Top 5 Best Tires For Lexus IS250 [2023 Review]

By Tire Expert, Ryan Nichols
By Tire Expert, Ryan Nichols

Your Lexus IS250 needs responsive tires that handle tight turns, and I’ve researched all of your best options to help you decide. These little cars are a blast to drive, especially with good tires on them.

Here’s a quick buying guide that outlines the best options for the base model Lexus IS250 and some potential high-performance options for your Lexus IS250 F-sport.

Our Top Pick
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06
★★★★★ 4.5/5
4.5
  • Affordable price while maintaining high quality
  • Locally made in the USA
Check Price
Read Review
Best Budget
Lexani LXUHP-207 Performance Radial Tire
Lexani LXUHP-207 Performance Radial Tire
★★★★★ 3.5/5
3.5
  • Ridiculously cheap
  • ‘W’ speed rating for faster speeds
Check Price
Read Review
Best High End
Pirelli Cinturato P7
Pirelli Cinturato P7
★★★★★ 4.0/5
4.0
  • Comfort meets performance
  • ‘V’ speed rating for speeds of up to 149 MPH
Check Price
Read Review
Most Economical
Yokohama 225/40R18 92Y Advan Sport A/S +
Yokohama 225/40R18 92Y Advan Sport A/S +
★★★★★ 4.0/5
4.0
  • Fast and grippy
  • Decent mileage warranty for a sport tire (55,000 miles)
Check Price
Read Review
Best Tread Life
Michelin Primacy A/S
Michelin Primacy A/S
★★★★★ 4.0/5
4.0
  • A great mix of sport driving and all-season traction
  • Smooth and fuel-efficient
Check Price
Read Review

Updated as of September 13, 2024

Continental ExtremeContact DWS06

Continental ExtremeContact DWS06
Our rating:
4.5/5
★★★★★ 4.5/5
Check Price At TireRack

Pros and Cons

  • Affordable price while maintaining high quality
  • Locally made in the USA
  • Comfortable cornering at high speeds
  • Lower mileage warranty (only 50,000 miles)
  • Asymmetrical design (tires can be mounted improperly)
  • Almost double the price of your cheapest option

Ratings

Wet Traction:
★★★★★ 4.5/5
Ride Handling:
★★★★★ 4.5/5
Dry Traction:
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Ride Noise:
★★★★★ 4.5/5
Snow Traction:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Ride Comfort:
★★★★★ 4.5/5
Tread Life:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Value For Money:
★★★★★ 4.5/5

Continental ExtremeContact is hands down the best choice for replacing all four tires on your base model IS250 (or any model with all four of the same tire size).

I’ve always noticed quite the difference between Continental and other tires when mounting them up. They’re easier to balance, and noticeably smoother after setting up on quicker cars like the Lexus IS250. Plus, the ExtremeContact has user-friendly ’QuickView’ treadwear indicators with the letters ‘D’, ‘W’, and ‘S’ printed out on the outside treads that give the owner a visual representation of tire wear once each letter starts to disappear from the tire. For example, once the ‘S’ (snow) has worn away, the ‘D’ (dry) and ‘W’ (wet) remain, indicating the tires are still fit for most dry and wet conditions.

One of the best parts about driving with Continental ExtremeContact is that they have a ‘W’ speed rating (max speed 168 MPH), so there’s no need to hesitate on those open roads—just open that throttle up and feel how responsive these tires are at speeds of 100+ mph. Seriously, these tires feel so good at highway speeds compared to other brands because they make you feel more in control, and they keep the weight of the car proportionate around fast corners.

The tread pattern on these is slightly asymmetric to minimize hydroplaning and maximize cornering, so make sure you double-check the ‘inside‘ and ‘outside‘ labels on the sidewalls before mounting them up. The price of high-quality tires like these is just not that much more expensive than your cheapest option, and trust me, if you did a test drive comparison you would pick these every single time over just about any brand.

Lexani LXUHP-207 Performance Radial Tire

Lexani LXUHP-207 Performance Radial Tire
Our rating:
3.5/5
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Check Price At TireRack

Pros and Cons

  • Ridiculously cheap
  • ‘W’ speed rating for faster speeds
  • Radial design for easy rotating & mounting
  • Off-brand (not found on Tire Rack)
  • Made in Thailand (less reliable quality control)
  • Low mileage warranty (only 40k miles)

Ratings

Wet Traction:
★★★★★ 3.0/5
Ride Handling:
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Dry Traction:
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Ride Noise:
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Snow Traction:
★★★★★ 3.0/5
Ride Comfort:
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Tread Life:
★★★★★ 3.0/5
Value For Money:
★★★★★ 4.0/5

Have you ever heard of Lexani tires before? I didn’t think so. But that’s why they’re the best budget pick. These are the cheapest decent option for switching out the tires on your Lexus, and although I never recommend cheap tires for any car due to safety concerns, people are going to buy the cheapest available option regardless, so there you have it.

You can’t beat the price on these, and you definitely shouldn’t try buying any tire cheaper than this one, especially for a quick little 204 HP engine featured in the Lexus IS250.

These have a ‘W’ speed rating (168 MPH max) like the Continental tires listed above, but I personally would not trust these at speed of over 80 MPH. Please consider that these are only under warranty for 40 thousand miles, meaning they’re only going to last you through a few oil changes. That also means that you’re likely going to spend more money in the long term buying tires like these because they’re only made to last for half as long as other brands.

I only recommend these tires for base model IS250s and right-lane driving because you never know what’s going to happen with off-brand tires. But hey, if you’re just trying to sell your Lexus looking clean, then go for it.

Pirelli Cinturato P7

Pirelli Cinturato P7
Our rating:
4.0/5
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Check Price At TireRack

Pros and Cons

  • Comfort meets performance
  • ‘V’ speed rating for speeds of up to 149 MPH
  • Run-flat tire
  • Low-ish speed rating for the price (see Michelin Pilot Sport)
  • More than double the price of a cheaper option
  • No mileage warranty specified

Ratings

Wet Traction:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Ride Handling:
★★★★★ 4.5/5
Dry Traction:
★★★★★ 4.5/5
Ride Noise:
★★★★★ 5/5
Snow Traction:
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Ride Comfort:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Tread Life:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Value For Money:
★★★★★ 3.5/5

Pirelli’s are the most reliable option for your Lexus IS250 next to Continentals. I wouldn’t particularly choose these over our top choice (Continental ExtremeContact) because of the extra price, but I can recommend them with confidence that they’ll keep you satisfied and safe.

The most convenient feature of these tires is that they’re run-flat. That means you can still drive on them if you run over a nail. Slowly. To the tire shop. But generally speaking, this is the most fun you’re going to have in your IS250.

When mounting these tires, I notice their sidewall edge is significantly stiffer than any other tire (mostly due to the fact that they are run-on-flat), so the control and consistency around turns is totally unmatched.

These tires are ‘V’ rated for speeds of up to 149 MPH and trust me, they would go faster, but Pirelli doesn’t want to sacrifice ride comfort (faster tires are much stiffer over the bumps). The Pirelli Noise-Canceling System (PNCS) design makes these super quiet at high speeds.

At any rate, if you have the means to throw down 200 bucks a pop for four of these Pirelli Cinturato P7s, I highly recommend them for your IS250. See also Pirelli P Zero.

Yokohama 225/40R18 92Y Advan Sport A/S +

Yokohama 225/40R18 92Y Advan Sport A/S +
Our rating:
4.0/5
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Check Price At TireRack

Pros and Cons

  • Fast and grippy
  • Decent mileage warranty for a sport tire (55,000 miles)
  • Radial design for easy mounting and rotating
  • Faster tires are typically a bit stiffer
  • Not made in the USA
  • Not a run-flat tire

Ratings

Wet Traction:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Ride Handling:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Dry Traction:
★★★★★ 4.5/5
Ride Noise:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Snow Traction:
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Ride Comfort:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Tread Life:
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Value For Money:
★★★★★ 4.0/5

Yokohama is the perfect Japanese tire for the perfect Japanese sports sedan. The Yokohama Advan Sport A/S + and Lexus IS250 complement each other like peanut butter and jelly. I’ve had customers that stick with Yokohamas as their brand of choice because of the ride quality and low-ish price.

Yeah, these have a ‘Y’ speed rating that makes them safe for speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 MPH) which is funny because the sluggish national speed limit in Japan is only 100 kilometers per hour. Regardless, the Japanese know how to engineer cars and tires, and these Advan Sport A/S + are super economically priced at just over a hundred bucks a pop.

Now, the mileage warranty on these is for only 55,000 miles, but keep in mind that sport tires wear out quite a bit faster due to the power of the engine. You’ll most likely be buying these in two different sizes for your staggered IS250 F-Sport wheels (I haven’t seen them in the more standard size), so make sure to match the exact tire size on the front and rear of your Lexus before buying.

I’ve mounted these up to the wheels on my personal vehicle, and I was satisfied with my decision because they grip really well in dry conditions.

Michelin Primacy A/S

Michelin Primacy A/S
Our rating:
4.0/5
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Check Price At TireRack

Pros and Cons

  • A great mix of sport driving and all-season traction
  • Smooth and fuel-efficient
  • Made in the USA
  • Lower mileage warranty than other Michelin tires
  • Not that great in the snow
  • Just decent in terms of responsiveness

Ratings

Wet Traction:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Ride Handling:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Dry Traction:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Ride Noise:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Snow Traction:
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Ride Comfort:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Tread Life:
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Value For Money:
★★★★★ 3.5/5

Michelin tires typically have the longest mileage warranties, which is why this is my choice for best tread life. Granted, these specific tires are designed for sportier vehicles like the Lexus IS250, so the mileage guarantee is toned down a bit.

The tread grooves on these tires are ultra-wide for excellent turn handling and water evacuation during wet conditions. I like how Michelin keeps their tread designs simple and effective. These are easy to mount, and their radial design makes them easy to rotate or even remount the opposite way in the case of extreme treadwear correction.

These are just all-around quality tire that rides smoothly over the bumps. It might even feel like you’ve added a bit of a suspension boost to your IS250 after having installed these Michelin Primacy A/S. Michelin tires are also famed for their fuel efficiency. Now, these aren’t the tires you should opt for if you’re trying to maximize the handling of your Lexus. Think more in terms of comfortable commuting.

The warranty for these sports tires is 55,000 miles and half the mileage for the rear tires if your Lexus is a sport version with the staggered wheel sizes. These aren’t my top choice, but they’re up there in terms of quality.

Anything Michelin is the bomb when it comes to tires. Want ultra-high performance Michelin tires for your souped-up IS250? See the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ for summer tires. Also, see Michelin CrossClimate for a solid set of winter tires.

What To Look For When Buying The Best Tires For Lexus IS250?

Lexus IS250 takes slightly lower profile (shorter) tires compared to other sedans because of its sporty handling and faster than stock acceleration. Here are a few quick points of inspection for making the right decision when buying tires for the IS250:

Staggered wheel sizes

Always check the front and rear tire sizes when buying tires for your Lexus IS250. The sports models of this car have thicker tires in the back, so it won’t work buying four of the same size tires if that’s the case.

Rebates/Other Promotions

Some of these tires offer rebates on Tire Rack’s website.

How Much Do Tires For Lexus IS250 Cost?

The typical cost is higher than average because these need sportier tires. Below are some ballpark estimates:

Four New Tires

You’ll be spending anywhere from $500- $1300 on a new set of tires for your Lexus IS250 + mounting and balancing.

Two New Tires

If you buy our cheapest option for the Lexus IS250, you’ll be spending about $200 bucks for tires, and $50-$100 to have them balanced and installed. Our high-end option for the Lexus IS250 will cost about $250 for the tires, then the additional $50-$100 for balance and installation.

Single Tire

The budget option or a single tire costs ~$90 for the tire, and the expensive option costs around $200. I recommend the Continental ExtremeContact for a single tire replacement because they’re cheaper but still good quality.

Remember, you can’t replace just a single tire on your Lexus IS250 if it’s the AWD unless you want some severe problems with your four-wheel-drive system in the future.

What Tire Size Is Best For A Lexus IS250?

225/45/R17 is the stock size for most base model Lexus IS250, but you might notice your Lexus has staggered tire sizes from front to rear.

For example, the 2015 Lexus F-Sport front tire size is 225/40/R18 and the rear tire size is 255/35/R18 according to Goodyear’s website.

That means the rear tire on the Lexus IS250 F-Sport lower profile (not as tall), and quite a bit wider than the front tires.

How Long Should Your Lexus IS250 Tires Last?

Your tires should last for about as long as the warranty mileage from the specific tire brand if you’ve kept them properly inflated and rotated the entire time.

Don‘t expect the staggered tire sizes on the sports models to last quite as long because you can’t rotate them from front to back.

When To Replace Tires On Your Lexus IS250?

Since the IS250 is a lower-riding vehicle, you won’t be able to easily inspect the tire treads (especially the inside part of the tread).

We recommend having a bi-monthly or tri-monthly tire inspection done by a professional, especially if you are driving on older tires. It’s hard to see the condition of the inside of the treads when the car is on the ground—you gotta raise it.

The general rule of thumb is to replace the tires when the tread depth gets down to 2/32” (two-thirty seconds of an inch). The rear tires on your RWD Lexus IS250 might wear out faster than the front, so keep an eye on tire pressures and stay on top of tire rotations.

Does The Brand Matter For A Lexus IS250 When Replacing Tires?

Yes, I think it matters more than your average sedan. Because the Lexus IS250 is faster than your average Toyota sedan (they’re made by the same company), it needs sportier tires, and the cheap sporty tires just aren’t going to be near as good as your quality options.

Be wary of off-brand. I highly recommend our top pick (Continental ExtremeContact) because they’re reasonably priced and of super good quality. Some other brands/models to check for include Bridgestone Potenza, Hankook, Kumho, Toyo, Dunlop, Falken, etc.

Also, don’t try to put all-terrain tires or anything rated for SUVs/light trucks on your IS250 unless you’re trying to create a mod machine.

Does the Year of Your Lexus IS250 Matter When Buying New Tires?

Yes, there are many different tire sizes (and wheel sizes) for the IS250. You’ll find that most of the base model IS250s come with 17-inch wheels, and the sport models come with 18-inch wheels.

What Are The Biggest Tires I Can Put On A Lexus IS250?

The biggest tires you’ll find are for the 18-inch wheels versions. There isn’t much space for anything other than the stock tire size on this car because the IS250 rides pretty low.

Frequently Asked Questions
Lexus IS250 has a 5-bolt pattern with a circle diameter of 4.5 inches (5 x 4.5).
205/55/R16 or 215/45/R17 are two stock tire sizes, but specific tire sizes can vary depending on the submodel.
The first tire number is the tire width (in millimeters), the second size is the aspect ratio, or tire height (in relation to the tire width), and the third tire size number is the wheel diameter.

Request a Tire review

Contribute to WeReviewTires.com by suggesting the next tire we review. Simply fill out the form below to add it to our que.