What is the best tire for the Lexus GS350?
There is no single "best" tire for every GS350. For most drivers, a high-performance summer tire such as Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or a premium all-season tire like Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers the best balance of grip and durability, with dedicated winter tires required in cold climates.
The question calls for a deeper look at climate, drivetrain (RWD vs AWD), wheel size, and how you actually use the car. This guide surveys current top tires by category and provides practical fitment considerations for the GS350.
Understanding the GS350 tire landscape
The Lexus GS350 comes in several wheel sizes across model years, commonly including 18- and 19-inch configurations. Tire choices must align with the vehicle’s wheel size, speed rating, and load index. If your GS350 is AWD, tire compatibility and even wear between all four tires becomes especially important to protect traction systems and handling consistency.
Top tire picks by category
Below are widely recommended tires for the GS350 across common driving needs. Size availability depends on wheel size; verify compatibility with your vehicle's wheel and speed rating.
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S — Class-leading dry and wet grip with precise handling; excellent for spirited driving and high-performance setups; available in many GS wheel sizes (18" and 19").
- Continental ExtremeContact Sport — Strong overall performance with balanced grip, solid wet traction, and good durability; a popular, cost-effective alternative for GS owners.
- Pirelli P Zero — Solid all-around performance, responsive steering, and broad compatibility across sizes used on the GS350.
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 — Strong grip and comfortable ride with dependable wet performance; widely available in common GS sizes.
These options emphasize grip and handling for warm-weather and wet-road conditions, with trade-offs in ride comfort and wear life depending on model and size.
Seasonal tire recommendations
Summer tires
Summer tires maximize performance in warm conditions, delivering peak grip and sharp steering responses. They are not suitable for cold or freezing conditions, so swap them out when temperatures drop.
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- Continental ExtremeContact Sport
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
For GS350 owners who frequently drive on twisty highways or track days, these tires provide the best combination of dry and wet traction and feedback. If you live in a region with mild winters, you may still use these year-round in the warm months, but you’ll need to switch to winter tires as temperatures fall.
All-season tires
All-season tires are designed to handle a wide range of conditions, including light winter weather, while maintaining respectable grip in dry and wet conditions. They generally don’t offer the same peak performance as dedicated summer tires in warm weather, but they simplify tire management for areas with variable seasons.
- Michelin CrossClimate 2
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
All-season tires are a practical compromise for moderate climates where temperatures fluctuate and snow is infrequent. They provide dependable traction and longer tread life, though peak performance may lag behind true summer or winter tires.
Winter tires
In regions that experience cold weather, snow, or icy roads, dedicated winter tires deliver the strongest braking and traction performance. They should be swapped back to summer or all-season tires as temperatures rise above freezing.
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
- Michelin X-Ice Snow
Winter tires maximize safety in snow and ice with specialized rubber compounds and tread patterns. If you live in a snowy climate, this category is essential for the GS350’s winter months.
Size and fitment considerations for the GS350
Choosing tires for the GS350 requires careful attention to size, speed rating, and the drivetrain configuration. The following points help ensure you select tires that maintain safety, performance, and warranty coverage.
- Confirm your exact tire size and speed rating from the owner’s manual or the door jamb sticker before purchasing.
- For AWD GS350 models, aim to install four equal tires to preserve traction control and differential wear characteristics; if only two tires are replaced, ensure matching wear and performance is maintained as much as possible.
- Decide between standard tires and run-flat options if your vehicle is equipped for run-flat tires; run-flats have different load and performance characteristics.
- Plan for seasonal changes: swap to winter tires when temperatures regularly stay below freezing and snow is likely, then re-install summer or all-season tires when conditions permit.
Following these fitment considerations helps maintain handling accuracy, braking performance, and the GS350’s advanced stability and traction systems.
Bottom line and practical guidance
For the Lexus GS350, the best tire choice depends on climate and driving style. In warm climates or for enthusiasts seeking peak grip, top-performance summer tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Continental ExtremeContact Sport are excellent. For year-round versatility in moderate climates, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers strong all-season performance. In cold climates, dedicated winter tires such as Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 or Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 are essential. Always verify wheel size compatibility, use four matching tires on AWD, and consult a tire professional if you’re unsure about sizing or installation.
Summary: Tire selection for the GS350 is a function of climate and driving goals. Choose a summer performance tire for peak grip in warm weather, an all-season tire for year-round practicality, or a winter-specific tire for snowy regions. Ensure correct sizing and four-tender matching on AWD models, and swap tires with the seasons to maximize safety and performance.
What tires does Lexus recommend?
Lexus recommends original equipment (OE) tires from major brands like Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear, Pirelli, Dunlop, and Continental. To find the specific tire recommended for your model, you should check the sticker on the driver's side doorjamb or consult your owner's manual for the exact specifications (size, load index, speed rating), as recommendations can vary significantly based on the vehicle model and year.
Recommended brands and models
- All-Season: Michelin Defender 2, Pirelli Scorpion Zero all season, Continental TrueContact Tour, Goodyear Assurance MaxLife, and Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus.
- High-Performance: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
- Winter: Michelin X-Ice Snow, Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, and Continental WinterContact SI.
How to choose the right tires
- Check your vehicle's recommendations: The most crucial step is to find the specific tire size, load index, and speed rating on the sticker inside your driver's side doorjamb or in your owner's manual.
- Consider your driving needs: While OE tires are a safe bet, you can choose a different brand or model to better suit your priorities, such as a specific season (e.g., winter tires), a quieter ride, or better performance.
- Understand tire specifications:
- Size: The numbers represent the tire's width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter (e.g., P235-65-R18).
- Load Index: A number indicating the maximum weight the tire can carry.
- Speed Rating: A letter corresponding to the maximum speed the tire can handle.
What is the most common problem with Lexus GS350?
Top Lexus GS350 Problems
- Brief Rattle or Knocking Noise on Initial Start Up.
- The Inside Rear View Mirror May Become Discolored.
- Software Upgrade for Navigation & Heater Control Displays.
- Lexus GS350 sputtering issue with check engine light and traction control warning.
What are the best tires for a Lexus GS350?
Fortunately, SimpleScore is here to help.
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus - Best All-Season tire. The easiest way to ensure maximum comfort in a sedan like the GS350 is to install the best all-season tires.
- Bridgestone Potenza S001 - Best Summer tire.
- Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 - Best Winter tire.
How much are tires for Lexus GS350?
Lexus GS350 tires typically range in cost from $73 to $300+, depending on the type of tires you want on your midsize luxury sedan.
