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Federal SS595 Review: The Budget Grip Legend & What to Run Now
July 27, 2026
Federal SS595 Review: The Budget Grip Legend, and What to Run Now
Updated April 2026 · Originally published Feb 2020The Federal SS595 earned cult status as the cheapest real grip in the game: a performance tire at economy money that daily drivers and grassroots drifters burned through happily for years. Where it stands now: Federal has folded the SS595 into its broader 595 family, so remaining SS595 stock varies by size while the 595 RS-R carries the performance torch. Find leftover SS595s in your size and the old math still works; otherwise the three alternatives below deliver the same budget-grip mission today.
The Federal SS595 was one of the hottest tires on the market for years, and at its incredibly low price point, plenty of people wondered whether it could actually be good. Here's the honest review that answered that question, updated with where the tire stands today and what to buy when your size is gone.
Quick Links
Tread Design
Being a performance-oriented tire, the SS595 runs a very aggressive tread: sharp V-shaped voids that look unlike anything else on the road. For a tire that looks as good as it performs at this money, the SS595 was always hard to beat, and that tread is half the reason it kept showing up on every lowered Civic, RSX, and FR-S in the parking lot.
Performance
As far as performance goes, the SS595 delivers everything you want from a tire in this category. Federal designed it with stiffer tread and shoulder areas that grip the road better while also fighting uneven wear. The road feel and response come surprisingly close to pricier tires like the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, ride quality stays composed over bumps, which surprises people in a performance tire, and the grip is astounding for the price. That last sentence is the entire SS595 legend in miniature.
Road Noise
The one honest drawback: road noise. You'll notice the difference, especially coming from a touring all-season, and it drones a bit on the highway at speed. That's the tax the aggressive tread charges, and SS595 owners have always considered it a fair trade.
Final Thoughts on the SS595
Where the SS595 Stands Now
Federal has repositioned the SS595 into its wider 595 lineup, so the classic version now sells through remaining stock, size by size. The family lives on: the 595 RS-R is the sharper, competition-flavored sibling that earned its own spot in our car package guide, delivering incredible grip for the money in true Federal tradition. If your size shows in stock below, the old recommendation stands; if it doesn't, keep scrolling.
The Best SS595 Alternatives
Same mission, same money, in stock today. Each of these carries a piece of what made the SS595 popular.
Lexani LXUHP-207
A dedicated summer performance tire with a semi-aggressive V-shaped tread the SS595 crowd will recognize on sight. The dedicated summer compound actually out-grips the SS595 through corners, and longitudinal grooves channel water efficiently for wet control. The trade: a lesser-known brand name, and summer-only duty. Shop the LXUHP-207.
Toyo Extensa HP II
The comfortable one: a performance-oriented all-season with a silica compound and directional tread, improved over the original Extensa HP with a Toyo-claimed braking distance up to 31 feet shorter. Strong wet manners, low road noise, and a big-name badge make it the pick for daily drivers who want a little sport without the drone. Light snow capable; heavy weather still wants a winter set. Shop the Extensa HP II.
Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2
Another performance all-season, with the paper the SS595 never offered: a 45,000-mile warranty on a 500-treadwear compound, plus M+S rating. Directional tread sharpens steering response, the center rib disperses water for rainy days, and the ride stays comfortable on long commutes. Least track-focused of the three, and the one that lasts longest. Shop the Ventus V2 Concept 2.
| Tire | Type | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal SS595 | Performance all-season | None notable | Cheap grip while stock lasts |
| Lexani LXUHP-207 | Summer performance | See product page | Maximum corner grip per dollar |
| Toyo Extensa HP II | Performance all-season | See product page | Sporty daily comfort |
| Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 | Performance all-season | 45,000 miles | Longest life, M+S rated |
Why Buy the Package From SD Wheel
Budget performance tires deserve the budget-smart buy: package any of these with wheels and everything arrives mounted, balanced, and shipped free from our Wrightstown, Wisconsin warehouse, fitment-verified with the Perfect Drive 30-day fitment guarantee. The install money you save buys your next set sooner, which for SS595 disciples was always the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Federal SS595 discontinued?
Federal has repositioned it into the broader 595 family, so the classic SS595 sells through remaining stock size by size. The 595 RS-R continues as the performance flagbearer of the line.
Is the Federal SS595 a summer tire or all-season?
Technically a performance-oriented all-season, despite the summer-tire looks and reputation. The stiff compound favors dry grip, so treat its cold-weather ability as modest and its snow ability as minimal.
Why was the SS595 so popular for drifting?
The holy trinity of grassroots drift: cheap to buy, predictable at the limit, and painless to destroy. Budget drifters bought them by the stack, which is a genuine compliment in that world.
What replaced the Federal SS595?
Within Federal, the 595 family, led by the 595 RS-R for performance duty. Outside Federal, the Lexani LXUHP-207 matches the grip mission, the Toyo Extensa HP II the daily mission, and the Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 the longevity mission.
Which alternative should I pick?
Corners first: Lexani. Comfort first: Toyo. Miles first: Hankook. All three sit in the SS595's price neighborhood, and the store links show live stock in your size.
Updated April 2026 with current SS595 status and in-stock alternatives folded in. Pricing and size availability live on the product pages.
