properly. It’s best to replace both front or both rear tires at the same time if you need to replace only one (or two) tires. Whenever possible, replacing all four tires at once will offer the best wear and performance for your driving experience.
What is the difference between all-season tires and performance tires?
All-season tires are suitable for use in all seasons, from the cold and slippery ice during the winter, to the extreme heat of summer, and wet spring and fall conditions. They offer a smooth ride, long wear, and adequate traction in all sorts of conditions, and feature high mileage ratings. Performance tires are for more specialized driving styles, and come in three main subcategories, including: basic, touring, and high performance. Basic performance tires offer low-speed traction, while touring tires are best for luxury vehicles. High performance tires feature a low profile and stiff sidewall for improved cornering and responsiveness.
How long do high-performance tires last?
High-performance tires last on average about 40,000. That said, there are a number of factors including heat, speed, and inflation, that can impact how long a tire will last. Some high-performance tires last as little as 20,000 miles.
Other Tires We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other tires. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best tires list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your car. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Touring Tires
Westlake RP18 All- Season Radial Tire-225/60R16 98H
This touring tire boasts a radial construction, and provides excellent traction on both dry and wet surfaces. The intricate tread pattern and siping evacuates water well, and gives a good feel for the road.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of H, V, or T
- Price per tire
- Vertical siping for enhanced stability
Cost: $48
MRF Markus Touring All Season Radial Tires
These touring tires boast a unique all-season compound and tread design that offers secure traction and handling in all weather conditions.
Key Features:
- Load range of SL
- Price per set of four tires
- Speed rating of H
Cost: $298
Mastercraft Courser HSX Tour RadialTire
This touring tire provides a smooth, comfortable ride all year long, and features long-wearing tread for added value. Stability control siping offers improved handling.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of T
- UTQG rated 600AB
- Tread wear indicator
Cost: $78
Kumho Solus TA31 Touring Radial Tire
This touring tire boasts an all-season design, and features a tire load index of 94. Suitable for use with a variety of vehicle makes and models, it provides a quiet, comfortable ride.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of V
- UTQG rated 500AA
- Tread wear indicator
Cost: $75
Hankook H735 KINERGY ST Touring Radial Tire
This touring tire boasts a radial construction and load index rating of 100. It provides a smooth and quiet wide in all weather conditions, with a coupled center rib and tie bars for improved stability.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of T
- UTQG rated 680AA
- Abrasion-resistant all-season compound
Winter Tires
Mastercraft Courser MSR Winter Radial Tire
This winter tire boasts a radial construction, and a load index of 116. It offers excellent traction in snowy and icy conditions, and can be studded for added peace of mind.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of S
- Tire weight of 39 lbs
- Price per tire
Cost: $118
Bridgestone BLIZZAK DM-V2 Winter Radial Tire
This winter tire boasts a unique next-generation multi-cell compound that helps to dispel water from the surface of ice for improved braking and less slippage.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of T
- Tread pattern has 15% more block edges
- Contact patch creates uniform dispersion of pressure
Cost: $176
Cooper Evolution Winter Studable-Winter Radial Tire
This winter tire boasts a unique tread compound that stays pliable even when temperatures drop, and features an optimized tread design for driving through deep snow.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of T
- Studdable for added peace of mind
- Snow-groove technology for enhanced grip
Cost: $66
Firestone Winterforce Winter Radial Tire
This winter tire boasts the approval of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) for severe snow service requirements, and is pre-pinned for #12 studs.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of S
- Directional tread pattern
- Price per tire
Cost: $63
Sumitomo Ice Edge Studable-Winter Radial Tire
This winter tire boasts the RMA 3PMSF symbol for severe snow performance, and comes complete with a specially engineered ice edge for any winter driving environment.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of T
- 3D sipe technology for improved traction
- Triangular center tread blocks for maximum stability and handling
All-Season Tires
Lionhart LH-503 All-Season Radial Tire
This all-season tire boasts a long tread life, and provides responsive handling in any weather conditions thanks to its enhanced tread pattern.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of W
- Technologically advanced inner core structure
- Price per tire
Cost: $51
Starfire Solarus AS All-Season Radial Tire
This all-season tire uses an enhanced tread compound and tread profile to provide superior all-season traction for a smooth, comfortable ride.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of H
- Deep, lateral shoulder grooves for enhanced traction
- Carefully placed sipes for biting edges
Cost: $39
Sumic GT-A All-Season Radial Tire
This all-season tire boasts a symmetrical four-rib pattern that provides superior handling and stability, and uses an advanced tread compound for improved handling in wet conditions.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of H
- Circumferential center channel for superior water evacuation
- Tread block siping for reduced noise
Cost: $31
Hankook Optimo H724 All-Season Tire
This all-season tire boasts a radial design, and uses a center rib block to provide enhanced handling and stability when switching directions.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of S
- UTQG rated 500AB
- Jointless full cover for increased durability
Cost: $50
Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max All-Season Radial Tire
This all-season tire boasts a fuel-saving tread compound for increased efficiency, and comes complete with the brand’s tread life limited warranty of 65,000 miles.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of V
- UTQG rated 580AA
- Tread wear indicator
Performance Tires
SUPERMAX TM-1 All-Season Radial Tire
This performance tire boasts a reinforced rib pattern and solid center line to help provide superior mileage and precise handling in a variety of conditions all year long.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of T
- UTQG rated 600AA
- Tread pressure indicator
Cost: $55
Goodyear Eagle LS-2 Radial Tire
This performance tire boasts a radial construction and load index rating of 94. It provides all-season performance in a smooth and quiet ride.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of V
- UTQG rated 400AA
- Tread wear indicator
Cost: $105
Achilles ATR Sport 2 Performance Radial Tire
This performance tire boasts a radial construction, and uses an interlocking tread block to provide improved directional stability and cornering performance in all weather conditions.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of W
- UTQG rated 400AA
- Wide circumferential grooves for improved performance in wet conditions
Cost: $63
Hankook Ventus H101 Radial Tire
This performance tire boasts a unique tread pattern that offers reliable all-season performance and longer treadwear for a higher level of ride quality.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of S
- Wheel not included
- UTQG rated 400AB
Cost: $105
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Performance All Season Tire
This performance tire boasts a treadlife of up to 55,000 miles, and features a unique tread design with proprietary Pulse Groove water channel for improved handling and braking in wet conditions.
Key Features:
- Speed rating of S
- UTQG rated 500AB
- Raised white letters
Cost: $120
