Sports cars don’t get much better than the Ford Mustang. That is especially true for the 2022 Mustang, which enthralls drivers with its powerful engine options, supportive front seats, and engaging handling. A large trunk (by muscle car standards) further enhances its reputation.
However, as good as this sports car’s performance is, you can make it even better. How? By equipping it with the right set of high-quality tires. The best tires for Mustang will take full advantage of the power it puts down while also building on its handling and straight-line tracking.
Which is why we have come up with this comprehensive guide. Our list of the best tires for Mustang contains high-performance tires from premium tire manufacturers. These tires will not only help you win races. They will also show why the Mustang is a sports car unlike any other.
We’ve also included some budget models from the mid-tier tire brands. That’s because we know that not everyone who buys the Mustang has one eye on the track day. There are people who use this pony car for everyday driving. For them, high-performance or summer tires will be overkill.
#1. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ – Best Overall
The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ is our top pick for the Mustang. Mainly because this premium tire reinforced the strong points of this muscle bar. But also because the Pilot Sport A/S3+ downplays all the issues that hurt this muscle car’s performance.
Michelin’s advanced Helio+ Technology provides this tire with ultimate dry and wet grip. An advanced silica and sunflower oil tread compound abets the technology in this. Silica helps keep the rubber firm for solid dry grip, while the sunflower oil increases traction on wet roads.
A performance-oriented tread design joins its forces with an aggressive-looking asymmetric pattern and outboard shoulder blocks. The result? Enhanced lateral grip and dry cornering capabilities.
Four circumferential grooves keep the water out and the contact patch dry, resisting hydroplaning and increasing this model’s grip in wet conditions. From the inside, two high-tensile lightweight steel cords increase this tire’s high-speed stability and ride comfort.
Indeed, this tire doesn’t come cheap. But the thing you need to keep in mind is that cheaper tires cannot match this tire’s performance. Neither do they last as long as the Sport A/S3+. Put another way, this model’s performance and durability are great levelers.
Pros
- Exceptional performance in dry and wet conditions
- Excellent 45,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Communicates well with the driver
- Outstanding high-speed stability and straight-line tracking
Cons
- Among the most expensive tires on the market
#2. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 – Best Runner Up
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 is the brand’s flagship high-performance tire. This model is able to make the most of all the power Ford Mustang has to offer. Aside from that, its availability in 87 sizes means you can fit it on almost every trim of this muscle car.
A tread compound made up of silica and +Silane additives, as well as the exclusive SportPlus Technology, do wonders for this tire’s performance. The trio improves the DWS 06’s dry handling, increases its dry traction, and ensures even pressure distribution for added durability.
There aren’t many areas where this tire performs better than our top pick. Snow performance, though, is an exception. X-Sipe Technology and Traction Grooves help this model achieve exceptional braking distances in slow and ice, making it a reliable option for mild wintry conditions.
An Alignment Verification System means you no longer have to visit your mechanic every time you feel your wheels’ alignment is off. In addition, tread wear indicators – narrow rubber bars on the tread area – will tell you in advance when the tire needs replacement.
However, despite everything this tire has to offer, it cannot match the performance of the Pilot Sport A/S3+. Our top pick seems to hold on to the road a bit better when you start reaching the limits. It also grips the road better in corners and is slightly less slippery during rapid acceleration.
Pros
- Available in 87 sizes between 16- to 22 inches
- Offers a more precise steering response than its predecessor
- Much improved braking performance
- Functional wear and alignment indicators
Cons
- Could have performed better on dry roads
#3. Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 – Best Summer Performance
Many summer performance tires cost you an arm and a leg. They also have poor rood manners in wet conditions, and come with laughable warranties. Fortunately for you, the Firehawk Indy 500 is different. This tire is affordable, long-lasting and reliable in inclement weather.
That too without lacking any of the attributes of a summer-performance tire. The Indy 500 is as responsive as any of its premium counterparts on the market. It gives plenty of feedback to the driver and is one of the few tires that respond to the mere flick of the steering wheel.
This tire’s excellent grip and traction positively impact its cornering performance. You can enter and exit the corners at eye-watering speeds with zero risk of this model spinning out of control. The enhanced grip and traction have also made this model easy to control at the limit.
Multiple grooves in the tread area quickly evacuate water from beneath the tread area. The result? Enhanced protection against hydroplaning. This model also possesses Firestone’s exclusive Pulse Groove Technology, which boosts its traction on wet pavement.
The only problem with these tires is that you cannot rotate them. That is because of their asymmetrical tread pattern, which is designed to work a certain way. If you choose to ignore this advice and decide to turn these tires around, their high-speed stability will cease to exist.
Pros
- Highly responsive
- Usable in rainy conditions
- 65,000-mile limited treadlife warranty
Cons
- Not for wintry conditions
#4. Bridgestone Potenza RE980 AS – Best High-Performance
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980 AS is an ultra-reliable high-performance tire. This model shows you with its performance why enthusiasts prefer Bridgestone’s Potenza series. High-speed stability, cornering performance and feedback – the RE980 AS delivers on all key counts.
The Potenza RE980 AS will allow you to make the most of the power Mustang puts on the road. An all-season rolling compound has been molded into an asymmetric tread pattern to pose as little rolling resistance as possible, making any car with this tire installed an absolute beast.
High-speed stability is another area where this tire shines. You’ll be able to retain full grip over your Ford Mustang at dizzying speeds. The same goes for steering responsiveness. Despite packing an all-season tread compound, this model gives as much feedback as a UHP tire.
Circumferential and lateral grooves don’t let water remain inside the tread area for long, minimizing the risk of hydroplaning. The partnership also ensures that the contact patch remains dry, a vital indicator of how well any tire performs in wet and slippery conditions.
One area where this tire bares its all-season colors is noise. That is great news because that makes this model as quiet as any high-performance tire could be. Still, if you intend to test this tire to its limits, don’t expect it to wear evenly.
Pros
- Extremely short braking distances
- Has top-notch responsiveness and dry handling
- Less noisy than high-performance tires
Cons
- Won’t wear evenly
#5. Toyo Proxes R888R
R-rated tread compound? Check. Asymmetric tread pattern? Present. 100 AA A UTQG rating? Yup. All of this should make one thing clear: the Proxes R888R has everything to build maximum adhesion to the road surface. So, if you’re seeking excellent grip, this tire should be on your list.
Start with the R-tread compound. This compound won’t take much effort to quickly reach the operating temperature, which it needs to attain to offer the levels of grip and maximum traction it’s famous for. Still, if you are going to race, set aside a few minutes to warm this up beforehand.
A wide center rib helps deliver a precise steering response. Large tread blocks on the outer area enhance dry cornering, while sturdy internal construction ensures high-speed handling. All in all, this tire has everything you may expect from a premium racetrack tire.
Of the ten tires in the Proxes family, the R888R is by far the quietest, a remarkable achievement for a tire that is meant to be used on race days. Furthermore, per Toyo’s own estimates, its fuel efficiency is also quite good, though still someway short of that of the Proxes R1R.
That is not to say that this tire doesn’t have any shortcomings. The lack of treadwear warranty is a big flaw, even a deal-breaker for some people. Even the uniformity warranty – first 1/32″ of wear – is lackluster. And there is no road hazard warranty altogether.
Pros
- Delivers a precise steering response
- Provides excellent traction once warmed up
- Grips the road superbly in dry and wet conditions
Cons
- Zero treadwear warranty
#6. Dunlop Signature HP
Given that Dunlop’s Signature family is all about performance all-season tires, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the HP is ideal for powerful muscle cars. It’s a must-have model for an enthusiastic driver who demands stylish looks and aggressive performance.
The asymmetric tread design is surrounded by a broad shoulder block and supported by notched ribs in the middle. All of this is done to improve this model’s performance credentials, which include high-speed stability, cornering and steering response.
Wet traction is another area where this tire excels, thanks to the inboard rib and shoulder that assist the grooves with water evacuation. A close inspection of the outboard shoulder will reveal a blade pattern with many biting edges. This design element helps with snow traction.
One thing about the Signature HP that surprises us is its winter performance. That is because this model is really reliable in mild wintry conditions. In addition, its rubber has that uncanny ability to remain pliable and find adequate grip over the light snowy pavement.
The only thing that might keep you from purchasing these tires is their price. The Signature HP’s are as expensive as Michelin and Continental tires we saw above. Still, all things considered, these tires are an excellent option for your Ford Mustang.
Pros
- Surprisingly good on light snowy pavements
- Delivers solid all-season grip and traction
- Offers precise handling and steering feedback
Cons
- Doesn’t come cheap
#7. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 – Best Winter Tire
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 shows that winter tires don’t necessarily require studs to perform reliably in harsh conditions. This model’s tread compound, latest tire technologies and high-end design elements make it as reliable on snow as any studded winter tire.
Start with the tread compound. Bridgestone has equipped this model with a stiffened tread compound, alongside interlocking 3D sipes, to take no chances on its snow performance. The partnership also helps the tire wear evenly, extending the WS90’s road life.
Biting edges help this model plough through sheets of snow and ice, with circumferential grooves ensuring little water remains inside the tread area. Still, if there’s one feature that you could thank for this tire’s excellent performance, it has to be the MultiCell Technology.
The MultiCell Technology works both ways. On the one end, it helps with water evacuation, increasing the tire’s hydroplaning resistance. On the other end, it enables the tire to trap snow. This is done because snow-on-snow contact generates enough friction to keep the tire rolling.
If you still have any doubts about this tire’s winter performance, the fact it comes with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake emblem should erase them. Having said that, we’d have liked this tire more had it come with a treadwear warranty.
Pros
- 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating
- Offer excellent traction on snow and ice
- Comes with tread wear indicators and winter wear bars
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty
#8. Kumho Ecsta PS91 – Best Budget
Kumho insists that the Ecsta PS91 was inspired by the demands of Formula 3 racing, a bold claim for a tire that costs at least $90 fewer than its premium rivals. Yet, as this model’s design elements and features show, it has what it takes to be a winner on the racetrack.
Just like its premium rivals from Michelin and Continental, the Ecsta PS91 comes with an asymmetric tread design and a continuous center rib. Both of them help this tire with straight-line tracking, steering response and cornering performance.
A close inspection of this tire will reveal something unusual: 3D dimple designs. They help this model keep cool and thus prevent it from heat-associated deformation. For wide circumferential grooves, which Kumho claims are extra-wide, help with water evacuation.
The checkered flag design sidewall betrays this model’s ultra-high-performance intentions. Were it not for these indentations, the PS91 would have looked ordinary. However, with this design, the tire manages to stand out in the crowded field of UHP tires in terms of looks.
All in all, the PS91 has all the attributes of a true summer tire, including the comfort and noise department. That means that this tire feels bumpy and produces a lot of noise on the highway.
Pros
- Minimizes heat build-up during high-speed driving
- Matches its premium rivals in terms of steering response
- Ticks all the right boxes in terms of looks
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty
#9. Yokohama Avid Ascend GT – Best Budget
Yokohama’s AVID Ascend GT is a grand touring all-season tire. This pocket friendly model prioritizes comfort and longer wear over everything else, including sporty performance. As a result, it makes for an exciting choice for Mustang drivers who use this muscle car for everyday driving.
An optimized pitch sequence and the adaptive outside shoulder blocks make it clear where this tire’s loyalties lie. The former manages to silence road noise by dissipating it. More importantly, it manages to do so before the noise could reach the cabin.
The adaptive shoulder blocks, meanwhile, do everything in their power to improve stability and handling, a quest in which it is aided by the tire’s asymmetric tread pattern.
Like most Yokohama tires, the Avid Ascend GT comes with treadwear indicator bars. As long as these bars aren’t visible, the still is still good for the highway. However, as soon as they become visible and become flushed with the tread area, it’s time for a replacement pair.
Above everything else, you can count on the Avid Ascend GT to offer long-lasting performance and excellent fuel economy. This should make it clear who this tire is best for: base EcoBoost drivers or those who use their Mustang for daily driving.
Pros
- Much cheaper than its premium counterparts
- Reduced emissions and fuel consumption
- Comes with treadwear indicator bars
- Surprisingly comfortable for a budget tire
Cons
- Relatively small treadwear warranty for a grand touring tire
#10. General Altimax RT43 – Best Budget
The General Altimax RT43 proves that you don’t always have to pay over the odds to get decent performance. This model might weigh light on the pocket. But, unlike other tires in the same price range, it hasn’t cut any corners to ensure affordability.
Needs proof? Its double-layer tread compound provides plenty. The compound’s lower layer is so soft it can soak all the vibrations and keep the ride refined. Its upper layer, meanwhile, has the firmness needed to provide decent feedback to the steering.
Sound Wave Suppression Technology also belies the axiom that you get what you paid for. This technology suppresses road noise with the help of the tire’s optimized pitch sequence. The result is a relatively quiet riding experience, a massive achievement for a value-priced tire.
Various maintenance indicators are also on offer. The first, Replacement Tire Monitor, lets you inspect the tire’s remaining tread depth in your garage. The second, Visual Alignment Indicators, enable you to verify the alignment status of your Mustang.
General backs all the models of this tire with a generous 75,000-mile warranty. Which is a huge achievement given that the RT43 is available in 79 different sizes.
Pros
- Comes with two highly useful tire indicators
- Has Sound Wave Suppression technology
- Twin cushion silica tread compound absorbs road vibrations
Cons
- Lackluster performance on snow and ice
#11. Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring – Best Budget
Latest tire technologies, excellent treadwear warranty, and quality construction materials – all these features prove that the CS5 Ultra Touring is cheap in only its price. This tire’s performance on the road can rival with that of its much pricier counterparts.
Start with the technologies. The StabiliEdge Performance Technology improves this tire’s performance in three key areas. It enhances the CS5 Ultra Touring’s responsiveness, provide it with superb high-speed stability and enhances its cornering performance.
An M+S rating comes next. This rating proves that you can count on this tire to keep your Mustang stable in light snow and mud. A combination of outboard shoulder blocks and inboard shoulders take full advantage of this by reducing this model’s braking distances.
Wear square indicators are also on offer to let you see for yourself how much of the original treadlife is still remaining. Plus, a 75,000-mile treadwear warranty means that this model could easily last 5-6 years with care.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Extremely quiet and comfortable
- Above-average dry and wet handling
Cons
- Small treadwear warranty (50,000 miles) for V- and H-rated tires
Best Tires for Mustang
Performance and High-Performance
Performance and high-performance tires are ideal for muscle cars like the Ford Mustang. Their enhanced steering response, aggressive cornering performance and massive high-speed stability make them a shoo-in for the latest as well as older models of the Mustang.
So, if you drive Mach 1, GT Premium, GT or even the EcoBoost Premium trims, performance and high-performance tires should be on your bucket list.
Touring and Grand Touring
Touring and Grand-Touring tires are ideal for EcoBoost trim of the 2022 Mustang. That doesn’t mean that the EcoBoost trim lacks in terms of power – the standard EcoBoost four-cylinder has enough perky acceleration to put older V-8 Mustangs to shame.
Still, most people who buy the base model do so for everyday driving. As such, for them it makes sense to invest in budget-friendly touring and grand-touring tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tires come on a Ford Mustang?
The 2022 Ford Mustang comes in a wide range of sizes including 235/55R17 tires, 235/50R18 tires, 255/40R19 tires and 265/34R20 tires.
How much do tires cost for a Mustang?
Performance and high-performance tires for Mustang can cost anywhere between $200 and $350 per tire. However, touring and grand touring tires are priced between $100 and $200.
Conclusion
You have to consider your driving style, the conditions you drive in, and the weather in your area to choose the best tires for your Mustang. Only then you’ll be able to pinpoint tires that could meet your requirements.
