Choosing the right tires for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles depends on a balance of performance, fuel efficiency, durability, and weather conditions. Here’s a guide on some of the best tire brands, sizes, and options for hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars, broken down by summer and winter tires.
1. Tire Sizes for Hybrid and PHEV Vehicles
Common tire sizes for popular hybrid and plug-in hybrid models typically fall within the following ranges:
17 to 19 inches: For vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Nissan X-Trail ePower, and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
20 inches: Higher trims or sportier versions of hybrids, like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or larger SUVs.
Always consult the vehicle’s manual or door placard to ensure correct size specifications.
2. Best Summer Tires for Hybrids and PHEVs
For summer driving, it's important to choose tires with low rolling resistance to maximize fuel efficiency, along with good handling and durability.
Top Summer Tire Brands and Models:
Michelin Primacy 4 (Low Rolling Resistance):
Known for excellent fuel economy and long-lasting tread life.
Price Range: $150 - $250 per tire (depending on size).
Continental PremiumContact 6 (Performance and Comfort):
Excellent wet grip and handling with fuel-saving technology.
Price Range: $130 - $220 per tire.
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus (Fuel Efficiency Focus):
Designed specifically for hybrids and EVs, optimizing fuel economy.
Price Range: $140 - $190 per tire.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance (Comfort and Efficiency):
Provides good wet/dry performance and fuel-saving design.
Price Range: $140 - $200 per tire.
3. Best Winter Tires for Hybrids and PHEVs
Winter tires should prioritize grip in icy and snowy conditions, while still offering low rolling resistance for better fuel economy.
Top Winter Tire Brands and Models:
Michelin X-Ice Snow (Top Winter Performer):
Excellent for icy and snowy conditions, with low rolling resistance for hybrids.
Price Range: $180 - $250 per tire.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 (Ice and Snow Traction):
Known for great snow and ice traction with good overall stability.
Price Range: $170 - $230 per tire.
Continental VikingContact 7 (Balanced Performance):
Offers excellent winter performance with fuel efficiency in mind.
Price Range: $160 - $220 per tire.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 (Top Winter Specialist):
Specifically designed for cold climates, offering strong traction and low rolling resistance.
Price Range: $190 - $270 per tire.
4. Best All-Season Tires for Hybrids and PHEVs
If you’re looking for a balance year-round without switching between summer and winter tires, all-season tires are an option.
Top All-Season Tire Brands and Models:
Michelin CrossClimate 2:
One of the best all-season tires, suitable for mild winter conditions.
Price Range: $180 - $260 per tire.
Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season:
Excellent fuel efficiency with good wet and dry traction.
Price Range: $150 - $210 per tire.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady:
Offers solid year-round performance, with good winter grip and low rolling resistance.
Price Range: $160 - $230 per tire.
5. Price Comparison (for common hybrid sizes like 17-19 inches)
Summer Tires: $130 - $250 per tire.
Winter Tires: $160 - $270 per tire.
All-Season Tires: $150 - $260 per tire.
6. Factors to Consider for Tire Choice
Fuel Efficiency: Look for low rolling resistance models like Michelin Primacy 4 or Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus to improve your car's mileage.
Durability: Michelin and Continental tires tend to have longer tread life.
Seasonal Conditions: Choose summer tires for performance in warmer months, and dedicated winter tires for better handling in ice and snow. All-season tires are a compromise but may not perform as well in extreme weather conditions.
Each of these tires is compatible with hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, offering optimized performance and fuel savings.
1. Tire Sizes for Hybrid and PHEV Vehicles
Common tire sizes for popular hybrid and plug-in hybrid models typically fall within the following ranges:
17 to 19 inches: For vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Nissan X-Trail ePower, and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
20 inches: Higher trims or sportier versions of hybrids, like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or larger SUVs.
Always consult the vehicle’s manual or door placard to ensure correct size specifications.
2. Best Summer Tires for Hybrids and PHEVs
For summer driving, it's important to choose tires with low rolling resistance to maximize fuel efficiency, along with good handling and durability.
Top Summer Tire Brands and Models:
Michelin Primacy 4 (Low Rolling Resistance):
Known for excellent fuel economy and long-lasting tread life.
Price Range: $150 - $250 per tire (depending on size).
Continental PremiumContact 6 (Performance and Comfort):
Excellent wet grip and handling with fuel-saving technology.
Price Range: $130 - $220 per tire.
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus (Fuel Efficiency Focus):
Designed specifically for hybrids and EVs, optimizing fuel economy.
Price Range: $140 - $190 per tire.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance (Comfort and Efficiency):
Provides good wet/dry performance and fuel-saving design.
Price Range: $140 - $200 per tire.
3. Best Winter Tires for Hybrids and PHEVs
Winter tires should prioritize grip in icy and snowy conditions, while still offering low rolling resistance for better fuel economy.
Top Winter Tire Brands and Models:
Michelin X-Ice Snow (Top Winter Performer):
Excellent for icy and snowy conditions, with low rolling resistance for hybrids.
Price Range: $180 - $250 per tire.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 (Ice and Snow Traction):
Known for great snow and ice traction with good overall stability.
Price Range: $170 - $230 per tire.
Continental VikingContact 7 (Balanced Performance):
Offers excellent winter performance with fuel efficiency in mind.
Price Range: $160 - $220 per tire.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 (Top Winter Specialist):
Specifically designed for cold climates, offering strong traction and low rolling resistance.
Price Range: $190 - $270 per tire.
4. Best All-Season Tires for Hybrids and PHEVs
If you’re looking for a balance year-round without switching between summer and winter tires, all-season tires are an option.
Top All-Season Tire Brands and Models:
Michelin CrossClimate 2:
One of the best all-season tires, suitable for mild winter conditions.
Price Range: $180 - $260 per tire.
Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season:
Excellent fuel efficiency with good wet and dry traction.
Price Range: $150 - $210 per tire.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady:
Offers solid year-round performance, with good winter grip and low rolling resistance.
Price Range: $160 - $230 per tire.
5. Price Comparison (for common hybrid sizes like 17-19 inches)
Summer Tires: $130 - $250 per tire.
Winter Tires: $160 - $270 per tire.
All-Season Tires: $150 - $260 per tire.
6. Factors to Consider for Tire Choice
Fuel Efficiency: Look for low rolling resistance models like Michelin Primacy 4 or Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus to improve your car's mileage.
Durability: Michelin and Continental tires tend to have longer tread life.
Seasonal Conditions: Choose summer tires for performance in warmer months, and dedicated winter tires for better handling in ice and snow. All-season tires are a compromise but may not perform as well in extreme weather conditions.
Each of these tires is compatible with hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, offering optimized performance and fuel savings.