Best Nissan Kicks Tires

If it’s time for new rubber for your vehicle, we’ve put together a list of the best Nissan Kicks tires based on some very specific criteria. We always look at performance, handling, pricing and warranty, but with the Kicks we paid particular attention to the unique tire sizes.

Those running the 17-inch tires will find significantly fewer options available, while the 16-inch tire option opens up the list of tires considerably, both in terms of price point and overall mileage life.

Nissan Kicks Tire Sizes

Below are the different trim levels available for the Nissan Kicks as well as the tire sizes available for each model.

• S 206/60/16
• SR 205/55/17
• SV 205/55/17

Best Tire for Nissan Kicks

Kumho Solus TA31

This sporty all-season tire is sure to keep your Kicks feeling nimble. It offers good braking performance in the dry and we’re quite impressed with its grip in the wet.

Kumho actually designed the Solus TA31 as a replacement tire for luxury sedans so it offers a decently quiet and comfortable ride. Using a gripper rubber compound, handling is actually one of its best qualities.

It won’t blow you away by any means, but it’s a solid performer and comes wth a 60,000 mile tread life warranty in an attractively-priced package.

   

Best Tire for Nissan Kicks (alternative)

Firestone FT140

All Kicks models come equipped with the FT140 from the factory and overall most drivers report being more than satisfied with its performance.

Large grooves between the tread sections easily clear away water while the center tread sections are divided up into quite small individual blocks to optimize gripping edges in wet conditions.

The shoulder tread blocks are rather small which limits overall handling and predictability. The only other down side is the lack of a tread life warranty. We’d say that if you currently are running a set and you’re happy with the tread life, it’s worth looking at these again. If not, the Kumhos above are the better and more reliable option.

   

Best All-Weather Tire for Nissan Kicks

Michelin CrossClimate2

Combine an all-season tire with a winter tire and you’ve got: an all-weather tire.

All-weather (sometimes called four season) tires have been around for decades but they haven’t been very good. With improving tire technology, however, tires like these (that don’t disappoint) are now a reality. An increasing number of brands make them, the most recent of which is Michelin.

The CrossClimate2 makes use of a unique v-shaped tread pattern to maximize summer and winter performance. Winter grip is achieved via a softer compound and sipes that run the length of the tread blocks, trapping snow against them. Those same gaps close up under hard cornering in the dry or wet, while the extra long tread design makes for impressive lateral grip and predictability in cornering.

Wet traction is excellent as well thanks to that design that easily forces water away from the contact patch.

There are two down sizes to these tires. First, they’re more expensive than conventional all-seasons. Second, they don’t last as long with a tread life of 60,000 miles.

Is it worth paying extra for less tread life? Well, if you consider not having to think about swapping on and off winter tires there’s a good chance the answer is: yes!

   

Best Winter Tire for Nissan Kicks

Cooper Discoverer True North

Make sure your crossover has the grip it should in winter conditions with the Cooper Discoverer True North. The unique tread pattern on this tire serves several very specific functions to deliver grip no matter what winter throws your way. The interior section of the tire features tread blocks and siping that designed to deliver grip on ice, icy roads or just cold, clear roads. Exterior tread sections feature longer tread blocks with a jagged design between them to help grip on snow covered roads, while also forcing water or slush away from the contact patch for maximum grip.

Due to the Kick’s unique size they are more expensive than all-seasons so you’ll pay a bit more, but compared to the other winter tires available for the crossover, they’re some of the most affordable.

 

Cheapest Tire for Nissan Kicks

Sentury Touring

This incredibly affordable tire is hard to pass up based on price alone. Overall performance is mediocre at best, with decent dry grip, though wet weather performance tails off. For an all-season, it definitely under-performs in the cold or snow and we wouldn’t recommend it if you live somewhere colder.

It rides quiet and comes with a 40,000 mile tread life warranty.

Of note, this tire is only available for the 16-inch fitment on the base Kicks S.

Longest Lasting Tire for Nissan Kicks

Michelin Defender T + H

Offering impressive levels of grip and refinement you won’t be disappointed by this tire. But its best feature is overall tread life. Michelin went to great lengths to design a tire that wears more evenly over time, preventing premature wear and extending the tread life to an impressive 80,000 miles.

It’s priced on the higher side, though it’s not prohibitively expensive.

Available only in a 16-inch size for the Kicks, we wish it was available in a 17-inch fitment as well.

   

Best Budget Tire for Nissan Kicks

Road Hugger GTP AS

Compromise isn’t always a bad thing. Road Hugger is a budget tire brand and offers exactly what a lot of Kicks owners are likely looking for in a replacement tire.

With a silica-infused tread compound it offers a solid balance of dry and wet weather performance. It dos under-perform in colder temperatures though.

Overall handling dynamics are decent and sure to please the majority of drivers, while pricing under $100 per tire will please even more.

The only down-side we see, again, is the lack of a fitment for Kicks SR and SV trim levels with the 17-inch wheels.

Nissan Kicks Tire FAQ

What tires come on the Nissan Kicks?

Regardless of which size rim comes on the Kicks (16- or 17-inches) all versions of this compact crossover come equipped with the Firestone FT140.

How long do Nissan Kicks tires last?

There is no tread life warranty on the factory-equipped Firestone FT140 tires, however, you should anticipate a tread life of approximately 55,000 miles.

Tire Buying FAQ

Where can I find the best price on tires?

There is no one answer to this question unfortunately. Sites like Tire Rack and Discount tire offer deals all the time on specific brands. You can also find deals on Amazon though they are much harder to find and often only apply to a specific size or group of sizes. Visit our Tire Deals page for more info.

When is the best time to buy tires?

It’s common that many shoppers buy tires once its already too late. At that point you don’t have a lot of choice and can often over-pay. If you’re planning ahead, generally, retailers offer significant tire deals around major holiday weekends (especially in the summer), as well as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

How much is Shipping?

Shipping is often included when you purchase tires online. Many retailers offer free shipping if you get your tires shipped to an installer that they recommend. Even if you ship to your home, Tire Rack offers free shipping on purchases over $50. And if you’re buying new tires, that won’t be hard.

How long does shipping take?

Shipping can take just a few days, or over a week in the worst cases. Often it depends on where you live. anyone in a larger urban center or living closer to a tire distribution center can get them quite quickly.

Does anyone offer mobile tire installation?

Depending on where you live, there may be numerous local mobile tire installers available. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of tracking one down, TireRack offers its own service. You don’t even have to purchase tires from TireRack to use it.

While it’s more expensive than bringing your tires to the shop, it’s also a lot more convenient. Prices start at $25 per tire.

How much does it cost to install a tire?

Generally you’ll pay between $25 and $50 per tire for installation services. This includes mounting and balancing, while using the latest tools so your rims don’t get scuffed or scraped.

Do I need to replace the tire pressure monitoring system when I change tires?

It’s not necessary to replace TMPS sensors when you change tires, but you may want to consider it. The units can fail over time due to damage or corrosion. Also, most units contain a battery and as a sealed unit, they must be replaced when the battery wears down. While most tire installers will handle sourcing these parts for you, you can also buy your own here.

Do online tire retailers offer rebates?

Absolutely! In fact, rebates are offered by most brands (even premium ones). Often these incentives are offered with other deals including up-front discounts and credit card offers.