Your tires are the real point of contact between your car and the road. They not only bear the vehicle’s weight but also handle the critical roles of transferring traction and braking forces, absorbing road bumps, and directing your journey. Choosing the right tires ensures safety and reliability every time you hit the road.
If you drive a high-performance machine, you might lean towards the pricier, specialty tires. But for most of us, there’s a range of affordable tires that won’t stretch your budget too thin. Prices can vary widely, with basic models starting around $50 and going up to $150, while mid-range options will cost you between $100 and $300. If you’re eyeing high-end or off-road specific tires, then you’re looking at $300 to $1,000.
Longevity matters too. Most family car tires boast lifespans that can exceed 70,000 miles. In testing scenarios like those conducted by Consumer Reports, the top all-season tires have been shown to last between 55,000 to 85,000 miles. So, when shopping for tires, remember: a good deal isn’t just about the lowest price—it’s about getting the best value over miles and time.
Here’s a rundown of the 8 best affordable tires brands.
General
If you’re in the market for tires that offer flexibility and top-notch performance, General Tire is a brand you might want to consider. Their range spans from all-terrain tires starting at $188.22 to extreme traction tires at $609.99. Known for using premium materials and passing rigorous safety tests, General’s tires may come with a higher price tag but stand out for their quality.
Some of the best models include the Altimax RT43, which ranks as the second-best all-season tire according to Consumer Reports—just a step behind the pricier Michelin Defender T+H. Additionally, their Grabber HTS60 is a top contender in all-season truck tires, ensuring reliability across various driving conditions.
Cooper
You know you’re dealing with a stalwart in the tire game when you hear the name Cooper. They’ve carved out a reputable niche in the tire industry with an A+ rating from the BBB to boot. The price range starts at a reasonable $97 per tire, climbing to between $175 and $585 for their more specialized models.
Cooper tires are known for their versatility—covering your all-season, summer, on/off-road, and even winter needs. What’s more, they’re not just any tires; some are chosen as original equipment (OE) on vehicles from Ford, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz.
Atturo
If off-roading is your thing and you love pushing your vehicle to its limits in the great outdoors, then Atturo might just be the brand for you. Established in 2009, Atturo specializes in providing high-quality, affordable tires for Jeeps, SUVs, light trucks, and 4×4 enthusiasts. Prices range from $137.04 to $353.27 per tire, particularly for their robust Trail Blade M/T models.
Atturo tires match up well against more expensive brands, offering durability, aggressive styling, and an optimized tread design that performs exceptionally in winter and wet conditions. It’s a brand that lets you tackle the rugged without draining your wallet.
Lexani
When you’re behind the wheel, safety is paramount, and Lexani tires are crafted to ensure just that. With prices ranging from $64.96 to $565.99, these tires come with innovative tread designs and compounds that enhance grip on the road, making them ideal for high-speed maneuvers and sharp turns.
Designed for luxury vehicles like Mercedes, Bentley, Ferrari, Tesla, and BMW, Lexani manages to deliver high-performance at a price that’s still within reach. Whether you’re looking for all-terrain agility or performance all-season tires, Lexani offers both functionality and sleek aesthetics to match your ride’s high standards.
Ironman
Looking for a solid tire that won’t make your wallet cry? Ironman, a subsidiary of Hercules Tire and Rubber, offers a fantastic balance of quality and affordability. With prices starting as low as $50 for touring tires and going up to $570.04 for 26″ mud terrain tires, Ironman provides a modest range of options without compromising on performance. Despite their lower price point, Ironman tires come with impressive treadwear, temperature, and traction ratings, making them a standout choice among budget-friendly options.
Kumho
When you’re scouting for tires that deliver quality without breaking the bank, Kumho should definitely be on your radar. With prices ranging from $70.85 up to $550, this brand isn’t just about affordability; it’s about variety and reliability too.
Originating from Thailand and with production sites across Asia, Kumho has made a name for itself by serving as original equipment manufacturers (OEM) for giants like Hyundai, Audi, Volkswagen, and Nissan. Whether you’re driving a car, crossover, SUV, or light truck, or even if you’re in the market for competition vehicle or commercial truck tires, Kumho offers an impressive range that’s easily accessible at your local automotive store.
Falken
If performance is what drives you, Falken is a brand that stands out. Established in the 1980s in Japan, Falken is synonymous with durability and performance. Prices start at just $71 for all-season touring tires and go up to $554 for those tough mud terrain tires. Designed to handle high speeds and everyday city driving, Falken tires offer exceptional all-season capabilities, ensuring you’re well-equipped no matter the weather.
Hankook
If you’re in the market for tires that offer a bit more bang for your buck, Hankook might be your go-to. With prices starting at $69.95 for all-season tires, scaling up to $635.99 for those hefty 22″ all-terrain truck and SUV tires, Hankook isn’t the cheapest option out there.
They’re growing fast, already rubbing shoulders with big names like BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche, thanks to their high-quality production. They really put their tires through the wringer with extensive consumer research and testing. So, while you might pay a bit more compared to budget brands, you’re likely to notice a bump up in performance and quality that can make it worth your while.
Josh Clark
