- Testing Methodology
- Importance of All-Season Tires
- Top Longest-Lasting SUV All-Season Tires
- Tips to Extend Tire Life
Choosing the right tires for your SUV can be challenging given the vast number of options available, each offering different benefits. Ultimately, drivers want tires that deliver good performance, safety, cost-effectiveness, and long tread life. In this context, Consumer Reports conducted extensive testing on SUV all-season tires to identify the best in terms of longevity.
Testing Methodology
Consumer Reports conducted rigorous testing by driving the tires 1,000 miles daily for 16 consecutive days, totaling 16,000 miles. The tires were evaluated until the tread depth reached 1/16 of an inch, the minimum safe driving limit. Tire life is influenced by factors such as maintenance, driving style, wheel alignment, tire rotation, and environmental conditions.
Importance of All-Season Tires
All-season tires are a versatile choice for most drivers, offering a balance of performance on dry and wet roads, along with reasonable stability and comfort. While they may not excel in sporty driving or severe off-road conditions, they are the most commonly used tires.
Top Longest-Lasting SUV All-Season Tires
Michelin CrossClimate2
Topping the list with an impressive tread life of up to 95,000 miles according to Consumer Reports, and a treadwear warranty of 60,000 miles. These tires perform excellently in snow and ice and have high owner satisfaction. Priced around $245.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
Second place with an expected tread life of 85,000 miles, offering great snow performance and low rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency. Prices start at $202.Goodyear Assurance
Offers up to 75,000 miles of tread life, with good noise reduction. Priced around $227, suitable for those preferring quiet rides in non-severe snowy areas.Continental CrossContact
Recommended by Consumer Reports, with 75,000 miles tread life, excellent noise reduction, and speed rating up to 149 mph. Priced about $219.
Yokohama Geolandar CV
Tread life up to 70,000 miles, good rolling resistance and handling, but lowest owner satisfaction in the list. Highest price at around $311.Nitto NT421Q
Similar tread life to Sumitomo but higher overall rating, speed rated up to 130 mph, and average performance.Sumitomo Encounter HT2
Good tread life but lowest owner satisfaction and performance ratings. Cheapest option starting at $162.Vredestein HiTrac
Offers 60,000 miles tread life with a warranty up to 70,000 miles, speed rated to 149 mph, considered reliable with a moderate price.
Tips to Extend Tire Life
Drive smoothly, avoiding sudden acceleration, hard braking, and sharp turns.
Maintain proper tire pressure, alignment, and rotate tires regularly.
Avoid rough roads or severe conditions that accelerate wear.
Choosing the right SUV tires involves balancing performance, safety, price, and tread life. According to Consumer Reports, Michelin CrossClimate2 offers the longest tread life, followed by Pirelli and Goodyear, with other options fitting various budgets and needs. Proper maintenance and moderate driving habits can significantly extend tire life.