Best Tyres for SUVs

What size tyres do you recommend for your sport utility vehicle? That is subject to the person you ask. Tires for your SUV were probably not at the top of the list for the factory when they made their decision. You might be concerned about the vehicle’s capacity to handle harsh winter conditions, or you might place a premium on aspects like fuel economy and a comfortable ride. The good thing is that there are a variety of SUV tyre options to choose from, so you can find ones that meet your specific needs.

Our Golden Wrench Awards for tyres were just announced on Car Talk. In this section, we will discuss the best tyres currently available for your sport utility vehicle or crossover.

Golden Wrench Awards Winners for Best SUV/Crossover Tire

1. Continental CrossContact LX25

Our Golden Wrench winner is the Continental CrossContact LX25, which has remarkable all-season performance along with excellent handling and traction in dry, wet, and light snow situations.

2. Michelin CrossClimate SUV

The CrossClimate SUV is awarded the Golden Wrench for its superior all-weather performance in categories like grip, treadwear, handling, and passenger comfort.

3. Cooper Discoverer SRX

Our Golden Wrench award goes to the Cooper Tires Discoverer SRX for its outstanding all-season performance and lengthy tread life.

4. Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus 2

Our Silver Wrench goes to the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus 2, a tyre that takes environmental considerations seriously while yet providing reliable performance in all weather conditions.

5. BFGoodrich Advantage TA Sport LT

Our Silver Wrench winner is the BFGoodrich Advantage TA Sport LT, which has a long tread life and reliable handling throughout the year.

Car Talk’s Methodology

Over 30 different factors were used to determine where each tyre on this list finally landed.

• Consumer Satisfaction: Consumer feedback regarding their experiences with specific tyre models from each of these brands was collected.

• Industry Professionals: Researchers from Car Talk polled more than 800 mechanics and industry professionals throughout the country to get their thoughts.
• Government Reporting: statistics for durability and safety.
• Tire Quality and Engineering: An individual’s choice of tyre brand was affected by the tire’s overall quality and the level of engineering or ingenuity that went into its production.
• Performance: Car Talk examined the performance of tyres from these specific brands in various weather scenarios.

Best Tires for SUV/Crossover

Continental CrossContact LX25

Our Golden Wrench winner is the Continental CrossContact LX25, which has good handling and traction in dry, wet, and light snowy situations as well as positive reviews and ratings.

• Excellent reviews and ratings
• Superior all-season capabilities
• Available sizes: 16” – 22

Michelin CrossClimate SUV

The CrossClimate SUV was awarded the Golden Wrench for its superior performance in every season with regard to handling, traction, and tread life. The CrossClimate’s unique tread design provides superior traction and stability in all weather.

• Superior, innovative tread pattern
• Excellent reviews and ratings
• Available sizes: 16” – 20”

Cooper Discoverer SRX

Our Golden Wrench award goes to the Cooper Tires Discoverer SRX for its outstanding all-season performance and outstanding customer ratings.

• Solid reviews and ratings
• Long tread life
• Available sizes: 16” – 22”

Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus 2

Our Silver Wrench goes to the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus 2 for its cutting-edge construction, genuine all-season performance, and extensive tread life.

• Environmentally conscious technology
• Great all-season performance
• Available sizes: 16” – 22”

BFGoodrich Advantage TA Sport LT

Our Silver Wrench winner is the BFGoodrich Advantage TA Sport LT, which excels in snow and extreme situations and has stable handling throughout the year.

• Great reviews and ratings
• Solid handling and grip
• Available sizes: 15” – 22”

Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max

Our Bronze Wrench is awarded to the Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max tyre because it provides excellent durability, dry, wet, and snow traction, as well as improved fuel efficiency.

• Good fuel economy
• Reliable and durable
• Available sizes: 17” – 18”

Honorable Mentions and Writer’s Picks By Size

When it comes to sport utility vehicles, consumers also have several options. The Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Jeep Cherokee are just a few examples of compact sport utility vehicles. The Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Volkswagen Atlas, and Honda Pilot are all examples of midsize sport utility vehicles. Large sport utility vehicles (SUVs) like the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Nissan Armada rank highest.

All sorts of vehicles could use tyres of such sizes. Depending on the type of SUV you keep in your garage, we’ve listed some runner-up and staff picks for tyres.

Small SUVs

Best 17-inch Tires for Small SUVs (Includes Ford Escape)

• Riken Raptor VR – Best budget tire
• BFGoodrich Advantage T/AS Sport LT – Best mid-priced tire
• Yokohama Geolandar G91AV – Best superior tire

Best 18-inch Tires for Small SUVs (Includes Honda CR-V)

• Laufenn S Fit AS – Best budget tire
• Continental CrossContact LX Sport – Best mid-priced tire
• Michelin Latitude Tour HP – Best superior tire

Best 19-inch Tires for Small SUVs (Includes Toyota RAV4)

• Laufenn S Fit AS – Best budget tire
• Continental ContiSportContact 5 SUV – Best mid-priced tire
• Goodyear Eagle LS-2 – Best superior tire

Midsize SUVs

Best 18-inch Tires for Midsize SUVs (Includes Honda Pilot)

• Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 – Best budget tire
• Continental VikingContact 7 – Best mid-priced tire
• Michelin Latitude Tour HP – Best superior tire

Best 19-inch Tires for Midsize SUVs (Includes Kia Sorento)

• Laufenn S Fit AS  – Best budget tire
• Continental VikingContact 7 – Best mid-priced tire
• Michelin Latitude Tour HP – Best superior tire

Best 20-inch Tires for Midsize SUVs (Includes Volkswagen Atlas)

• Laufenn S Fit AS – Best budget tire
• Firestone Destination LE3 – Best mid-priced tire
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV – Best superior tire

Best 21-inch Tires for Midsize SUVs (Includes Ford Explorer)

• Yokohama Geolandar X-CV – Best budget tire
• Continental CrossContact LX Sport – Best mid-priced tire
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV – Best superior tire

Large SUVs

Best 18-inch Tires for Large SUVs (Includes Toyota Sequoia)

• Kumho Crugen HT51 – Best budget tire
• Continental TerrainContact H/T – Best mid-priced tire
• Michelin LTX A/S – Best superior tire

Best 20-inch Tires for Large SUVs (Includes Nissan Armada)

• Laufenn X Fit HT – Best budget tire
• Firestone Destination A/T2 – Best mid-priced tire
• Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT – Best superior tire

Best 22-inch Tires for Large SUVs (Includes Chevrolet Tahoe)

• Kumho Crugen HP71 – Best budget tire
• Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus – Best mid-priced tire
• Continental PremiumContact 6 – Best superior tire

Original Equipment SUV Tires

SUV tyre sizes vary widely, not only from one SUV to the next but also depending on whatever trim level of a single SUV you choose to purchase. The most important thing is to get a tyre that fits the wheel you currently have on your car, so first, figure out what size your wheels are, and then look up the best tyres in that size.

Top Replacement Tire Brands for SUVs

We’ve suggested three sets of replacement tyres, ranging from affordable to extravagant. There is an extensive selection of SUVs available for you to choose from, no matter how much money you have to spend. Consumer surveys have given each of these tyres four stars or better for the 2020 model year:

17-inch Tires for SUVs

• Budget: Riken Raptor VR – For only $84 per tyre, this all-season grand tourer tyre provides excellent handling, a comfortable ride, and year-round traction.
• Moderately Priced: Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II These $142.30 Pirellis garnered excellent reviews from customers in all weather situations and top points for comfort.
• Cost-No-Object: Michelin Latitude Sport 3 – – The Latitude Sport 3 is a more expensive option at $191 per tyre, but it performs admirably in both dry and rainy conditions.

18-inch Tires for SUVs

• Budget: Laufenn S Fit AS – Consumers awarded these great scores for comfort and dry season performance for a price of $110 per tyre, but not for winter weather.
• Moderately Priced: Michelin Defender LTX M/S – For $207 per tyre, you may get long tread life, all-season performance, and a comfortable ride.
• Cost-No-Object: Michelin Primacy MXM4 – At a premium price of $264 per tyre, you receive a tyre with excellent ratings for comfort and wet and dry performance.

19-inch Tires for SUVs

• Budget: Laufenn S Fit AS – At $115 per tyre, this tyre is yet another great selection for under $200 that performs well in dry weather and comfort but not in cold weather.
• Moderately Priced: Michelin Primacy MXM4 – – This tyre, which starts at $209, strikes a mix between comfort and performance.
• Cost-No-Object: Michelin Latitude Sport 3 – The Latitude Sport 3 tyres cost $242 each and perform admirably in both dry and rainy situations.

20-inch Tires for SUVs

• Budget: Laufenn S Fit AS – Given that particular tyre keeps popping up as a reliable low-cost option, you might be noticing a pattern. It costs $128 in this size and functions best on wet and dry roads.
• Moderately Priced: Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady – With excellent ratings for snow, wet, and dry weather, decent treadwear performance, and a smooth ride at $205 per tyre, this tyre is a reliable performer.
• Cost-No-Object: Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season – For $267 per tyre, you may have dependable performance in all weather conditions and a smooth ride.

21-inch Tires for SUVs

• Budget: Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus – Even cheap tyres get expensive at this size. The Dueler tyre costs $260 per tyre and offers all-year traction, a long tread life, and a comfortable ride.
• Moderately Priced: Vredestein Quatrac Pro – Priced at $290 per tire, these receive high marks from consumers in all weather along with high ratings for comfort and treadwear.
• Cost-No-Object: Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season – This all-season tyre, which costs $315 per tyre and helps to maximize fuel efficiency, receives top grades for wet and dry performance.

22-inch Tires for SUVs

• Budget: Kumho Crugen HP71 – This all-season tyre, which costs only $186 per tyre, performs best in dry conditions and receives top marks for comfort.
• Moderately Priced: Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 – The Blizzak tyre costs $301 per tyre and has excellent ratings in all weather conditions. It is rated for extreme ice and snow.
• Cost-No-Object: Pirelli Scorpion Winter – The Scorpion costs a lot ($397 per tyre), yet it performs superbly in wet, dry, and snow conditions.

When Should You Replace Tires?

Any vehicle, not just your SUV, should change its tyres when they reach the following two regular milestones: miles and time.

The vast majority of SUV owners will have traveled more miles than their original equipment tyres were designed to cover before they reach the tire’s useable age, given that most drivers log between 12,000 and 15,000 miles annually.

The UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grade) rating of your tyre might help you estimate how long it will last. Regarding temperature, traction, and treadwear, tyre manufacturers assign their own grades to tyres. When looking up tyres online, a three-digit number and a UTQG will appear next to the tyre name (ex. 500 A A).

If you read this rating for the tyres, you can learn a little bit about them:

• 500 – An evaluation of a tire’s durability in comparison to a control tyre with a tread life of 100. Tires run a 640 km course for 11,520 km to receive a grade. To estimate the tread life, the tread depth is measured every 1,280 km. The expected treadlife increases with the number.
• A – A tire’s traction rating, or how well it stops in slick circumstances, is represented by this letter. Following AA as the highest letter grade are A, B, and C.
• A – The Temperature rating, which denotes how well a tyre withstands intense heat, is represented by the second letter in the UTQG. The highest ranking is A, followed by B and C.

Authentic equipment The Chevrolet Tahoe’s Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza tyres receive a strong 600 A A UTGQ rating. These tyres may last up to 60,000 miles before needing to be replaced, assuming they are not damaged.

Time is another thing to think about. On the sidewall of each tyre is a raised date code. The number starts with the letter “DOT” and then has 12 digits, divided into three groups of four. The third set of four numbers is the date code. Your tyres’ first two digits indicate the WEEK in which they were manufactured, and their next two digits indicate the YEAR.

For instance, if the date code on your tyre is 3217, that means the tyre was made between September 11 and September 17 of that year, which is the 37th week of 2017.

It’s time to think about replacing tyres after they reach the age of five. In addition to rubber and steel or kevlar belts, tyres also include compounds that increase their resistance to UV rays, temperature changes, and several other environmental threats. After around five years, those compounds start to degrade, and the tyres stop performing the necessary functions.

Why Not Replace with Original Equipment Tires?

There is no risk in replacing your tyres with factory-installed shoes. There are compelling reasons to buy something different, depending on the type of driver you are.

Depending on how often you drive, you only need to buy ONE set of tyres for your automobile every four years or so. Tires are purchased by an auto manufacturer in the tens of thousands. Cost is the primary consideration for the manufacturer when deciding which brand of the supplier to use.

Take into account your SUV’s driving style. Are you continuing to commute daily on the highway? Do you prioritize owning an SUV that won’t get stranded during the harshest of winter? Do you mostly enjoy traveling off-road? Choose replacement tyres for your SUV that are most suited to the type of driving you anticipate doing.

Changing SUV Tire Sizes

You can be looking for tyres to fit anything from 15-inch wheels for older models to 22-inch wheels with different widths and sidewall sizes along the way, depending on the year and model. Although it is possible to alter the diameters of the wheels and tyres, it is generally advised to maintain the same total diameter for the wheels and tyres. Therefore, reducing the size of an 18-inch wheel to a 17-inch wheel would require increasing the sidewall of the tyre in proportion to make up the difference.

Wheel downsizing provides benefits. Benefits comprise:

• Better ride quality – For bad road conditions, more rubber means more cushion.
• Cost reduction – Since large tyres are pricey, switching to a lower wheel size will result in less expensive tyre purchases.
• Seasonal changes – A wider range of smaller wheel sizes are available for winter and snow tyres, and the narrower footprint will offer superior traction.
• Off-road – To improve the vehicle’s capacity for shock absorption and bump traction on uneven surfaces, many drivers prefer to downsize their wheels for off-road use.

On the other hand, expanding the size of the wheels offers the following benefits:

• Better handling – Less rubber movement is caused by tyres with slimmer profiles.
• Better looks – Although this point is debatable, many individuals believe that larger wheels seem more attractive than smaller wheels with more rubber.
• Better braking – Larger, wider wheels offer a larger area of rubber to slow the car, resulting in a shorter stopping distance.

How to Read Tire Sizes

Understanding the numbers’ meanings is crucial when reading tyre sizes. Let’s continue using the 22-inch wheels and P285/45R22 110H all-season tyres on the Chevrolet Tahoe as our illustration:

• 285 – This number represents the tire’s width in millimeters measured from one sidewall to the other. The width of this tyre is 285 millimeters.

• 45 – This number represents the sidewall height, also known as the aspect ratio, as a proportion of tyre width. It is 45 percent or the breadth of the tyre in this instance.
• R stands for radial tyres. The most popular kind of car tyre, radials have tread that is reinforced with additional layers of rubber and fabric woven in at various angles.
• 22 represents the wheel diameter.
• 110 – The tire’s load rating.
• H – The tire’s speed rating. The top speed of H-rated tyres is 130 mph.

You may have noticed that an SUV has various diameters and aspect ratios. The same exterior diameter tyres are typically chosen by automakers. They are able to have just one speedometer setting thanks to this.

Let’s look at the many tyre kinds you have access to now that you understand how to read the size numbers on the tyres on your SUV. You can choose from a range of tyre types depending on the type of driving you do, where you live, and the weather:

• Touring and All-season tires – offer a comfortable ride, decent winter grip, good wet and dry traction, and longer tread life. Although these tyres can be used for winter driving, they cannot be expected to have the same traction and stopping ability as a specialist winter tyre.
• Performance tires – are concentrated on offering an athletic feel, greater wet and dry traction, and confident handling. Their greater ratings for grip and speed come at the expense of a shorter tread life and a worse ride.
• All-terrain tires – are created to provide good overall durability while maximizing off-road traction. Although their design results in increased noise and less comfort when driving, they offer adequate winter traction and tread wear.
• Winter and snow tires – are created with unique rubber materials that keep their pliability and grip in colder temperatures. In order to maximize the vehicle’s ability to start and stop on particularly slick roads, they are also constructed with unique tread patterns.
• SUV Tire FAQ

What’s the best brand of tires for an SUV?

This query has no resolution. For one class of vehicles over another, no one brand necessarily offers a better tyre. To determine what you want in a tyre, you must ask yourself several questions. Are you more interested in off-road performance or peaceful highway cruising? Are you more interested in a tyre with a long lifespan or one with an excellent cornering grip? From there, you may start to focus your search and select tyres within your price range.

What is the best SUV tire pressure?

You can find a white and yellow label inside your driver’s side door that will tell you the precise tyre pressure recommendations for your SUV type. Additionally, the number of passengers, cargo, and off-road situations you’re hauling can affect the tyre pressure. Keep in mind that the pressure in the tyre is never the right amount; rather, it is a maximum.

How often should I rotate my SUV’s tires?

When rotating tyres, the focus should be more on the tyre than the car. A standard rotation interval is from 5,000 to 7,000 miles, though certain vehicles and tyre types may alter those figures slightly. If you don’t have all-wheel or four-wheel drive, uneven tyre wear is more likely to occur, which makes rotating your tyres even more crucial. Don’t disregard this service.

What is the best SUV tire change kit?

Depending on your SUV, you may have a spare tyre installed on the exterior of the vehicle underneath the same region or inside the cargo compartment underneath the floor. Tools will be available as well for changing the tyre. In this situation, you already have everything you need to change the tyre physically, but just in case, you might want to bring along a second roadside emergency kit with a better lug wrench, jumper cables, and emergency markings.

Tire Buying FAQ

Where do I shop for the best prices?

Many online merchants, including Tire Rack, provide tyre discounts and free shipping on a regular basis. To further assist you in understanding what you are purchasing, their websites also include price estimators and tyre fit recommendations.

How much is shipping?

When you choose to have the tyres installed at a partner shop, the majority of online tyre retailers provide free shipping or discounted freight costs. The retailer might have a deal with a regional tyre chain or installation shop, in which case the tyres could be delivered free of charge.

How long does shipping take?

Tires may frequently be delivered to your selected installer in as little as two days thanks to retailers like Tire Rack that provide quick shipping. Many companies provide the same quick and free shipping, like Discount Tire Direct. Additionally, where you reside affects this. If you reside in a big

How much does it cost to install a tire?

When you buy tyres from certain stores, they’ll install them for free, and online sellers frequently advertise the same deal for customers who opt to have the installation done by one of their partners. Depending on what is required, you should anticipate paying anywhere from $15 and $50 per tyre if you do need to pay for tyre installation. For a secure and comfortable ride, that money is used to mount and balance the tyre.

Do I need to change the tire pressure monitoring system with tires?

Although the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is separate from your tyres, it should still be inspected on a regular basis to make sure no problems are developing. As part of routine tyre rotation or installation, your neighborhood tyre shop can carry out this inspection.

Can an online retailer help me with winter tires?

Yes! Nearly every online retailer’s website has the proper fit, tyre pattern, and speed rating available. Around the time when customers start looking for winter tyres, they occasionally offer discounts and rebates (late fall).

If I’m changing tire sizes or buying winter tires, should I buy a wheel and tire package from an online retailer?

It’s not necessary to purchase your wheels and tyres from the same store, but doing so increases your chances of saving money on the bundle. Look over the retailer’s current specials, then decide. Additionally, you can discover a better value by purchasing the other component from your neighborhood store and ordering the wheels or tyres online.

Do online retailers provide tire rebates the way traditional stores do?

Yes, and occasionally refunds are provided in addition to tyre discounts. If the rebates are confusing, be sure to talk with or call the shop before placing your order so that you may clarify your questions and understand what you’re obtaining.