Top Tires for Cars, SUVs, and Trucks According to Consumer Reports
Choosing the right tires can significantly impact your vehicle’s handling, braking distance, and overall performance. Consumer Reports (CR) conducts extensive testing to identify the top tire models for various vehicle types. With a massive testing program, CR evaluates hundreds of tires annually, offering valuable insights to help you make an informed purchase.
This article highlights the top tire picks for different vehicle categories, along with key factors considered and findings from CR’s testing program.
How Consumer Reports Tests Tires
CR’s comprehensive tire testing program includes evaluations in several areas.
- Performance Tests: Wet and dry braking, handling, and resistance to hydroplaning are assessed at the Auto Test Center.
- Winter Condition Tests: Snow traction is evaluated in northern Michigan, and ice braking tests are done at a skating rink.
- Rolling Resistance: Lab simulations are used to measure rolling resistance, which affects fuel economy.
- Treadwear Tests: Real-world treadwear tests are conducted on Texas roads over 16,000 miles to predict tread life.
These tests help determine the overall performance and durability of the tire models.
Best Tire for Cars and Small SUVs
For most mainstream cars and small SUVs, all-season tires are a great choice due to the balanced performance, long tread life and affordability. The Michelin Defender2 stands out in this category.
- Michelin Defender2: This tire gets high marks for dry braking, resisting hydroplaning, snow traction, and quiet operation. With a projected tread life of 100,000 miles, it represents a significant long-term value.
Best Tire for Sports Cars
Sports cars, sporty luxury cars, and performance-tuned SUVs often use ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires for their superior grip and handling. These tires are designed for enhanced performance in both wet and dry conditions.
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4: This UHP tire excels in dry braking, hydroplaning resistance, and noise levels. It also provides great handling, snow traction, and wet surface braking.
Best Tire for Midsized SUVs
All-season SUV tires are designed for modern crossovers or midsized SUVs. These tires offer balanced performance, ride comfort, and load capacity suitable for two- and three-row vehicles.
- Michelin CrossClimate2: This all-season SUV tire earns high marks in all tests, including wet and dry conditions. It also stands out because it is an all-weather tire, making it suitable for cold-weather use. Its long tread life is a great value.
Best Tire for Pickup Trucks
For pickup trucks, all-season truck tires are designed to handle the demands of heavy loads and trailers, providing reliable performance in various conditions.
- Continental TerrainContact H/T: This tire earns high scores for snow traction and noise. Handling, and ice braking performance are also above average. It has a long predicted tread life.
Best Tire for Off-Roaders
All-terrain truck tires provide off-road capability while also offering on-road performance. Their rugged tread design delivers good traction on pavement and loose surfaces, although there can be some compromises with braking and handling.
- Continental TerrainContact A/T: This tire scores well in most categories, including braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance. It also provides low noise, particularly important in the off-road category.
Best Tire for Cars in Winter
Winter/snow tires are essential for superior grip in cold and snowy conditions. These tires have special rubber compounds and tread patterns for optimal performance on ice and snow.
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5: This tire dominates in the winter category. It provides exceptional snow traction. Dry braking, hydroplaning resistance, ride comfort, and noise are all good, making it a popular choice.
By considering vehicle type and driving needs, you can use these recommendations to find the best tires for your car, enhancing your driving experience and safety.
