The Nissan Altima is one of today’s most popular sedans. This is mainly due to its excellent cost-benefit ratio, as Nissan includes by default features only available on top-of-the-line models from Toyota, Honda, and others.
This article will analyze which are the best tires you can use on this fabulous sedan.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Tires For Nissan Altima
- OUR TOP PICK: Michelin CrossClimate2
- BEST PERFORMANCE TIRES FOR NISSAN ALTIMA: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- BEST CHEAP TIRES FOR NISSAN ALTIMA: Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
Nissan Altima Tire Size Overview
Contrary to what some people think, tire size matters. For this reason, we have prepared the following information where we include the OEM tire size used by Nissan on the different generations of the Altima.
Third generation (L31, 2002–2006)
Fourth generation (L32; 2007-2012)
- OEM Tire Size(s):
- Front/Rear: 235/45R18, 215/60R16
- OEM Tire(s): Bridgestone Turanza or Potenza, Continental ContiTouringContact, Michelin Primacy MXV4, or Dunlop SP Sport
- Trim(s): all versions, including coupe, sedan, and hybrid
Fifth-generation (L33; 2013-2018)
- OEM Tire Size(s):
- Front/Rear: 215/60R16, 235/45R18
- OEM Tire(s): Bridgestone Turanza or Potenza, Continental ContiTouringContact, Michelin Primacy MXV4, or Dunlop SP Sport
- Trim(s): all versions
Sixth generation (L34; 2018 – present)
- OEM Tire Size(s):
- Front/Rear: 235/40R19, 215/60R16, 235/45R18
- OEM Tire(s): Bridgestone Turanza or Potenza, Continental ContiTouringContact, Michelin Primacy MXV4, or Dunlop SP Sport
- Trim(s): all versions, including Platinum and VC-Turbo
Choosing New Nissan Altima Tires
Ever wonder how to choose the best tires for your Altima? In this section, you will learn what questions to ask yourself in that regard. The more time you take to evaluate each of the scenarios, the better your final choice will be.
What’s Your Weather Like?
Weather is the first thing to consider before choosing your next set of tires. The reason is simple; there are tires designed to give you better performance in summer while others give you a better grip in adverse conditions such as rain or snow. Needless to say, it’s advisable to choose the tires that best suit your type of climate.
What Do You Use Your Nissan Altima For?
Until not long ago, most Altimas were used as family sedans. However, today there are trims focused on offering high-performance versions of the Altima. What is your driving style? How do you plan to use the Altima? Will it be to work transporting passengers, as a family sedan or as a sports sedan? You will need tires that promote longevity, comfort, or performance, depending on your answer.
Comfort, Performance, Budget. Pick Two.
When choosing tires for your Altima, you should be aware of tradeoffs. We talk about mutually exclusive factors such as dry performance vs. durability or comfort vs. price. For this reason, you should always keep your priorities in mind.
For example, if you are looking for maximum longevity, you should be aware that this will affect wet and dry traction as well as price. In the next section, you will find the best options available for your Altima depending on what your preferences are.
Comparison of the Best Tires for Nissan Altima
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The Best Tires for Nissan Altima
Ready to choose the best tires for your Nissan Altima? In this section, you will find the best options available depending on the use case.
Best Overall
Michelin CrossClimate2
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.70 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.75 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.50 / 5
Treadwear: 4.55 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 4.60 / 5
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Without a doubt, the Michelin CrossClimate2 is the best tire you can install on your Nissan Altima today. Michelin used all their tricks and cutting-edge technology to create one of the most advanced tire treads on the market. Proof of this is the spectacular grip that the CrossClimate2 offers in dry, wet, and snow. On top of that, this tire gives you a generous manufacturer’s warranty and durability over 80k miles.
In terms of comfort, the Michelin CrossClimate2 is smooth and quiet, giving your Altima the upscale driving experience it deserves. All in all, if your budget allows, you can’t go wrong choosing the CrossClimate2 for your Nissan Altima.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 640 B A
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: 6 Years / 60K Miles
Price Range: $148 to $209 per tire
Best Performance Tires for Nissan Altima
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.80 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.60 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.45 / 5
Treadwear: 4.15 / 5
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Whether you drive one of the turbocharged versions of the Nissan Altima or are a spirited driver, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is for you. Think of this tire as the high-performance version of the CrossClimate2. For this tire, Michelin has dropped the all-season compound to use a new hybrid compound derived from its motorsports experience. This advanced compound and the aggressive asymmetric tread design provide maximum stopping power and grip in dry and wet.
In other words, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is all about pure performance, even if it means low durability and high price. Therefore, if you want the best performance tires for your Altima, look no further; the Pilot Sport 4S is your best option.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 300 A A
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: 6 Years / 30K Miles
Price Range: $251 to $315 per tire
Best Cheap Tires for Nissan Altima
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.65 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.30 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.30 / 5
Treadwear: 4.15 / 5
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Let’s face it; the Pilot Sport 4S is an expensive tire. That’s why we’ve included an inexpensive alternative for spirited drivers looking to get the most out of their Altima, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500. Like the Pilot, the Firehawk Indy 500 is a summer tire that falls into the high-performance category. As such, you can expect amazing dry grip, a good level of wet traction, and acceptable noise levels.
While the Firehawk Indy 500 does not feature a Treadwear warranty, this is offset by its unbeatable price. In other words, if you want a summer tire that provides safe and predictable braking, you won’t find a better alternative than the Indy 500.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 340 A A
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: None
Price Range: $160 to $181 per tire
Best All-Season Tires for Nissan Altima
Michelin CrossClimate+
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.70 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.70 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.35 / 5
Treadwear: 4.45 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 4.35 / 5
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Despite the multiple trim levels available, the Nissan Altima is used by most people as a family sedan or as a daily commuter vehicle. In that sense, the Michelin CrossClimate+ is an excellent alternative to the more expensive CrossClimate2. In fact, the CrossClimate+ is designed on the same principles using similar technology and materials, so its ratings are equally outstanding.
In practical terms, this translates into an excellent all-season tire that gives you a safe and quiet ride at a more reasonable price. In short, this tire is an excellent choice for those looking for the most cost-effective tires for their Altima.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 600 A A
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: 6 Years / 50K Miles
Price Range: $152 to $209 per tire
Best Snow Tires for Nissan Altima
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.35 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.60 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.40 / 5
Treadwear: 4.25 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 4.65 / 5
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When it comes to winter tires, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 offers the highest level of traction for your Altima. These tires are an achievement of modern technology as they use a state-of-the-art compound that maintains flexibility at extremely low temperatures along with a computer-engineered tread design.
The result is a tire capable of maintaining an astonishing level of traction on slippery surfaces allowing predictable braking in wet, snow, and ice. All in all, if you are looking for the best winter tire for your Altima, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is for you.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: None
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: None
Price Range: $117 to $203 per tire
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have explored different tires that you can use on your Nissan Altima. Now, which is the best for you will depend largely on the aspects that we have discussed, such as the weather in your area, the use that you are going to give your Altima, and what aspect is most important to you (performance, longevity, price, comfort).
