New tires don’t have to cost a fortune, but they need to be reliable and long-lasting. Here are the top 10 affordable tires on the market.
Tire shopping can be a hassle.
Beyond the specifications, such as tread patterns and rubber compounds that can make most everyday drivers dizzy, one of the key factors will always be price. But much like shopping for any other product, consumers want to find the best bang for their buck. Drivers want better tires for less money.
That is especially the case as 2021 hopefully begins a transitional period out of the pandemic-related economic downturn. Consumers have to be careful with their money, making the continued demand for more affordable tires one of the big trends to watch this year.
Thankfully for drivers, there are several cost-effective options on the market. Here are 10 economy tires that have received positive reviews from multiple outlets for their value at an economical price point.
Cooper CS5 Grand Touring
Made specifically for the needs of family drivers, the CS5 Grand Touring provides well-rounded performance for everyday use. This model’s calling card is the quiet, comfortable ride that accompanies safety on both dry and wet surfaces. Additionally, the 80,000-mile warranty gives the CS5 Grand Touring plenty of added value at its price point.
Pirelli P4 Four Seasons Plus
Though branded as making tires for luxury vehicles, Pirelli provides high performance in its tires for less cost than you might imagine. With impressive performance and comfort in nearly every condition the casual driver may encounter, the P4 Four Seasons Plus offers excellent value considering its 90,000-mile treadwear warranty. Pirelli also boasts fuel savings thanks to this tire’s high silica compound and optimized tread design.
Hankook Kinergy PT
Now a key player in the market for affordable tires, Hankook’s Kinergy PT is the company’s all-season tire designed for year-round comfort and safety. Though the focus in the Kinergy PT is placed on that comfort and a long tread life, performance in dry and wet conditions is still comparable to other models from competitors. Backed with a 90,000-mile treadwear warranty, it could be a great value purchase for drivers of coupes, family sedans, and minivans.
Yokohama Avid Touring-S
Billed as a “well-rounded tire that does it all,” the Yokohama Avid Touring-S is another standard touring all-season tire. In addition to its design for a quieter and more comfortable ride, Yokohama highlights its tapered rain channels and cross traction sipes to boost confidence in the Avid Touring-S’s performance and safety in wet or snowy conditions. Yokohama’s 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, however, is certainly one drawback in comparison to its competitors.
BFGoodrich Advantage T/A
A trusted brand in tires for decades, BFGoodrich has staked its claim to combining performance and safety, which is what they offer with the Advantage T/A grand touring all-season tire model. This model is developed for drivers of sporty touring coupes and sedans, providing responsive handling and traction in most conditions, even in some light snow. A 70,000-mile treadwear warranty could be better compared to the other affordable tires listed here, but for sportier drivers, this could be a great value option.
General Altimax RT43
This all-season touring model provides as much comfort and handling as any in the General Tire lineup. At a budget-friendly price point, the Altimax RT43 uses a high-density rubber compound to offer a longer lifespan along with its 75,000-mile treadwear warranty.
Kumho Solus TA11
Designed specifically for drivers watching their wallets, the Kumho Solus TA11 is a standard touring all-season tire that sits squarely in the middle of several categories at a low cost. Multiple expert reviews cite the Solus TA11 as handling very well in dry conditions and serviceably in wet and snowy conditions. Though it may not grab the spotlight, the cost and 75,000-mile warranty make the TA11 a great value purchase.
Michelin Defender T+H
The big brands can be budget-friendly, too. Like other cost-effective options, the Defender T+H is built to combine the various needs of everyday drivers — comfort, performance, and lifespan. Its 80,000-mile treadwear warranty is among the best at this price point, and offers expected handling in dry, wet, or light snow conditions.
General G-Max AS-05
Another model from General Tires, the G-Max AS-05 is the manufacturer’s take on ultra-high-performance all-season tires. This model boasts better responsiveness, handling, and traction for drivers of sportier coupes and sedans. While the G-MAX AS-05 may not beat the most premium tires, it certainly provides high-quality performance for its cost.
GT Radial Champiro VP1
Though offering one of the lower treadwear warranties at 40,000-miles, the GT Radial Champiro VP1 is still a perfectly acceptable tire for less. Along with its performance on dry and wet surfaces — though reviews are wary of its handling in snow — the “low rolling resistance” tread compound offers some expected fuel efficiency, making up for some of the lost value in other areas.
As always, there are multiple factors to consider when purchasing tires, especially when trying to find quality tires for less. It is important to do some detailed research to understand the type of tire you need, along with any specifications necessary for your vehicle. Of course, these could affect the price. But the options above, and even some outside this list, are proof that you can find quality, economy tires without breaking the bank.