What are good tires for a Dodge Challenger?

For a Dodge Challenger, getting the right tires comes down to how you use the car. For peak summer grip, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is a standout. For year‑round usability, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 or Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus balance performance and practicality. In cold climates, dedicated winter tires like Nokian Hakkapeliita R5 or Michelin X-Ice Snow offer the best traction.

To understand why tire choice matters, it helps to know that the Challenger’s rear‑drive layout and high horsepower put a premium on traction, braking stability, and consistent handling across temperatures. Tire size varies by trim and wheel package; many 20‑inch Challenger setups use 245/45R20 fronts and 275/40R20 rears, but always verify the exact size listed on your vehicle’s door jamb sticker or owner’s manual before buying.

Performance summer tires

These tires are optimized for warm weather, delivering maximum grip in dry and wet conditions, plus sharp steering response for spirited driving and occasional track days.

• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S — Excellent dry and wet grip, precise handling, and strong wear characteristics. Available in sizes that fit Challenger’s 20‑inch wheels (commonly 245/45R20 front and 275/40R20 rear).


• Continental ExtremeContact Sport — Strong all‑around performance, good balance of grip and comfort, often priced competitively.


• Pirelli P Zero — High‑performance option with solid grip and predictable feedback; widely available in Challenger sizes.


• Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 — Track‑oriented grip with excellent dry/wet performance; a common choice for enthusiasts seeking top cornering ability.

These tires excel when the asphalt is warm and you’re pushing the car into sweeping turns or straight‑line launches. They tend to wear faster than all‑season tires and perform less well in cold or wet winter conditions.

All-season and daily‑driving tires

For year‑round use, everyday comfort, and reasonable performance, these all‑season tires strike a balance between grip, durability, and noise levels.

• Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 — The top all‑season performance option, delivering strong grip in dry/wet and acceptable snow performance for an all‑season tire.


• Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus — Excellent wet grip and improved winter traction over older all‑season designs; good durability.


• Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus — Comfortable ride, low road noise, and solid overall performance for daily driving.

All‑season tires are designed to cover a broad range of conditions, but they don’t match the peak grip of dedicated summer tires in heat or the extreme traction of winter tires in snow. If you live in a place with variable weather, they offer a sensible compromise.

Winter tires

In regions with snow and ice, dedicated winter tires provide the best traction, braking, and steering response when temperatures stay below freezing.

• Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 — Noted for superb winter grip, especially on icy surfaces, with solid wear characteristics.


• Michelin X‑Ice Snow — Strong cold‑weather performance, reliable braking, and good wet traction for a winter tire.


• Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 — Widely praised for snow traction and predictable handling in winter conditions.

Winter tires are engineered to perform in cold temperatures, snow, and ice. They should be installed only when temperatures consistently stay near or below freezing to maximize safety and performance.

Buying tips and maintenance

Choosing tires is about matching tire design to driving habits, climate, and the Challenger’s power. Here are quick guidelines to help you decide and care for your tires.

Fitment and sizing

Always confirm the exact size and speed rating required for your model. Challenger trims vary, and incorrect sizing can affect ABS/traction control, accuracy of speedometer readings, and overall performance. If you’re unsure, consult your owner’s manual or a tire professional.

Performance expectations

Summer performance tires deliver peak grip but wear faster and perform poorly in cold or wet winters. All‑season tires offer year‑round usability with slightly reduced cornering grip in extreme heat. Winter tires provide the best cold‑weather traction but are not suitable for warm months on most compounds.

Maintenance tips

Rotation every 5,000–7,500 miles, proper inflation according to the door sticker, and alignment checks help maximize tread life and handling. Inspect tread depth and look for uneven wear, which can indicate alignment or suspension issues that should be addressed before installing new tires.

Buying channels

Shop around for current rebates, check retailer warranties, and consider mounted/balanced installation services. If you track the Challenger, you may want to pair street tires with occasional track‑day tires for higher grip at the limit.

Summary

Your best tire choice for a Dodge Challenger depends on how you drive and where you live. For high‑performance summer use, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S stands out. For all‑season practicality, Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 or Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus hit a strong balance of grip and durability. In cold climates, dedicated winter tires like Nokian Hakkapeliita R5 or Michelin X‑Ice Snow deliver the most confidence. Always verify tire size and load/speed ratings for your specific Challenger trim, and pair tires with proper maintenance to get the most from your investment.

What are the best tires for a Dodge Challenger?

The best tires for a Dodge Challenger depend on your driving needs, with popular choices including the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 for all-season performance, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus for ultra-high performance, and the Nitto NT555 G2 for strong dry and wet traction. Other options like the BFGoodrich G-Force Comp 2 A/S Plus or Bridgestone Potenza RE980 A/S Plus are also highly rated for all-season use. For dedicated drag racing, specific drag radials are the best choice. 
Performance and all-season tires

• Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4: A high-end choice for all-season performance, offering a balance of power and luxury. 
• Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus: An excellent all-season tire with an emphasis on ultra-high performance. 
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4s: Known for electrifying driving dynamics and high-level performance, especially for those who prioritize a sporty feel. 
• BFGoodrich G-Force Comp 2 A/S Plus: A strong contender for high-performance, all-season traction. 
• Bridgestone Potenza RE980 A/S Plus: A good all-around performer with a long-lasting tread life. 

Street and drag-focused tires

• Nitto NT555 G2: Offers great wet and dry traction with a contemporary street style, and is often cited as a drag-strip-ready option. 

Before you buy

• Consider your driving style: For daily driving in various weather conditions, all-season options like the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 or Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus are great choices. For maximum performance, summer tires or drag radials are best suited for track or dry conditions. 
• Check your specific vehicle's needs: The Challenger has a range of available tire sizes, and it's important to choose a size that fits your wheels safely and meets your driving needs. You can even explore wider options on the rear for specific setups. 
• Look into bundles: For potential cost savings and convenience, consider bundling your new tires with a set of new wheels. 

What year Dodge Challenger to stay away from?

Years to generally avoid for the Dodge Challenger are 2009, 2011–2013, and 2015, due to issues like airbag defects, alternator failure, and transmission problems. The 2012 model is particularly noted for having the most complaints on sites like CarComplaints.com, with frequent alternator and transmission issues.
 
Model years to avoid

• 2009: Known for problems like engine shutdown and check engine lights, often related to the crankshaft position sensor. 
• 2011–2013: These years had widespread issues including alternator failure, problems with the new eight-speed transmission, and some electrical issues with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The 2012 model year is frequently cited as the worst due to the combination of these issues. 
• 2015: Prone to electrical issues, including problems with the cruise control system and harsh transmission shifting. 

Common problems in these years

• Airbag defects: Many models from 2008-2013 had faulty airbag inflators that could rupture. 
• Engine and electrical problems: Common issues include alternator failure, especially in 2011-2014 models, and problems with the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), which controls many of the car's electrical systems. 
• Transmission issues: Early versions of the eight-speed automatic transmission in the 2012 and 2015 models were known for harsh shifting and other problems. 

How to mitigate risks

• Verify recalls: Before purchasing any used Challenger, especially from one of these years, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to ensure all recalls have been addressed. 
• Check for service alerts: Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) can provide insight into common problems and potential repair procedures. 
• Consider newer models: Newer models, particularly from 2019-2023, generally have a better reliability record. 

How much is a tire for a Dodge Challenger?

Dodge Challenger tires range in cost from $126 to $400+, depending on the tire size and type you want on your Challenger.

What is the best quality tire for the money?

The best "value" tires often come from brands like General, Nexen, and Falken, which balance affordability with good performance. For long-term value, premium brands like Michelin and Bridgestone offer excellent tread life and performance, but with a higher upfront cost. The best choice depends on your budget, driving needs, and what you value most in a tire, such as longevity, fuel efficiency, or specific performance characteristics. 
Good value for the money 

• General: Offers good all-season performance and durability, especially with models like the AltiMax and GMAX RS. The General Grabber HD is noted for its all-season traction and fuel efficiency, says YouTube. 
• Nexen: A recommended brand for affordable tires that often outperform their price point, with models like the SU1 and general line being praised, according to Reddit users. 
• Falken: Known for strong performance at a competitive price, with the Azenis line and Wildpeak H/T being popular choices, as noted by Tires Easy. 
• Achilles: Frequently cited as a top affordable brand, with specific models like the ATR Sport and ATR Sport 2 offering a good balance of quality and price, says Tires Easy. 

Long-term value (higher upfront cost)

• Michelin: Often considered the best for long-term value due to superior tread life and sustained performance. Models like the Defender T+H have high mileage warranties, making them a great investment, notes Tires Easy. 
• Bridgestone: Offers models like the Turanza QuietTrack and Ecopia EP422 Plus that provide a balance of long tread life, comfort, and all-season performance. 
• BF Goodrich: A high-quality brand owned by Michelin, with its all-terrain tires being especially well-regarded, says Quora. 
• Continental: Another high-performance option with models like the PureContact and TrueContact Tour that deliver excellent all-season performance and durability. 

How to choose the right tire

• Determine your budget: Decide whether you prefer a lower upfront cost or are willing to pay more for longer-lasting performance.
• Consider your driving conditions: Look for tires specifically designed for your typical weather and road conditions (e.g., all-season, all-weather, winter, all-terrain). 
• Prioritize your needs: Decide what is most important to you—fuel efficiency, quiet ride, wet traction, or sport performance.