Choosing the best tires for Hybrids isn’t that easy. There are many factors you need to keep in mind. For instance, since hybrids weigh much more than gas cars, you must pick lightweight tires. Otherwise, you’ll just be adding pounds to an already heavy vehicle.
Next thing you need to do is ensure that the tires have a low rolling resistance. This is necessary to help you conserve fuel and make the tires last longer. Aside from that, the tires need to be ultra-quiet to help you make the most of the noise-free drive of your hybrid car.
Finally, you’ll want to pick tires that provide loads of grip. Tires with a specialized tread pattern offer plenty of traction and grip in wet and dry conditions. The extra traction enables them to keep your hybrid stable at high speeds. It also provides you with a comfortable ride.
In this article, we’ll look at the 11 best tires for hybrids. All the models you see below meet the criteria listed in the preceding paragraphs. In addition, most of them come with extensive treadwear warranties. You can thus count on them to keep going for years to come.
#1. Michelin Energy Saver – Best Overall
The Michelin Energy Saver ensures excellent fuel savings and gas mileage. A silica-based tread compound lowers this model’s weight and takes the rolling resistance alongside it. As a result, your hybrid’s engine will have to output less power to keep this tire rolling.
Its EnergySaver Construction optimizes fuel economy even further. Michelin claims that the construction minimizes heat build-up inside the tire and that it can help you save up to 400 USD in fuel savings over the life of this tire, a number that will go up as gas prices increase.
A unique tread pattern provides this model with excellent grip in wet and dry conditions. You can also count on it to shorten the Energy Saver’s braking distances in wet conditions. The result? More stable and sure-footed driving in inclement weather.
Aquaplaning resistance is another area where this model shines. The reason for that is its circumferential grooves that help with quick and effective water evacuation. These multi-purpose channels won’t let this tire skid and slide for as long as the roads aren’t water-logged.
Unfortunately, this tire’s winter performance is poor. Even a few centimeters of snow will be enough to get the better of this model, throwing all its tall claims about superb traction in wintry conditions to the wind. Also, this tire doesn’t come cheap.
Pros
- Up to 65,000 miles treadwear warranty
- Incredibly fuel efficient with little to no rolling resistance
- Surprisingly short braking distances in wet weather
- Offers plenty of traction and grip year-round
Cons
- Poor performance on snow
#2. Bridgestone Ecopia EP 422 Plus – Best Quiet
At the beginning of this article, we outlined four points you must consider while picking the best tires for hybrids. Guess what? The Bridgestone Ecopia EP 422 Plus ticks all boxes. This all-season touring tire is lightweight, has a low rolling distance, and doesn’t make much noise.
It also provides superb traction in dry and wet conditions. A unique tread pattern is responsible for this as it doesn’t let this tire’s road contact break at any time. Handling is also pretty good, especially for an all-season touring tire. You can thus accelerate it without any slipping.
Unlike the majority of A/S touring tires, the Ecopia H/L 422 Plus won’t struggle in the rain. A combination of grooves and the abovementioned tread pattern makes sure of that. The grooves also increase the tire’s hydroplaning resistance, keeping it stable in heavy rain.
The Ecopia 422 H/L Plus is also one of the most refined tires money can buy. Not only does it absorb everything from minor bumps to larger potholes without breaking a sweat. But its noise levels are among the lowest of any all-season touring tire we have reviewed.
Having said that, you cannot expect this tire to be as fuel efficient as our top pick. Also, its responsiveness is a tad low from what the Energy Saver is offering.
Pros
- Superb 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Quiet and refined driving experience
- Excellent wet and dry performance
Cons
- Isn’t as responsive as our top pick
#3. Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max
Goodyear’s Assurance lineup is populated with all-season touring tires. Every member of this family offers impressive levels of grip and traction in dry and wet conditions. In addition, their tread compounds have the flexibility needed to stay useful in mild wintry conditions.
That is what you can expect from the Assurance Fuel Max too. Goodyear claims it spent years perfecting this tire’s tread compound for fuel efficiency. A claim that seems believable once you know that this tire has a 27% lower rolling resistance than rivals, making it incredibly fuel efficient.
Tread zones are another area where Goodyear has innovated with this tire. This tire has two tread zones – dry and wet – for optimal grip and traction in both weather conditions. The Wet Tread Zone should also keep this model stable at higher speeds.
A 65,000-mile treadwear warranty seems excellent on paper. But it is average considering the price of this tire. The Assurance Fuel Max costs the same as many of its rival tires from premium brands. As such, we expected its warranty to cross the 70,000-mile mark.
Pros
- 27 percent lower rolling resistance than rivals
- Dedicated tread zones for dry and wet conditions
- Surprisingly stable at higher speeds
Cons
- Lower treadwear warranty than rivals
#4. Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology
Excellent fuel economy, plush ride quality, and zero road noise – these are some of the features the Continental PureContact and hybrid cars have in common. So, if you want a tire that can reinforce your hybrid’s strong points, look no further.
Start with the fuel economy. EcoPlus Technology has done wonders for the tire’s rolling resistance and, by extension, its fuel economy. Its low rolling resistance also means the tire won’t take much power to keep rolling, improving your hybrid’s acceleration.
Next comes the plush ride quality. An all-season tread compound has been molded into an asymmetric tread pattern for consistent road contact regardless of driving speed or road conditions. The result is fewer vibrations and more muted noise inside the cabin.
Continental’s internal tests show that the PureContact has a much longer treadlife than its predecessor. This indicates that a) the tire won’t need replacement anytime soon and b) you would enjoy greater savings as one set will last many years before wearing out.
Remember, though, that this tire tends to over-steer when driven aggressively around corners. Its cornering performance isn’t much great either. So, make sure to enter and exit corners at a gentle speed.
Pros
- Amazing fuel economy
- Plush ride quality
- Longer treadlife than its predecessors
Cons
- Has a habit of over-steering when driven aggressively around corners
#5. Michelin Pilot Sport 5 – Best Summer Performer
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 has everything you may expect from a true summer performer. This model delivers outstanding levels of grip and traction. At the same time, it’s incredibly responsive and delivers unbelievable feedback. The tire’s cornering performance is aggressive beyond belief, too.
Similar to the Pilot Sport 4, its predecessor and competitor, the Pilot Sport 5 strikes an optimal balance between performance and refinement. That means that this tire isn’t as performance-oriented as the Pilot Sport 4S, a tire man people mistakenly take as its predecessor.
That this tire doesn’t sacrifice comfort at the altar of performance is great news for hybrid owners. That is because it means that its fuel economy will be much higher than performance-oriented tires, which are notorious for delivering you stern punishments at the pump.
A Dual Sport Tread Design proves this. The inner side of the design has larger grooves to improve this model’s hydroplaning resistance. On the outer side are stiffer tread blocks. They are meant to enhance this model’s grip and handling in the corners.
Unfortunately, this tire’s noise levels are a bit high, especially compared with the tires we have seen until now. Another thing that may prove to be a deal-breaker is its price, which has the potential to blow a tire-sized hole in your bank account.
Pros
- Best in class aquaplaning resistance
- Easy to handle and controllable at the limit
- Strikes a good balance between comfort and performance
Cons
- Isn’t the quietest performance tire on the market
#6. Firestone Champion Fuel Fighter
The Firestone Champion Fuel Fighter is one of those tires whose name bares their intentions. This tire’s low rolling resistance and lightweight construction help it offer fantastic fuel efficiency, even when compared with other models in this review.
A silica-infused tread compound ensures all-season utility. It has been molded into a symmetric tread pattern for reliable dry handling and traction. Small wonder, then, that Firestone boasts about this tire having a 30% higher fuel efficiency than its predecessors.
Fuel Fighter Sidewall Technology ensures the sidewall is robust enough to handle the weight your hybrid is going to put on it. Inside the sidewall lies the Fuel Fighter Steel Cord, responsible for its excellent strength as well as the overall light feel of this tire.
Wet grip and traction, as well as the risk of hydroplaning, are taken care of through the tire’s four circumferential grooves. What’s more, Firestone has added full-depth sipes to the tread area, helping this tire offer decent traction in mild-to-moderate snow and ice.
A 70,000-mile treadwear warranty further distinguishes the tire from the competition. Plus, its availability in multiple sizes across the 14- to 18-inch range means the Champion Fuel Fighter can be installed on most hybrid cars you see on the road.
Pros
- 30 percent higher fuel economy than predecessors
- Quiet and comfortable ride quality
- Sipes on the tread area make it reliable on snow
Cons
- Wet traction could have been better
#7. Pirelli P Zero Elect
The fact that BMW has picked this tire for the iX tells you all you need to know about the P Zero Elect’s suitability for hybrids. BMW iX is a 100% electric SUV from the German car manufacturer. If the P Zero Elect is good enough for the iX, it will be good enough for your hybrid.
Don’t let the star mark on the tire’s sidewalls convince you to opt against it. True, the mark indicates that Pirelli has especially developed the P Zero Elect for BMW. But nowhere is it written that this model cannot be installed on other electric vehicles or hybrids.
The P Zero Elect distinguishes itself from the competition with best-in-class riding comfort, outstanding fuel efficiency, and superb grip and traction. Sturdy internal construction helps this tire keep you safe at higher speeds while saving itself from premature deformation.
P Zero Elects currently sold in Europe come with the ‘A’ rating. This is done to make potential buyers aware of the tires’ meager rolling resistance. The rating also signifies that the P Zero Elect can cover more kilometers per charge or in a full gas tank than other fuel-efficient tires.
Lastly, its external profile also enhances mileage. Its superior aerodynamics ensure that the P Zero Elect suffers less protrusion, decreasing aerodynamic turbulence while improving overall fuel efficiency. However, its limited size range means the P Zero Elect might not fit most hybrids.
Pros
- Has a meager rolling resistance
- Specific external profile enhances fuel mileage
- Offers best-in-class riding comfort and handling
Cons
- Available in a limited number of sizes
#8. Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus
The Bridgestone Turanza SerenityPlus is as serene as its name implies. It rolls quietly and comfortably on the highway, with little to no hint of noise or vibrations inside the cabin. Thus, this model should be on your list if you only enjoy driving in absolute silence.
Bridgestone has opted for an all-season tread compound for this model. One that features Long Link Carbon Black and is enriched with silica. The carbon portion of the tread compound gives it the firmness needed to grip the road in dry conditions. Silica enhances the tire’s wet performance.
High-speed stability is another area this model shines in. The credit for this goes to Bridgestone’s decision to mold the tread compound into a symmetric tread pattern. The tread pattern’s design ensures that the tire stays in constant contact with the road, regardless of speed or weather.
Noise levels are kept down by the silencer grooves hidden inside the tread. These grooves have a unique working mechanism in that they cancel noises of specific frequencies. Fortunately for you, 99% of road noise belongs to those frequencies. As a result, the tire stays quiet.
However, the Serenity Plus was released many years ago, and its age shows in some areas. For example, data released by Bridgestone shows that the Turanza QuietTrack, this model’s successor, offers 20% more wet traction. Which is a huge difference given that both tires are similarly priced.
Pros
- Outstanding performance in dry and wet conditions
- Very low noise levels, even for an A/S touring tire
- One of the most comfortable tires
Cons
- Snow performance is quite limited
#9. Michelin Premier A/S
The Michelin Premier A/S impresses potential customers with its looks. A stylish design comprising bold lettering, visibly aggressive sipes, and prominent tread blocks ensure that this tire will stand out in a crowd. Yet there is more to this tire than its looks.
More importantly, the Premier A/S demonstrates what tire brands could do if they put their mind to developing a touring tire. There aren’t many models out there that can rival this tire’s handling and wet traction levels. The same goes for its winter performance.
The credit for all this goes to Michelin’s exclusive EverGrip Technology. It is thanks to this technology that the Premier A/S has grooves for water evacuation. Plus, the sipes you see on the tread area (which help improve the tire’s winter performance) are also blessings of the technology.
Yet there is one feature for which EverGrip Technology cannot claim the credit. We’re talking about the Premier A/S’s hushed highway ride. The credit for that has to be laid at Comfort Control Technology, which uses a computer-optimized tread design to make this tire’s driving incredibly refined.
All of this is not to say that Premier A/S is faultless.
In fact, Its lackluster warranty of 60,000 miles can prove to be a major deal-breaker, especially for people like you. That is because you’re now aware that models costing less than the Premier A/S are backed for longer time periods by their brands.
Pros
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- Excellent traction on wet surfaces
- Has all the traits to outlast its meager treadwear warranty
Cons
Relatively small treadwear warranty
#10.Continental CrossContact LX 25
Continental CrossContact LX25 is the brand’s flagship replacement tire for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks. Prior to the release of this model, it was the LX20 that held this title. That the LX25 has dethroned the LX20 means that certain improvements are expected.
There are various areas where this tire has improved. The first is dry traction, with the LX25 much more dependable in summer conditions than its predecessor. Aside from that, this model’s cornering power and steering response are also much higher than the LX20.
Regardless of whether you’re driving in dry or wet conditions, the LX 25 will provide a comfortable and quiet riding experience. But that isn’t the main reason why it’s one of the best tires for hybrids. Instead, it’s this model’s low rolling resistance that makes it a must-have.
Its wet performance isn’t bad, either. Deep grooves in the tread area do what they are supposed to – evacuating water particles before they accumulate and invite hydroplaning. Its shoulder blocks and large sidewall also ensures hydroplaning is kept at bay.
Pros
- Backed with a generous 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Offers excellent ride quality and handling in dry and wet conditions
- Competitively priced than most of its rivals
Cons
- Not the best tire for spirited driving
#11. Kumho Solus TA11
The Kumho Solus TA11 is a pocket-friendly all-season touring tire. It is, therefore, a must-have for those of you who are on a tight budget. Having said that, even those with deep pockets will find plenty to like about this competitively priced model.
This model’s refined ride quality and exquisite high-speed handling show that no corners have been cut to keep its asking pricing low. Its sidewall has the stiffness needed for better handling, and the tread compound is flexible enough for reliable winter performance.
You’ll also find plenty to like about this model’s performance in mild wintry conditions. However, one thing you won’t like about this model is how it handles high-speed driving. The total absence of steering response and feedback might disappoint enthusiast drivers.
Fortunately, its availability in 13-inch to 18-inch diameters means that the TA11 can fit various hybrid vehicles. This model also comes with an excellent 75,000-mile warranty.
Pros
- Affordable asking price
- Comes with a price-tag defying 75,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Performs decently in mild wintry conditions
Cons
- Not the best tire for spirited driving
How to Choose Best Tires for Hybrids
Here are the factors you need to consider when choosing the best tires for hybrids:
Low Rolling Resistance
Any tires you may pick for your hybrid must have low rolling resistance. This will help you in two ways: low rolling resistance tires conserve less fuel and suffer less wear. The second point helps them last longer. That is why it’s recommended to invest in low rolling resistance tires.
Quiet Operation
Anyone who has ever driven a hybrid car will know how quiet these vehicles are. It will thus be a disservice to your hybrid if you install noisy tires. Ask previous customers or check reviews to ensure the tire set you’re thinking about buying is quiet on the road.
Soft Sidewall
The sidewall is the major difference between hybrid tires and traditional car tires. The best tires for hybrids have a soft/flexible sidewall to absorb shocks and enhance ride quality. Their sidewall is also thicker than that of a traditional tire, protecting the car against potholes and bumps.
Conclusion
Hybrid cars are renowned for offering a quiet and comfortable driving experience. The best tires for hybrids should also possess these two qualities. Aside from that, they should have low rolling resistance. Only then you’d be able to make the most of the fuel savings provided by your hybrid vehicle.
