Best Tires for Tesla Model S : The Tesla Model S, first launched in 2012, has continued to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with its cutting-edge technology and unparalleled performance. Over the years, Tesla has introduced various tire sizes to accommodate the different needs of its Model S owners. Currently, the standard popular tire sizes for the Model S are 245/45R19, 245/35R21 & 265/35R21 .with most of the volume concentrated in the 19″ size. Selecting the best tires for your Tesla Model S is crucial to enhance its performance, safety, and efficiency. In this article, we will guide you through some of the top-performing tires that are perfectly suited for the Tesla Model S, taking into account various factors such as road grip, range optimization, and comfort.
Table of Contents
Original Equipment Tires for Tesla Model S
When purchasing a new Tesla Model S, the car comes equipped with a specific set of tires from the factory. For Tesla Model S vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2020, the Goodyear Eagle Touring serves as the all-season option. For summer use, the lineup includes the Michelin Primacy 3, Michelin Pilot Sport 3, Continental CSC5P, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport, which cover both 19″ and 21″ fitments. Interestingly, Tesla provides a wet grip rating as guidance for tire performance. It’s not surprising that the all-season Goodyear Eagle Touring has the lowest wet grip rating due to the compromise in its winter performance.
| Location | Tire Mfr/Model | Tire Specification | FE Rating (1-5) | Wet Grip Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front | Goodyear Eagle Touring | 245/45R19 | 3 | 3 |
| Rear | 245/45R19 | 3 | 3 | |
| Front | Michelin Primacy 3 | 245/45R19 | 3 | 2 |
| Rear | 245/45R19 | 3 | 2 | |
| Front | Michelin Pilot Sport 3 | 245/45R19 | 5 | 2 |
| Rear | 245/45R19 | 5 | 2 | |
| Front | Continental CSC5P | 245/35R21 | 5 | 1 |
| Rear | 265/35R21 | 5 | 1 | |
| Front | Michelin Pilot Super Sport | 245/35R21 | 5 | 2 |
| Rear | 265/35R21 | 5 | 2 |
The new 2023 Tesla Model S features different tire sizes, including 255/45R19, 285/40R19, 265/35R21, and 295/30R21. However, since most users searching for tires own older generation Tesla Model S vehicles, we will focus on the previous sizes for this article. To gain insight into how well the original equipment (OE) tires perform against their replacement counterparts, feel free to check out our Tesla Model 3 OE vs. replacement comparison featuring both Continental and Michelin OE tires. Additionally, we conducted a Tesla Model S tire showdown featuring the upcoming Hankook EV tire “iON evo,” Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (replacement summer), and Michelin Pilot Sport 3 (OE). Be sure to check it out to see how well these tires performed on a Tesla Model S!
Replacement Tires for Tesla Model S
3 Peak Mountain
As mentioned in our best 225/65R17 tire article, all season tires have always been the go to tires for the American market and this segment has been well established across the years. There are 2 types of all season tires, one with 3 peak mountain & one with only M+S. We have covered these 2 types of tire head to head with Michelin Defender T+H (M+S) vs Cross Climate 2 (3 peak mountain) and the M+S all season tires usually are worst in winter performances but excel much better in mileage.
If you are in an area which snows quite heavily, 3 peak mountain all season tires would be definitely a good choice. However if you have very light snow or in areas where temperatures do not drop below 45°F (7°C), a standard all season tire with M+S logo would be sufficient. If you fancy a much more handling dominant tire, the ultra high performance all season segment would fit perfectly.
While the OE tires on the Model S are designed to meet the needs of the vehicle, many owners may choose to replace their tires with different options to better suit their driving preferences or conditions. Below are some of the best tires for Tesla Model S based on the discussed segmentation :
All season tires (3 Peak Mountain)
1. Michelin Cross Climate 2
Michelin once again shows its innovation by revolutionizing the all season segment with its highly successful 3 peak mountain certified Cross Climate in 2015. At that time, all season markets were predominantly sold in America with poor winter performances. Cross Climate showed that it is possible to be marginally worse in summer performances while being extremely dominant in winter performances. After the initial success of Cross Climate, every tire manufacturer scramble to launch their own similar segment products but none are still as well balanced as the latest Cross Climate 2 !
- Cross Climate 2
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 3/6
- Strength: Well balance summer & winter performances. Excellent wear.
Check out our head to head comparison of Cross Climate 2 against its competitors.
Cross Climate 2 vs
- Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO
- Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
- Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak
- Continental PureContact LS
- Continental AllSeasonContact
- Continental Cross Contact LX25
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
- Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive
- Michelin Cross Climate+
- Michelin Defender T+H
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2
- Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
- Vredestein Quatrac Pro
Price
- 245/45 R19 : $267
2. General AltiMAX 365 AW
With many competitors yearning to become the best all season tire, General Tires recently announced their latest touring all season tireline called AltiMAX 365 AW. This tireline slightly differs to its previous all season line up as the AltiMAX 365 AW comes with a certified 3 peak mountain label which makes them effectively a legal snow tire. AltiMAX 365 AW was launched in 2021 while serving the grand touring all season segment consisting of 15″-20″ sizes.
Based on the test results, AltiMAX 365 AW fared well in terms of dry braking & handling but still lacked the wet traction needed against competitors.
- AltiMAX 365 AW
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Strong dry performer
Check out our head to head comparison of AltiMAX 365 AW against its competitors.
AltiMAX 365 AW vs
Price
- 245/45 R19 : $241
All season tires (M+S)
Before the invention of the snowflake capable tires, all season tires mostly carried the M+S logo which means mountain & snow. The M+S logo does not require you to pass any test hence it is up to the manufacturer to determine its usage. This segment provides some light snow usage capability but its main focus is on mileage. This is also one of the main reasons that the products generally do not perform well in wet. Below are the best tires for Tesla Model S for the all season M+S segment
1. Continental PureContact LS
The Continental PureContact LS, launched in 2018, has made a name for itself in the tire industry for its outstanding wet and dry performance. Designed to provide a comfortable and fuel-efficient ride, these tires excel in providing excellent grip and handling on both wet and dry surfaces. However, despite their many benefits, the PureContact LS tires have been noted to show weaker performance in winter conditions. Drivers in colder climates or those who experience significant snowfall should take this into consideration when selecting tires for their vehicle.
- PureContact LS
- Launch: 2018
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Wet & dry
Check out our head to head comparison of PureContact LS against its competitors.
PureContact LS vs
- Continental ProContact RX T1
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak
- Michelin Cross Climate 2
Price
- 245/45 R19 : $253
2. Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack
The Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack, launched in 2019, has gained recognition for its well-rounded performance, particularly in winter conditions. With excellent steering feel, the Turanza QuietTrack provides drivers with confidence and control, even in colder climates. However, there is some room for improvement, as the tires could benefit from increased composure at the limit of grip. Despite these minor shortcomings, the Turanza QuietTrack has established itself as a benchmark in the tire industry, although it does face stiff competition from other high-performing tire models.
- Turanza QuietTrack
- Launch: 2019
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Noise & comfort
Check out our head to head comparison of Turanza QuietTrack against its competitors.
Turanza QuietTrack vs
Price
- 245/45 R19 : $288
3. General AltiMAX RT45
General’s AltiMAX RT45 was launched this year in 2022 and covers mostly passenger cars, minivans, SUVs and crossovers sizes. AltiMAX RT45 was designed and sold specifically in the North American market. This is the general commitment from General’s research & development approach of bringing the best products for the local market. Based on the test results, AltiMAX RT45 had good wet braking but had a higher noise level compared to other tires.
- AltiMAX RT45
- Launch: 2022
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Strong wet.
Check out our head to head comparison of AltiMAX RT45 against its competitors.
AltiMAX RT45 vs
Price
- 245/45 R19 : $228
Ultra high performance all season tires
Ultra high performance all season tires are designed to provide exceptional handling, grip, and speed while also being suitable for use in a wide range of weather conditions. These tires are ideal for drivers who want a high level of performance and responsiveness in their vehicle, but also need a tire that can handle light snow or rain. Ultra high performance all season tires feature a unique combination of technology and materials to provide excellent traction, durability, and comfort in a variety of driving situations.
1. Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
Bridgestone’s Potenza RE980AS+ is a dedicated region tireline specific to the North America market. It was launched in 2021 and covers most of the 17-20″ popular sizes. Based on the head to head results below, Potenza RE980AS+ showed strong ice & noise performance but lack in wet, dry & snow performance. Nonetheless being an all season tire, Potenza RE980AS+ showed the best balance among the rest of the competition and it’s our number 1 choice in this ultra high performance segment !
- Potenza RE980AS+
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Ice & noise.
Check out our head to head comparison of Potenza RE980AS+ against its competitors.
Potenza RE980AS+ vs
Price
- 245/45 R19 : $256
2. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus was launched in 2021 to succeed the popular ExtremeContact DWS 06 with a compound upgrade which promised to deliver enhanced braking & handling performance. Based on the head to head results below, ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus showed clear dominance on wet & dry surfaces while performing relatively well in winter performances. Surely a tire to consider before your next purchase !
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Good wet & dry.
Check our head to head comparison of ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus against its competitors.
ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus vs
- Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
- Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Continental ExtremeContact Sport
Price
- 245/45 R19 : $246
3. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Similar to the other top competitors, Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a dedicated North America region tireline and it was launched in 2020 with sizes primarily above 16″ Based on the head to head comparison below, Pilot Sport All Season 4, excels in snow & and dry while slightly losses out in wet, comfort & ice. Overall Pilot Sport All Season 4 has a well rounded balance package.
- Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Snow & dry.
Check our head to head comparison of Pilot Sport All Season 4 against its competitors.
Pilot Sport All Season 4 vs
- Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
- Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
- Michelin Cross Climate 2
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Price
- 245/45 R19 : $275
4. Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus
Pirelli’s P Zero All Season Plus is a dedicated region tireline specific to the North America market. It was launched in 2016 and covers most of the 17-20″ popular sizes.. Based on the head to head comparison below, P Zero All Season Plus has strong showing in dry handling & noise but lacks the firepower in other areas.
- P Zero All Season Plus
- Launch: 2016
- Press test wins: 0/2
- Strength: Dry handling & noise.
Check our head to head comparison of P Zero All Season Plus against its competitors.
P Zero All Season Plus vs
Price
- 245/45 R19 : $267
Summary
The tires on a Tesla Model S play a critical role in the overall performance, safety, and comfort of the vehicle. While the original equipment tires that come with the car are designed to meet the needs of most drivers, there are many replacement tire options available that can better suit the preferences and driving conditions of individual owners. When selecting tires for a Tesla Model S, it’s important to consider factors such as handling, comfort, noise, and rolling resistance, as well as ensuring that the tires are the correct size and load rating for the vehicle.