Top 10 Best Tires for Tesla Model Y: Latest Options

Electric vehicles are quickly eating market share, and that’s especially true for Tesla’s Model Y, which became a best-seller in some markets in 2022.

However, owning an EV isn’t without its challenges – apart from the lack of infrastructure, finding tires is also harder than with a regular car. Currently, only a few premium tiremakers offer EV-specific tires, which are designed to cope with the added torque, higher weight, and whisper-quiet powertrain.

In short, the best Tesla Model Y tires should provide an even quieter ride, handle better, and on top of that, provide you with the highest range possible. Unfortunately, the tire market isn’t abundant with EV-specific tires, which makes things confusing for the buyer.

But you don’t have to worry about that, as there are plenty of “regular” options available. Sure, not all will work, but to help you find the best tires for Tesla Model Y, I specifically chose models that will provide you with good traction and handling while also being as comfortable as possible. Some of them will cut the range slightly, but only up to 5%. Of course, I’ll also include some EV-specific tires, which are always the best option for EVs like the Model Y.

So, without further ado, let’s have a closer look at the best tires for Tesla Model Y!

In-Depth Reviews of the Best Tires for Tesla Model Y Available in 2024

Best Performance Summer Tires for Tesla Model Y

1. Michelin Pilot Sport EV

Predictably, Michelin was one of the first tiremakers to jump at the opportunity and produce EV-specific tires, starting with the Pilot Sport EV.

This model borrows the design from the Pilot Sport 4S but uses a high-stiffness ElectricGrip™ compound, designed to offer maximum grip and traction on heavier and more torquey EVs. Michelin also employed its Acoustic Technology to minimize road noise; tires are louder on EVs since there is no engine to conceal the road noise, so this is a welcome addition.

Does it work in practice, though? Well, mostly. The Pilot Sport 4S still provides higher lateral grip and stronger braking in wet conditions, and I think the main culprit here is the low-rolling resistance compound. The Pilot Sport EV isn’t a bad wet tire – it’s actually better than most, but the current crop of premium performance summer tires is definitely better.

Still, the Pilot Sport EV is an excellent performer on dry tarmac. I actually prefer how it feels behind the wheel over the Pilot Sport 4S – the steering is more responsive and direct. Moreover, the lateral grip is excellent, and the tires didn’t have any issues accelerating quickly, even on the most powerful Model Y models.

As for comfort, the Pilot Sport EV provides a smooth ride over most surfaces, with the occasional thump when you hit a pothole. Noise performance is actually excellent for the category, with the tire being almost inaudible at speed.

Finally, Michelin is still the only manufacturer to offer a treadwear warranty on its performance summer tires, with the Pilot Sport EV having a 20,000-mile warranty.

Pros:

• Exceptional lateral grip on dry tarmac
• Outstanding acceleration traction (important in an EV)
• Good handling and braking in wet conditions
• Responsive steering with solid feedback
• Comfortable and quiet for a performance summer tire
• The only UHP all-season EV tire with a treadwear warranty (20,000 miles)
• Maximizes range

Cons:

• The non-EV competition provides higher traction on wet tarmac

2. Continental ExtremeContact Sport

The ExtremeContact Sport might not be designed for EVs, but it has many traits that will suit these vehicles. That’s especially true for the Model Y Performance, where Continental’s latest performance summer tire works like a glove.

Sure, there will be some compromises, namely a slightly higher noise on the highway and worse rolling resistance than your OE tires, meaning you’ll lose some range. However, what you miss in those categories, you’ll gain in every other metric, particularly when it comes to performance.

For instance, the ExtremeContact Sport will significantly speed up the steering response on your Model Y and also make it more accurate. It will also provide you with exceptional grip on dry tarmac and shorter stopping distances. In other words, it will enable that extra potential from your quick crossover.

You can be equally spirited in rainy conditions as well, as the ExtremeContact Sport is one of the best wet tires currently on sale, regardless of the category. There is ample acceleration traction on offer, the stopping distances are very short, and the lateral grip is outstanding.

In addition to all those qualities, Continental’s latest performance summer handles potholes and other road irregularities with ease, improving Model Y’s questionable ride quality.

Pros:

• Shortest wet braking in the category
• Balanced handling and good behavior at the limit in rainy conditions
• Shortest dry braking on dry tarmac in its category
• Outstanding lateral grip in dry conditions
• Quick and direct steering with good feedback
• Surprisingly smooth over bumps for a performance tire

Cons:

• Noisy at higher speeds

3. Bridgestone Potenza Sport

The Potenza Sport is one of my favorite performance summer tires currently on sale, as it improves the handling of every performance car that I’ve tried.

The main reason is the subjective feel behind the wheel – this tire is a joy to drive, thanks to the hyper-quick steering that manages to remain natural while providing a ton of feel for the road. If you own a Model Y Performance and you are a more spirited driver, it’s really a no-brainer.

But the Potenza Sport doesn’t stop there – it also offers class-leading lateral grip in dry conditions, accompanied by excellent acceleration traction and strong braking. It’s also an excellent wet tire, with exceptional braking and strong lateral grip, along with balanced behavior at the limit.

However, in an effort to make it as fun to drive as possible, Bridgestone missed the point in the comfort department. The Potenza Sport isn’t uncomfortable or noisy, but there is no question its competitors are smoother and quieter. The biggest issue I encountered is on broken asphalt, where Bridgestone’s latest performance summer tire really loses its composure.

If you are a spirited driver, I think the comfort compromise isn’t a big pill to swallow. However, if you are more into comfort, check the next tire on the list!

Pros:

• Best steering in the category – quick and natural
• Best-in-class lateral grip in dry conditions, rivaling dedicated track tires
• Excellent longitudinal traction on dry roads
• Outstanding grip and traction in rainy conditions
• Balanced handling in dry and wet conditions

Cons:

• Harsh ride over broken asphalt
• Noise can be an issue on the highway

4. Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)

Pirelli still hasn’t produced an EV-specific tire model, but the Italian manufacturer has been busy making EV-tuned versions of its existing products. A great example of that is the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) with EV-tuned internals, which works very well with the current crop of EVs, including the Model Y.

The major thing that differentiates the EV version of Pirelli’s popular performance summer tire is the noise reduction technology. The P Zero (PZ4) was already quiet for a performance tire, but the EV-tuned version is even quieter. This is a tire that will provide you with a very quiet ride in urban conditions and also a hushed ride on the highway.

In addition, the P Zero (PZ4) effectively smooths out most bumps and provides a refined ride on the worst roads. It’s a quality that’s very important on the Model Y, as Tesla’s electric crossover isn’t as smooth as its gas rivals.

But has all this focus on comfort dulled the driving experience? Well, yes, but only when you compare the P Zero (PZ4) to its rivals. For instance, the Potenza Sport feels livelier on center and generally provides a better feel for the road.

However, the P Zero (PZ4) doesn’t lag behind in the important metrics. The dry grip and traction are outstanding, accompanied by surefooted handling and natural behavior at the limit. Pirelli’s performance tire also provides the highest lateral Gs on a wet tarmac in my testing and some of the shortest stopping distances.

Pros:

• Best-in-class lateral grip in rainy conditions
• Balanced handling on wet tarmac
• Strong braking in the rain
• Excellent lateral grip in dry conditions
• Very smooth and refined ride, even over broken asphalt
• Supremely quiet for a summer performance tire

Cons:

• Dull initial steering response

Best Performance All-Season Tires for Tesla Model Y

5. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus

Continental recently refreshed its ultra-high-performance all-season model and added the “Plus” designation so you can easily tell it apart. The predecessor was already an outstanding tire, but Continental wanted to remain on top and made it even better in wet and snowy conditions.

As a result, this is one of the few performance all-season tires that genuinely works on light snow. It provides very good traction, but more importantly, it is very easy to drive with natural understeer when you push too hard.

The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus continues to impress in rainy conditions, where it strikes an outstanding balance between drivability and traction. Although playful, the tire is stable on wet tarmac and feels very good under acceleration and braking.

Meanwhile, the dry grip is as good as you’ll get from any other model in the category, but the steering isn’t the best out there. Notably, its main rivals, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 and Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+, offer quicker and more accurate steering.

Still, few can rival the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus’ refined ride – this tire effectively eats most bumps. It’s also not very noisy for the category, which is another big plus for Model Y owners.

Pros:

• Exceptional traction and stability in rainy conditions
• Excellent hydroplaning resistance
• Excellent grip and agile handling on dry tarmac
• Very good traction on light snow (for a UHP all-season tire)
• Smooth ride on most surfaces
• Excellent treadwear warranty for the category

Cons:

• Not as responsive as some of its rivals

6. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4

The Pilot Sport All Season 4 is the opposite of the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus subjectively, as its steering is lightning-fast and very accurate.

However, as a result of this fun-to-drive nature, Michelin’s UHP all-season tire isn’t as comfortable as its closest rival. Namely, the ride can feel unrefined over sharp impacts, and there will be significant road noise on the Tesla Model Y due to its quiet powertrain and average sound insulation.

But apart from its comfort weaknesses, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 is an outstanding UHP all-season tire. The quick steering is accompanied by outstanding lateral grip on dry tarmac and very short braking distances.

Furthermore, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 is also among the best wet tires for Model Y, thanks to the surefooted handling and excellent braking. Michelin also made great progress with the snow traction. This is a performance tire you can truly use on light snow, as it’s very stable and provides some of the shortest stopping distances.

Pros:

• Balanced handling in rainy conditions
• Outstanding braking on wet tarmac
• High lateral grip on dry tarmac
• Excellent braking in dry conditions
• Good light-snow traction for the category
• Long treadwear for a UHP all-season tire

Cons:

• Harsh ride, especially over sharp impacts
• Noisy at highway speeds

7. Goodyear ElectricDrive GT

The ElectricDrive GT is Goodyear’s latest UHP all-season tire designed specifically for EVs, aiming to provide a quiet ride and maximize range. To do that, Goodyear utilized an all-new low-rolling resistance compound molded into an asymmetric tread pattern.

Moreover, the ElectricDrive GT features special inboard tread elements to help the tire manage the higher torque demands from EVs.

But how does that translate into the real world? Well, while the ElectricDrive GT is a solid performer in dry and wet conditions, it’s a step behind the regular competition. This is particularly evident in braking and cornering, where Goodyear’s EV tire is a step behind the competition. Still, the tire is quite good at putting the power down, even on the most powerful Model Y versions.

Snow traction is also okay for the category, but nothing spectacular. However, the ElectricDrive GT is much more comfortable than its “regular” rivals, providing a quieter ride on the highway and successfully eating road imperfections. Goodyear also provides a 40,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is very good for an EV-specific tire.

Pros:

• The quietest UHP all-season tire for EVs available at the moment
• Very smooth ride, even on broken pavement
• Solid grip on dry and wet surfaces
• Responsive steering
• Gives you the highest range of any UHP all-season tire

Cons:

• The “regular” competition provides better dry and wet grip
• Low treadwear warranty for the category

Best Grand-Touring All-Season Tires for Tesla Model Y

8. Michelin CrossClimate 2

If you don’t care about performance and just want a dependable year-round option, the CrossClimate 2 is more than good enough for the job. Sure, you’ll lose some responsiveness and grip compared to a UHP all-season tire, but there is still enough traction to keep you planted.

Crucially, the CrossClimate 2 provides balanced handling in dry and wet conditions, with reliable traction and excellent braking. It’s also much better in the winter compared to any UHP all-season tire. Snow traction is outstanding for the category, with particularly good braking and surefooted handling.

Furthermore, the CrossClimate 2 is very quiet – it provides a much more peaceful ride than its performance counterparts. And while the ride is firm for a grand-touring tire, it’s still better than the OE Tesla Model Y tires.

The only gripe I have with the CrossClimate 2 is the low 60,000-mile treadwear warranty for the category, but that should be enough for most people.

Pros:

• Surefooted handling and strong braking in dry conditions
• Exceptional handling and braking on wet tarmac
• Excellent hydroplaning resistance
• Easy to drive on snow with excellent traction
• Strong braking on snow
• Very quiet, even at highway speeds

Cons:

• It’s expensive for a grand-touring tire
• The ride can be harsh over broken asphalt
• The 60,000-mile treadwear warranty is lower than its competitors

9. Vredestein Quatrac Pro

If the CrossClimate 2 is too expensive for you, the Quatrac Pro is an excellent budget option. Despite costing almost 20% less than its premium rival, Vredestein’s grand-touring all-season tire excels in most categories and is an excellent companion to less-powerful Model Y versions.

Notably, the Quatrac Pro performs as well as the premium competition on dry and wet surfaces. It handles very naturally, with only slight understeer at the limit, and provides overall excellent grip.

Moreover, the snow traction is among the best of any grand-touring all-season tire, and the Quatrac Pro is easy to drive on snow-covered roads as well.

As a cherry on top, the Quatrac Pro is a supremely quiet tire, even on rough roads, while providing a very smooth ride. The only disadvantage you’ll have to live with is the lower 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, but for the price, I think this is a small compromise.

Pros:

• Excellent dry grip for a grand-touring all-season tire
• Very short braking distances on dry tarmac
• Excellent handling and traction in rainy conditions
• Easy to drive on snow-covered roads
• Very good snow traction
• Very comfortable and quiet

Cons:

• Low treadwear warranty for the category

Best Winter Tires for Tesla Model Y

10. Vredestein Wintrac Pro

If you live in areas with harsh wintry conditions, I strongly recommend going for proper winter tires. One excellent option is the Wintrac Pro, which, although cheaper than its rivals, still provides outstanding performance on snow and ice.

With a set of these tires, your Model Y will be transformed into a real plowing machine, as you’ll never struggle with acceleration traction on snow.

The braking distances will also be very short, and overall, the handling balance is excellent. The Wintrac Pro will also provide you with much better ice traction than any all-season tire and can save you from a crash if you encounter icy roads.

Of course, Vredestein’s winter tire isn’t without its downsides – I found it to be noisy on the highway, and it isn’t particularly fun to steer around. Still, these are small faults when you consider the budget price.

Besides, the ride is so smooth and refined that it will surely calm you down on every drive.

Pros:

• Excellent lateral grip and braking on dry roads
• Outstanding grip and handling on wet tarmac
• Very good traction on snow
• Smooth and refined ride

Cons:

• Noisier than its premium rivals at higher speeds
• Dull steering

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How to know if a tire works well on my EV?

The most important things to consider when purchasing a tire for your electric vehicle are load range and rolling resistance.

For the Tesla Model Y, this means you should look specifically for load-range XL tires, which are designed to handle the higher weight and torque of the vehicle. Also, looks for tires designed with low-rolling resistance in mind, as these will maximize the range of your Model Y.

With that said, I strongly recommend going for performance tires with higher speed ratings for your Model Y. These tires already have stiffer sidewalls and compounds that can handle the added torque and power from the electric motors while also coping better with the weight of the vehicle. 

Grand-touring all-season tires will also work well, but only on Model Y versions with less power.

• What’s the correct tire pressure on my Tesla Model Y?

Tesla recommends 42 psi on all sizes and models on an unloaded vehicle. However, you can experiment with higher pressures (up to 45 psi) if you want to maximize range and are prepared to live with a worse ride.

• How to check the tire pressure on Tesla Model Y?

The Model Y has a tire pressure gauge built into the center touchscreen. You can access it via the Service menu and see the correct pressure on each tire.

Conclusion

The tire market isn’t packed with EV-specific tires, but I expect major tiremakers to stir things up in the coming years. And by the end of the decade, I’m sure that every tire on sale will be designed with EVs in mind, so the future for Tesla Model Y owners is bright.

But regardless of that, I strongly recommend replacing your Model Y tires on time, as most options currently available are perfectly fine. Just make sure that you choose the correct size and load/speed rating, and you’ll be good to go.

Oh, and if a tire on my list caught your eye, please purchase through our website – you’ll still get the same price, but the small commission will help us keep churning out great articles like this one!