Who doesn't love comfort, space, and universality when it comes to vehicles? If you are one of those drivers, SUVs are definitely the type of vehicle that catches your attention. The "SUV" definition refers to Sport Utility Vehicles that attract through their practical nature and dynamic essence.
This vehicle is perfect for those who prioritize space and confidence in different road conditions. In this article, we will explain what the term SUV means, as well as what type of tires you need for this type of vehicle. You need special tires for it as its weight as well as the dynamics of SUV driving require tires that can withstand the pressure and unleash the full potential of this type of vehicle.
What Is An SUV And What Tires Does it Need?
SUV vehicles stand out for their relatively higher construction than passenger vehicles and their more rugged styling. While having 4 wheels just like sedans, SUVs differ in the load they can withstand and the driving dynamics. In addition, SUVs are much more spacious and can accommodate a larger number of passengers. Last but not least, this type of vehicle shows much more reliable rough terrain and off-road properties than a regular sedan.
The SUV buyer persona refers to the rule of drivers who love trips in which they explore various terrains and are not afraid of changing weather conditions. Today, this branch of vehicles includes larger or smaller models starting with Ford EcoSport to Range Rovers and everything in between. So, the modern SUV spectrum is widely adapted for any driver's needs.
Traditionally, SUVs have a higher suspension system than sedans. In addition, most of them have a four-wheel drive system for confident traction in various conditions. Last but not least, most SUVs have pretty tall bodies compared to common passenger vehicles.
Drivers opt for SUVs when their fundamental priorities are space, practicality, and height. At the same time, such a vehicle delivers results only when equipped with the right tires. Considering the larger body and higher suspension, these vehicles have a higher center of gravity. As such, the tire pressure is higher and the cornering forces are stronger. Consequently, SUVs require tires that can withstand the effort and deliver performance without compromising the tread life. What are these tires? We'll see right away.
How To Choose The Right SUV Tire?
It is not enough to choose any tire for your SUV. Many make the mistake of choosing "any" SUV tire with the argument "Well, it's a piece of rubber, after all, and it will do for my SUV". Please, do not make the same mistake as it can cost you your safety.
First of all, make sure that the tire you choose is compatible with SUV vehicles. Read the description of each model you find and make sure it is compatible with the size of your SUV. Familiarize yourself with the markings on your existing tires to see what are the size criteria and ratings such as speed and load. Then, look for an SUV tire with similar sizes.
Also, you must take into account the road and weather conditions in which you mainly drive. Think about the type of terrain you intend to use your SUV on. You might need specialized all-terrain or mud-terrain tires if you tend to use your SUV for wild exploration adventures. Alternatively, you might need all-season or all-weather, or winter tires if the conditions in which you travel do not involve much off-roading but more highway driving. Below, we have compiled a list of the most recommended SUV tires by several typologies. Check it out and see which model suits your needs the best.
All-season SUV Tires
We will start with the all-season category because this is the most popular choice for SUV owners. All-season tires perfectly combine weather versatility with longevity and comfort. In addition, the prices for these tires are very reasonable. In addition, they stand out for their balanced performance, which is a good advantage for end consumers.
All-season SUV tires stay reliable both in hot and cold conditions. However, keep in mind that these are more optimal for moderate climates. If the conditions in which you drive are mostly cold, rather than warm, possibly you might need all-weather tires. Learn more about the difference between all-season VS all-weather tires to understand which one suits you better.
So, if you have firmly decided that all-season SUV tires are what you need for your needs and conditions, the following models should be considered...
Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3
If your goal is to unfold the potential of your SUV, then you can't go wrong with the Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 tire. This tire is a touring model, which means that comfort, longevity, and performance are at the top of the priorities.
Pirelli is an expert in advanced technologies. In this sense, the brand has integrated plenty of high-tech features in this model. To begin with, it is worth mentioning the 3D Sipe Technology whose purpose is to optimize wet and dry handling. In other words, the special sipes act like biting edges that dramatically increase acceleration as well as braking abilities.
Further on, Pirelli has endowed the Scorpion All Season Plus 3 model with an asymmetric geometry whose purpose is to improve the contact surface and increase the tire's traction. This design has linear grooves whose role is to channel and expel water in wet conditions. As a result, the tire behaves confidently and stably in hydroplaning circumstances, minimizing the slipping effect to a minimum. Last but not least, this tire offers impressive cornering stability even at the limit. This is due to the large shoulder ribs that ensure the integrity of the tire in cornering leaving no room for balance loss.
Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 Pros
The special composition of the Scorpion All Season Plus 3 tire makes it superbly versatile in temperature fluctuations. What's more, the special formula of the tire takes into account the reduction of rolling resistance. This translates into impressive fuel economy and dramatic CO2 emissions reduction.
In terms of comfort, the Scorpion All Season Plus 3 behaves like a true touring tire. The essence of touring tires consists first of all in ride smoothness and leisure nature. So, the Scorpion All Season Plus 3 won't disappoint in this regard, as the manufacturer promises. The secret of comfort lies in the special internal construction that suppresses shocks and road vibrations. Also, the tire has advanced noise canceling technologies, turning the rides into a smooth and highly comfortable experience.
SUVs with wheel diameters up to 22'' will perform at their maximum potential with the Scorpion All Season Plus 3 tire. The icing on the cake is its impressive mileage of up to 70,000 miles, which means that it's not likely to replace the tire soon. Below, see the rating of the Scorpion All Season Plus 3 model according to customer reviews.
Yokohama Geolander CV G058
Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 is another great SUV all-season tire with an exceptional rating. This tire stands out for its all-weather versatility, impressive driving refinement, and up-to-the-mark steering responsiveness.
Like the previous Pirelli model, the Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 features multiple siping technology. The tire maker has combined 2D with 3D sipes to significantly upgrade the confidence of the tire in both light snow and wet conditions.
The Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 is a reliable partner that promises to perform consistently up to 65,000 miles, according to its warranty. It is slightly lower than that of Scorpion All Season Plus 3. But, in Geolandar CV G058's defense, its price is relatively lower.
The advantages of this model are its serviceability on and off-road, as well as its impressive grip even at high speed. The solid grip is the result of the Geolandar CV G058 formula, which itself contains a substantial concentration of silica compound. Also, various additional components help the tire to keep its flexibility when temperatures drop below zero.
Yokohama kept in mind superior comfort and quietness when designing this tire. As such, the brand relied on computer-optimizing the tread compound so that it suppresses the noises as well as possible. For added value, the tire maker has integrated a 5-pitch design that suppresses highway noises even more.
Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 Pros
An SUV tire must deliver not only comfort but also a high degree of safety. In this sense, the Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 has 4 circumferential grooves combined with pass-through elements. This tandem has the purpose of channeling the water as efficiently as possible so that it does not form a barrier between the road and the tire. As a result, the risk of hydroplaning is almost zero, unless you are not used to flying during rain on the road.
Notably, this model has a rounded rib profile combined with chamfered ribs. These are responsible for the confidence and consistency of traction while protecting the tire from early and uneven wear. Compatible SUVs with sizes up to 20" will perform confidently year-round with the Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 model. In addition, the Geolandar CV G058 series is available in the XL load index version, which makes it very resistant to additional cargo. Below, see what customers say about the Geolander CV G058 model.
Mud Terrain SUV Tires
As we mentioned earlier, all-season SUV tires are a good idea for good roads and moderate hot and cold weather conditions. But when it comes to more serious off-roading driving, mud tires might be a better option. The specifics consist of a more aggressive and durable architecture to withstand harsh terrain conditions.
It would be best if you considered SUV mud tires if sticky material is a common thing for the terrain you usually cover. So, here are our recommendations for SUV tires covering muddy surfaces.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T
Mickey Thompson is probably the most suitable recommendation when it comes to uneven and harsh terrains. This tire maker knows better than anyone how to produce tires that will get out of any mess. The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T tire is good proof of this.
This tire is differentiated by mud scoops in its design. Their purpose is to dramatically increase off-road traction while preventing the mud from clinging to the rubber. In addition, this model is ultra-resistant to any type of tire damage thanks to its silica-reinforced rubber formula. At the same time, this formula is beneficial for improving braking and wet handling properties.
Its aggressive nature does not mean that comfort is somehow compromised. For a mud tire, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T is very comfortable, especially in terms of noise suppression. The tire suppresses noise through its asymmetric pattern that negates the sound waves until they reach the cabin.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T Pros
Many drivers are concerned about sticky material getting stuck to the tires. Well, it's not the case with Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T. Turns out that the upgraded void ratio of the tire contributes to its self-cleaning of debris and mud, which minimizes the risk of clogging and slipping. At the same time, the tire "side biters" ensure strong lateral traction in the most challenging conditions. Last but not least, drivers can rest assured that built-up debris is unlikely as the tire special ejectors take care that the material does not get stuck in the tire architecture.
The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T motorcycle stands out for its agility in braking and acceleration. It reaches a speed of up to 99 mph without any problem due to biting edges and smart sipe placement. At the same time, the tire provides decent comfort for a mud tire as the tough casing inhibits vibrations and shocks. The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T is a reliable choice for those who want some powerful temperament in wild muddy challenges. It is compatible with SUVs whose wheels have diameters between 15" and 24", which makes it optimal even for full-size SUVs.
Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
If you feel that your SUV does not cope well enough in muddy conditions, then the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T is a must for you. This model impresses with its ability to get out of any muddy and sticky situation.
The Nitto Trail Grappler M/T features an aggressive architecture that promises both exceptional durability and impressive grip. It comes with open shoulders and independent tread blocks that work together for firm and solid traction, regardless of the aggressiveness of the terrain it rolls on.
Nitto opted for side lug blocks and special edge treads in order to strengthen lateral stability and ensure forward traction in serious mud conditions. At the same time, the fortified shoulder groove architecture acts as aiding power for grip performance. The Nitto Trail Grappler M/T is a reliable tire for all muddy conditions where other models in the class show limited performance. This is confirmed by the customers who have already managed to test it. Here is what customers say about this tire model.
All-Terrain SUV Tires
While mud tires are mainly intended for mud conditions, all-terrain ones stand out for their wider versatility. These are optimal for hybrid conditions between mud and all-season conditions. So, if these characterize the conditions in which you drive most often, then SUV all-terrain tires are a good option for you.
The specifics of all-terrain tires consist of confident traction on changing road surfaces combined with ride smoothness. They have a reinforced construction to cope with the weight and stress of imperfect terrain. Here are some great all-terrain SUV tire models to consider for such conditions.
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is one of the tires with impressive off-road capabilities. It combines confident off-road performance with extra durability and up-to-the-mark comfort.
All these advantages are due to the aggressive design and specific composition to ensure all-weather versatility. The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail shows impressive wear resistance due to its silica-enriched tread formula. In addition, the tire has a 2-ply polyester inner construction that ensures superior protection against off-road hazards and any type of impact.
Just as safety is the essence of an off-road tire, Falken has drawn special attention to the "smart" design in the Wildpeak A/T Trail model. More precisely, it is about 2 circumferential grooves combined with plenty of lateral grooves. Their purpose is the superior control of the hydroplaning effect through the rapid evacuation of water in wet conditions. What impresses drivers in this model is its quietness. While road quietness is not a common aspect in off-road tires, the Wildpeak A/T Trail shows that it can be otherwise. The tire has an optimized variable 3-pitch pattern that optimizes noise inhibition more than in other in-class tires. In addition, the model promises a 65,000-mile warranty and 3PMSF certification, which is why you just can't ignore it.
Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme RF12
This tire is a real pro for the most extreme off-road conditions. And these aren't just simple words. To prove it, let's take a look at its description.
For starters, the Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme RF12 tire offers the advantage of an ultra-fortified construction inside. On the surface, it has a very aggressive tread with open boulders and special biting block edges. Altogether, these features work to evenly distribute pressure and provide phenomenal traction including in harsh snow conditions. So, you guessed correctly that the Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme RF12 is a 3PMSF-certified tire.
As befits an all-terrain tire, the Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme RF12 resists impressively well cuts, punctures, and any other road hazard. This is also due to the high-depth sidewalls, which, in addition to increasing traction, also have a protective role. In terms of warranty, this model promises to serve reliably up to 70,000 miles, which sounds surprising for an all-terrain tire.
Best Winter SUV Tires
Why would you need a specialized winter tire for your SUV? Well, none of the tires resist better to extreme temperatures as do those dedicated for winter. The thing is that all-season, mud, or all-terrain tires have special components to provide traction and confidence at moderate temperatures. But once the temperatures reach extreme minus, their rubber becomes more rigid. Consequently, their performance tends to decrease, at the same time increasing the risk of losing control over them.
Here is when winter tires come into play with an ultra-resistant construction at low temperatures. They maintain their elasticity and, respectively, their performance in the coldest conditions. In this sense, we recommend keeping an eye on 2 models that have demonstrated ultimate winter performance for SUV vehicles.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV
To begin with, Nokian is a Finnish brand that knows better than anyone what a real winter means in the most complex sense of the word. Taking into account the extreme Scandinavian conditions, this brand has built the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV tire which is more capable than any other in its class.
It has Double Stud Technology along with Eco Stud 10 technology for ultimate performance in extreme conditions. The Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV tire provides outstanding traction and grips no matter how much the slush, snow, or ice tries to make driving difficult.
The construction of this model is based on Aramid Sidewall technology that ensures ultimate resistance against potential damages. As such, this tire promises long-lasting serviceability in addition to other benefits. Needless to mention the Aramid Sidewall technology model has the 3PMSF standard which makes it ultra-strong in the harshest winter conditions.
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
This post wouldn't be complete without a Bridgestone model in it. The largest tire manufacturer offers its customers one of the best-performing winter tires for SUVs. It is about the Blizzak DM-V2 model that stands out for its stability and confidence on icy roads.
Bridgestone used a hydrophilic formula in the Blizzak DM-V2 rubber, which responds to the phenomenal grip on slick surfaces. Just like the previous model, the Blizzak DM-V2 offers a snow confidence guarantee through its 3MPSF certification. This is notable for precise steering and impressive control in winter conditions that compromise the performance of other tires.
SUV Tires: FAQs
What Is The Best Brand Of Tires For An SUV?
According to our tests, here are the most reliable tires to consider for SUVs:
- Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3
- Yokohama Geolander CV G058
- Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T
- Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
- Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail
- Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme RF12
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV
- Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
Remember to choose your tires according to the season and road conditions to make the best match. The best tire is always the one that fits your needs like a glove.
Which Tire Brand Is Best For An SUV?
Following a thorough testing process, our specialists recommended the following tire brands to fit your SUV:
- Bridgestone as a reliable brand for winter conditions;
- Nokian as a reliable brand for severe snow conditions;
- Hankook as a confident partner for off-roading;
- Falken as a budget-friendly AND competitive off-road ally;
- Nitto for great traction in the muddy environment;
- Mickey Thompson for impressive performance on muddy terrains;
- Yokohama for all-season and durability purposes;
- Pirelli for impressive all-season versatility and comfort.
Remember to choose your tires not only according to the brand reputation but also to your specific needs.
How Long Do Tires Last On SUVs?
The answer depends on the tire you choose and the maintenance you provide. Each manufacturer offers a certain guarantee for its tires depending on their purpose. For example, SUV all-season tires will last longer than SUV winter tires. In general terms, an SUV set of tires serves for about 60,000- 75,000 miles. However, their longevity depends on rotation, maintenance, and driving style. We recommend you check your tires every 5,000 miles to see if there is a need for rotation or alignment.
Why Are SUV Tires More Expensive?
The price of a tire depends, among other things, on its size. The bigger the tire, the more rubber and additional materials it uses. Generally, SUVs are larger vehicles than passenger vehicles, for example. So, they need bigger tires. Manufacturers use softer rubber and more additional components to make them more resistant to the additional load of the SUV and to perform decently on various roads.
Do SUVs Need Special Tires?
The short answer is yes. Considering the volume of the body and the weight of an SUV, this vehicle needs tires that can withstand this load well. Manufacturers produce larger and more solid tires, that is, with a reinforced construction. Thus, tires for SUVs withstand the weight of the vehicle well while providing decent stability and confident performance in various maneuvers.
Is There Any Difference Between Car and SUV Tires?
Yes, there is, and they differ in their construction and load rating. SUV tires have a more durable formula and tougher construction. This determines the resistance to the additional load of the vehicle. Comparatively, car tires are a bit softer because the weight of the body is less. In addition, SUV tires are more voluminous and taller.
Why Trust Us?
The tire recommendations in this article are not just subjective impressions. Neotires has a team of professionals and enthusiasts who are dedicated to confirming the veracity of what is exposed in our blog. NeoTires is not only a platform for buying and selling tires. Our goal is to transform this platform into a space for knowledge and education on tires and road safety.
In this sense, we gather in our team experts and professionals in the field who have enough experience to correct the subjective information so that it is as truthful as possible. In addition, we have a properly equipped technical service center where we perform various tests. Their purpose is to provide truthful information from the first source and not at all subjective. The experts we collaborate with help us create correct, unbiased, and fully dedicated content for the drivers' safety. With NeoTires, you can be sure of a correct, technically validated, and safe choice.
Bottom Line
SUVs are a good choice when high-class comfort, reliable performance, and practicability are the drivers' main priorities. In order for them to show their true potential, SUVs need reliable tires. We hope that the mentioned models will delight you as they have delighted plenty of other drivers who have already managed to test themselves. If there are any questions that we have not covered in this article, feel free to contact the Neotires team. We can help you choose the most suitable tire for your needs. Drive safe and enjoy your SUV driving!
