We researched and compared the top 175/80R13 tires available on the market, analyzing manufacturer specifications, industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback. This guide covers all-season, trailer, and touring options to help you find the right tire for your vehicle or trailer. Our evaluation focuses on tread life, wet traction, load capacity, and overall value.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT Best All-Terrain Pick All-terrain tread, 60,000-mile treadwear warranty |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Michelin Defender T+H Best Highway Touring Touring all-season, 80,000-mile treadwear warranty |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport Best All-Season Performance All-season touring tire, 65,000-mile warranty |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Kenda Klever A/T2 Best Budget All-Terrain All-terrain light truck tire, 50,000-mile warranty |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Cooper Cobra Radial G/T Best for Classic Cars Performance all-season, raised white letters |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Maxxis M8008 ST Trailer Best Trailer Tire Special Trailer (ST) tire, 6-ply rating |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Hankook Kinergy ST H735 Best Value Touring Standard touring all-season, 50,000-mile warranty |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT: Best All-Terrain Pick
In our evaluation of 175/80R13 tires, the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT stands out for drivers who need occasional off-road grip without sacrificing daily road manners. Based on the spec sheet and owner feedback, this tire offers a balanced blend of all-terrain traction and on-road comfort. The 60,000-mile treadwear warranty suggests Goodyear expects long service life, and many owners confirm solid tread longevity even under light towing.
However, the aggressive tread can generate more road noise than a standard all-season tire, so if you prioritize a quiet cabin for highway commuting, this may not be the best choice. We recommend it for small SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans that see light off-road use or gravel roads. For pure pavement driving, consider a dedicated all-season or touring tire instead.
- Aggressive tread pattern for light off-road use
- Reinforced sidewalls for puncture resistance
- Excellent wet and dry traction on pavement
Pros: Strong off-road capability for a light truck tire; Long tread life backed by warranty
Cons: Slightly louder on highway than all-season tires
2. Michelin Defender T+H: Best Highway Touring
The Michelin Defender T+H is our top pick for highway touring in the 175/80R13 size. We researched its construction and found a silica-based compound that delivers exceptional wet grip and longevity. Owner feedback consistently praises its smooth, quiet ride and long tread life, with many reporting well over 70,000 miles. The 80,000-mile warranty is among the best in this category.
That said, the premium comes at a cost. This tire is more expensive than most other 175/80R13 options. If you drive mostly short distances or on rough roads, the extra investment may not pay off. We recommend it for commuters and highway drivers who want maximum mileage and safety. For budget-conscious buyers, there are more affordable alternatives that still perform well.
- Premium touring compound for long tread life
- Excellent wet braking and hydroplaning resistance
- Comfortable, quiet ride with low rolling resistance
Pros: Outstanding treadwear warranty; Top-tier wet and dry traction
Cons: Higher price point than many competitors
3. BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport: Best All-Season Performance
The BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport is a solid all-season performer in our comparison. Based on its spec sheet and owner reports, it offers a sportier feel than many touring tires, with good dry grip and predictable handling. The 65,000-mile warranty is reasonable, and many users find the tread life acceptable for the price.
However, some owners note that wet traction is not as strong as Michelin or Goodyear flagships, and the ride can be slightly firmer. If you prioritize a plush ride, this may not be ideal. We recommend it for drivers who want a balance of performance and value in a 175/80R13 tire, especially on compact cars and coupes.
- Performance-oriented tread compound for responsive handling
- Good wet traction with wide circumferential grooves
- Reinforced shoulder blocks for cornering stability
Pros: Sharp steering response for a touring tire; Competitive treadwear warranty
Cons: Tread life may be shorter than premium touring tires
4. Kenda Klever A/T2: Best Budget All-Terrain
For budget-minded off-roaders, the Kenda Klever A/T2 offers capable all-terrain performance at a lower price. Our research shows it uses a durable tread compound and reinforced sidewalls, making it suitable for light off-road trails and gravel roads. Owner feedback highlights its traction in mud and snow, though on-road comfort is compromised compared to all-season tires.
The trade-off is noticeable noise and vibration on highways. If your driving is primarily on paved roads, we suggest skipping this tire. It is best for small trucks, SUVs, and off-road trailers that see regular dirt or gravel use. For pure highway driving, consider a touring tire instead.
- Aggressive tread with stone ejectors
- Good off-road traction on gravel and dirt
- Affordable price point for all-terrain capability
Pros: Excellent value for off-road use; Decent tread life for the price
Cons: Higher road noise and less refined on pavement
5. Cooper Cobra Radial G/T: Best for Classic Cars
The Cooper Cobra Radial G/T is a popular choice for vintage vehicles and muscle cars that need a 175/80R13 tire with a classic appearance. Based on its specifications and owner reviews, it offers respectable grip and handling for spirited driving, with a tread pattern that evokes the 1960s and 1970s. The raised white letters add to the nostalgic look.
However, this tire is not designed for high mileage; its tread life is shorter than modern touring tires, and some owners report faster wear with aggressive driving. It also has less snow traction than dedicated all-season tires. We recommend it for classic car enthusiasts who prioritize style and occasional weekend drives. For daily commuting, a touring tire would be more practical.
- Classic raised white letter styling
- Good dry and wet traction for a performance tire
- Responsive handling suitable for sporty driving
Pros: Authentic retro look for classic cars; Solid performance for its category
Cons: Tread life is shorter than touring tires
6. Maxxis M8008 ST Trailer: Best Trailer Tire
For trailers, the Maxxis M8008 ST is a top recommendation in the 175/80R13 size. Our evaluation of its construction shows a 6-ply rating that provides higher load capacity and better heat dissipation than passenger tires. Owner feedback from boat and utility trailer users confirms reliable performance and long tread life under heavy loads.
It is important to note that this is a Special Trailer tire and should not be used on passenger vehicles. The tread pattern is optimized for trailer stability, not car handling. We recommend it for boat trailers, utility trailers, and campers. For car use, choose a passenger tire from our list.
- Designed specifically for trailer use
- High load capacity and heat dissipation
- Robust construction with reinforced sidewalls
Pros: Excellent durability for towing; Good heat resistance at highway speeds
Cons: Not suitable for passenger car use
7. Hankook Kinergy ST H735: Best Value Touring
The Hankook Kinergy ST H735 is a budget-friendly touring tire that offers solid all-season performance for the price. Based on our research, its tread compound provides acceptable grip in dry and wet conditions, and the ride is comfortable for daily commuting. Owner feedback generally praises its value, though some note that tread life is not exceptional.
If you drive a lot of miles each year, the shorter tread life may mean earlier replacement, offsetting the initial savings. We recommend this tire for occasional drivers or those on a tight budget who need a reliable 175/80R13 tire for city and suburban use. For long highway trips, consider a longer-wearing option like the Michelin Defender.
- Good all-season traction at a budget price
- Comfortable ride with low road noise
- Fuel-efficient tread design
Pros: Very affordable for a touring tire; Decent wet and dry performance
Cons: Tread life is average; some owners report faster wear
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles use 175/80R13 tires?
175/80R13 tires are commonly found on small cars, compact sedans, some older model vehicles, and trailers. Examples include the Honda Civic (early 90s), Toyota Tercel, and many utility and boat trailers. Always check your vehicle’s owner manual or tire placard for the correct size.
Can I use passenger car tires on a trailer?
No, you should use Special Trailer (ST) tires on trailers. Passenger tires are not designed for the high loads and heat generated by towing. ST tires have stronger sidewalls and higher load ratings. Using passenger tires on a trailer can lead to blowouts and safety hazards.
How long do 175/80R13 tires typically last?
Tread life varies by tire type and driving habits. Touring tires like the Michelin Defender can last 70,000-80,000 miles with proper maintenance, while all-terrain or performance tires may last 40,000-60,000 miles. Regular rotation, proper inflation, and alignment help maximize tread life.
What is the load capacity of a 175/80R13 tire?
Load capacity depends on the tire’s load index and ply rating. For passenger tires, typical load indexes range from 82 to 86 (about 1,040 to 1,200 lbs per tire). Trailer tires often have higher ratings. Always match or exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended load rating.
Are 175/80R13 tires still being manufactured?
Yes, this size is still produced by several major tire brands, though selection is limited compared to more common sizes. Many manufacturers offer touring, all-terrain, and trailer options. Availability may vary by brand and season, so check current stock.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing the best 175/80R13 tires, our top pick is the Michelin Defender T+H for its exceptional tread life, wet traction, and quiet ride. For a more affordable all-terrain option, the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is a strong runner-up, especially if you need light off-road capability. Choose based on your primary driving conditions and budget.
