The 2021 Nissan Maxima sits at the sporty end of the modern full-size sedan market, blending everyday comfort with sharper styling and a more performance-minded feel than many large four-doors. For owners, tire choice plays a big role in preserving that balance. This Maxima uses two primary radial sizes, 245/40R19 and 245/45R18, depending on sub-model and wheel package. Available choices center on blackwall performance-oriented tires from BFGoodrich and Nitto across several g-Force and NT555 series options. The key is confirming the exact trim and wheel diameter first, then choosing the tire that matches the car’s intended use, ride character, and overall setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2021 Nissan Maxima
The 2021 Nissan Maxima uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on sub-model and wheel diameter. Both are radial metric fitments, but one is built around an 18-inch wheel and the other around a 19-inch wheel. Before choosing a tire, identify the exact trim and confirm the wheel diameter currently on the car, especially if wheels have ever been changed.
Fit(s): 40th Anniversary Edition, Platinum, and SR
Construction: Radial|Rim: 19 in
245/40R19 is a metric radial size in which 245 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, 40 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 19 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2021 Nissan Maxima, this size supports trims equipped with 19-inch wheels and keeps the lower-profile look associated with that setup. Available choices include BFGoodrich options in the g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, and g-Force Phenom T/A lines, all in blackwall form. This is the size to evaluate when your Maxima carries the 19-inch wheel package and you want to compare tire series within that fitment.
245/45R18 is a metric radial size that uses the same 245-millimeter nominal width as the 19-inch option, but with a 45-series profile on an 18-inch wheel. For the 2021 Nissan Maxima, this size belongs to configurations equipped with 18-inch rims rather than the larger wheel package. Product choices include blackwall offerings from BFGoodrich and Nitto, with options spanning g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2 series. It is the right size to compare when the car has factory-style 18-inch wheels or an equivalent 18-inch setup already in place.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2021 Nissan Maxima because tire size changes with the wheel package. Three covered trims use the 19-inch fitment, while the SV uses the 18-inch size, so confirming the exact trim and wheel diameter comes first.
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2021 Nissan Maxima 40th Anniversary Edition
The 2021 Nissan Maxima 40th Anniversary Edition uses the 245/40R19 radial fitment tied to a 19-inch wheel. Tire selection here centers on choosing among blackwall performance-oriented options in the correct size while keeping the existing wheel setup in mind.
The 2021 Nissan Maxima Platinum uses the 245/40R19 radial size on a 19-inch wheel package. That keeps the decision focused on tire series and brand choice rather than changing size, provided the car still carries the correct wheel diameter.
The 2021 Nissan Maxima SR also uses the 245/40R19 radial fitment. Owners should stay focused on the proper 19-inch application, then compare available blackwall tire choices by series, rim-width compatibility, and intended driving use.
The 2021 Nissan Maxima SV uses the 245/45R18 radial size rather than the 19-inch fitment found on the other covered trims. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before replacement, particularly if the car has been modified or fitted with different rims.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2021 Nissan Maxima Tires for Sale
Available 2021 Nissan Maxima tire choices focus on 245/40R19 and 245/45R18 blackwall radials from BFGoodrich and Nitto. The product grid lets you compare several g-Force series and the NT555 G2, along with rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and related performance-oriented specifications.
These 2021 Nissan Maxima FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used by each trim, 18-inch versus 19-inch wheel fitment, available radial tire choices, and the checks that matter before putting the car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2021 Nissan Maxima?
The 2021 Nissan Maxima uses two tire sizes: 245/40R19 and 245/45R18. The 40th Anniversary Edition, Platinum, and SR use 245/40R19, while the SV uses 245/45R18. Both are radial metric sizes, but they are tied to different wheel diameters, so they are not simply alternate versions of the same fitment.
The practical first step is confirming which trim you have and checking the wheel diameter currently on the car. A Maxima with replacement wheels may no longer match its original trim-based setup, so the tire choice should follow the actual 18-inch or 19-inch wheel in place, along with the car’s present clearance and wheel-width requirements.
What size rim does a 2021 Nissan Maxima use?
A 2021 Nissan Maxima uses either an 18-inch or 19-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The SV uses the 245/45R18 tire on an 18-inch rim, while the 40th Anniversary Edition, Platinum, and SR use the 245/40R19 tire on a 19-inch rim. The tire size and the rim diameter have to match exactly.
That wheel diameter should be confirmed before ordering tires, especially on a used Maxima or one that may have aftermarket wheels. Rim width matters too, since the available 18-inch and 19-inch products each carry their own approved wheel-width ranges. Matching the tire to the wheel already on the car helps avoid unnecessary clearance and mounting issues.
Do all 2021 Nissan Maxima sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 2021 Nissan Maxima does not use one tire size across every covered sub-model. The 40th Anniversary Edition, Platinum, and SR share 245/40R19, while the SV uses 245/45R18. Both sizes have similar overall dimensions, but they are built for different rim diameters and should be treated as separate fitments.
That difference matters because tire shopping starts with the trim and wheel package, not just the model name. If the car has ever had a wheel swap, the current wheel diameter becomes even more important than the original trim assignment. Checking the sidewall and measuring the wheel before replacement is the safest way to stay on the correct path.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/40R19 or 245/45R18 tire for a 2021 Nissan Maxima?
Start with the correct size for the trim and wheel diameter, then compare the available radial tire series within that fitment. For the 2021 Nissan Maxima, choices vary by brand, tire line, approved rim-width range, stated load figures where available, and related product attributes. All of the listed options use a blackwall sidewall presentation.
The next step is matching the tire to how the car is driven. A Maxima used mainly for daily road use may call for a different tire line than one chosen for a sharper, more performance-focused feel. Wheel width, current suspension condition, and any non-stock wheels should be reviewed before narrowing the choice to a specific product.
What brands offer tires for the 2021 Nissan Maxima?
The available tire brands for the 2021 Nissan Maxima are BFGoodrich and Nitto, depending on size. BFGoodrich appears in both 245/40R19 and 245/45R18 with several g-Force series options, while Nitto appears in 245/45R18 with the NT555 G2. That gives buyers a mix of brand and tire-line choices within the Maxima’s correct radial fitments.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It makes more sense to compare the exact tire series in the correct size, then look at rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and the way the tire fits your intended use. On a trim-specific fitment like the Maxima’s, staying with the right 18-inch or 19-inch size matters more than switching brands.
What tire series are available for the 2021 Nissan Maxima?
The 2021 Nissan Maxima is served by several tire series in its two sizes. BFGoodrich offers g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, and g-Force Phenom T/A, while the 245/45R18 fitment also includes the Nitto NT555 G2. These series give the Maxima owner multiple ways to stay within the proper radial size while comparing product character.
Series choice matters because it shapes the comparison beyond simple sizing. Once the correct trim-based fitment is confirmed, it becomes easier to look at wheel-width range, load details where shown, and whether the car is being kept close to its original wheel setup or used with an aftermarket package. That approach keeps the decision practical instead of purely brand-driven.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2021 Nissan Maxima restoration or preservation project?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2021 Nissan Maxima even though it is a modern vehicle rather than a traditional collector-era restoration candidate. The right size preserves the intended relationship between tire and wheel, and on this car that means using either 245/40R19 or 245/45R18 according to the trim and wheel package involved.
Appearance is part of that decision because wheel diameter and sidewall profile have a visible effect on how the Maxima sits. A preservation-minded owner should verify the original-style wheel setup before changing sizes. If exact as-delivered presentation is important, trim-specific reference materials and original vehicle documentation are the right places to confirm the intended wheel-and-tire combination.
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2021 Nissan Maxima?
A period-appropriate approach for a 2021 Nissan Maxima starts with the correct trim-based size and a modern blackwall radial presentation. The available products already follow that general look, so the main decision is whether your car needs 245/40R19 on a 19-inch wheel or 245/45R18 on an 18-inch wheel. Getting the size right does more for appearance than chasing small specification differences.
After the fitment is confirmed, compare the available BFGoodrich and Nitto series in the appropriate size and keep the wheel package consistent with the car’s intended presentation. A Maxima meant to retain its original-era look should avoid casual size substitutions, especially when wheel diameter changes are involved. The closer the tire remains to the proper trim-specific setup, the more coherent the finished appearance will be.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2021 Nissan Maxima?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2021 Nissan Maxima even when the tire size itself looks close to stock. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, different offsets, lowered suspension, or body and brake modifications can all alter the space available for a 245/40R19 or 245/45R18 tire. That matters because the Maxima already uses two trim-specific wheel diameters.
A modified car should be checked at full steering lock and through suspension travel before settling on replacement tires. It is also smart to confirm the actual wheel dimensions rather than assuming they match the original trim. Small changes in wheel specification can affect clearance at the strut, inner fender, and outer bodywork even when the tire size remains familiar.
What should I inspect before driving a 2021 Nissan Maxima on new tires?
Before driving a 2021 Nissan Maxima on new tires, confirm the tire size matches the wheel diameter, check inflation pressure, and inspect the wheels for damage or irregular bead-seat condition. It also helps to look over the suspension and alignment-related wear points, since uneven geometry can shorten tire life quickly on a modern sedan using lower-profile radial fitments.
A short road test should include listening for rubbing, feeling for vibration, and rechecking pressure afterward. The owner should also inspect for any signs of contact at the fender liners or steering components, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels. Catching those issues early protects the new tires and helps the Maxima maintain the road manners expected from its trim-specific setup.
How often should tires on a 2021 Nissan Maxima be inspected?
Tires on a 2021 Nissan Maxima should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. A routine visual check for uneven wear, punctures, cuts, bulges, and pressure loss is worthwhile throughout the year, and a more thorough inspection makes sense before longer highway driving. That is especially important with the Maxima’s lower-profile radial sizes, which can be more sensitive to wheel and alignment issues.
Inspection frequency should increase if the car sees rough roads, seasonal storage, or infrequent use. Looking at the inner sidewall and shoulder areas can reveal problems that are easy to miss from the outside. Consistent pressure checks and periodic review of tread wear patterns help identify whether the tires are aging normally or whether the Maxima needs alignment, suspension, or wheel attention.