By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-24
The Nissan Maxima is Nissan's flagship full-size front-wheel-drive sport sedan — marketed as the "4-door sports car" for its 300 hp V6 and sport-tuned suspension. The Maxima holds a unique market position: more performance-oriented than the Altima, less expensive than German sport sedans. It ships on 19-inch wheels with 245/40R19 ultra-high-performance all-season tires.
Nissan Maxima Tire Sizes
Nissan Maxima S, SV, and SL trims ship on 245/45R18 on 18-inch wheels; SR and Platinum trims step up to 245/40R19 on 19-inch wheels. The 245/40R19 is a low-profile UHP all-season size — responsive handling but firmer ride quality than larger-aspect tires.
Nissan has fitted Continental ProContact TX and Goodyear Eagle Touring / Eagle F1 Asymmetric as OEM on the Maxima across recent model years — touring-and-performance-oriented compounds appropriate for the Maxima's sport sedan character.
The 245/40R19 is a common sport sedan size with strong aftermarket availability across UHP all-season, performance summer, and grand touring all-season categories.
Best Tires for the Nissan Maxima
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 in 245/40R19: the top all-season performance recommendation for Maxima owners who want more dynamic capability than the OEM Continental or Goodyear tires. Strong wet and dry grip, 3PMSF all-weather certification.
Continental SportContact 6 in 245/40R19: performance summer tire for Maxima drivers who want maximum dry grip. Not suitable for winter conditions — requires seasonal swap below 45°F.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport A/S in 245/40R19: Bridgestone's UHP all-season, with strong handling balance and year-round capability. A good match for the Maxima's performance front-wheel-drive character.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in 245/40R19: performance summer tire for Maxima SR owners who want the best possible track-day and canyon-road capability. Not suitable for winter use.
For grand touring all-season, softer and quieter: the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 (non-4S) or Continental PureContact LS in 245/40R19 for Maxima owners prioritizing comfort over maximum grip.
Frequently asked
What size tires does the Nissan Maxima use?
S, SV, and SL: 245/45R18. SR and Platinum: 245/40R19.
What are the best tires for the Nissan Maxima?
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 for all-season performance. Continental SportContact 6 for summer-only maximum grip. Bridgestone Potenza Sport A/S for a balanced UHP all-season.
Does the Nissan Maxima have good tires from the factory?
The OEM Continental and Goodyear touring/performance tires are solid — not a budget spec. For most drivers, the factory tires are appropriate until they wear out. Upgrading to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 noticeably improves wet performance and all-weather capability.
How much should I budget for tires on a Nissan Maxima?
Plan for a full set plus mounting, balancing, and an alignment, and know the larger UHP all-season size on the sportier trims costs more than a plain economy tire. The trade is grip and handling, which is the whole point of the Maxima. Get an out-the-door quote from a local shop across a couple of tiers so you can weigh the performance against the price.
How do I know when my Maxima needs new tires?
Do the penny test, and check the fronts closely — this is a powerful front-wheel-drive car, so the front tires do the steering and the pulling and wear faster. Watch for the car slipping in hard rain, which shows up before the tread hits the legal limit. Don't ignore cracking or age even when there's tread left.
Keep reading
Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.