Tire Brands to Avoid

Names with weak test scores — or almost no public tests — so you can shop with your eyes open in 2026.

  • 8brands to compare
  • 674independent tests
  • 2026updated for
  • ReScoreour tire score

What to know before you buy

We’re not here to ban every discount tire. We flag two things that get buyers burned: brands that keep scoring poorly, and brands (or no-name labels) that almost never appear in independent tests.

If a brand below has one model that recently tested well in your size, that tire can still be fine. Buy the model, not the reputation — and check wet grip, warranty, and the retailer’s return policy.

How to use this page: a low score means do more homework before you checkout. For safer cheap options, start with best budget tire brands.

Brands that underperform or lack proof (2026)

These names score poorly in independent tests, or barely show up in them at all. Treat this as a yellow flag to dig deeper — not an automatic “never buy this tire.”

#BrandReScoreAvg testTestsModelsFrom
13.5Good3.12423$68
23.6Good3.1321$88
33.6Good3.44441$80
43.6Good3.45621$65
53.6Good3.56242$69
63.9Good015$55
73.9Good022$57
83.9Good3.92127$76

Which brand is right for you?

A quick take on who each brand fits — plus a strong model to start with when we have one.

  1. 1

    Kumho

    Best for: Shoppers stretching a mid-range budget

    Solid mid-tier option with Ecsta performance and Crugen SUV tires in the catalog.

    • 3.5 ReScore
    • 24 independent tests
    • 23 reviews
    • $68–$230
    3.5Good brand score

    Top model: Kumho Ecsta 4X II KU22 · 4.8★

    Shop Kumho tires
  2. 2

    Cooper

    Best for: Affordable longevity for trucks and passenger cars

    American mid-tier (now under Goodyear) focused on durable Discoverer and Endeavor lines.

    • 3.6 ReScore
    • 3 independent tests
    • 21 reviews
    • $88–$246
    3.6Good brand score

    Top model: Cooper Endeavor Plus · 3.6★

    Shop Cooper tires
  3. 3

    Hankook

    Best for: Balanced performance at a mid-tier price

    Fast-improving Korean brand with wide model coverage and competitive pricing.

    • 3.6 ReScore
    • 44 independent tests
    • 41 reviews
    • $80–$264
    3.6Good brand score

    Top model: Hankook Ventus S1 EVO3 K127 · 4.9★

    Shop Hankook tires
  4. 4

    Toyo

    Best for: Trucks and all-weather climates

    Open Country all-terrains and Celsius all-weather tires are the standouts in our reviews.

    • 3.6 ReScore
    • 56 independent tests
    • 21 reviews
    • $65–$242
    3.6Good brand score

    Top model: Toyo Extensa A/S II · 4.5★

    Shop Toyo tires
  5. 5

    Bridgestone

    Best for: Shoppers who want a model for every season and vehicle

    Huge catalog from Turanza touring to Blizzak winters and Dueler truck tires.

    • 3.6 ReScore
    • 62 independent tests
    • 42 reviews
    • $69–$358
    3.6Good brand score

    Top model: Bridgestone Turanza T005 · 4.9★

    Shop Bridgestone tires
  6. 6

    Mastercraft

    Best for: Price-first shoppers who still want a review trail

    Cooper sub-brand aimed at value — useful when you want a known name at a lower price point.

    • 3.9 ReScore
    • 0 independent tests
    • 15 reviews
    • $55–$246
    3.9Good brand score

    Top model: Mastercraft Stratus A/S

    Shop Mastercraft tires
  7. 7

    Nexen

    Best for: Lowest-cost replacements when specs match

    Budget-friendly coverage across touring and light truck — fewer European magazine tests in our set.

    • 3.9 ReScore
    • 0 independent tests
    • 22 reviews
    • $57–$221
    3.9Good brand score

    Top model: Nexen CP672

    Shop Nexen tires
  8. 8

    Yokohama

    Best for: Quiet highway miles and light adventure

    Comfortable touring and capable Geolandar all-terrains at mid-premium pricing.

    • 3.9 ReScore
    • 21 independent tests
    • 27 reviews
    • $76–$222
    3.9Good brand score

    Top model: Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 · 4.9★

    Shop Yokohama tires

FAQ

What are the worst tire brands?

It depends on the model. Brands with soft test averages and almost no lab or magazine coverage land here. A random no-name import with zero public tests is often riskier than a known mid-tier brand that simply had a weak year.

Should I avoid all Chinese tire brands?

No. Some China-made tires are fine value buys; many bargain listings aren’t. Read our Chinese tire brands guide before choosing on price alone.

Can I mix tire brands on a car?

Don’t mix brands or models on the same axle. If you must mix for a short time, keep the same size and similar tread depth, then replace as a set. Find matching sets on the tire finder.