Upgrading the GT's Tires

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Upgrading the GT's Tires

Bigger Better Tires

There's no doubt the Elantra GT comes with quality tires standard. It's rare to see a fine tire like the Michelin MXV4 as original equipment on a car in our price range. The 195/60-15's are good all-weather tires but... If you want to really fill out those wheel wells and give a true custom look and put more rubber on the pavement... you simply must go bigger. And while you're at it you'll need to replace your stock alloy wheels with something a bit racier! The consensus on tire size seems to be 205/45-17 or 205/50-16 for upgrading the Elantra. This will give you that low profile look that is hot, without any tire rub when turning. Importantly, it also will closely maintain an accurate speedometer reading. For the basics on what the government's tire ratings are all about, click here.

Our List of Recommended Tires

Falken Ziex ZE-512

This is a fairly new M&S rated all-season tire. Excellent wet and dry grip with a quiet, comfortable ride. Long tread life. One of the best high performance all-season tires available with a very affordable price tag!

Treadwear: 300 Traction: A Temperature: A

Yokohama AVS ES100

This is an ultra high performance tire at an ultra low price! One of the more popular aftermarket tires for the GT. Featuring a rim protector bar to protect wheels from curbside damage. An outstanding summer tire!

Treadwear: 280 Traction: A Temperature: A

Kumho Ecsta Supra 712

Kumho used their considerable racing experience to design this one. Another reasonably priced, ultra high performance summer tire. This one hails from Hyundai's homeland of Korea. An excellent all-around performer!

Treadwear: 280 Traction: A Temperature: A

Pirelli P7000 SuperSport

The Pirelli name is synonymous with quality and that tradition continues here. This is a high performance M&S rated all-season tire. Ultra lightweight construction materials give this tire precise, predictable handling!

Treadwear: 320 Traction: A Temperature: A

Michelin Pilot Sport

This ultra high performance tire is the most costly of our recommended tires, but one of the best! Featuring incredible grip and a comfortable, quiet ride this tire impresses. The soft compound limits treadwear life.

Treadwear: 220 Traction: A Temperature: A

Nitto NT 450 Extreme

This one combines incredible looks with excellent performance. Good dry/wet handling. Nitto may be new to you but this all-season tire delivers the goods. And the price is right, too!

Treadwear: 300 Traction: A Temperature: A

Yokohama Parada Spec-2

Another terrific ultra high performance summer tire from Yokohama. Special silica compounds deliver exceptional handling and steering response without any sacrifice in treadwear life. You gotta love that tread!

Treadwear: 300 Traction: A Temperature: A

Dunlop SP Sport 9000

This is a superb tire in wet and dry conditions. Featuring "HydroMax" technology this one resists hydroplaning. It has a comfortable, quiet ride and decent treadwear life. One of the best.

Treadwear: 280 Traction: AA Temperature: A

Bridgestone Potenza RE750

Another tire inspired by racing victories, this tire has it all! Excellent wet and dry performance thanks to UNI-T technology. Twin steel belts. Fantastic treadwear life for an ultra performance tire.

Treadwear: 340 Traction: AA Temperature: A

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3

This is the top rated ultra performance summer tire at TireRack. Not only does it have excellent dry grip but it's just about the all-time best wet handling tire ever. Developed in Europe. Superb!

Treadwear: 280 Traction: AA Temperature: A