Best Tires For VW Passat: Complete Guide

8 Best Tires For VW Passat

The VW Passat is a family oriented mid-size sedan that has been in production since 1972. Passat models have seen no pauses in production through the years. Volkswagen has produced models to fit both the mid-size sedan and large family car markets. With so many releases over the years, the options to choose from are nearly endless.

This guide is a full breakdown of the top 8 tires to choose for your VW Passat model. We analyzed each tire based on features, warranty, competitor comparisons, and field test data. Recommendations were carefully crafted to ensure accuracy. We also include a factory tire analysis to make sure drivers are fully informed about their vehicle.

Each tire is categorized specifically based on their optimal performance. For example, best winter and best summer tire are two categories we included. The goal is to provide drivers with targeted tires that can fit their needs. We aim to accommodate drivers all over the country in different climates.

Here is the list of the top 8 tires and factory tire for the VW Passat:  

Dunlop SP Sport 5000 - Best All Season

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All season tires are designed to be in a wider range of climates and can handle colder temperatures. While they do perform better in warmer weather, the cold weather does not eliminate an all season tire’s ability to drive well. The Dunlop SP Sport 5000 is an ultra high performance all season tire to give sedans a more versatile feel on the road.

The asymmetrical tread pattern is created to enforce more reliably balanced tire performance on both wet and dry surfaces. The tire can be purchased as both an asymmetric design and a symmetric design. Lower profile tire sizes typically fit the asymmetrical pattern better for better interlocking between outer shoulders and the tread blocks.

The independent inner tread blocks channel together with open shoulder grooves for a more powerful outward flow of water. These blocks allow the tire to expand the dry surface and better grip the road.  

The outer board shoulder blocks provide additional cornering stability for better grip on dry surfaces. The handling is very reliable. The high performance thread also provides a more diverse range of control in different climates. This is the ultimate benefit of an all season tire.

For snow performance, drivers can rely on cross-cut sipes to add extra biting edges in snow and ice for better traction. The cross-cut version is an ultra high performance feature that really makes a difference in deeper snow.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,235 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 9/32’’
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 340
• UTQG Traction: B
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is a bit more rare than other competing all season tires. The sizes are limited but it can be found in rim diameter sizes ranging between 15” and 19”.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no limited treadwear warranty offered for this tire. The uniformity warranty provides protection for 1 year or for the first 2/32” of wear.

How noisy is this tire?

This tire begins as a quiet option with smooth riding. It has a long lasting tread and remains as a smooth riding tire throughout its lifespan. However, it can get noisy on highways and at higher speeds as the treads wear. Overall, it is not something that is extremely noticeable.

Sumitomo HTR Enhance WX2 - Best Touring

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A touring tire is a premium tire option that provides longer tread life, smoother driving, and lower tire noise. The best touring tires typically provide all season traction and improved steering responsiveness too. For daily driving, touring tires are the most reliable option.  

Our top grand touring tire pick is the Sumitomo HTR Enhance WX2. This tire has all season capabilities and drivers confidently with quiet riding features for drivers to enjoy. It is specifically designed to make sedans ride smoother. The tire can handle rain, snow, and summer temperatures too.

The Sumitomo tread technology creates an enhanced tread designed with sipes and cross grooves to increase traction on snow and ice. On the interior of the treads is an optimized contact patch to create more even surfaces for rubber to road contact. This is a touring tire speciality to improve the tire lifespan.

Deeper into the tread is a cross-designed chamfer. This is a way to ensure the tire creates more traction and grip during the winter and in rainy conditions too. An even better feature is the bending sipe technology. It works at the center block to produce more rigidity for better tire stability. It creates an all around better performance for the tire.

The outer shoulder blocks have their own grooves too. These grooves expel water from critical areas during cornering for better traction and lower road noise. The interior lug grooves do the same and push away water to create hydroplaning resistance.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: Up to 90,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,653 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 25 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 500
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

The HTR Enhance L/X is a popular tire among sedan drivers. It can be found in sizes ranging between 15” and 19” rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty on this tire begins at 6 years / 90,000 miles for T rated tires. The coverage drops to 5 years / 75,000 miles on H and V rated tires. There is also coverage of 4 years / 55,000 miles for W rated tires.

There is also a special warranty that provides a 45 day test driver warranty for unsatisfied customers. Sumitomo gives 2 years of roadside assistance to new customers too.  

How does this tire handle the snow?

This is an all season tire created with winter technologies to handle light snow, cold temperatures, and ice. As a driver, you can expect above average winter performance for a grand touring all season tire.

Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R - Best Summer

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Summer tires are built with shallower treads than an all season tire. With shallower treads, the tire can emphasize performance and better grip on the road. They are made from softer rubber compounds and larger tread blocks for larger contact areas on the road. Our top summer tire pick for the VW Passat is the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R.

The Potenza RE-71R is an extreme performance tire for sedans and performance level driving. Bridgestone made this tire with a new tread compound technology that enhances overall road grip. It is a directional tread pattern with a continuous rib for more consistent rubber to road contact.

This tire can handle rain and wet roads too. The wide shoulder blocks, four circumferential grooves, hydro evacuation ridges, and 7-shaped lateral grooves are some of the features that Bridgestone offers. The circumferential grooves create channels to flow water out from underneath the tire to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

The 7-shaped grooves add another channel of water evacuation for extra performance in heavy rain. It should be noted that these additional grooves does not mean you should drive at extreme speeds in wet conditions. Traditional precautions should still be taken.

This summer tire should not be used in cold weather. As the temperature drops, the tire grip begins to fail. The softer rubber does not remain as flexible and the cold weather causes the tire to harden.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,477 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 8/32’’
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 200
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is widely available on the market as a performance summer tire for sedans and sporty coupes. It can be found in sizes ranging between 16” and 20” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no limited treadwear warranty on this tire. Other competing seasonal tires do not typically offer treadwear coverage. Drivers can expect this tire to last for multiple summer seasons.

Continental WinterContact SI - Best Winter

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Winter tires are specifically designed to handle ice, snow, and cold weather. They are built as a studless or studded tire with a specific kind of rubber that can remain softer in colder weather. Winter tires have deeper tread depths to help combat the weather with high performance levels. Our favorite winter tire for the VW Passat is the Continental WinterContact SI tire.

The WinterContact SI is a top winter tire to increase performance on sedans and coupes. Continental uses PolarPlus Technology in their winter tire design to create a +Silane additive tread for better winter traction. This technology allows the tire to remain flexible in freezing tires with a softer rubber.

The tread compound is a directional pattern to allow for excellent dry road handling too. The tire is made with multi-angled sipes that give off extra biting edges during riding in snow and ice to add another layer of grip on the surface. The Traction Groove Technology adds another 3D set of grooves for even more biting edges too. These all help to improve short distance braking on slippery roads.

Because this is a winter tire, it should be used only this way. Driving this tire in the heat will cause it to wear faster. The tread will crack because of the hot road. The softer rubber also decreases traction and handling in the heat.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,709 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A
• Winter tires are not UTQG Rated

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This winter tire is available for purchase in sizes ranging between 15” and 20” rim diameter. It is a popular winter tire option for sedans.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no treadwear warranty on this winter tire. This is a standard in the winter tire market. The uniformity warranty is coverage for one year or 2/32” in wear.

Michelin Primacy 3 - Best Performance Street

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Performance tires are for drivers looking for predictability in road traction and handling. A performance street tire can do exactly this by providing cornering stability and traction on both dry and wet roads. The best performance street tire for the VW Passat is the Michelin Primacy 3.

The Primacy 3 is a grand touring summer tire made for sedans and coupes looking to increase vehicle performance. This tire is known for low road noise, durability, and smooth riding. Michelin used their advanced technology to include features that make this tire the top in class performance street option.

An innovative auto-blocking set of sipes exists to provide better wet road performance. The sipes are built directly into the rubber tread to allow for more accurate road handling. This rubber also creates a more comfortable driving experience.

Michelin Comfort Control Technology is responsible for making this tire a precise driving option that eliminates road noise with accuracy.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: 35,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,764 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 9/32’’
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 240
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in sizes ranging between 16” and 19” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty on this tire is a 6 year / 35,000 mile guarantee for treadwear coverage. There is also a 60 day satisfaction guarantee and 3 year flat changing policy offered by Michelin.

Toyo Celsius - Best Highway

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Highway tires are made with all season treads with more durable compounds for a longer lasting tire. A strong highway tire has a good warranty, low road noise levels, and drivers smoothly on pavement with a more consistent rubber to road feel. Our top pick for the best highway tire for a VW Passat is the Toyo Celsius.

The Toyo Celsius is made with variable sipe density on both the inner and outer treads for optimal four season performance. The inside tread uses high sipe density to ensure better traction on both ice and sno. On the outer tread is lower sipe density to allow for better performance on rainy and dry roads.

For winter driving, Toyo built a set of snow claws that make it possible to drive in deeper snow. The snow claws also improve block rigidity. This adds another layer of grip onto the tire for snow and ice performance.

The Celsius stops 14 feet shorter on snow and ice compared to the average all season tire. It also includes a competitive warranty and long lasting treads.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: 60,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,653 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11/32’’
• Tire Weight: 25 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 440
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: B

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in sizes ranging between 14” and 20”. It is a popular all season tire and fits on many different vehicles.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty on this tire is a 60,000 mile warranty on treadwear. There is also a limited warranty for added protection. Celsius also likes to ensure drivers love the tire first. The special warranty trial offer is a 500 miles or 45 day satisfaction guarantee. If you didn’t love the tire, you can get a full refund.

Yokohama Tornante - Best All-Purpose

All-purpose tires are defined differently based on the type of vehicle. For larger SUVs, it can be considered a trail or off-road tire. For a vehicle like a VW Passat, an all-purpose tire is one that can handle everything. This includes winter, summer, highway riding, durable treads, and more. We chose the Yokohama Tornante as the best all-purpose tire for the VW Passat.

The Tornante is known for its all season capabilities and long lasting durability. It is made with an advanced asymmetric tread compound and multi-pitch variation. This creates a quieter driving experience with extreme comfort.

There is a set of four circumferential grooves and cross grooves to improve wet surface performance. These grooves work together to eliminate the build up of water, ice, and snow in critical areas for better traction and braking. These grooves also provide better hydroplaning resistance.

For better tread life, there is a set of 3D adaptive sipes with biting edge technology to lessen the wear on the tire during winter driving. The advanced compound is also the most durable that Yokohama has ever made.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: Up to 85,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,477 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 12/32’’
• Tire Weight: 27 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 740
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in sizes ranging between 15” and 18” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

Yokohama gives drivers an 85,000 mile warranty on all T rated tires. The warranty drops to 75,000 miles in coverage for H and V rated tires. There is also a 30 day satisfaction guarantee to ensure you love the tire before committing.

Kumho Spare Tire - Best Temporary Spare

A temporary spare tire is often referred to as a “donut”. It is a thinner tire option intended for short term usage to provide a stranded driver with immediate mobility. It comes with a more lightweight design to keep your vehicle light with optimal trunk space.

Our top pick for the best temporary spare for a VW Passat is the Kumho Spare Tire. The Kumho Spare has a shallower tread design and provides you a compact temporary spare solution.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,984 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 60 PSI
• Tread Depth: 4.5/32’’
• Tire Weight: 13 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A

FAQ

How many miles can this last?

This temporary spare is meant to last up to 70 miles of driving. We do recommend changing your tire as soon as possible.

What is the top speed I can drive?

The top speed to drive this temporary spare is 50 MPH. Any faster can present risks to your vehicle.

Giti GitiComfort A1 - Factory Tire

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As a VW Passat driver, you will have a set of the Giti GitiComfort A1 tires on your vehicle. This is a grand touring all season tire that provides a sleek appearance and impressive handling features.

This tire is available in rim sizes between 18” and 19” with a resin tread design for improved handling and durability. The resin coating gives the tire better traction on snow, ice, and in rainy conditions.

This is a newer tire and the partnership with Volkswagen was announced in late 2019 to begin producing all factory tires on new VW Passat models moving forward.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,477 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 23 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 700
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

VW Passat Information

The 2021 VW Passat is available as a front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan model. It comes equipped with a turbocharged, intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4 engine. The VW Passat is built as a vehicle that provides reliability, comfort, and plenty of additional features.

The interior performance relies on a 174-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is refined and the automatic transmission is smooth. Steering is extremely precise and provides accurate responsiveness on highways.

The turbocharged four-cylinder is a fuel efficient engine and can rival competitor hybrid models in fuel efficiency. Average estimates range between 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

The interior design on the VW Passat is spacious and comfortable. It ranks at the top of the mid-size sedan list for interior space every year, especially in the new 2021 model. It keeps families in mind with the design to comfortably fit five passengers.

The VW Passat is also a vehicle well-known for safety features and consistent driving. NHTSA tests rank the Passat as an above average vehicle in all key safety categories, even on base models with the bare minimum driver-assistance technologies. Some of these safety features include a forward-collision warning, automated emergency brakes, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and an adaptive cruise control feature.

Interior features are complex including touchscreen navs with Apple CarPlay or Android capability, 17-inch wheels, heated seats, auto climate control, lane assistance, and more. The available features change based on the model type.

Here is a list of more performance based features on how the VW Passat drives:

How to Understand the VW Passat Tire Specifications

While tire shopping, there may come a time where you are required to read the sidewall of a tire. On the tire sidewall is a string of characters that identifies key features and sizing specifics about the tire. Without an understanding of what it means, it can be difficult to find the right tire for your vehicle.

Luckily, we have created a chart that explains all of the key symbols on the tire.

What Are the Different VW Passat Tire Sizes & Models Available?

Now that you can read a tire the right way, let’s discuss VW Passat tire sizes.

The VW Passat has a long history on the market and through the years the tire sizes have changed. We have included a list of tires and the sizes for Passat models dating back to 2015. There are 4 factory OEM tire sizes for these models.

• ‍215/55R17
• 215/60R16
• 235/45R18
• 235/40R19

If you are not sure exactly what the size on your tire is or don’t know much about the VW Passat model you drive, this chart will simplify everything. Simply find your year and model and there is the corresponding tire size for that vehicle.

Some VW Passat models have multiple sizes to choose from.