Best tires for Comfort and Noise: In today’s fast-paced world, driving comfort and reduced noise levels are essential for an enjoyable and stress-free journey. As a significant factor contributing to your vehicle’s overall performance, choosing the right tires is crucial. With various options available in the all-season, summer, and winter segments, identifying the perfect set for your needs can be overwhelming. This guide aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the best tires for comfort and noise reduction, considering all three segments, to help you make an informed decision. From innovative tread designs to advanced rubber compounds, we’ll explore the top-performing options that promise a smooth and quiet ride, regardless of the season.
Table of Contents
Results
Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare all these products head to head, due to clear segmentation. Fortunately, Consumer Report has a portfolio of different segment tires tested, allowing us to use their ratings to assess the performance of each. Please note that Consumer Report’s rating system uses a maximum score of 5, with a 5/5 rating representing the best possible achievement. We will breakdown the best comfort and noise tire based on segmentation.
All season 3 peak mountain
1. Michelin CrossClimate 2
The creation of the CrossClimate is a fascinating story that needs to be told from the beginning. In the past, all-season tires without 3 peak mountain certification have always been popular in the American market and have been well-established for years. No one in the tire industry believed it was possible for an all-season tire to have the required snow traction performance to pass the 3 peak mountain certification. However, in 2015, Michelin introduced the first 3 peak mountain certified all-season tire, which caused a stir in the tire industry.
At the time, the then-new CrossClimate didn’t have any competitors and was the only product in its segment. It took 2-3 years for competitors to launch their own 3 peak mountain certified all-season tires, but the first mover advantage had already been established by the CrossClimate. This is a true testament to Michelin’s commitment to being the de facto innovation leader in the tire industry.
Noise & Comfort ratings:
Ride Comfort : 4/5
Noise : 4/5
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 truly stands out in the world of all-season tires, boasting impressive ride comfort and noise reduction ratings of 4/5. With its innovative tread pattern and advanced rubber compound, the CrossClimate 2 delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, minimizing vibrations and ensuring optimal contact with the road. The tire’s noise reduction capabilities are equally noteworthy, as its refined tread design effectively dampens road noise, providing a quieter driving experience. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a well-rounded tire that prioritizes both comfort and noise reduction, without compromising on performance across various weather conditions.
In addition to winning 50% of the press tests it has participated in Europe, the CrossClimate 2 was rank 1st in this segment by both TireRack and Consumer Report. Based on multiple test results, the CrossClimate 2 has demonstrated superior target conflict management of summer versus winter performance, as it once again outshined the competition. Not to mention, the CrossClimate 2 tops the charts when it comes to mileage, with an actual tested result of 85,000 miles. This tire is the main reason why you do not need to switch tires every 6 months.
- 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
- Bridgestone Weather Control A005 EVO
- Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
- Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak
- Continental PureContact LS
- Continental AllSeasonContact
- Continental Cross Contact LX25
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
- Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive
- Michelin Cross Climate+
- Michelin Defender T+H
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2
- Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
- Vredestein Quatrac Pro
Price
- 205/55R16 : $174
2. General AltiMAX 365 AW
With many competitors yearning to become the best all season tire, General Tires recently announced their latest touring all season tireline called AltiMAX 365 AW. This tireline slightly differs to its previous all season line up as the AltiMAX 365 AW comes with a certified 3 peak mountain label which makes them effectively a legal snow tire. AltiMAX 365 AW was launched in 2021 while serving the grand touring all season segment consisting of 15″-20″ sizes.
Noise & Comfort ratings:
Ride Comfort : 3/5
Noise : 5/5
The General AltiMAX 365 AW is another commendable option in the all-season tire market, earning a ride comfort rating of 3/5 and an exceptional noise reduction rating of 5/5. While its ride comfort may not be on par with the Michelin CrossClimate 2, the AltiMAX 365 AW’s noise reduction capabilities truly excel, delivering an incredibly quiet driving experience. The tire’s advanced tread design and rubber compound work in harmony to minimize road noise, making it an ideal choice for drivers who prioritize a serene cabin environment. In comparison to the CrossClimate 2, the AltiMAX 365 AW may offer a slightly less comfortable ride, but its superior noise reduction performance makes it a strong contender for those seeking a peaceful journey on the road.
- 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
- 205/55R16 : $130
M+S all season tires
1. BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season
Introducing the BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season, a highly anticipated tire that promises to deliver exceptional performance and reliability throughout the year. Launched in 2021, this tire has been designed with a comprehensive range of coverage sizes to accommodate various vehicles, from sedans and coupes to minivans and crossovers. With its innovative tread design and advanced rubber compounds, the Advantage Control All Season aims to provide drivers with exceptional handling, responsiveness, and durability, regardless of weather conditions. As BFGoodrich continues to expand its lineup of high-quality tires, the Advantage Control All Season is set to become a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable tire that can tackle the challenges of every season.
Noise & Comfort ratings:
Ride Comfort : 4/5
Noise : 4/5
The BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season shines in both ride comfort and noise reduction, boasting impressive ratings of 4/5 in both categories. Its advanced tread design and high-quality rubber compounds work together to ensure a smooth and comfortable driving experience, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing excellent stability. Furthermore, the tire’s meticulously engineered tread pattern contributes to its noise reduction capabilities, minimizing road noise and enhancing the overall cabin environment. With its well-rounded performance in ride comfort and noise reduction, the BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season is a top contender for drivers seeking a versatile and reliable tire that delivers a pleasant driving experience throughout the year.
- Advantage Control All Season
- Launch: 2017
- Press test wins: 1/3
- Strength: Excellent wear.
Check out our head to head comparison of Advantage Control All Season against its competitors.
Advantage Control All Season vs
Price
- 205/55R16 : $135
Ultra high performance all season tires
1. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Introducing the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, a high-performance all-season tire designed to cater to the needs of sports cars, sedans, and performance-focused vehicles. Launched in 2020, this tire is available in an extensive range of coverage sizes, ensuring compatibility with a variety of vehicle models. The Pilot Sport All Season 4 has been engineered with an advanced tread design and cutting-edge rubber compounds, providing exceptional handling, responsiveness, and traction in diverse weather conditions. As Michelin continues to push the boundaries of tire technology, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 is set to become a popular choice among driving enthusiasts seeking a versatile and reliable tire that delivers outstanding performance all year round.
Noise & Comfort ratings:
Ride Comfort : 2/5
Noise : 5/5
The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, while being an ultra-high-performance all-season tire, demonstrates a remarkable noise reduction rating of 5/5, ensuring a quiet driving experience. Its advanced tread design effectively minimizes road noise, making it a standout choice in its segment. However, as with most ultra-high-performance all-season tires, ride comfort is not its strongest suit, earning a rating of 2/5. This is not unusual in the performance tire category, as the focus is typically on handling and responsiveness rather than comfort. Despite its lower comfort rating, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 remains an exceptional option for drivers seeking an ultra-high-performance tire with excellent noise reduction capabilities, while also bearing in mind the general limitations in comfort associated with this tire segment.
- Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Noise, snow & dry.
Check our head to head comparison of Pilot Sport All Season 4 against its competitors.
Pilot Sport All Season 4 vs
- Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
- Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
- Michelin Cross Climate 2
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Price
- 225/50R17 : $200
All season truck tires
1. Continental TerrainContact H/T
Introducing the Continental TerrainContact H/T, a versatile and high-performance tire designed specifically for trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Launched in 2019, the TerrainContact H/T offers an extensive range of coverage sizes to accommodate various vehicle types and sizes. This tire has been engineered with an innovative tread design and state-of-the-art rubber compounds, ensuring exceptional handling, durability, and responsiveness across different road conditions. As Continental continues to enhance its product lineup with cutting-edge technology, the TerrainContact H/T is poised to become a top choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable tire that can confidently tackle the diverse challenges faced by trucks, SUVs, and crossovers.
Noise & Comfort ratings:
Ride Comfort : 4/5
Noise : 5/5
The Continental TerrainContact H/T stands out as an exceptional all-season truck tire, delivering impressive ride comfort and noise reduction ratings of 4/5 and 5/5, respectively. Traditionally, truck tires can be quite noisy and uncomfortable; however, the TerrainContact H/T defies these expectations with its innovative tread design and advanced rubber compounds. These features work together to provide a smooth and comfortable driving experience, even on challenging surfaces. Additionally, the tire’s carefully engineered tread pattern significantly reduces road noise, resulting in a remarkably quiet cabin environment. The Continental TerrainContact H/T has truly raised the bar for all-season truck tires, offering drivers an unparalleled balance of comfort and noise reduction without compromising performance or durability.
- TerrainContact H/T
- Launch: 2019
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Excellent noise & comfort.
Check out our head to head comparison of TerrainContact H/T against its competitors.
TerrainContact H/T vs
Price
- 265/60R18 : $231
Studless tires aka Snow tires
1. Continental Viking Contact 7
Viking Contact 7 is Continental’s best performing tire in the press test with a win rate of 24 out of the 27 tests it has contested. With a clear strength in ice & snow performances while balancing the summer performances, Viking Contact 7 is clearly the best snow tire in the market !
Noise & Comfort ratings:
Ride Comfort : 4/5
Noise : 4/5
The Viking Contact 7, a dedicated snow tire, showcases remarkable performance in both ride comfort and noise reduction, earning solid ratings of 4/5 in each category. Despite being specifically designed for harsh winter conditions, the tire’s advanced tread pattern and innovative rubber compounds provide a smooth and comfortable driving experience, effectively handling snow and ice while maintaining exceptional stability. In addition, the Viking Contact 7’s carefully engineered tread design contributes to its noise reduction capabilities, minimizing road noise typically associated with snow tires. This results in a quieter cabin environment, making the Viking Contact 7 an excellent choice for drivers seeking a comfortable and quiet winter tire without compromising on safety and traction in challenging weather conditions.
- Viking Contact 7
- Launch: 2018
- Press test wins: 24/27
- Strength: Best in class in ice & snow. Weak in aquaplaning.
Check out our head to head comparison of Viking Contact 7 against its competitors.
Viking Contact 7 vs
- Continental WinterContact TS 860
- Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
- Michelin X-Ice Snow
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
- Pirelli Ice Zero FR
Price
- 205/55R16 : $155
Summary
In conclusion, the tires discussed in this guide represent some of the best options available in terms of comfort and noise reduction across various segments. While each tire segment has its own unique set of challenges and target conflicts, such as performance vs. comfort or noise reduction vs. traction, these tires have been designed to strike an optimal balance between these competing factors. From all-season to summer and winter tires, each tire option showcases a distinctive combination of innovative tread designs and advanced rubber compounds to deliver an enjoyable driving experience. When selecting the perfect tire for your needs, it’s essential to consider your specific driving preferences and requirements, and these top-performing tires offer an excellent starting point for making an informed decision.
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 vs BFGoodrich G-force Comp-2 A/S plus - Top Tire Review
Wednesday 3rd of May 2023
[…] for noise levels, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 excels with a top rating of 5/5, providing a quiet driving experience. The G-force Comp-2 A/S+ also performs well in this […]