Best Tires for the Honda Civic [REVIEWS & BUYER’S GUIDE]
Choosing replacement tires for your Honda Civic is not easy. Not only do you need to select from the wide range of brands available, but there’s also the issue of tire types, varying tread patterns, tread warranty, and of course your available budget.
If your head is spinning, you’re in the right place. In this simple yet in-depth review roundup, we have selected 7 top-rated tires for Honda Civics to bring you the definitive low down on what you should buy in 2021.
For our findings at a glance, just head to the table below. For detailed reviews of each of our picks, plus a beginner’s buyer’s guide, keep on reading.
Top 7 Best Tires for the Honda Civic
Honda Civic Tires Reviews
The following tires have been selected based on construction quality, tread design, function and price point.
Our testing method involves a combination of the above criteria, plus recent customer reviews and feedback on performance, as well as analysis of how each product fares against others on the market.
1. TOP PICK: Goodyear Eagle RS-A Radial Tire
Our top pick tire for the Honda Civic in 2021 is the ever-reliable Goodyear Eagle RS-A Radial tire.
This all-season touring tire features everything you want in a durable, smooth-riding tire. Offering increased cornering ability via that aggressive shoulder tread blocks, this is a tire designed for peak performance no matter the season.
To assist traction during the wetter months, Goodyear has opted for wide lateral grooves in the tread pattern of the Eagle. This helps increase grip while ensuring less risk of aquaplaning as a result of the superior water drainage.
The Eagle also features an asymmetric construction that helps increase overall handling and comfort, during normal highway touring.
Bottom Line
Goodyear has pulled out the stops on this model tire and it is easy to see why it is our top pick all-season option for 2021.
Providing high performance no matter the weather conditions, come sunshine, rain or snow you can be confident in your grip on the road while driving your Honda Civic.
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2. Ohtsu FP7000 All- Season Radial Tire
The Ohtsu FP7000 All- Season Radial is a high performance tire suitable for Honda Civics that is a worthy addition to our top 7 line up.
Featuring a non-directional tread design this tire has been designed from the ground up to provide increased traction and handling ability in both wet and dry road conditions.
When it is raining hard and the conditions get tough, the high volume circumferential grooves help reduce the risk of hydroplaning making for a safer ride.
Not only that, but the multiple rotation patterns also help reduce irregular wear while increasing the overall durability of the tire.
For a quieter ride, Ohtsu has opted for a variable shoulder tread block design. This is a benefit for those drivers that aim to take their Honda Civic touring.
Bottom Line
While Ohtsu does not have brand recognition as say the likes of Goodyear and Michelin, these guys still know how to manufacture a tire.
With the engineering providing both superior traction and handling ability in wet or dry weather conditions this is great option for drivers looking for a reliable touring tire.
3. BEST BUDGET: Westlake RP18 All- Season Radial Tire
The Westlake RP18 all season tire is another great option for Honda Civic owners that very nearly claimed our top spot in this particular category.
So much so, in order to recognize the high quality of the tire, it gets our number one budget pick instead.
This affordable all-season tire is a reliable solution on both dry and wet surfaces, providing superior handling a breaking ability in a way that belies the price point of this offering from Westlake.
Yes, they do not feature some of the high engineering present in the likes of our top pick from Goodyear, however, for a relatively unknown manufacturer, Westlake has risen to the occasion here.
The tire features a symmetrical tread pattern (a system that allows for tire rotation and extended tread life).
The design also includes an intricate siping and tread pattern that helps drain water from beneath the vehicle more efficiently. This, of course, leads to more consistent traction in even the heaviest rain.
For lateral traction and increased stability overall, the tire has a pronounced vertical siping pattern also. The result is a reliable tire that will suit Honda Civic drivers all year round.
The Westlake RP18 is available at T, H, or V-speed rating.
Bottom Line
It is difficult to fault the Westlake RP18 All-Season Radial Tire at its current price point. If you are budget-minded Honda Civic driver, this should be high on your list as the next replacement tires you buy.
All season reliability at a great price. What more could you ask for?
- Related Content: Best Honda CRV Tires available on the market today
4. Milestar MS932 All Season Radial Tire
Milestar are no stranger to our top 7 picks for 2021. This particular manufacturer was awarded the top spot for Toyota Camry drivers.
It still shines here for Honda Civic owners, however, it loses out to Goodyear based on overall quality, (while coming very close to the RP18 from Westlake in terms of cost).
As the name implies, the Milestar MS932 Sport is another great option for those looking for a safe and reliable drive no the weather.
In this case, superior performance is offered in the realm of sports handling and touring driving.
Bottom Line
If you plan on putting in the miles on the highway and are not afraid to test the limits of your Honda’s top-end speed wise, the Milestar is a definite option, especially at the price offered.
That being said, average tread wear is lower than many options we have selected for our top 7.
5. Michelin Defender All-Season Radial Tire
The Michelin Defender All-Season Radial Tire is a high performance offering from the well known Michelin brand.
There’s an abundance of technology going into the manufacture of the Defender, much of which is heavily spouted in the marketing copy.
Let’s dissect some of it to see what it all amounts to.
First off you have the ‘MaxTouch’ Construction of the actual tire body, a system that offers greater overall durability.
There’s also the interlocking action of Michelin’s Breakthrough IntelliSipe technology.
Detailed computer testing and analytics went into creating the optimum tread and sipe pattern in order to deliver both tractions, decreased tread wear and better performance during acceleration, braking and cornering.
Of course, all that R&D comes at a price, meaning you will need to dip further into your pocket to buy these tires when compared to most of the choices in our top 7.
However, you can potentially save money in the long run due to the increased life of the tire.
Furthermore, the more rigid tread block of the Defender allows for a reduced starting tread depth. This results in lower rolling resistance enabling you to save fuel while on the move.
Bottom Line
The Michelin Defender All-Season Radial Tire is packed with impressive design features that help increase the performance levels across the board.
If you have the budget, it is very difficult to fault these tires. Highly recommended.
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6. Fuzion Touring All-Season Radial Tire
Here we have another value option from a lesser known company that has provided a reliable tire for Honda Civic owners no less.
The Fuzion tire is an all-season radial that has a load index of 91, a V category speed Index with a B load range and a 4 ply UTQG rating.
Rated for a generous 55,000-mile treadwear warranty, this is a tire that really will suit budget-minded drivers that do not want to opt for the higher priced brands.
That being said, the quality and engineering don’t match other options in our top 7 when it comes to winter driving.
If you experience harsh driving conditions during the winter months, it makes sense that you invest in a tire more suited to such conditions.
Bottom Line
Budget-friendly, with enough features and good enough to build quality for safe driving in non-challenging conditions, the Fuzion Touring all season is a worthwhile option.
If you live in an area where the thermometer drops considerably during the winter, you may want to look elsewhere.
7. Hankook Optimo H727 All-Season Tire
The final tire in our top 7 review round up for Honda Civic drivers is the Hankook Optimo.
As another all-season option, you are getting a tire designed for acceptable handling ability in all weather conditions.
And does it live up to that promise?
The going is good here with features such as the solid centreline rib built to help increase stability on the road, with the 4 circumferential grooves of the tread pattern helping to quickly evacuate water from beneath the tire in wet conditions.
Noise reduction is taken care of via converging lateral slots on the tire, while high density siping helps to create hundreds of biting edges that come into their while driving through snow.
The overall construction quality is good too, with Hankook opting to use CCT (Carbon Compounding Technology) and FSO (Footprint Shape Optimization) in the design and manufacturing of this tire.
Bottom Line
The Hankook Optimo H727 All-Season Tire is another option where the design quality and investment in R&D is apparent in the finished product.
High performance and superior construction quality are all evident here. However, like many of the branded options, we have reviewed, this does come at a higher price point.
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What to consider when buying tires for your Honda Civic
When buying new tires for your Honda Civic there are a number of factors you should take into account.
The wheel size on your vehicle, the type of driving you do (and in what environment) and your available budget will all play a part in helping you decide which are the best tires for you.
Let’s take a closer look.
Wheel & Tire Size
There are 3 common tire sizes for the Honda Civic:
- 195/65R15
- 205/55R16
- 215/45R17
These sizes are relevant to the standard wheel size of Honda Civics. While many leave the factory using 195/65R15 tire sizes, some of the sport edition vehicles may have a higher trim level that requires the 205/55R16 tire size.
To be sure you should consult the owner’s manual of your vehicle or the specifications of the tires that are currently fitted to your Civic.
If you have aftermarket wheels fitted the owner’s manual will not necessarily contain the correct information, so be sure to double-check this.
Also, the sales pages of tires sold on Amazon.com provide a ‘Check Fit’ calculator that allows you to type in the details of your vehicle, (make, model, year, etc) in order to inform you whether the tire will fit or not.
Driving Environment & Conditions
We state this in all our tire buying guides, however, the type of terrain you will be driving on, clearly dictates the category of tire you should buy.
It is unlikely you will be using your Civic for all-terrain driving so this selection is not so relevant.
However, if you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall throughout winter, specific winter tires may be necessary. At the very least you may need all-season tires with good specs for winter driving.
Conversely, someone driving their Honda Civic in a warm climate throughout the year will want a tire that will provide long tread life in the heat. A good touring option should be checked out in these circumstances.
Take these issues into account and then buy your new tires accordingly.
Build Quality & Brand Reputation
In our top 7 review round-ups we often cover both brand name tires as well as those sold by lesser known manufacturers. There are pros and cons to both.
Some of the dominant players in the tire market (Michelin, Continental, Goodyear, etc), clearly spend vast sums on R&D and boast some high-tech engineering that can make them worth the high price point.
However, for some drivers, this all may be overkill. You save money on the lesser-known brands that still provide good, quality tires with a respectable tread life.
On the subject of build quality, a combination of user reviews, in-depth analysis such as provided here and your own research into various specifications will help you make the decision on what to buy.
Available Budget
It goes without saying that you should buy the best quality tire (you can afford); however, the high price point does not always translate to the best available tire for your needs.
You should have your intended budget in mind and see what is available in that price range. There are certainly quality tires available that do not break the bank, (check out our number one budget option above for a good example of this).
With the right combination of research, understanding of what you need out of your tires and the type of driving you do, you will be able to purchase the best Honda Civic tires for you and your needs at the right price.
Benefits of buying aftermarket Tires for your Honda Civic
Better handling
Upgrading the tires for your Honda Civic can have a positive impact on the handling of the vehicle. New radial tires with performance tread will allow for better and traction at speed.
Improved comfort
If your tires are old and worn-out, you can end up experiencing a louder, more uncomfortable ride. Upgrading to new tires will help reduce both these issues.
Increased safety
Better handling also results in a safer drive. The tires will respond better, giving you greater control should the road ahead suddenly present a problem. The increased traction will also provide more grip in wet and slippery conditions.
New, performance tires will also help make accelerating and breaking safer and more controlled.
Reduced stopping distance
Reduced stopping distance is another benefit of new tires. The brand new tread will help your Honda Civic to stop more efficiently, no matter the conditions.
Honda Civic Tire FAQ
Q. What should the PSI be of my Honda Civic tires?
Your Honda Civic owner’s manual will have the details specific to your model and year of the vehicle, so the first port of call should be that. However, generally speaking, the average size of Honda Civic tires calls for pressure between 32 and 35 PSI.
Q. Can the PSI of my tires change in different weather conditions?
Yes, they can. Tires will very often lose a little bit of air when the weather changes from hot to cold. This process can happen very quickly, and will also apply even if you have your car stored inside a garage.
It is especially relevant in conditions where the car is left in the sunshine during the day, and then the temperature drops at night. If you are going on a long journey where PSI may have been lost due to weather conditions, you should try to address this by pumping them up before you drive.
Q. How can I tell whether my Honda Civic tires need changing
Uneven tread wear patterns are a sign that the tire needs changing. However, bear in mind that worn suspension components and /or poor wheel alignment can be a contributing factor to this and will wear tires down prematurely.
Any bulge in the tire wall (that can be caused by too large an impact with a pothole or road bump) is another issue to look for. Likewise, tears or any other visible damage is an indication that your tire needs to be changed.
Q. Can I change only one tire if all others seem ok?
It is recommended that you change tires on either side of the vehicle at the same time. In other words, if the front right is damaged and needs replacing, you should do the same for the front left, regardless of its condition.
This is to ensure uniform handling and traction on either side of the vehicle. In this example, you would not have to change the back tires if both look okay.
Similarly, if one back tire is worn, it is good practice to change the other too. However, as you do not use the back wheels to steer, the need to change both at the same time is less critical.