The 2021 Tesla Model S sits in a very different performance tradition than a vintage collector car, but tire fitment still matters just as much because this sedan combines substantial weight, instant torque, and high-speed grand touring intent. For this year, the Model S uses radial tires in three primary sizes: 245/45R19, 245/35R21, and 265/35R21, with the 21-inch setup split between front and rear fitment. That means the first step is confirming whether the car is on 19-inch wheels or the staggered 21-inch arrangement. From there, the real choice becomes matching the correct size to the wheel setup and comparing available product series within that fitment.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2021 Tesla Model S
The 2021 Tesla Model S uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on both wheel diameter and position on the car. Start by confirming whether the car has 19-inch wheels or the staggered 21-inch setup, then verify whether you are selecting a front or rear tire. Once that is settled, the choice shifts to comparing available radial tire options within the correct fitment.
Fit(s): Long Range, Long Range Front, Plaid, Plaid Front, Plaid+, and Plaid+ Front
Construction: Radial|Rim: 21 in
245/35R21 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 35-series aspect ratio, and a 21-inch rim diameter. On the 2021 Tesla Model S, this size serves as part of the 21-inch fitment and appears in front-position applications on Long Range, Plaid, and Plaid+ configurations. Its role is different from the 19-inch package, so it should be matched to the actual wheel setup already on the car. This is the size to evaluate when the Model S has 21-inch front wheels and you want to stay with the proper front fitment format.
245/45R19 is a metric radial size that uses a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, and a 19-inch rim diameter. On the 2021 Tesla Model S, it applies to 19-inch wheel configurations on Long Range, Plaid, and Plaid+ versions rather than the staggered 21-inch front-and-rear arrangement. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Nitto products, all in blackwall form, across series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. This fitment makes sense when the car remains on 19-inch wheels and you are comparing product character within that exact size.
Fit(s): Long Range Rear, Plaid Rear, and Plaid+ Rear
Construction: Radial|Rim: 21 in
265/35R21 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter section width, a 35-series aspect ratio, and a 21-inch rim diameter. On the 2021 Tesla Model S, this size is used in rear-position applications within the 21-inch staggered setup, where it works alongside 245/35R21 at the front. Because it is a position-specific fitment, it should not be treated as a universal Model S tire size across every wheel package. This is the size to confirm when replacing rear tires on a 21-inch car and checking that the wheel and axle position match the intended fitment.
Sub-model fitment on the 2021 Tesla Model S is tied closely to wheel package and tire position. Some covered configurations use 245/45R19 on 19-inch wheels, while the 21-inch setup separates front and rear sizes, so confirming the exact sub-model and axle position matters before choosing a tire.
1
2021 Tesla Model S Long Range
The 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range uses either 245/45R19 or a 21-inch arrangement depending on the wheel setup, so size selection is not the same across every car. Tire choice starts with confirming the installed wheels, then matching the correct radial fitment to the actual configuration.
The 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range Front uses 245/35R21 as the front tire size in the 21-inch setup. That makes this fitment a front-position decision, so the main priority is verifying that the car is on the staggered 21-inch package before replacing tires.
The 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range Rear uses 265/35R21 at the rear when equipped with the 21-inch staggered setup. Rear replacement should focus on keeping the correct axle-specific size and confirming that the wheel remains the proper 21-inch rear fitment.
The 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid uses either 245/45R19 or a staggered 21-inch arrangement depending on the wheels installed on the car. Selecting tires for a Plaid begins with identifying the actual wheel package, since the correct radial fitment changes with that setup.
The 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid Front uses 245/35R21 on the front axle as part of the 21-inch staggered combination. Tire selection here is straightforward once the wheel package is confirmed, because the main task is replacing the correct front-position size.
The 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid Rear uses 265/35R21 on the rear axle with the 21-inch setup. That makes rear tire replacement a fitment-specific decision centered on axle position, not just year and model alone.
The 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid+ follows the same overall fitment pattern, using either 245/45R19 or the staggered 21-inch combination depending on wheel choice. The key step is confirming whether the car is on 19-inch wheels or the split front-and-rear 21-inch setup.
The 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid+ Front uses 245/35R21 at the front in the 21-inch arrangement. This is a position-specific radial size, so replacement should stay focused on the correct front wheel and not be confused with the rear 21-inch fitment.
The 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid+ Rear uses 265/35R21 at the rear with the 21-inch staggered package. Choosing a replacement starts with keeping the proper rear size and confirming that the car still has the matching 21-inch wheel setup.
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 Tesla Model S Tires for Sale
Available 245/45R19 options for the 2021 Tesla Model S include BFGoodrich and Nitto radial tires in blackwall form. The main product differences appear in tire series, rim-width range, load specification where stated, and the overall character of each performance-oriented fitment.
Tire questions for the 2021 Tesla Model S usually center on identifying the correct wheel package, separating 19-inch fitment from the staggered 21-inch setup, and comparing the available radial tire choices within the proper size.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2021 Tesla Model S?
The 2021 Tesla Model S uses three primary tire sizes: 245/45R19, 245/35R21, and 265/35R21. The 19-inch setup uses 245/45R19, while the 21-inch arrangement is staggered, with 245/35R21 at the front and 265/35R21 at the rear.
That means the correct answer depends on the wheels currently on the car and, for the 21-inch package, the axle position. Check the installed tire size on the vehicle, confirm wheel diameter, and make sure front and rear fitments are not mixed when replacing tires on a staggered Model S.
What size rim does a 2021 Tesla Model S use?
The 2021 Tesla Model S uses either 19-inch or 21-inch rims, depending on the wheel package. The 245/45R19 tire fits a 19-inch rim, while both 245/35R21 and 265/35R21 are built for 21-inch rims.
Rim diameter is the first thing to verify before ordering tires because a 19-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 21-inch wheel, and vice versa. On cars with the 21-inch setup, it also helps to confirm whether you are replacing the front or rear tire since the sizes are different.
Why does the 2021 Tesla Model S have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size applies because the 2021 Tesla Model S was offered with different wheel packages. The 19-inch configuration uses 245/45R19, while the 21-inch setup uses a staggered combination with 245/35R21 in front and 265/35R21 in back.
That split changes the buying process from simply matching year and model to confirming the actual wheels on the car. A close inspection of the existing tire sidewall and wheel diameter prevents ordering the wrong fitment, especially on Model S cars that may have had wheel or tire changes since new.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R19 tire for a 2021 Tesla Model S?
Start with the basics: the tire must be 245/45R19 and intended for a 19-inch wheel. Within that size, available choices include BFGoodrich and Nitto radial blackwall tires across series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2.
The next comparison points are rim-width compatibility, load specification where shown, tire series, and how you plan to use the car. A Model S used mainly for everyday road driving may call for a different product emphasis than one kept for more aggressive seasonal use, even when the size itself stays the same.
What sidewall styles are available for 2021 Tesla Model S tires?
The available 245/45R19 products for the 2021 Tesla Model S use a blackwall sidewall style. That keeps the visual presentation simple and contemporary, which suits the modern character of the Model S rather than a restoration-style appearance question.
Sidewall style is still worth noting because it affects the finished look of the car even when fitment stays the same. If appearance matters as much as performance, compare the blackwall offerings alongside the tire series and brand differences so the finished setup matches the way the car is actually driven and presented.
What brands offer tires for the 2021 Tesla Model S?
In 245/45R19, the 2021 Tesla Model S has available tire choices from BFGoodrich and Nitto. BFGoodrich appears in more than one series, including g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A, while Nitto is represented by the NT555 G2.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare the exact series, the stated rim-width range where available, and the overall role each tire is intended to fill within the correct size, especially on a vehicle as sensitive to tire choice and wheel package as the Model S.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2021 Tesla Model S restoration?
Correct fitment still matters on a 2021 Tesla Model S even though the conversation is different from a vintage restoration. The important details are the right wheel diameter, the right size for the actual setup, and proper front-to-rear matching on staggered 21-inch applications.
Appearance enters the picture through wheel package and tire profile rather than whitewalls or period-style sidewalls. Anyone trying to return the car to a more original presentation should verify the intended wheel configuration first, then select tires that preserve the proper size relationship instead of mixing fitments that alter the car’s stance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2021 Tesla Model S?
For the 2021 Tesla Model S, the primary fitments are radial tires, so construction does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial appearance decision like it would on an older collector car. The visual impact comes more from tire profile, wheel diameter, and whether the car is on 19-inch or 21-inch wheels.
That makes size discipline especially important when restoring the car’s original look. Staying with the correct radial size for the installed wheel package helps preserve the intended proportions, while mixing profiles or axle-specific sizes can change the stance and visual balance even before any differences in driving behavior are considered.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2021 Tesla Model S?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2021 Tesla Model S. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, spacers, or nonstandard front-to-rear setups can all change the space available for a 245/45R19, 245/35R21, or 265/35R21 tire.
The safest approach is to verify the actual wheel diameter and width already on the car, then check steering and body clearance before changing tire size. This matters even more on the staggered 21-inch setup, where front and rear fitments already differ and should not be assumed interchangeable.
What should I inspect before driving a 2021 Tesla Model S on new tires?
Before driving on new tires, inspect wheel condition, confirm the correct tire size at each corner, and make sure the tires were mounted in the proper front or rear position where applicable. It also helps to look for any visible damage, uneven seating, or immediate air loss after installation.
A short check of alignment behavior, steering feel, and clearance during low-speed maneuvering is worthwhile before putting more miles on the car. On a Model S with the staggered 21-inch setup, pay close attention to keeping the 245/35R21 front and 265/35R21 rear fitments in their proper positions.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 2021 Tesla Model S?
Before a longer drive, check tire pressure, tread condition, and the sidewalls for cuts, bulges, or cracking. It is also smart to confirm that the car is wearing the proper size at each wheel position, especially if it uses the staggered 21-inch combination.
Longer trips put more sustained heat and load into the tires, so any fitment mistake or aging issue tends to show up faster. A quick inspection of alignment wear, wheel damage, and slow air loss can prevent problems that are easy to miss when the car is only used for shorter local driving.
