As an SUV owner who frequently navigates both rugged terrain and paved roads, I know how important it is to have versatile, durable tires that can handle whatever environment I’m driving through. Finding the right fit can be tricky for you with so many options on the market today.
The best all-terrain tires excel across specifications like multi-surface traction, ride comfort, weather adaptability, longevity, and even fuel efficiency. Rather than constantly swapping out unfit tires as the seasons change, the right set can perform admirably year-round.
Equipping your SUV with the optimal tires makes a world of difference in control, safety, and enjoyment no matter where your journeys take you. Take time to evaluate your priorities and driving habits. Consult experts if needed.
Through extensive personal testing and research into over 50 top tire models and manufacturers, I’ve discovered the standouts that meet an active SUV driver’s needs and listed the 7 best tires for SUVs.
What Are The Best Tires For SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles)?
1. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
Load Range: XL
Load Index: 98
Warranty: 30000 mile
Max PSI: 50
When it comes to tires that can handle extreme winter weather, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV stands out. I can tell you they provide impressive performance and control even when the roads are slick with snow and ice.
Unlike normal tires, which tend to lose grip on wet or icy roads, these Michelin tires retain remarkable control and precision no matter the conditions. The deep, V-shaped treads are designed to bite into snow, grabbing plenty of friction with the road surface below.
Michelin uses a high silica compound too, giving you extra grip and stability in cold winter temperatures when you need it most.
In my experience, the wet braking abilities of these tires are practically unbeatable. Even in pouring rain or light snow, they stop your vehicle reliably and quickly time after time.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV also delivers excellent wet lateral stability, giving you the confidence to handle curves and corners despite the weather.
While optimized for winter use, you’ll find these tires still perform admirably well on dry roads too. Noise levels are low, providing a quiet and comfortable ride. The unique tread design also resists rapid wear, so with proper maintenance, you can expect several seasons of use without needing replacement.
When researching tires, durability can be a big question mark. But from what I’ve seen, these Michelin tires stand up impressively over many miles of driving and retain their grip and stopping power season after season.
Overall, if you want a versatile winter tire that gives you control and peace of mind no matter what the weather throws your way, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV delivers.
What I like
- Its constant performance over wet conditions is what I like most about this tire.
- The treads that make it free from aquaplaning.
- Durable
- Less noise level
- Great handling
What I dislike
- Average rolling resistance.
- Costly
Helpful reviews
- Pros:
The wet grip is very good;
Dry and snow grip is good;
Excellent handling in dry and wet conditions;
Damage resistant boards;
Cons:
Very bad in Slush Road;
Bad in the sharp corner on an icy road;
- After using PA4’s for 3 winters, even if I could not find any information about PA5, I trusted the brand and bought them. The old ones were perfect as we can see in every single review and they amazingly made a better tire. It is significantly more direct in the steering wheel and more quiet. Never disappointed me in the snow with my RWD car.
- This is by far the best winter I have used. I live in the Alps and use every weekend to go from 300m to 1740m ski resort. I have needed to chain up even with 30cm of snow. On the packed snow/ice no issues even from standing start on gradient. Knowing the road I push the corners and straights with the knowledge they do not let me down
2. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Load Range: XL
Load Index:96V
Max PSI: 50
In winter driving, having the right tires can make all the difference in keeping you safe on snowy and icy roads. Personally for me who has used the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 tires, these are designed to convey top-notch winter performance.
Bridgestone equipped these tires with an innovative rubber compound that retains flexibility even in extremely freezing conditions. This gives you an excellent grip on snow-covered roads when many other tires would simply spin out.
The tread is also specially configured to improve traction and water evacuation as you drive, reducing the risk of hydroplaning on wet winter surfaces.
It is equipped with the 3D sipes across the tread blocks. These small slits generate extra biting edges to take hold of slick roads and give you a better handle and control of ice and snow. Due to this feature also, the LM005 stops shorter in winter conditions than other tires, thanks to the enhanced traction.
An embedded polymer called NanoPro-Tech helps boost fuel efficiency while also ramping up wet grip. It even extends the lifespan of the tire so you can rely on the LM005’s performance across multiple winter driving seasons.
The full construction of this Bridgestone tire is engineered to distribute pressure evenly across the tread for more stable handling and smoother braking. Combined with the winter traction technologies, you’ll experience less tire wear over time too.
So now Drivers don’t have to worry when roads turn slippery, I’ve found the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 to be a smart choice that delivers impressive snow and ice traction you can depend on.
The cutting-edge technologies integrated throughout set it apart from other winter tire options.
What I like
- Excellent performance on snow and ice-covered roads.
- The tire’s new tread pattern, advanced compound, and 3D sipes work.
- the superior strength and fuel efficiency due to the NanoPro-Tech polymer make it a multipurpose and economical option for winter driving.
What I dislike
- It may produce slightly more road noise compared to others.
- the initial cost of the LM005 may seem slightly higher than other similar models on the market
Helpful reviews
“This is my third winter of riding them and they are still absolutely brilliant. I live in an area in Germany with lots of hills and steep climbs and winters are 50% snow and 50% rain. Under these conditions, the tires work perfectly and are always predictable. Especially compared to the Pirellis sotto zero that I had before, the Bridgestone is the complete solution for sporty drivers in winter.”
“I probably would have bought the Bridgestones, if money was no issue. Less for the spirited driving, though I enjoy that as well once in a while, but rather for being prepared for possible weather situations.”
3. Continental CrossContact LX25
Load Range: SL
Load Index:95
Traction: A
Temperature: A
Max PSI: 51PSI
As the 4th largest tire manufacturer worldwide, Continental put its engineering expertise to good use creating the Continental CrossContact all-weather tires, I can vouch for their abilities across different road conditions.
Whether cruising smoothly on the highway or traversing off-road terrain, these premium Continental CrossContact LX25 tires provide a great balance of your comfort, performance, and stability.
One of the things I love is that the CrossContact works well in dry or wet conditions, on pavement, or loose gravel, all while delivering a quiet and peaceful ride. So you don’t have to constantly swap out tires as the seasons change – this model has you covered year-round.
Continental designed the tread pattern specifically to remain gripped no matter the weather, thanks to optimized grooves that bite through snow, channel away water on rainy roads, and maintain contact in dry environments.
The company also utilized its advanced DuraGen rubber compound, which ultimately extends the tread life by resisting cuts, punctures, and excessive wear over many miles.
Riding on CrossContact tires, I’ve noticed the shock-absorbing qualities that contribute to a smooth and comfortable journey over uneven terrain.
Despite their rugged resiliency, these tires don’t produce disruptive road noise or vibration inside the cabin making your ride smooth and quiet.
So if you want customizable all-weather performance for your SUV, I highly recommend test-driving a set. They’ll have you covered on pavements and trailways through every season.
What I like
- Excellent grip which makes it free from skidding in wet places
- It’s versatile performance in various weather conditions.
- Quiet and noiseless
- Shock absorbing technology
What I dislike
- Not built for extreme off-roading
- Its performance on heavy snow surfaces is below satisfactory.
Helpful reviews
“Bought these set of tires at discount tires. Rotation every 6k miles helps exceed my expectations and warranty. Currently; I’ve put 88k miles on them. The tires are great in dry, wet, damp, and icy conditions. It has great tread life, great stop distance, and a quiet ride until you hit 85k miles or more. I’m on a budget and have a 1.5-hour commute to and from work.
Because of my job; I’m on the road at least 8 hours daily. Before COVID, I was ridesharing too. These tires saved me a lot of money on gas too. The only downside I’m thinking of getting specific winter tires. Why? In Chicago land area and Illinois, there’s a lot of rural and farmers road that I travel through.”
“I bought these tires because I loved my old Contis. These are an “upgraded” replacement for my Q5. Good: very quiet tires. Bad: at 70-75 they start to humm. Humming sound oscillates in a sing-song way. —They hunt at highway speed. They don’t want to point straight ahead.
Back and forth they go always needing a touch of wheel adjustment. The biggest issue: is a lot lower gas mileage. I’m getting 1 mile less per gallon. That’s about 4% less mileage. That, frankly, is extremely disappointing. I love Continental tires, but the problems on these tires are unacceptable. I’ll probably keep them for a while, but they will be changed out shortly. Sorry.”
4. Pirelli scorpion Verde II All Seasons
Load Range: SL-XL
Load Index:100-116
Traction: A
Temperature: A
Warranty:65000
Max PSI: 44-50 PSI
As an SUV owner looking for a versatile, long-lasting tire, I can say the Pirelli Scorpion Verde II delivers excellent performance across different terrains.
Engineered for both on-road comfort and off-road resilience, these tires provide you the confidence and control no matter where you are heading.
After test-driving numerous models, the Scorpion Verde II stood out for its ability to transmit stable traction in dry conditions, wet pavement, and even light snow.
Pirelli tires are renowned for their tread compound, which grips nicely while resisting wear – I’ve noticed hardly any tear or damage even after miles of rough driving.
The tread pattern itself is optimized to channel water away efficiently, preventing hydroplaning situations when roads are slick. This leads to pleasant, comfortable rides even through rainy weather. On loose gravel and dirt, the Scorpion Verde II maintains composure where some highway-focused tires lose their footing.
Beyond traction, I’ve been impressed by how much these tires improve steering precision and lateral stability during sudden maneuvers.
Even when forced to swerve sharply or brake hard, the SUV reacts reliably and tracks straight thanks to the Pirelli design. This gives every user peace of mind out on remote backroads.
A bonus is that the advanced compound and contours lower rolling resistance, boosting overall fuel efficiency on lengthy trips.
For an SUV tire optimized for longevity across pavement and dirt, gravel, grass, and uneven terrain, I recommend drivers give the versatile, smooth-handling Scorpion Verde II a look. Pirelli hit a home run with this model.
What I like
- All-season performance, allowing for use in various road conditions.
- Long-lasting tread life
- Fuel efficiency makes investment more worth it.
- Smooth and quiet ride
- Excellent handling and grip
What I dislike
- Not suitable for rough surfaces ( light off-road as well)
- Slightly higher price
Helpful reviews
“I put these on a 2013 Ford Explorer 4WD and I am very happy with my purchase. These tires are smooth comfortable riding tires and don’t feel like they give a lot of resistance. I drive 124 miles a day to and from work and these are a great choice.
They are pretty quiet for the most part and I would recommend buying these tires. So far my picks for highway tires are a mix between these and the BFGoodrich advantage t/a sport tires I’ve now had both and I would recommend both if looking for a good highway tire.”
“Never would I have thought about putting Pirelli tires on my pickup truck. I have always been very pleased with this brand, I have a set of Pirelli’s on my Audi TT. I am extremely satisfied so far, driven in wet dry, and winter conditions and all is great. I also trailer a 21 ft travel trailer, excited to feel the performance then. These tires grab the road and provide a very comfortable ride, especially in trucks.. no road noise. The process of ordering the set and having it delivered to my installation center was super easy. Customer service 5-star rating”
“I got 4 a little over 2 years ago and rears have about 20% of life left. Fronts about 40%. My 2014 Grand Cherokee is rwd so makes sense. I’ve driven about 25k miles. Expected much more from them. On the positive side, I love them because they are extremely quiet and perform amazing in the wet and dry.
I drive quickly and their grip is incredible for a vehicle of this size. Previous tires could not keep up with my driving style. I did a lot of power slides and skidding especially in light rain but these even with little life left still stuck in the rain. My biggest complaint would be tire life. I don’t see them online anymore so the only clear contender for my tire size is the Defender LTX m/s and they sound like they perform similarly but with proper tire life. Just wanted to let people know my experience through my set.”
5. Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
Load Range: SL
Load Index:96
Traction: A
Temperature: B
Warranty:60000
Max PSI: 51
I’m always searching for SUV tires that can handle rugged terrain while still ensuring a smooth and quiet highway ride.
After test-driving numerous all-terrains, the Yokohama Geolander A/T G015 stands out for blending capable performance across paved roads, muddy trails, rocky landscapes, and more.
Through my experience off-roading on these Yokohamas, they dominate surfaces from snowy hills to sandy dunes thanks to the durable tread compound and sturdy construction.
The treads incorporate a unique triple polymer blend designed to withstand miles of rocky paths and continue gripping effectively. Even when flying over bumpy dirt trails, these tires add confidence and control so you can focus on the adventure.
Despite the rugged capabilities, you never feel like I’m sacrificing on-road comfort with the Geolander A/T G015s. The specialized tread pattern delivers a quiet, smooth ride when cruising down highways. Advanced contouring and contact design make these tires adapt easily between off-road exertion and relaxed driving.
One feature that impresses me is the circumferential notches built across the treads. These grooves efficiently channel water out from under the tires, preventing hydroplaning situations even when I get caught in heavy downpours on the freeway.
For all-terrain versatility and longevity, it’s hard to find a better value than these Yokohama tires. They come with an impressive 60,000 limited-mile warranty and 30-day guarantee – a testament to their durability.
If you need an SUV tire to rely on for off-road strength and on-road comfort, you must consider the Geolander A/T G015.
What I like
- Its good performance on a variety of terrain dirt roads to highways ensures balanced performance without sacrificing efficiency or comfort.
- Its eye-catching design of rugged sidewall and bold tread pattern adds an element of style to our vehicle.
- Noise reduction on paved roads makes rides more enjoyable.
What I dislike
- It may struggle in extreme snow and ice conditions.
- Low fuel efficiency.
Helpful reviews
“I have only driven 2,500 miles. On dry pavement, they are quiet and comfortable. I drive a Ram 1500 4X4 so it has a little weight. In the rain, it slides around. Corners and turns are scary at over 10 MPH. I am waiting to see how they do in the snow.”
“First year: Best tires I had. Excellent grip in every condition. 10,000 km in first-year tread depth from 9.5mm to 8mm.
Second year: Left with 20-30% of initial wet and snow grip and much harder tire compound. The dry grip is still ok. OFF off-road grip is still good but became very bad at the rocks especially in the wet(Almost like on ICE). Another 10,000 km in second-year tread depth from 8mm to 7.3mm.
Third year: Will I crash the car or throw them away? They are history. Bought New rims And went with AGAIN with YOKOHAMAS but mud terrain G003.
Overall: I would NOT recommend them if you are not doing a lot of miles. They are very good when they are brand new but they deteriorate EXTREMELY FAST as you can see from my post.
SIDE NOTE: GO15 is very good in the mud almost like MT tire but slippery on the rocks and this is not an exaggeration.”
6. Toyo Open Country A/T III:
Load Range: SL
Load Index:112
Traction: A
Temperature: B
Warranty:65000
Max PSI: 44PSI
From off-roading to daily driving for those who depend on SUVs, we look for all-terrain tires that can handle both ragged trails and paved roads.
After logging miles on the Toyo Open Country A/T III, I can say these tires live up to their reputation for performance and durability across conditions.
Created using innovative tread technologies and time-tested craftsmanship, the Open Country A/T IIIs provide me with responsive traction whether I’m traversing muddy ruts or cruising down wet highways.
Toyo optimized the tread block positioning and angles to grip everything from dirt and gravel to snowy paths. I’ve tested these across surfaces, and the stability and control give me real confidence in the tire’s all-terrain versatility.
Despite punishing uneven trails, the durable construction resists punctures, tears, and damage remarkably well.
You can be constantly impressed with how these Toyos stand up to rugged use without any signs of excessive wear. And the quiet ride is a nice bonus during long days on desolate trails.
In rainy and snowy conditions, the silica-infused tread compound enhances wet braking and winter performance. During my testing, I noticed much shorter stopping distances on slick roads compared to other all-terrain options. The extra sipes and grooves give the tire those extra biting edges for traction when you need it.
For a powerful all-terrain tire equipped for off-road exertion but created for everyday commutes too, the Toyo Open Country A/T III is a superb option to consider.
So once you use it will be keeping these on your SUV for years to come thanks to the unmatched performance
What I like
- Versatility in adaptation to various terrain conditions.
- Silent and comfortable ride.
- Good off-road traction.
What I dislike
- The tread life is significantly low.
- Enhance wet traction for safety during rainy days
Helpful review
“I’ve had the AT3s since August 2021 on my ’19 Ram 1500. Great for everyday use, has excellent traction and handling on dry and wet, and is quieter than some other comparable brands/tires. I recently got our first significant snowfall (about 20 cm over 12 hours). Wet heavy snow and these tires handled incredibly well. Was out driving all day for work and these handled and braked great through the snow. Very impressed. Would highly recommend it.”
“I put these tires on my f250 gas last summer. Very quiet. Went through our first snow this winter and performed extremely well. Tested it on snow/ice with hard braking and it slowed with very little slip. So far we are very pleased with these tires. Only have about 10k on them with little wear.”
“I went from the at2 to the at3 on my lifted Silverado and they perform exceptionally, much better than any other brand that I have had on my truck and my customers love the way they look on my truck when their pricing out tires, I never have any issues selling a set of them.”
7. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
Load Range: SL
Load Index:95
Traction: A
Temperature: A
Warranty:60000
Max PSI: 51PSI
You, someone who drives in all seasons, will prefer versatile all-weather tires that can perform well in sun, rain, or snow.
After testing out the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady model, I’m thoroughly impressed by its capabilities across variable conditions.
Equipped with Goodyear’s advanced TractionTech technology, these tires grip and maneuver smoothly on dry pavement yet still provide exceptional wet and snowy traction. Driving them through heavy spring showers and winter storms alike and their control never wavers. Multi-zoned treads and evolving traction grooves create adaptable biting edges that take hold in changing environments.
One of my favorite features is the specialized tread compound, which minimizes road noise for a peaceful ride even at highway speeds.
Despite the added traction features, the Assurance WeatherReady delivers a quiet, smooth roll both around town and on your lengthy trips.
Through my experience, these Goodyear tires offer long-lasting tread life as well, saving drivers money in the long run. Durable construction designed to resist wear and tear has allowed my set to maintain traction and stop safely even after months of autumn leaves, snowstorms, and hot summer road trips.
With the solid 60-day guarantee and 60,000-mile warranty provided, drivers can feel confident investing in the Assurance WeatherReady model. I’d certainly recommend these tires to fellow drivers needing reliable year-round performance through whatever weather comes their way.
What I like
- Versatile performance in varying seasons.
- Strong traction on both dry and wet surfaces
- Silky smooth ride
- Whisper quiet technology that minimizes noise
- Best tread life which is the exceptional value of money
What I dislike
- Slightly higher price tag compared to standard all-season products.
- Low fuel efficient
Helpful reviews
“High Rolling Friction wrecks fuel-efficient vehicles
My car averaged 54 mpg with my old set of tires. The first day using my WeatherReady tires saw my MPG plummet to the 30’s. I have been driving with these new tires for 6 months and have only averaged 39 mpg. Very disappointed with the high rolling friction of these tires. Other than that they work well.
“Great ride and comfort on the road and great performance in rain and snow. My last set lasted 65,000 miles and wore very well in that time. Slightly more than the cheapest tires but I recommend them to anyone.”
Related
Choosing Tires for SUV: Buying Guide
1. Understanding your SUV’s Tire Needs:
– Size and type compatibility: Familiarize yourself with the recommended tire size and type specified by your SUV’s manufacturer.
– Climate considerations: Determine the prevailing weather conditions in your area as they influence the type of tires required – all-season, winter, or all-terrain.
– Driving habits and terrain: Assess your driving habits, including the majority of your driving conditions (highway, city, off-road). This will help you determine the ideal tread pattern and tire durability.
2. Tire Categories for SUVs:
– All-Season Tires: Exploring the benefits and limitations of all-season tires, which offer a balance of performance on wet and dry roads alike.
– Winter Tires: Understand the importance of winter tires for SUVs and how their specialized rubber compounds and tread patterns enhance grip and traction on ice and snow.
– All-Terrain Tires: Discover the versatility of all-terrain tires, designed to handle various terrains, from mud and gravel to rocky surfaces.
3. Tread Patterns
– Symmetric, asymmetrical, or directional patterns: Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each tread design and choose accordingly, considering your driving needs and preferences.
– Considerations for noise and comfort: Learn how to strike a balance between tread pattern aggressiveness and ride comfort.
4. Essential Safety Features:
– Wet traction technology: Explore tire technologies that enhance grip and prevent hydroplaning, crucial for SUVs in wet and rainy conditions.
– Braking performance: Discover the importance of responsive braking, especially for heavy and powerful SUVs.
– Handling and stability: Learn about tire features that improve handling and stability during cornering and sudden maneuvers.
5. Tire Longevity and Value:
– Tire lifespan: Understand the factors that affect tire durability, such as treadwear rating, tire construction, and maintenance routine.
– Performance vs. economy: Strike a balance between performance capabilities and budget constraints, considering the longevity and value for money.
FAQs
- What is the best tire type for an SUV?
- All-terrain, all-season, and highway terrain tires are common recommendations for SUVs depending on the climate and how much off-road driving you do. All terrains perform best off-road, all seasons are good for areas with mixed weather, and highway tires prioritize on-road performance.
- What tire features should I look for?
- Important features to consider are tread life, traction, ride comfort, and noise level. Look for deep tread depths, zig-zag or intermediate tread patterns, stiff sidewalls, and technologies like silica in the tread compound to improve different aspects of performance.
- What is the best tire size for my SUV?
- Check your owner’s manual or current tires for the OEM tire size and load index rating that is recommended for your specific SUV make, model, and trim. Choosing the right load range and sizing ensures good handling, braking, and safety.
- How often should I rotate my SUV tires?
- Rotating every 5,000-8,000 miles helps evenly distribute wear and extends tire life. Follow a front-to-back rotation pattern keeping the same sides if you have directional tires.
- How do I know when to replace my worn SUV tires?
- Replace them when the tread depth wears down to 2/32 of an inch. Uneven tire wear, vibration, poor wet/snow traction, and tread cracks wider than 1/4 inch also indicate replacement time. Checking tread depth with penny or quarter tests is easy.
