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Best Tires for Tesla Model X 

Tesla Model X 2023

Introducing the Best Tires for Tesla Model X: A Perfect Match for Performance and Efficiency

Since its launch in 2015, the Tesla Model X has taken the automotive world by storm with its groundbreaking design and cutting-edge technology. As an all-electric SUV, it has redefined performance and luxury, offering features such as the iconic falcon-wing doors, Autopilot capabilities, and an impressive range of up to 360 miles on a single charge. To complement these remarkable features, it’s essential to equip your Model X with the best tires for optimal performance and safety.

The Model X offers two tire size options to suit individual preferences: 20″ and 22″ wheels. The 20″ option includes 265/45R20 front tires and 275/45R20 rear tires, while the 22″ option offers 265/35R22 front tires and 285/35R22 rear tires. Choosing the right tires for your Model X not only enhances its performance but also ensures a smoother, more efficient ride. Stay tuned as we delve into the best tires for your Tesla Model X, designed to complement this innovative electric SUV perfectly.

Original Equipment Tires for Tesla Model X

When purchasing a new Tesla Model X, the car comes equipped with either 20″ or 22″ tires, depending on the chosen specification. These tires are supplied by different manufacturers, which we will discuss individually below. It’s important to note that these are all all season tires, and depending on your location, summer or winter tires may be more suitable for your needs.

Tire TypeLocationSize
20″ All SeasonFront
Rear		265/45R20
275/45R20
22″ All SeasonFront
Rear		265/35R22
285/35R22
Tesla Model X tire sizes.

20″ Continental CrossContact LX Sport- 265/45R20 // 275/45R20

Continental CrossContact LX Sport
Continental CrossContact LX Sport

The Continental CrossContact LX Sport is the factory tire for the Tesla Model X, a testament to its reliability and performance capabilities. These all-season tires are engineered specifically to cater to the needs of premium SUVs and crossovers. Boasting excellent handling, stability, and traction, the CrossContact LX Sport ensures a comfortable, quiet ride for Model X owners. The tire’s innovative tread design and advanced compound work together to optimize rolling resistance, contributing to the overall efficiency and range of the electric SUV. When it comes to safety, the Continental CrossContact LX Sport does not disappoint, offering remarkable wet and dry braking capabilities to keep your Model X firmly in control, regardless of the driving conditions.

Price

22″ Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season- 265/35R22 // 285/35R22

Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season

The 22″ Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season in sizes 265/35R22 (front) and 285/35R22 (rear) serves as an outstanding factory tire option for the Tesla Model X. Designed to deliver exceptional performance throughout the year, these tires provide a seamless blend of stability, handling, and safety. The Scorpion Zero All Season features an asymmetric tread pattern that enhances grip and traction, ensuring optimal control during both dry and wet conditions. Engineered with a high-silica compound, these tires not only offer impressive rolling resistance for improved efficiency but also deliver shorter braking distances for added safety. With the Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season tires, Model X owners can expect a comfortable, quiet ride without compromising the vehicle’s remarkable performance capabilities.

Price

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 get a feeling on the OE (factory tire) vs standard summer vs EV tire,

Replacement Tires for Tesla Model X

3 Peak Mountain

3 peak mountain logo

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 X 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 X based on the discussed segmentation :

All Season tires (3 Peak Mountain)

1. Michelin Cross Climate 2

Michelin Cross Climate 2
Michelin Cross Climate 2

Michelin once again demonstrated its innovative prowess by revolutionizing the all-season tire segment with the highly successful 3-peak mountain snowflake-certified CrossClimate in 2015. At that time, the all-season tire market was predominantly focused in America, with most offerings exhibiting poor winter performance. The CrossClimate proved that it was possible to achieve only a slight compromise in summer performance while dominating in winter conditions. Following the initial success of the CrossClimate, every tire manufacturer scrambled to launch their own competing products, but none have managed to strike the same balance as the latest CrossClimate 2.

Upon our initial review, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the only few 3-peak mountain snowflake-certified all-season tire available for the Model X. With its outstanding performance in both winter and summer conditions, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is undoubtedly the top choice for those seeking a reliable 3-peak mountain snowflake all-season tire.

  • 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

Price

2. Toyo Celsius Sport

Toyo Celsius Sport
Toyo Celsius Sport

Launched in 2022, the Toyo Celsius Sport is a highly sought-after tire, boasting the prestigious Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, which signifies its remarkable performance in severe winter conditions. This innovative tire offers an ideal blend of strength, comfort, and efficiency across wet and dry surfaces. Engineered for the quality segment, the Celsius Sport showcases Toyo’s commitment to excellence, providing a smooth, quiet ride without compromising on safety and handling capabilities. The introduction of the Toyo Celsius Sport in the tire market presents a compelling option for drivers seeking top-tier performance and comfort across various driving conditions.

  • Toyo Celsius Sport
    • Launch: 2022
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong wet & dry performances in the quality segment.

Check out our head to head comparison of Toyo Celsius Sport against its competitors.

Toyo Celsius Sport vs

Price

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 X for the all season M+S segment

1. Continental Cross Contact LX25

Continental Cross Contact LX25
Continental Cross Contact LX25

The Cross Contact LX25 from Continental was launched in 2019 as it succeeds the popular Cross Contact LX2 which has served the global market from Asia to America. Based on the test results, Cross Contact LX25 excels in comfort, with very good snow performances. It however was slightly off when it comes to steering & handling. Nonetheless it is a well balanced tire.

  • Continental Cross Contact LX25
    • Launch: 2022
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Excellent snow.

Check out our head to head comparison of Cross Contact LX25 against its competitors.

Continental Cross Contact LX25 vs

Price

2. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3

Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3

Pirellis Scorpion AS Plus 3 is relatively new as it was launched in 2021 and it covers a large range of passenger cars and crossovers. Based on the test results, Scorpion AS Plus 3 is quite refined and very good to drive on dry roads while having decent light snow traction. However its wet performances are not on par with the top competitors.

  • Scorpion AS Plus 3
    • Launch: 2021
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong dry & comfort.

Check out our head to head comparison of Scorpion AS Plus 3 against its competitors.

Scorpion AS Plus 3 vs

Price

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. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus

Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
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

Price

2. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4

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

Price

Max Performance Summer tires

Introducing the Max Performance Summer tire segment, designed specifically for regions where winter is non-existent and warm temperatures prevail throughout the year. In these climates, the primary focus is on achieving superior dry handling and the best wet braking capabilities to ensure safety and performance in varying road conditions. Max Performance Summer tires combine cutting-edge technology and advanced materials to deliver outstanding grip, precise steering response, and impressive stability. These tires cater to drivers who demand the ultimate in handling and braking performance, without the need to consider winter weather challenges. Experience the thrill of driving with confidence and control in a warm climate with the Max Performance Summer tire segment.

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is widely considered to be one of the best ultra-high-performance (UUHP) tires on the market. One of the main reasons for its exceptional performance is its advanced tread compound, which is optimized to provide excellent handling and traction in both wet and dry conditions. Similar to its counterpart CrossClimate 2, Pilot Sport 4S also dominated the press test circuit with an impressive 8 wins out of 15 press test it has entered. Some of the Pilot Sport 4S key press test wins:

Winner:

  • 2021 Auto Bild: Summer Tire Test R19
  • 2021 Sportauto: Summer Tire Test for Sportcars R19 
  • 2019 Motor: Summer Tire Test 235/35 ZR19

The Pilot Sport 4S excels in dry handling, but its performance in wet conditions may be weaker, as it has been over 6 years since its debut. We anticipate that its successor will be released in 2023. Despite this, the Pilot Sport 4S still boasts an impressive mileage of 40,000 miles, ranking 3rd among its competitors. Its status as the best UUHP summer tire is solidified by its 1st place ranking on both Tire Rack and Consumer Report standings.

  • Pilot Sport 4S
    • Launch: 2017
    • Press test wins: 8/15
    • Strength: Excellent dry handling maestro and very well overall balance performance.
    • Tire Rack score: 9.1/10 (Rank 1st)
    • Consumer Report score: 79/100 (Rank 1st)

Check out our head to head comparison of Pilot Sport 4S against its competitors.

Pilot Sport 4S vs

Price

2. Continental Sport Contact 6

Continental Sport Contact 6
Continental Sport Contact 6

Introducing the Continental SportContact 6 as the premier 22″ replacement summer tire choice for drivers seeking exceptional dry handling capabilities. This ultra-high-performance tire is designed for sports cars, performance sedans, and electric vehicles like the Tesla Model X. The SportContact 6 features Continental’s Black Chili compound and an advanced tread pattern, providing outstanding grip and precise steering response. With the success of its highly acclaimed successor, the SportContact 7, which dominated press tests and garnered rave reviews, Continental stayed true to its commitment to innovation. For those seeking a top-quality summer tire with a proven track record and unmatched dry handling, the Continental SportContact 6 is a good choice.

  • Sport Contact 6
    • Launch: 2015
    • Press test wins: 3/12
    • Strength: Good dry handling.

Check our head to head comparison of Sport Contact 6 against its competitors.

Sport Contact 6 vs

Price

Studless tires aka Snow tires

As we are talking about winter tires, it is very important to distinguish between the studless & winter segment. The studless segment has a main focus on ice & snow and it is currently the best tire selection for extreme cold weather conditions (<23°F). Winter tires are mainly focused on milder winter conditions (>23°F) while having a very strong wet braking performance. These are typically used in middle European countries as they do not have such cold winters.

For the American market, studless tires are the main go to tires when it comes to snow tires as the winter middle European tires are usually not sold directly here. Below are the best snow tires for Toyota Rav4 for the American market.

1. Continental Viking Contact 7

Continental Viking Contact 7
Continental Viking Contact 7

Viking Contact 7 is Continental’s best performing tire in the press test with a win rate of 24 out of the 27 tests it has contested. With a clear strength in ice & snow performances while balancing the summer performances, Viking Contact 7 is clearly the best snow tire in the market !

  • Viking Contact 7
    • Launch: 2018
    • Press test wins: 24/27
    • Strength: Best in class in ice & snow. Weak in aquaplaning.

Check out our head to head comparison of Viking Contact 7 against its competitors.

Viking Contact 7 vs

Price

2. Michelin X-Ice SNOW SUV

Michelin X-Ice SNOW
Michelin X-Ice SNOW

Michelin’s answer towards Continental’s Viking Contact 7 is a new product called X-Ice Snow. This was a long awaited upgrade for 8 years as X-Ice Snow was launched in 2020. Based on the head to head results below, X-Ice Snow excels relatively good in Ice & Snow but lacks in wet performances.

  • X-Ice Snow
    • Launch: 2020
    • Press test wins: 0/12
    • Strength: Relatively good ice & snow.

Check our head to head comparison of X-Ice Snow against its competitors.

X-Ice Snow vs

Price

Summary

In conclusion, choosing the best tires for your Tesla Model X depends on your individual driving preferences, usage, and desired performance characteristics. While the factory-equipped tires, such as the Continental CrossContact LX Sport and Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season, offer excellent all-around performance, the replacement market provides a vast pool of options catering to various needs.

For drivers seeking optimal dry handling and a summer tire option, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S stands out as an exceptional choice. Alternatively, the Michelin Cross Climate 2 offers outstanding performance across various driving conditions, including severe winter weather, while ensuring a comfortable and quiet ride.

Ultimately, the key to selecting the best tires for your Tesla Model X lies in understanding your driving habits and requirements, and carefully evaluating the tire options available in the market. By choosing the right tire segment that aligns with your usage, you can enhance the performance, efficiency, and safety of your Model X, ensuring a driving experience that perfectly complements this innovative electric SUV.

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