The Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling crossovers in America for good reason — it’s practical, reliable, and easy to live with. But the tires that come from the factory aren’t always the best match for every driver. After researching dozens of options across all CR-V generations, here are my top recommendations based on tire size, driving style, and budget.
What Tire Size Does Your Honda CR-V Need?
Before you shop, you need to know your exact tire size. Honda has used different sizes across CR-V generations, and even within the same generation, trim levels matter. Here’s the breakdown:
| CR-V Generation | Years | Tire Size by Trim |
|---|---|---|
| 6th Gen | 2023–2025 | 235/60R18 (LX, EX, EX-L, Sport) · 235/55R19 (Touring, Sport-L) |
| 5th Gen | 2017–2022 | 225/65R17 (LX) · 235/60R18 (EX, EX-L) · 235/55R19 (Touring) |
| 4th Gen | 2012–2016 | 225/65R17 (all trims) · 225/60R18 (Touring) |
| 3rd Gen | 2007–2011 | 225/65R17 (all trims) |
If you’re not sure, check the sticker on the inside of your driver-side door jamb. It lists the exact size Honda specifies for your particular build. The 6th generation CR-V (2023+) moved to 18-inch wheels as the standard across all trims, which is a notable shift from earlier models that started with 17-inch wheels on base trims.
Top 5 All-Season Tires for the Honda CR-V
Most CR-V owners drive primarily on pavement in mixed weather. All-season tires are the right call for about 80% of CR-V drivers. Here are the five I’d recommend, ranked by overall value for a typical CR-V owner.
1. Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2
The Defender LTX M/S 2 is Michelin’s latest update to their best-selling light truck/SUV all-season tire. For CR-V owners, this tire offers an exceptional balance between ride comfort, tread life, and wet traction. Michelin rates it at 70,000 miles for the H-speed-rated version, and real-world reports from CR-V forums suggest owners regularly hit 60,000+ miles before needing replacements.
What makes this tire stand out on the CR-V specifically is the noise level — or rather, the lack of it. The CR-V’s cabin is already reasonably quiet, and the Defender LTX doesn’t add any road noise. On wet pavement, the MaxTouch Construction distributes braking and cornering forces evenly across the tread, giving you shorter stopping distances compared to most competitors in this price range.
Available in: 225/65R17, 235/60R18, 235/55R19
UTQG: 820 A A
Warranty: 70,000 miles
Price range: $175–$220 per tire depending on size
2. Continental CrossContact LX25
Continental supplies OEM tires for the CR-V (the CrossContact LX Sport comes standard on several trims), so they know this platform well. The LX25 is the aftermarket upgrade — it improves on the OEM tire with better wet handling and longer tread life.
The +Silane additive in the tread compound helps the tire maintain flexibility in cold temperatures without sacrificing grip in warm weather. I’ve found Continental’s tread life claims to be conservative — owners frequently report 65,000+ miles from a set rated at 70,000. The LX25 also runs quieter than the Bridgestone Alenza in back-to-back comparisons, which matters on longer drives.
Available in: 225/65R17, 235/60R18, 235/55R19
UTQG: 740 A A
Warranty: 70,000 miles
Price range: $165–$200 per tire
3. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
This tire has developed a strong following among CR-V owners, and for good reason. Multiple Honda CR-V Owners Club members describe it as “transformative” for the car’s handling feel. The Scorpion AS Plus 3 has a sportier sidewall construction than most touring tires, which translates to noticeably sharper turn-in response — something the CR-V benefits from given its softer suspension tuning.
The trade-off is a slightly firmer ride compared to the Michelin Defender, but most drivers find it a worthwhile exchange for the improved confidence in corners and during lane changes. Wet traction is excellent, earning an A-grade UTQG traction rating.
Available in: 225/65R17, 235/60R18, 235/55R19
UTQG: 740 A A
Warranty: 70,000 miles
Price range: $155–$195 per tire
4. Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
Bridgestone’s Alenza AS Ultra targets the premium SUV/crossover segment and it shows in the ride quality. This tire uses a specialized NanoPro-Tech compound that reduces energy loss during rolling, which translates to slightly better fuel economy — around 1-2% improvement over a standard all-season tire based on Bridgestone’s testing data.
For CR-V Hybrid owners where fuel efficiency matters, the Alenza AS Ultra is worth serious consideration. It also carries the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, meaning it meets the minimum standard for severe winter conditions — a useful feature if you occasionally encounter snow but don’t want to swap to dedicated winter tires.
Available in: 225/65R17, 235/60R18, 235/55R19
UTQG: 800 A A
Warranty: 80,000 miles
Price range: $180–$230 per tire
5. General AltiMAX RT45
If budget is your primary concern, the General AltiMAX RT45 offers solid all-season performance at roughly 40% less than the Michelin or Bridgestone options. General is owned by Continental, and they share some compound technology, which means you’re getting better-than-budget-brand quality at a lower price point.
The RT45 won’t match the Michelin Defender in tread life or the Pirelli Scorpion in handling feel, but it performs respectably in wet conditions and provides a comfortable ride. For CR-V owners who drive 15,000+ miles per year and replace tires frequently, the lower per-mile cost makes good financial sense.
Available in: 225/65R17, 235/60R18
UTQG: 700 A B
Warranty: 75,000 miles
Price range: $110–$140 per tire
Best Winter Tires for the CR-V
If you live where temperatures regularly drop below 45°F and you see real snow, a dedicated winter set makes a dramatic difference in how the CR-V handles. Even the AWD models benefit significantly because AWD helps you accelerate, but it doesn’t help you stop or turn.
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 remains the gold standard for crossover winter tires. It uses a multi-cell compound that absorbs and channels water away from the contact patch on ice, giving you grip where all-season tires would slide. For the current-gen CR-V, size 235/60R18 is the direct fit, though many owners downsize to 225/65R17 on a separate set of steel or alloy wheels to save money and get a taller sidewall for better pothole protection.
The Michelin X-Ice Snow is the other strong option. It runs quieter than the Blizzak on bare pavement and lasts longer across multiple winter seasons — Michelin claims the compound retains its cold-weather grip even as the tire wears, unlike some winter tires that lose effectiveness after 50% tread depth.
How to Choose: OEM vs. Aftermarket Tires
The CR-V typically comes from the factory with Continental CrossContact LX Sport or Michelin Primacy A/S tires. These OEM tires are fine — they prioritize low rolling resistance for fuel economy and quiet ride for showroom impressions. But they’re not necessarily the best performing tires in their size class.
When your OEM tires wear out, you have an opportunity to optimize for what matters to you. If ride comfort and silence are your priorities, the Michelin Defender LTX is the best upgrade. If you want sharper handling, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is the move. And if you want to match or beat the OEM experience at a lower price, the Continental LX25 delivers.
One important note: the 6th-generation CR-V (2023+) uses a recommended tire pressure of 36 PSI front and rear. Older generations typically specify 32-35 PSI. Always check your door jamb sticker rather than relying on the number printed on the tire sidewall — that number is the maximum pressure, not the recommended pressure.
CR-V Tire Buying Tips from Experience
After researching and writing about CR-V tires for several years, here are a few things I’ve learned that most guides skip:
Don’t mix tire brands on AWD models. Honda’s Real Time AWD system expects all four tires to have the same rolling diameter. Mixing brands with different tread depths can cause premature wear on the rear differential. If you need to replace just two tires, put the new ones on the rear axle and move the worn tires to the front.
Consider your actual annual mileage. If you drive 20,000+ miles per year, the Michelin Defender or Bridgestone Alenza with their 70,000-80,000 mile warranties will save you money long-term even though they cost more upfront. If you drive under 10,000 miles, a budget tire like the General AltiMAX makes more sense because tires also degrade from age, not just mileage.
Watch for rebates. Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, and Pirelli all run seasonal rebate programs (usually $70-$100 off a set of four). Time your purchase around these and you can get premium tires for midrange prices. The biggest rebate windows are typically in April/May and October/November.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tires come standard on the Honda CR-V?
The 2023-2025 CR-V comes equipped with either Continental CrossContact LX Sport or Michelin Primacy A/S tires, depending on the trim level. Standard size is 235/60R18 for most trims, with 235/55R19 on Touring and Sport-L models.
How long do Honda CR-V tires last?
OEM tires on the CR-V typically last 40,000-50,000 miles with regular rotation every 5,000-7,500 miles. Aftermarket tires with higher treadwear ratings, like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2, can last 60,000-70,000 miles under similar conditions.
Can I put 17-inch tires on a 2024 CR-V that came with 18-inch wheels?
Yes, but you’ll need a separate set of 17-inch wheels. The size 225/65R17 fits the 6th-gen CR-V and provides a taller sidewall for better ride comfort and winter pothole protection. Many owners use this as a winter tire setup. Make sure to check wheel offset compatibility (the CR-V uses +50mm to +55mm offset).
Are all-terrain tires a good choice for the CR-V?
Generally no. The CR-V isn’t designed for serious off-road use, and all-terrain tires will increase road noise, reduce fuel economy, and wear faster on pavement. If you need occasional light trail capability, a crossover-specific all-weather tire with the 3PMSF symbol (like the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra) is a better compromise.
Should I get the same size tires that came on my CR-V?
Yes, sticking with the OEM size is the safest choice. Going wider or larger can affect speedometer accuracy, ABS/traction control calibration, and fuel economy. If you want to deviate from the stock size, make sure the overall diameter stays within 3% of the original to avoid issues.
