The tires have no flank protection, which is a disadvantage for high-quality rims. They are quiet, but without any damping in terms of comfort; every bump in the road feels like a hard impact, which surprises me since the car has air suspension - it probably has to do with the AMG sport suspension. The tires are from 2020. More wear on the front than the rear (285/35/ZR20104Y) and that with a power distribution of 33/66.
255/40 R20 Tires
Everything we know about the 255/40 R20 tire size: 2 independent tire tests conducted in this exact size, 28 owner reviews covering 351,935 miles of driving, and EU label data for the tires you can actually buy in it.
- 28owner reviews
- 351,935 milescovered on them
- 2tests in this size
- 349tires made in this size
Independent tire tests in 255/40 R20
Tires behave differently as sizes change, so a test conducted in your exact size is the strongest evidence there is. Every test below was run in 255/40 R20 - 2 in total, newest first.
Summer tire tests
| Year | Test | Winner | Tires tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Energy vs Pilot Sport 5: How Much Do You Really Give Up? | - | 2 |
All Season tire tests
| Year | Test | Winner | Tires tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Goodyear Eagle F1 vs Falken Azenis FK460 vs Wildpeak AT Trail Tire Reviews test | Falken Wildpeak AT Trail | 3 |
255/40 R20 EU tire label data
EU label values are declared for each individual size, so the figures here are exact for 255/40 R20 rather than a range across a model. 294 tires carry label data in this size. The most common load index is 101 (up to 825 kg per tire). Speed ratings on offer: (Y) (301 km/h), Y (300 km/h), W (270 km/h), V (240 km/h), H (210 km/h), T (190 km/h). 142 tires in this size carry the 3PMSF severe snow marking.
A Best wet grip
95 tires in this size hold the top EU wet grip rating, class A. The highest scoring on Tire Reviews:
- Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 Winter 9.8
- Continental SportContact 7 Summer 9.7
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 Summer 9.7
- Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport All Season 9.6
- Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 All Season 9.6
- Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo Summer 9.5
A Lowest rolling resistance
The most fuel efficient choice: 23 tires in this size reach rolling resistance class A. The highest scoring on Tire Reviews:
- Continental SportContact 7 Summer 9.7
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 Summer 9.7
- Hankook iON Evo Summer 9.3
- Bridgestone Potenza Sport Summer 9.3
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 Summer 9.2
- Pirelli Scorpion Summer 9
67dB Quietest tires
The quietest 255/40 R20 tires are labelled at 67 dB external noise:
- Pirelli P Zero Summer 8.8
- Hankook iON evo SUV Summer 8.5
- Dunlop Blue Response TG Summer 8.5
- Roadmarch Winter XPro 888 Winter 4.5
- Superia Bluewin UHP 3 Winter 3.3
- Bridgestone Turanza LS100 All Season
Label values come from the EU EPREL database and apply to the EU market versions of each tire. Wet grip and rolling resistance run from class A (best) to E; noise is the measured drive-by figure. A good label is a floor, not a verdict - the tests and owner ratings above tell you far more.
What does 255/40 R20 mean?
A 255/40 R20 tire is 255 mm wide, its sidewall is 40% of that width (102 mm) tall, and it fits a 20 inch wheel. That gives an overall diameter of roughly 712 mm.
| Section width | 255 mm |
|---|---|
| Sidewall height | 102 mm |
| Rim diameter | 20" (508 mm) |
| Overall diameter | ≈ 712 mm |
| Circumference | ≈ 2,237 mm |
| Revolutions per km | ≈ 447 |
| Revolutions per mile | ≈ 719 |
Also written as
255/40R20 255/40 ZR20 255-40-20 255 40 20
Figures are calculated from the nominal size. A loaded, rolling tire runs a few percent smaller, and true widths vary slightly between makes.
What cars use 255/40 R20 tires?
The cars most often running this size in our owner reviews. Each links to the best rated tires for that exact car.
Nissan GT R
2 reviews in this size
Tesla Model Y Long Range
2 reviews in this size
Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD
2 reviews in this size
Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI 200HP
1 reviews in this size
Audi A6 Avant 2.0TDI
1 reviews in this size
Audi A6
1 reviews in this size
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
1 reviews in this size
Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TDI Quattro
1 reviews in this size
Volkswagen Transporter
1 reviews in this size
SEAT Tarraco 2.0 TDI 4Drive
1 reviews in this size
Every tire reviewed in 255/40 R20
The complete record, including discontinued tires and tires with too few reviews to rank, ordered by the amount of evidence. A further 24 tires have a single review each; they count toward the totals but are not listed.
| Tire | Season | Owner rating | Reviews | Distance reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV | All Season | 85% | 2 | 2,100 miles |
| Michelin Pilot Sport EV | Summer | 85% | 2 | 95,000 miles |
Reviews only cover part of the market: 349 tires are made in 255/40 R20. Browse every 255/40 R20 tire →
What drivers say about their 255/40 R20 tires
The most recent owner reviews fitted in this size, in their own words.
Much quieter than pilot 5’s they’re replacing.
Better fuel efficiency.
Amazing in wet roads.
Much more comfortable ride over bumpy roads.
Brought the A6 avant 2 years ago from a dealership. These tires had just been fitted along with new brakes etc. I do above average mileage, around 24k a year with a mixture of roads but mainly motorway/ dual carriage way.
I’ve now done 52k on these tires and I’ve just noticed this week that the handling in the wet has gone. But they were brilliant in standing water and heavy rain. These tires are really quiet with the windows up, no road noise. Fuel efficiency, well as mentioned above I average in an Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI 2021 55mpg
850 mile to 70 liters of fuel.
Comfort levels - unfortunately its on sports suspension therefore quite a stiff ride.
However re the UKs influx in potholes these tires have stood the time well.
Living on the Scottish west I and with an Audi Quattro I used to have a summer and winter tire set, but decided to give these a try and have never looked back. So much so I also have since had them fitted to my kids cars.
Sensational tires. Sidewalls are hard for a road focused semi slick tire which helps steering and road feel. They work well from cold and get better when hot. Not particularly noisy or uncomfortable.
The wear seems ok because the gtr is a heavy car and wears it's tires fairly quick. These are wearing slightly quicker than the PS4S I had before but I have journeyed to the ring and back in 41 degrees weather.
I think the nissan hides a lot of the weak points on wet grip but it's mostly ok until the water is deep and then it does aquaplane easily but not as bad as ar1 or ao52.
I'd recommend these for any driver focused daily driver and definitely track use.
The wear seems ok because the gtr is a heavy car and wears it's tires fairly quick. These are wearing slightly quicker than the PS4S I had before but I have journeyed to the ring and back in 41 degrees weather.
I think the nissan hides a lot of the weak points on wet grip but it's mostly ok until the water is deep and then it does aquaplane easily but not as bad as ar1 or ao52.
I'd recommend these for any driver focused daily driver and definitely track use.
I have a full set of these tires on my Ioniq 5 and they are brilliant I am very tempted to buy the same replacement tires as they have been going so well. I have currently covered 55,000 miles and have 2.6 mm left on the most worn tire. The other three all have 3.6 mmm who said EVs wear tires heavily? I would say my driving. style was fast and spirited with a trip to North Coast 500
The only reason I would buy anything different is they could be quieter although this is only on paper as I haven't tried a different set on this car. Side walls are starting to crack the tires are now four years old. Treadwear indicator states 200.
The only reason I would buy anything different is they could be quieter although this is only on paper as I haven't tried a different set on this car. Side walls are starting to crack the tires are now four years old. Treadwear indicator states 200.
I’ve previously used the Continental Procontact and the PilotSport 4 A/S and this has the best grip, handling, and feedback of them all. The PS4A/S is nearly as good just a bit smoother and quieter and the Procontact is only good for basic highway driving or grocery getting.
I use these as essentially a rally tarmac tires for street use. Trundling around traffic they are extremely well behaved for a semi-slick, hardly any tread noise even half worn and surprisingly comfortable, not worse than an UUHP sports tire.
When there is no traffic and free view, I love them for their amazing grip and even more amazing feedback on the limit which is just a delight. Beats the OE P Zero, V107 and AD09 I've had on the car with no comparison. Just so progressive dry or wet. And effectively quiet, no 'someone is having an accident' tire squeal firmly on the limit.
That grip comes in immediately and, against prejudice, is also there in the wet and when cold with just a few turns even near freezing.
When not used on track, heat related excessive wear hasn't been an issue, although I haven't yet used them above 20°C, will go to 285 width for that.
Downsides:
- The tread pattern and depth isn't made to counteract aquaplaning, these are not tires for the unaware, only for seasoned experienced drivers that know what they have under the car intimately. Once aquaplaning comes in the breakaway from high grip levels isn't forgiving.
- While wear isn't catastrophic even on my heavy car when not tracking, they will barely last 10"000km driven enthusiastically and only because I rotate them and run appropriate extra neg camber. Hoping 285 width will last a tad longer next. This is essentially a competition tire that only last one street summer season for me tops, if not from wear, probably from heat cycles. As such a very expensive tire, but for a driver enthusiast, tires are just as important as the car itself....
When there is no traffic and free view, I love them for their amazing grip and even more amazing feedback on the limit which is just a delight. Beats the OE P Zero, V107 and AD09 I've had on the car with no comparison. Just so progressive dry or wet. And effectively quiet, no 'someone is having an accident' tire squeal firmly on the limit.
That grip comes in immediately and, against prejudice, is also there in the wet and when cold with just a few turns even near freezing.
When not used on track, heat related excessive wear hasn't been an issue, although I haven't yet used them above 20°C, will go to 285 width for that.
Downsides:
- The tread pattern and depth isn't made to counteract aquaplaning, these are not tires for the unaware, only for seasoned experienced drivers that know what they have under the car intimately. Once aquaplaning comes in the breakaway from high grip levels isn't forgiving.
- While wear isn't catastrophic even on my heavy car when not tracking, they will barely last 10"000km driven enthusiastically and only because I rotate them and run appropriate extra neg camber. Hoping 285 width will last a tad longer next. This is essentially a competition tire that only last one street summer season for me tops, if not from wear, probably from heat cycles. As such a very expensive tire, but for a driver enthusiast, tires are just as important as the car itself....
Drive on 255/40 R20 tires?
Review your tires and help the next driver choose. It takes about five minutes, and every review on this page came from a driver who took them.
Where this data comes from
Owner ratings are submitted through the review form on this site, naming the tire, the size and the distance covered, and are checked by hand before publication. Test results come from independent published tire tests indexed by size, and label values from the EU EPREL database.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 using independent test results and the full body of owner reviews, so you can check a car-specific ranking against the wider evidence.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.