Tire Size Guide

285/45R21 Tires

Compare 32 available models across 6 categories, then confirm fitment for your vehicle.

Our Top Pick in 285/45R21
Nexen N FERA Sport SUV
Ultra High Performance SummerPerformance

The Nexen N FERA Sport SUV is a compelling choice for those who prioritize wet grip in an ultra-high performance summer tire.

Wet grip score of 9 significantly exceeds the ultra-high performance summer category average of 7.6, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions. Treadwear rating of 300 is above the category average UTQG of 280, suggesting better-than-average longevity for this segment. Handling score of 8 aligns well with the category's expectations, providing responsive performance for spirited driving.
80Spec score (est.)
Full analysis
9 models

Best Ultra High Performance Summer Tires in 285/45R21

All Ultra High Performance Summer tires

The Nexen N FERA Sport SUV is a compelling choice for those who prioritize wet grip in an ultra-high performance summer tire.

  • Wet grip score of 9 significantly exceeds the ultra-high performance summer category average of 7.6, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
  • Treadwear rating of 300 is above the category average UTQG of 280, suggesting better-than-average longevity for this segment.

Dry grip performance is not as strong as some competitors, which could be a concern for those prioritizing ultimate dry handling.

Treadwear 300Traction AA
Spec score80estimated
Details

The ContiSportContact 5P is a solid choice for drivers who value high performance in both dry and wet conditions.

  • Dry grip rating of 9, which is above the category average of 8.7, making it a strong performer for spirited driving.
  • Wet grip also scores a 9, significantly higher than the category average of 7.6, providing confidence in rainy conditions.

If you prioritize high-speed capability, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S with its higher speed rating might be a better choice.

Treadwear 280Traction AA
Spec score79estimated
Details

The Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) is well-suited for drivers who prioritize wet grip in their ultra high performance summer tires.

  • Wet grip score of 9 exceeds the ultra high performance summer category average of 7.6, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
  • Dry grip and handling both score 8, which aligns well with the category's focus on performance driving.

The lack of a treadwear warranty could be a concern for buyers looking for a guaranteed lifespan from their performance tires.

Treadwear 220Traction AA
Spec score77estimated
Details
Pirelli P ZeroPerformance

The Pirelli P Zero is a strong choice for those who prioritize dry grip and handling precision above all else.

  • Dry grip and handling scores are both perfect 10s, setting a high bar for the ultra-high-performance summer category.
  • Wet grip rating of 9 surpasses the category average of 7.6, making it reliable in summer rain.

If comfort and noise are significant factors, the P Zero's average scores in these areas may not meet your expectations.

Treadwear 220Traction AA
Spec score77estimated
Details
Show 5 more ultra high performance summer options
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV

20,000 mi warranty · Treadwear 220

53
8 models

Best Touring All-Season Tires in 285/45R21

All Touring All-Season tires

The Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season is a solid choice for drivers who value comfort and noise reduction in their daily commute.

  • Above-average wet grip score of 7.5, outperforming the category benchmark of 6.9.
  • Comfort and noise scores both at 8, matching the category averages for a smooth and quiet ride.

The lack of a treadwear warranty and a low UTQG rating of 520 suggest a shorter lifespan, which can increase long-term costs.

Treadwear 600Traction A
Spec score76estimated
Details

The Hankook Dynapro HP2 Plus is a solid choice for those seeking a balanced touring all-season tire, particularly if wet grip is a priority.

  • Treadlife warranty of 65,000 miles aligns with the category average, offering solid longevity for a touring all-season tire.
  • Wet grip score of 7.5 surpasses the category average of 6.9, making it a reliable option for rainy conditions.

Lacks the 3PMSF certification, so it's not ideal for drivers needing extra assurance in severe winter conditions.

65,000 mi warrantyTreadwear 560Traction A
Spec score73estimated
Details

The Continental CrossContact LX Sport SSR is a comfortable and quiet touring all-season tire, well-suited for drivers who prioritize ride quality.

  • Comfort and noise scores of 8 match the category benchmarks, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride typical of touring tires.
  • Wet grip score of 7.5 exceeds the category average of 6.9, providing reliable performance in rainy conditions.

The lack of a treadwear warranty and low UTQG treadwear rating make it a less appealing choice for those seeking long-term durability.

Treadwear 480Traction A
Spec score72estimated
Details
Show 4 more touring all-season options
Hankook iON evo AS SUV

50,000 mi warranty · Treadwear 600

70
Yokohama Geolandar X-CV

50,000 mi warranty · Treadwear 520

68
Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S

40,000 mi warranty · Treadwear 500

65
Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S RFT

40,000 mi warranty · Treadwear 500

65
8 models

Best Winter Tires in 285/45R21

All Winter tires

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is a solid choice for SUV owners who need dependable snow traction and a reasonable treadwear warranty.

  • Snow traction score of 8, which is solid for winter conditions and ensures reliable performance in snowy environments.
  • Treadwear warranty of 30,000 miles is a plus for a winter tire, providing some assurance on longevity.

If you prioritize a quiet and comfortable ride above all else, this tire's average noise and comfort scores might not meet your expectations.

30,000 mi warrantyTraction NONE
Spec scoreestimated
Details

The Pirelli Scorpion Winter is a solid choice for those who prioritize dry grip and treadlife in a winter tire.

  • 60,000-mile treadwear warranty exceeds the winter category average of 54,431 miles, offering longer usage before replacement.
  • Snow traction score of 8 matches the category average, ensuring reliable performance in typical winter conditions.

Lack of ice traction data may be a concern for those facing frequent icy conditions.

Spec scoreestimated
Details

The Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is a solid choice for drivers who prioritize dry grip and handling in winter conditions, with scores of 8.5 in both areas.

  • Dry grip score of 8.5 is well above the winter category average of 7.1, making it a strong performer on cold, dry pavement.
  • Handling score of 8.5 suggests responsive steering, which is beneficial for maneuvering in winter conditions.

Lack of 3PMSF certification may deter those needing guaranteed severe snow performance.

Spec scoreestimated
Details

The Continental WinterContact TS 850 P is a solid choice for drivers who prioritize snow traction, with its score of 8 indicating reliable performance in snowy conditions.

  • Snow traction score of 8, which is solid for handling snowy conditions.
  • Comfort score matches the category average of 6.2, making it a reasonable choice for daily winter driving.

Lack of a treadwear warranty makes it a gamble for those concerned with long-term durability.

Traction NONE
Spec scoreestimated
Details
Show 4 more winter options
Hankook Winter icept evo3 X

Specs on detail page

Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2

Specs on detail page

Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 RFT

Specs on detail page

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV

Specs on detail page

3 models

Best All-Terrain Tires in 285/45R21

All All-Terrain tires

The Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season is a solid choice for those who need a durable all-terrain tire with a focus on treadlife and handling.

  • Off-road traction is supported by a robust tread pattern and a UTQG treadwear rating of 500, promising durability.
  • Treadwear warranty of 60,000 miles exceeds the category average of 55,717 miles, offering longer coverage than many competitors.

If severe winter performance is a priority, the lack of 3PMSF certification means this tire might not meet your needs.

Treadwear 500Traction A
Spec score77estimated
Details

The Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico is a viable choice for drivers who prioritize off-road traction and wet grip in an all-terrain tire.

  • Off-road traction is solid with a UTQG treadwear of 420, suitable for mixed terrain use.
  • Wet grip score of 6 is above the category average of 5.2, offering better performance on wet surfaces than many all-terrain competitors.

No treadwear warranty, which may increase long-term costs for high-mileage drivers compared to competitors with mileage guarantees.

Treadwear 420Traction A
Spec score70estimated
Details

The Michelin Latitude Cross is a mixed bag for all-terrain enthusiasts.

  • Off-road traction is solid with a focus on durability, supported by a UTQG treadwear of 320.
  • Wet grip score of 6 is above the category average of 5.2, which helps in rainy conditions.

The 20,000-mile treadwear warranty is a major drawback for those seeking long-term durability in an all-terrain tire.

20,000 mi warrantyTreadwear 320Traction A
Spec score56estimated
Details
2 models

Best Max Performance Summer Tires in 285/45R21

All Max Performance Summer tires

The Goodyear Eagle NCT 5 EMT is a unique offering in the max performance summer category, primarily due to its 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is double the segment average.

  • Dry grip score of 9 surpasses the max performance summer category average of 8.2, making it a solid choice for spirited driving.
  • Handling rating of 9 aligns with its strong dry grip, providing precise steering response.

Wet grip performance is notably poor, making it a risky choice for drivers in regions with frequent rain.

60,000 mi warrantyTreadwear 600
Spec score67estimated
Details

The Toyo Proxes Sport 2 is a solid choice for drivers who prioritize wet grip in a max performance summer tire.

  • Wet grip score of 9 surpasses the category average of 7.9, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
  • Dry grip and handling both score 8, closely matching the category average, which ensures reliable performance on dry roads.

The lower UTQG treadwear rating of 240 suggests a shorter lifespan, which may not suit those seeking longer-lasting performance tires.

25,000 mi warrantyTreadwear 240Traction AA
Spec score62estimated
Details
2 models

Best Grand Touring All Season Tires in 285/45R21

All Grand Touring All Season tires
Vredestein Quatrac Pro+Comfort3PMSF Snow

The Vredestein Quatrac Pro+ is best suited for drivers who value comfort and noise reduction in their daily drives.

  • Comfort and noise scores of 8 match the grand touring all-season category averages, making for a quiet and smooth ride.
  • Wet grip rating of 7.5 slightly exceeds the category average of 7.4, suggesting reliable performance in rainy conditions.

The 50,000-mile treadwear warranty is significantly below the category average, which could mean more frequent replacements.

50,000 mi warrantyTreadwear 400Traction A
Spec score65estimated
Details

The Continental PremiumContact 6 SSR is a solid choice for drivers who value comfort and noise reduction in their grand touring all-season tires.

  • Comfort and noise ratings of 8 align with the category benchmarks, making it a quiet and smooth ride for long-distance travel.
  • Wet grip score of 7.5 slightly exceeds the category average of 7.4, which helps maintain traction during rainy conditions.

The lack of a treadwear warranty and low treadwear rating mean potentially higher long-term costs compared to competitors with warranties.

Treadwear 280Traction A
Spec score65estimated
Details
Fitment

Vehicles Using 285/45R21

+ 7 more vehicles use this size

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Popular Brands in 285/45R21

Size decoded

What 285/45R21 Means

285/45R21 designates a tire 285 mm (11.2") wide with a sidewall 45% as tall as it is wide — about 128 mm (5.0") — mounted on a 21-inch wheel. That works out to an overall diameter of roughly 31.1", a circumference of about 97.7", and approximately 649 revolutions per mile. Exact figures vary slightly by manufacturer and tread design.

128 mm

Sidewall height

31.1"

Overall diameter

97.7"

Circumference

649

Revs per mile

Of the 32 285/45R21 tire models we track, the most common category is ultra high performance summer (9 models), followed by touring all-season (8) — a good indicator of the kind of vehicles and driving this size is designed for.

Before you buy

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 285/45R21 mean?
285/45R21 breaks down as follows: 285mm is the tire's section width (the widest point), 45 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), R means radial construction, and 21 is the wheel diameter in inches.
What vehicles use 285/45R21 tires?
285/45R21 is a common fitment for vehicles like the 2026 BMW X7 xDrive, 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, 2026 Kia EV9, 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ and others. Always confirm your specific trim's fitment before purchasing.
How tall is a 285/45R21 tire?
A 285/45R21 tire has a sidewall height of about 128 mm (5.0") and an overall diameter of roughly 31.1", turning approximately 649 revolutions per mile. Actual dimensions vary slightly by manufacturer and model, so confirm against your vehicle's placard before changing sizes.

285/45R21 Research Guides

Confirm 285/45R21 fits your vehicle

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