Guide to Choosing the Best Tires for Small Cars

If you're looking for replacement tires for your little ride, this post will help you understand what to look for in aftermarket tires. We also have recommendations for more than a dozen solid options, whether you're looking to upgrade from your OE tire or simply looking for a good, fuel-efficient option.

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You don't need an SUV or muscle car to love your ride. Many people treasure the affordability, fuel efficiency and smooth driving experience they get from their compact car. First, indulge us as we explain what sub-compact and compact cars are!

What Are Sub-compact Cars?

Sub-compact and compact cars are small cars designed to be practical, economical and easy to maneuver. They offer a perfect solution for individuals or small families looking for a reliable means of transportation without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

Sub-compact cars are the smallest category and are typically even more compact than compact cars. They are excellent choices for city driving, thanks to their nimble handling and ease of parking in tight spaces.

These cars often have a shorter overall length, wheelbase and narrower body than compact cars. Some popular sub-compact models include the Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Chevy Spark, Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage ES.

What Are Compact Cars?

Compact cars are slightly larger than sub-compacts but retain maneuverability and fuel efficiency. They offer a good balance between interior space, comfort and fuel economy.

Compact cars are a popular choice for daily commuters and small families. Some popular examples of compact cars are the Chevrolet Bolt, Ford Fiesta, Mini Cooper and higher trims of the Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage.

7 Things to Look for in Compact and Sub-compact Car Tires

When shopping for and comparing tires for these smaller vehicles, here are seven tips to consider:

• Tire size: Given the smaller size of compacts and sub-compacts, they typically require smaller tires with diameters ranging from 14 to 16 inches. For example, the Mitsubishi Mirage ES has some of the smallest tires at 14 inches. Find the right size tire for any vehicle.
• Seasonal needs: Consider the climate and weather conditions in your area. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you might want to opt for all-season or winter tires for improved traction and handling on snow and ice.
• Tire type: Choose tires based on your driving needs and preferences. All-season tires are popular for their versatility, offering good performance in various weather conditions. Performance tires are ideal for those seeking enhanced handling and cornering capabilities, while eco-friendly tires focus on maximizing fuel efficiency.
• Tire brand and quality: Invest in reputable tire brands known for quality, durability and safety. High-quality tires might cost more initially but offer better performance and longevity, making them a wise investment.
• Tread life and warranty: Check the tread life warranty to get an idea of how long the tires are expected to last. Some manufacturers offer prorated warranties if the tires wear out prematurely. Learn how to interpret the codes on the sides of tires to understand their quality.
• Fuel efficiency: Opt for tires with low rolling resistance to improve fuel efficiency, which is especially important for small cars known for their fuel economy. Geek out over this whole article about rolling resistance. 
• User reviews: Read customer reviews and expert ratings to get insights into the real-world performance of the tires you are considering.

Let's not stop there. We'll show some of the best tire options for compact and sub-compact cars.

Best Small Tires for Really Small Sub-compact Cars

 

Kumho Solus TA11: Your ultimate all-season companion, tailored to your lifestyle and wallet. The versatile design ensures reliable handling, quiet rides and excellent wet-weather grip, perfect for light snow conditions.

Westlake RP18: These offer outstanding performance and value in all seasons for a great price. The advanced all-season touring tread with four circumferential grooves and lateral siping ensures excellent wet traction, responsive handling and extended tread life through tire rotations.

Best Warranty Tire for Sub-compacts

 

Kumho Solus TA11: This model, also mentioned in the previous section, offers a 75k mile warranty, road hazard protection and a tremendous fuel-efficiency rating. 

Continental TrueContact Tour: The ultimate all-season touring tire for cars and crossovers is Conti's TrueContact Tour. Combining performance and durability with EcoPlus Technology for fuel savings, shorter wet-road stops and an extended tread life. They come with an 80K mile warranty plus roadside assistance. 

Best Fuel-Efficient Tires for Small Cars

You'll find plenty of great options when you search Tire Agent for tires that fit your sub-compact car. Here are examples of tire makes and models that our customers love:

Continental ProContact TX: These all-season touring tires represent luxury and performance. Enjoy quiet comfort, exceptional mileage and powerful braking capabilities for the ultimate driving experience.

Yokohama AVID Ascend LX: Experience premium all-season touring tires designed for exceptional mileage, superior grip and a quiet ride. Trust in their long-term reliability as you conquer the miles ahead. 

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max: Enjoy significant savings with a tread compound that promotes fuel efficiency, reducing rolling resistance and saving you up to 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of four tires. Embrace confident driving with wet tread zone technology for excellent traction in rainy conditions.

Goodyear Assurance MaxLife: The ultimate in all-season reliability and maximum wear performance. Stay informed with built-in wear gauges, offering easy and convenient tread-depth readings.

Best Value for Sub-compact Tires

Ironman iMOVE Gen2 AS: Next-gen wear-resistant compound and advanced pressure distribution ensure even wear, extended tread life and all-season reliability. You'll also experience responsive wet handling with efficient water evacuation to prevent hydroplaning.

Nexen N'priz AH8: Your go-to tire for excelling in all-year traction on dry, wet and light snow roads. Experience improved performance in light snow compared to its predecessor, the CP672.

Best Winter Tires for Sub-compact Cars

Tire Agent offers lots of options for winter drivers and their small cars. Enter your make, model, year and filter to your trim level and confirm your tire size and we'll recommend tires for your budget. Some examples of winter tires for subcompacts include:

Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2 W616: This is the ultimate studless safety tire. Its optimized directional pattern design ensures maximum performance on ice and snow, making it perfect for harsh winter conditions.

Firestone WinterForce CV: Your reliable traction partner for wet, slushy and snowy roads is Firestones WinterForce CV. You can depend on their performance in the harshest winter conditions to keep you moving safely.

Best Summer Tire for Small Cars

Pirelli Cinturato P7: The epitome of high performance for medium to high-powered cars. Pirelli's Green Performance philosophy delivers exceptional control, driving pleasure and environmental consciousness in one remarkable tire.

All-Season Tires for Small Cars

The best all-season tires for small cars depend on what you want. Best could mean price, treadwear rating, warranty or overall ride and handling. These tires are among the most popular, best choices for your small car.

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4: Unrivaled handling and traction all year round, even in light snow. You'll get an attractive style and tread, low rolling resistance for a smooth, quiet ride, and exceptional high-speed and cornering performance.

Goodyear Assurance All-Season: Exceptional all-season traction in wet, dry and snowy conditions. Wide tread grooves ensure enhanced wet traction, while the optimized pattern delivers a quiet, smooth ride.

Michelin Energy Saver A/S: The epitome of fuel efficiency for passenger cars. Maximize fuel economy without sacrificing long tread life or all-season safety. MaxTouch Construction ensures even force distribution for longer wear and optimal road contact.

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Photo Credits

Kia Rio 79383935 | Kia © Nitinut380 | Dreamstime

Chevy Bolt 255015023 | Chevrolet © Jonathan Weiss | Dreamstime.com