How new Pirelli P Zero tires transformed our Porsche Cayenne

We’ve all been there: Bought something new–but wait, it needs fresh tires before it can be fully enjoyed.

That new addition for us? A 2019 Porsche Cayenne. A base model. New, it cost more than $100,000; thanks to depreciation, we paid less than half that.

The influence for this purchase? Our 997-chassis Porsche 911.

Perhaps, we thought, if the 911 is so magical, we would equally love an SUV for daily use from the same brand.

While this Cayenne looked almost new both inside and out, it was heading toward needing new tires–and we knew that the right ones would make a difference.

Our Cayenne came from the factory with 21-inch wheels–staggered fitment, too–and not a lot of companies make tires for this vehicle in that size: 285/40ZR21 fronts along with 315/35ZR21 rears.

Tire Rack only shows tires for this application from Yokohama, Continental, Michelin and Pirelli. We wanted top handling as well as a comfortable ride. As we live in Florida, we wouldn’t need winter capabilities. Off-road manners, likewise, didn’t concern us.

The Yokohamas cost the least but only offer all-season models. The Continental ProContact TX, likewise, is an all-season model. Michelin, too, doesn’t offer a summertime variant.

But what about this Pirelli P Zero?

Tire Rack says that it’s the original fitment for a Cayenne. It also, of course, carries Porsche’s N rating.

This max performance summer tire gets high marks from Tire Rack for wet and dry performance plus high scores for quietness. Its 220 treadwear rating, typical for this class of tire, points to quicker wear.

How much for a set? About $2140 complete: $503.23 per front and $567.16 per rear.

They’re also heavy at more than 30 pounds each. While we have our own mounting and balancing gear, we decided to let our local Discount Tire handle it. We figured our backs wouldn’t mind the $115 fee, disposal included.

Since fitting the new Pirellis, our Cayenne has come alive. Turn-in feels crisper, steady-state cornering has improved and, also rather important, the ride is much smoother and quieter than before. The Porsche magic had returned, and a 700-mile trip confirmed that we picked the right tires for our Cayenne.

And since we were frugal enough to stick with the 335-horsepower V6-powered base model over a V8-powered Cayenne S, we recorded an average of 22.8 mpg. Not bad for a vehicle that can tow 7700 pounds and, when not hitched up, reach 60 in less than 5 seconds.