Want the benefits of a traditional pickup truck with more modern features? Well, you can’t go wrong with the Honda Ridgeline.
Tagged as “the only Honda with a cargo bed,” the Ridgeline is easily one of the best alternatives to traditional pickup trucks while still retaining the benefits of the latter.
Featuring a unibody design with car-like handling, four-wheel independent suspension, and a comfortable cabin, the Honda Ridgeline is undoubtedly one of the most unique pickup trucks ever.
That said, if you’d like to push that suspension system and powertrain to the next level, one of the easiest ways to do so is to switch out its tire set.
But out of all the options in the market, which should you get?
There are certainly plenty to choose from. But given that doing so can be easily overwhelming, we’ve done the legwork and narrowed it down to five choices based on budget, terrain, wet performance, and overall value.
So, how about we begin?
Best Tires for Honda Ridgeline
Choosing a singular “best tire” for a vehicle, much less a pickup truck as unique as the Honda Ridgeline, is a misnomer.
Unless there’s only one type of road and driving condition, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
After all, snow tires are made to keep you slipping on snow and ice the same way that summer tires are created with dry tarmac driving in mind.
That said, we still went ahead and narrowed it down to five choices based on different categories like price, performance, rain and snow, and terrain.
So, without further ado, here are our top recommendations.
Best for Convenience: Firestone Destination LE 2 (OE Tires)
If you’d rather keep your Honda Ridgeline’s factory tires and spend on upgrades somewhere else, then you’d be surprised at how much there is to love here.
Assuming you have a newer model, the Honda Ridgeline comes with Firestone Destination LE 2 tires right out of the factory, a perfectly capable tire.
A step-up from the original Destination LE, these tires are an all-season entry that provides exceptional performance on the dry road and tread life department.
The Firestone Destination LE 2 uses a silica-enhanced symmetric tread pattern to deliver solid grip, traction, and cornering as a highway cruiser.
But that’s not all, as it’s also resistant to hydroplaning thanks to its sweeping lateral grooves that help expel any water away.
Nevertheless, between its low road-noise, fast handling response, and a 5-year (or 60,000-mile tread) warranty, the Firestone Destination LE 2 is an excellent tire.
Best for Rain and Snow: Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2
Naturally, all-season tires aren’t recommended in snow, and for that, we recommend the Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2.
One of Michelin’s best-performing winter tires, the Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 boasts advanced tread block technology to give it outstanding grip and traction on deep snow.
The same grip and traction are even retained should you decide to use this tire on dry pavement.
On top of that, it also uses the same technology to make it hydroplaning-resistance, regardless of whether you’re driving in slush, freezing rain, or ice.
Lastly, Michelin designed the tire with a tread life up to 75% longer than its competitors, making it incredibly good value given the price.
Of course, the tire also comes with a generous 6-year or 40,000-mile tread warranty.
Overall, the Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 is easily one of the best in its category, especially when it comes to powering through Mother Nature’s challenges.
Best for Budget: Hankook Dynapro HT
If you’re on the market for a more savings-oriented option, the Hankook Dynapro HT should be on your radar.
As it’s a budget choice, it’s unfair to demand outstanding performance from the Hankook Dynapro HT given the price tag, but it delivers nonetheless.
While it won’t wow you anytime soon, the Hankook Dynapro HT remains capable and consistent, featuring a great blend of on- and off-road driving features.
For example, the tires use a tri-polymer tread compound that increases its longevity and solid center ribs that help it remain stable. They’re even fuel-efficient.
Additionally, it has good hydroplaning resistance and miniature sipes for better grip and traction.
Warranty-wise, it comes with a generous 70,000-mile warranty, guaranteeing that you get a few good years of use with this budget choice.
Best Moderately Priced: Goodyear Assurance Maxlife
As for moderately-priced options, we recommend going for the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife, especially if you want replacement tires that you won’t have to change again.
As its name suggests, the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife is meant to last.
In fact, thanks to its 85,000-mile tread life warranty, the Assurance Maxlife is sitting at the top when it comes to long-lasting tires.
Performance-wise, the tire features outstanding handling and traction even at high speeds. Rain and snow performance is also great, despite being only an all-season tire.
Furthermore, the tire also features a built-in tread wear gauge that tells you exactly how much tread has been worn away.
So if you’re after good performance and longevity, the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife is at the top of its class.
Best High Tier: Michelin Defender LTX M/S
As for the premium tire category, our recommendation goes to the Michelin Defender LTX M/S.
While expensive, these tires are a top performer in many aspects, including handling, tread life, and overall performance.
As an all-season tire, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S is ideally suited to trudging through all sorts of weather, whether summer or winter.
It’s also quiet and maintains a comfortable ride throughout its life.
Of course, it also comes with an equally premium 6-year or 70,000-mile tread warranty on T and Hi-speed rated sizes and 50,000 miles on LT sizes.
For these reasons, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S will remain a premium tire choice for Honda Ridgeline and other sporty vehicles.
| Best for Convenience | Firestone Destination LE 2 (OE Tires) |
| Best for Rain and Snow | Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 |
| Best for Budget | Hankook Dynapro HT |
| Best Moderately Priced | Goodyear Assurance Maxlife |
| Best High Tier | Michelin Defender LTX M/S |
How to Pick Tires for Your Honda Ridgeline
Before picking a tire for your Honda Ridgeline, it’s essential to follow some guidelines to help you make the best decision for your vehicle.
This includes:
How Much Can I Afford?
First and foremost, set a tire budget, and work within that range.
Remember that good tires don’t always have to be expensive, but it also doesn’t mean that budget-priced ones will always be bang for your buck.
What Kind of Driving Will I Be Doing?
Next, determine your usual driving type.
Do you drive on the freeway on the way to work? Does it often rain in your area? Or do you live in the countryside?
Asking yourself these questions should help you determine the tire type you need, whether it’s all-season, off-road, or even winter tires.
Of course, it always helps to have options as well.
How Durable Are the Tires?
Lastly, find good tires that will last you many years.
There is nothing worse than your tires failing you in the middle of the freeway, so find reliable ones.
A good way to gauge is via the tire’s rating, as higher ones are often built better.
Nevertheless, don’t be afraid to pay for quality, especially for something as critical as vehicle tires.
Conclusion
So there you go, 5 of the best tires for your Honda Ridgeline depending on different needs, factors, and driving conditions.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for vehicle tires, we guarantee that each of our choices in this list can fit your Honda Ridgeline.
So pick the one you need from our list!