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Best all season tires for SUV

Best all season tires for SUV

Best all season tires for SUV: In recent years, the demand for SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) has consistently risen, outpacing that of traditional sedans and hatchbacks. These versatile vehicles, such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Explorer, are cherished for their spacious interiors, rugged capabilities, and appealing aesthetics. As the SUV segment continues to grow, owners are increasingly seeking tire solutions that can accommodate their vehicle’s unique needs, regardless of the weather conditions.

All-season tires have become an indispensable part of the tire market, offering drivers excellent performance and reliability throughout the year. They combine the best attributes of both summer and winter tires, ensuring that your SUV remains in control and responsive on various road conditions.

When looking for the perfect set of all-season tires for your SUV, it is crucial to understand the difference between two important tire certifications: the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol and the M+S (Mud and Snow) logo. The 3PMSF symbol indicates that a tire has passed a specific set of industry tests for severe snow traction and is suitable for challenging winter conditions. On the other hand, the M+S logo signifies that a tire has a tread pattern designed to provide improved traction on muddy or light snow conditions, but it does not guarantee optimal performance in severe winter conditions.

In this guide, we will explore the best all-season tires for SUVs, taking into account the unique requirements of these vehicles and the diverse weather conditions they may encounter. Whether you’re driving a compact crossover or a full-sized SUV, our recommendations will help you make an informed decision and enhance your driving experience all year round.

All season 3 peak mountain

3 peak mountain logo

All season tires have always been the go to tires for the American market and this segment has been well established across the years. There are 2 types of all season tires, one with 3 peak mountain & one with only M+S. We have covered these 2 types of tire head to head with Michelin’s Defender T+H (M+S) vs Cross Climate 2 (3 peak mountain) and the M+S all season tires usually are worst in winter performances but excel much better in mileage.

If you are in an area which snows quite heavily, 3 peak mountain all season tires would be definitely a good choice. Below are the best all season tires for SUV with 3 peak mountain rank based on a compilation of test results.

1. Michelin CrossClimate 2

Michelin CrossClimate 2

The inception of the CrossClimate is a captivating tale that warrants a comprehensive account. Historically, American consumers have favored all-season tires without the 3-Peak Mountain certification, as these tires had long been established in the market. No one in the tire industry believed it was feasible for an all-season tire to possess the necessary snow traction performance to pass the 3-Peak Mountain certification. However, in 2015, Michelin revolutionized the industry by introducing the first 3-Peak Mountain certified all-season tire.

Initially, the CrossClimate faced no competition and held a unique position in its segment. It took rivals 2-3 years to release their own 3-Peak Mountain certified all-season tires, but by then, the CrossClimate had already secured the first-mover advantage. This serves as a testament to Michelin’s unwavering dedication to innovation leadership within the tire industry.

Besides claiming victory in 50% of the European press tests in which it participated, the CrossClimate 2 has been ranked first in its segment by both TireRack and Consumer Report. The tire showcases an impressive balance between summer and winter performance, outperforming its competitors in multiple tests. It’s worth noting that the CrossClimate SUV version is also available, but the CrossClimate 2 is a much newer iteration. Furthermore, the CrossClimate 2 excels in mileage, boasting a tested result of 85,000 miles, making tire switching every 6 months unnecessary.

  • CrossClimate 2
    • Launch: 2020
    • Press test wins: 3/6
    • Strength: Well balanced summer & winter performances, excellent wear.
    • Tire Rack score: 9.1/10 (Rank 1st)
    • Consumer Report score: 74/100 (Rank 1st)

Check out our head-to-head comparison of the CrossClimate 2 against its competitors.

CrossClimate 2 vs

Price

You can check out the latest updated snow results below:

Snow Performance:

Snow Braking and Acceleration: The CrossClimate 2 demonstrated unmatched performance in both snow braking and acceleration, earning a score of 100% in each category. The WeatherPeak scored higher in snow braking with 110.1%, indicating a longer stopping distance. Its snow acceleration score was 87.1%. The PureContact LS lagged significantly in these categories with scores of 93.3% and 79.6% respectively.

  • CrossClimate 2: Rank 2nd in snow braking, Rank 1st in snow acceleration

Snow Handling: The Michelin CrossClimate 2 also topped the subjective snow handling test with a score of 100%. The WeatherPeak followed at 95.0%, and the PureContact LS was further behind at 88.4%.

  • CrossClimate 2: Rank 1st out of 3

2. Bridgestone Weatherpeak

Bridgestone’s response to Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 is a new product called WeatherPeak. This marks Bridgestone’s inaugural venture into America’s all-season tire market with a 3-Peak Mountain certified tire. Launched in 2022, WeatherPeak boasts a comprehensive lineup catering to most A to C segment vehicles in the replacement market, including a range of SUV sizes, making it an excellent 3-Peak Mountain choice for SUV owners. According to the latest Tire Rack results, WeatherPeak excels in comfort but falls short of the top contenders when it comes to wet and dry performance.WeatherPeak however has clear strengths in snow braking as it emerges 10% better than its main rival Michelin CrossClimate 2 as shown from the above graph. However when it came to snow handling & acceleration, it still lacks the firepower of CrossClimate 2.

  • WeatherPeak
    • Launch: 2022
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Good comfort.

Check our head to head comparison of WeatherPeak against its competitors.

WeatherPeak vs

Price

3. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady

The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is another noteworthy all-season tire, designed to deliver reliable performance in various weather conditions. With a versatile range of sizes available, it caters to a wide array of SUVs, ensuring drivers have an excellent option for their vehicle. This tire is equipped with Goodyear’s Weather Reactive Technology, which adapts to changing road conditions, offering enhanced traction in wet, dry, and snowy environments. The Assurance WeatherReady also features an asymmetric tread design that promotes even wear and provides a comfortable, quiet ride. Its impressive balance of performance and durability makes it a popular choice among SUV owners seeking a dependable all-season tire. Based on the latest test results, it has strong showing in snow with good comfort but lacks the firepower in wet.

  • Assurance WeatherReady
    • Launch: 2017
    • Press test wins: 0/2
    • Strength: Snow & comfort.

Check our head to head comparison of Assurance WeatherReady against its competitors.

Assurance WeatherReady vs

Price

4. General AltiMAX 365 AW

In the highly competitive all-season tire market, General Tires, a subsidiary of Continental, recently introduced their latest touring all-season tire line called AltiMAX 365 AW. This product caters to the value and quality segment, offering a good selection of SUV sizes. The AltiMAX 365 AW stands apart from its predecessor, as it comes with a certified 3-Peak Mountain label, making it a legally compliant snow tire. Launched in 2021, the AltiMAX 365 AW serves the grand touring all-season segment, with sizes ranging from 15″ to 20″.

Test results show that the AltiMAX 365 AW performs commendably in terms of dry braking and handling, but still struggles to match competitors in terms of wet traction. Despite this, the tire line remains an attractive option for SUV owners seeking a combination of value, quality, and year-round performance.

  • AltiMAX 365 AW
    • Launch: 2021
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong dry performer

Check out our head to head comparison of AltiMAX 365 AW against its competitors.

AltiMAX 365 AW vs

Price

5. Firestone WeatherGrip

Firestone, a subsidiary of Bridgestone, introduced the WeatherGrip tire in 2019, catering to SUV & PC owners seeking a value brand at a much lower price point. Similar to General Tires, Firestone offers a cost-effective option without compromising on performance. The WeatherGrip tire provides an affordable, reliable all-season tire solution for SUV users, delivering a comfortable and safe driving experience throughout the year. Based on the test results, WeatherGrip was moderately ok in dry braking & handling but did not perform well in wet.

  • WeatherGrip
    • Launch: 2019
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Acceptable dry performance

Check out our head to head comparison of WeatherGrip against its competitors.

WeatherGrip vs

Price

All Season tires (M+S)

Before the invention of the snowflake capable tires, all season tires mostly carried the M+S logo which means mountain & snow. The M+S logo does not require you to pass any test hence it is up to the manufacturer to determine its usage. This segment provides some light snow usage capability but its main focus is on mileage. This is also one of the main reasons that the products general

1. Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra

The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is a unique all-season tire line, specifically designed and dedicated to serving the SUV market. Unlike other products, this tire line has been meticulously engineered and tested exclusively on SUVs to ensure optimal performance. Launched with a focus on meeting the unique requirements of SUVs, the Alenza AS Ultra has garnered praise for its excellent wet handling capabilities in various tests. As a fully dedicated SUV tire line, the Alenza AS Ultra offers drivers the assurance of a product tailored to their vehicle’s needs, delivering safety and performance in all weather conditions.

  • Alenza AS Ultra
    • Launch: 2021
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong wet handling.

Check out our head to head comparison of Alenza AS Ultra against its competitors.

Alenza AS Ultra vs

Price

2. Continental Cross Contact LX25

Continental Cross Contact LX25
Continental Cross Contact LX25

The Cross Contact LX25 is another dedicated all-season tire line, specifically designed for SUVs, much like the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra. This tire line excels in providing a comfortable ride, coupled with impressive snow performance capabilities. While it falls slightly short in terms of steering and handling, the Cross Contact LX25 maintains a well-balanced overall performance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience for SUV owners in various weather conditions. With a focus on meeting the unique needs of SUVs, the Cross Contact LX25 is a reliable choice for those seeking a specialized all-season tire solution.

  • Continental Cross Contact LX25
    • Launch: 2022
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Excellent snow.

Check out our head to head comparison of Cross Contact LX25 against its competitors.

Continental Cross Contact LX25 vs

Price

3. Michelin Defender2

While not specifically designed for SUVs, the Michelin Defender 2 covers a wide range of SUV sizes and has recently emerged as the successor to the highly popular Defender T+H. This all-season touring tire, launched in 2022, has become a household name in the M+S market, boasting one of the highest UTQG wear ratings compared to its competitors. The Defender 2 caters to an extensive array of passenger cars and crossovers.

Test results reveal that the Defender 2 demonstrates outstanding mileage performance, albeit with a slight deficit in wet conditions. Despite a minor drawback in conventional performance aspects, the Defender 2 stands out as a true mileage champion, offering exceptional longevity for drivers.

  • Defender2
    • Launch: 2022
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Excellent wear.

Check out our head to head comparison of Defender2 against its competitors.

Defender2 vs

Price

4. Continental TrueContact Tour

Launched in 2019, the Continental TrueContact Tour is an all-season tire that caters to a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs. This versatile tire line offers solid performance across various weather conditions. However, when compared to the outstanding mileage capabilities of the Michelin Defender 2, the TrueContact Tour falls short in its ability to compete in terms of longevity. Despite this, the TrueContact Tour remains a reliable option for drivers seeking a well-rounded all-season tire for their SUVs.

  • TrueContact Tour
    • Launch: 2018
    • Press test wins: 0/2
    • Strength: Excellent wet.

Check out our head to head comparison of TrueContact Tour against its competitors.

TrueContact Tour vs

Price

5. Goodyear Assurance MaxLife

Introduced in 2018, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife is an all-season tire designed to deliver dependable performance across various road conditions. Based on test results, this tire line boasts impressive wet performance capabilities. However, when it comes to mileage, the Assurance MaxLife falls significantly short compared to the exceptional longevity offered by Michelin’s Defender 2. Despite this drawback, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife remains a viable option for drivers seeking a reliable all-season tire with solid wet performance characteristics.

  • Assurance MaxLife
    • Launch: 2018
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong wet.

Check out our head to head comparison of Assurance MaxLife against its competitors.

Assurance MaxLife vs

Price

6. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3

The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a relatively new addition to the all-season tire market, having been launched in 2021. Designed to cater to a wide variety of passenger cars and crossovers, including SUVs, this tire line demonstrates a well-rounded performance profile. Test results reveal that the Scorpion AS Plus 3 excels on dry roads, providing a refined and comfortable driving experience. Furthermore, it offers decent light snow traction, ensuring safety and reliability in winter conditions.

However, the Scorpion AS Plus 3’s wet performance is not quite on par with the top competitors in the segment. While it may not lead the pack in terms of wet handling, this tire still presents a viable option for drivers seeking a versatile all-season tire that performs particularly well on dry surfaces and in light snow.

  • Scorpion AS Plus 3
    • Launch: 2021
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong dry & comfort.

Check out our head to head comparison of Scorpion AS Plus 3 against its competitors.

Scorpion AS Plus 3 vs

Price

7. General AltiMAX RT45

The General AltiMAX RT45, launched in 2022, is a versatile all-season tire designed to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, minivans, SUVs, and crossovers. Specifically tailored for the North American market, the AltiMAX RT45 is a testament to General’s commitment to delivering high-quality products through a research and development approach that focuses on the unique needs of local consumers.

Based on test results, the AltiMAX RT45 exhibits commendable wet braking performance, ensuring safety and confidence in challenging driving conditions. However, it is worth noting that this tire has a higher noise level compared to some of its competitors, which may affect the overall driving experience for some users. Despite this drawback, the General AltiMAX RT45 remains a reliable option for those seeking a locally designed all-season tire that offers solid wet braking capabilities.

  • AltiMAX RT45
    • Launch: 2022
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong wet.

Check out our head to head comparison of AltiMAX RT45 against its competitors.

AltiMAX RT45 vs

Price

Summary

In conclusion, selecting the best all-season tire for your SUV involves weighing various factors such as performance, comfort, longevity, and price. With numerous options available, including the Michelin CrossClimate 2, Bridgestone WeatherPeak, Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, and Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3, among others, it’s crucial to consider your specific driving needs and preferences.

Some tires excel in wet and dry handling, while others prioritize comfort or snow traction. It’s essential to evaluate each tire’s strengths and weaknesses to find the best match for your SUV. Don’t forget to factor in aspects such as mileage and noise levels, as these can significantly impact your overall driving experience. By carefully assessing each option, you can confidently choose the best all-season tire for your SUV and enjoy a safe, comfortable, and reliable ride throughout the year.

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