How much do new tires cost in 2026? A real driver’s budget breakdown
Explore new tire costs in 2026, with detailed pricing by vehicle type, tire category, and extra fees drivers encounter.
Takeaways:
Typical tire sets range from $460 to $1,280 depending on vehicle and tire type
Installation and service fees can add $25 to $31 to the final bill
Drivers can use lease-to-own financing when immediate replacement can’t wait
Tires are one of the most expensive – and most unexpected – vehicle expenses. Depending on the vehicle and the tire type, the average cost is around $223 per tire, not including installation. Let’s break down tire pricing by vehicle type, tire category, and brand tier.
Tire price ranges by vehicle type
Tire costs depend heavily on what you drive. Bigger vehicles usually need larger, stronger tires, which raises the price. Based on 2025 tire cost ranges, here’s what we can expect in 2026:
Sedans and compact cars: $320-600 per set. Most compact and midsize cars fall in this range. Economy brands sit near the low end, while well-known mid-tier brands tend to fall in the middle. Larger sedans with wider sizing or higher speed ratings push toward the top of the range.
SUVs and small trucks: $400-1,600 per set. Mid-size vehicle tires often cost more because they’re built for heavier loads. Even standard all-season SUV tires are usually larger than sedan tires, which raises the cost per unit. Drivers who choose all-weather or higher-traction tread designs will see pricing closer to the upper end.
Large SUVs, trucks, and campers: $560-2,000 per set. Truck tire costs vary the most. Light-duty trucks with basic all-season tires may be on the lower end, but trucks with towing or hauling needs usually require higher load-rated tires. Stronger sidewalls, deeper tread, and better heat resistance make these more expensive.
EV tires: $720-1,160 per set. EVs are heavier and produce faster torque at takeoff. That creates more stress on the rubber, so EV tires often use reinforced construction and specialized tread compounds. This increases tire costs compared to gas-powered vehicles of the same size.
These ranges reflect typical 2025 pricing from major retail chains. Local shops may fall slightly above or below depending on market competition and brand availability.
Price breakdown by tire category
Beyond vehicle type, tire costs also change based on the category you choose. Each type serves a different purpose, and the engineering behind the tire affects the final price.
All-season: These are the most common and typically the least expensive. All-season tires balance grip, longevity, and comfort, making them the default choice for most drivers. Prices vary widely depending on speed rating and brand tier.
All-weather: Often confused with all-season tires, all-weather models are engineered for more severe cold and wet conditions. They perform better in winter than standard all-season tires, which makes them more costly. Drivers living in snowy climates may prefer these for year-round use.
Winter: Winter tires use soft rubber compounds designed to stay flexible in freezing temperatures. They also have more biting edges for improved traction. Because of this specialized construction, they tend to cost more than all-season tires and sometimes more than all-weather options.
Performance: Performance tires are built for higher speed ratings, increased cornering stability, and better handling. They use advanced tread patterns and stronger sidewalls. The engineering behind them pushes the price higher, especially for wide or low-profile sizes.
Off-road / all-terrain (AT): Off-road and AT tires use deeper tread blocks and tougher construction to handle rough terrain. They’re heavier and made with reinforced rubber, which increases tire costs. Even within this category, prices vary depending on whether the tire is more highway-focused or truly off-road-ready.
Choosing the right category often depends on your driving habits and environment. Drivers who stick to city streets can usually go with all-season tires, while those in winter-heavy regions or rural locations may need something more specialized.
Hidden costs most drivers don’t expect
The tire itself is only part of the total bill. Tire costs rise once installation and service fees are added. Many drivers overlook these until they’re at checkout.
Installation fees (typically around $12-75 per tire): Mounting and balancing are usually bundled together, and the price depends on tire size and equipment needed. Larger truck and SUV tires cost more because they require more labor.
Disposal fees: Shops must legally dispose of old tires, and most charge a small fee per tire. It’s usually a few dollars, but it adds up.
TPMS reset charges: If your vehicle uses a tire pressure monitoring system, sensors may need to be reset or relearned after installation. Some vehicles require special tools, and shops charge for that process.
Alignment add-ons: Not every tire replacement requires an alignment, but it’s recommended if you notice uneven wear or if the vehicle pulls to one side. Alignments can add a significant cost to the visit, and skipping it may shorten the life of your new tires.
When comparing tire costs between shops, ask for the total out-the-door quote, not just the tire price. The extra fees can change which store is truly the best deal.
How to pay for new tires without credit
Tire replacement isn’t something most people can delay. A worn-out or damaged tire can’t wait until a better time financially. When saving up isn’t an option, some drivers look to alternatives that don’t rely on traditional financing.
Lease-to-own financing from Snap Finance can help when a tire failure or unexpected wear problem comes up at the wrong time. Drivers can take home the tires they need immediately and make payments over time instead of paying the entire amount in one day. No credit is needed, and all credit types are welcome to apply.1
Here’s an example of how lease-to-own financing works:
When Maria noticed her front tires were worn down just before winter, she needed a replacement immediately but didn’t want to drain her savings. Using Snap Finance’s lease-to-own financing, she selected a full set of all-season tires from a local partner retailer. Maria applied in-store, and even though she had poor credit,1 she could take her new tires home the same day. She now makes scheduled payments aligned with her payday, and she has the peace of mind knowing her car is ready for the road without waiting to pay the full amount upfront.
Find a tire store that offers lease-to-own financing.
When to splurge vs. when to save
Not every driver needs premium-level tires, but in some cases, spending more might be the right choice for you. Knowing when to save and when to upgrade can extend the life of your tires and improve safety.
Premium vs. mid-tier: Premium brands usually come with better tread technology, quieter designs, and advanced rubber compounds. Mid-tier brands offer solid quality at a lower price, and many everyday drivers are happy with them. Premium is ideal for drivers who want top performance or go on long highway trips.
Mileage warranties: A tire with a strong mileage warranty can save money over time, even if it costs more upfront. Warranties over 60,000 miles usually come from mid-tier or premium brands. Lower warranties are typical for performance, off-road, and winter tires.
Safety thresholds: A tire that performs poorly in wet or winter conditions is a safety risk, even if it’s cheaper. Drivers in high-rain or high-snow areas should prioritize grip over cost. Spending a bit more in these cases is often worth it.
In short, choose premium when traction, handling, and long-term wear matter most. Choose mid-tier when you want solid, dependable performance without the highest price tag.
The bottom line on 2026 tire costs
As a whole, tire costs in 2026 reflect the wide range of needs across different drivers and vehicles. Sedans sit at the lower end, while trucks and EVs see higher pricing because of size and performance demands. Tire category, brand tier, and local shop fees also play a major role in the final total.
Understanding these ranges helps you navigate quotes, compare shops, and plan for the true cost of new tires. Whether you need all-season, winter, performance, or off-road tires, the ranges above give you a real-world view of what to expect.
Tire replacement isn’t cheap, but knowing the full picture removes the guesswork. When unexpected damage or sudden wear pops up, lease-to-own financing can give drivers a way forward with no credit needed and a convenient path to getting back on the road.1
Apply today for tire lease-to-own financing to get started.
The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
1 Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.