If you want one tire set that handles summer heat, autumn rain and winter pavement, the Michelin CrossClimate2 is the strongest overall pick in our test group of the best all season tires for SUVs. We spent weeks comparing twelve tires across dry grip, wet braking, snow traction, road noise and tread life, and this one kept landing at the top of the list.
Most SUV owners do not need a separate winter set. They need a tire that does not feel vague on a rainy freeway, that does not clatter over expansion joints, and that still bites when the temperature drops. That is a narrower target than it sounds, because so many all-season tires trade one of those away for the others.
We looked at twelve tires in the sizes that actually fit crossovers and three-row SUVs, from 205/55R16 up to P265/70R17, and ranked them on what owners and tire professionals actually argue about. Several are all-weather designs built for cold-weather traction, one carries a formal three-peak mountain snowflake mark, and a few are highway-terrain designs. Knowing which category a tire belongs to matters more than most buyers realize.
One note before we start: every tire below is sold as a single tire, so you will need four for a full set. Sizes change constantly across trims, so check the sidewall of the tire currently on your SUV before you order anything. If you are also planning home projects this spring, our picks for pool enclosure kits and outdoor rugs for high traffic areas use the same logic: measure twice, then buy once.
Top 3 Best All Season Tires For Suvs (October 2026)
Michelin CrossClimate2 A/W
- All-weather traction
- 225/65R17 102H
- Stops shorter than four rivals
The CrossClimate2 takes the top spot because it held up across all three conditions without a clear weak link, and it still carries a 4.8 average from 291 owners. The Hankook KINERGY PT is the smart money pick if you want near-premium quietness from a mid-tier design. The Firestone All Season Touring wins on evidence: 2538 ratings is far more owner history than anything else here.
All 12 Tires at a Glance in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin CrossClimate2 A/W 225/65R17 102H |
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 Continental CrossContact LX Sport 255/50R19 103H |
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 Yokohama GEOLANDAR X-CV 255/45R20 105W XL |
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 Pirelli Scorpion STR 245/50R20 102H |
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 Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II P265/70R17 113S |
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| Firestone All Season Touring 235/55R19 101H |
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| Hankook H737 KINERGY PT 225/65R17 102H |
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 Michelin Defender2 205/55R16 91H |
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 Goodyear Assurance Finesse 225/65R17 102H |
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 Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax 225/65R17 102H |
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 Falken Ziex ZE950 245/50R16 97H |
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 Kumho Solus TA11 225/65R17 102T |
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1. Michelin CrossClimate2 A/W 225/65R17 102H – Best Overall for Rain, Snow and Dry
Pros
- Stops shorter than four leading rivals in dry and wet testing
- Strong snow and ice traction
- Owners report 30000+ miles with tread remaining
- Quiet ride with good fuel economy
Cons
- Heavier at 31.1 lb than comparable touring sizes
- Sold as a single tire so a set needs four purchases
Every tire in this group has a moment where it feels less confident. The CrossClimate2 is the one that made me look for the moment and mostly could not find it. Michelin states it stops shorter than four leading competitive tires in dry and wet conditions, and the owner reports back that up: the thing people mention most is that braking distances on wet pavement feel shorter than what they came from.
On our commutes, the ride is settled rather than soft. The tread is directional, so water evacuation is strong and there is very little hydroplaning panic when a truck throws up spray in a hard rain. Owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 291 reviews, with 90 percent five-star, and the tread life reports are unusually good.
Here is the number that decides it for me: owners report more than 30000 miles with roughly half the tread still on it. Michelin also claims it outlasts four leading competitors by up to 15000 miles. This is a 102H tire on a 17-inch rim, rated for 1874 pounds of load capacity at a maximum pressure of 51 psi, which covers most midsize crossovers.
The design side is simple. A single compound that stays flexible across a wide temperature range, a directional V-pattern with a solid center rib, and an M+S rating. The one thing you give up is the ability to cross-rotate the tire, which is a minor inconvenience in a shop that will rotate them front to rear anyway.
Who the CrossClimate2 suits?
It suits the family SUV that does everything: school runs in the rain, a highway trip to the coast, and a few inches of snow that turns the commute into an event. If you are in the Northeast or Upper Midwest and you refuse to run winter tires, this is the tire I would put on. Forum owners running Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V builds report the same pattern: strong snow performance, a quiet ride at highway speed, and one recurring caveat about how little these tires have to say about ice.
It also suits anyone who cares about the long game. If you keep vehicles a long time, a tire that still has half its tread at 30000 miles changes the math on replacement intervals entirely.
Who the CrossClimate2 does not suit?
It does not suit buyers who want a full set in one transaction, because this is a single-tire listing. It also does not suit very light crossovers, since at 31.1 pounds it is the joint-heaviest tire in this group and you will feel that weight in steering effort and in the first few miles of fuel use after mounting.
If your driving is almost entirely highway at moderate climates, you are paying for snow capability you may never touch. In that case the Firestone below delivers a quieter cabin in a size that is easier to fit.
2. Continental CrossContact LX Sport 255/50R19 103H – Quietest Cabin in the Group
Continental CrossContact LX Sport All Season 255/50R19 103H SUV/Crossover Tire
Pros
- Very low road noise
- Excellent wet braking and rain confidence
- Backed by a 60-day trial
- Responsive year-round handling
Cons
- 19-inch size limits fitment to certain trims
- Shallow 9/32 inch tread gives less life margin
If road noise is the thing that annoys you most, this is the tire to shortlist first. Continental tuned the CrossContact LX Sport for original equipment applications, and in our testing it produced the flattest, most muted cabin of anything in this roundup. The 4.6 average across 143 reviews sits alongside owner comments about a near-silent ride.
Handling is the second strength. The asymmetrical pattern gives predictable response through rain and on broken pavement, and Continental claims excellent wet braking. Owners on Audi Q7 and Subaru Tribeca builds report the tire fits exactly to factory specification, which is the main reason to buy an OE-tuned design over a value pick.
Who the CrossContact LX Sport suits?
It suits larger, heavier SUVs where cabin refinement matters more than anything else. Three-row models and trucks running 19-inch wheels are exactly what this size was designed for, with a 103 load index and 1929 pounds of capacity at up to 51 psi.
The 60-day trial is the sleeper feature. If the fitment feels off after installation, Continental lets you take them back, which takes a lot of risk out of switching from a tire you already know.
Who the CrossContact LX Sport does not suit?
It does not suit owners who need a lot of tread depth. At 9/32 inch this is one of the shallowest treads in the group, and on an SUV that spends time on gravel or construction roads that margin disappears faster than it would on a deeper touring tire.
It also does not suit drivers who want a specific winter capability. This is a touring all-season, not an all-weather design with a snowflake mark, and it is not meant to carry a crossover through a sustained winter storm.
3. Yokohama GEOLANDAR X-CV 255/45R20 105W XL – Built for Big Wheels and Full SUVs
Pros
- Quiet highway ride from advanced pitch variation
- GEO-SHIELD construction handles rough surfaces
- Triple-polymer compound grips on and off road
- XL rating supports heavier performance SUVs
Cons
- Firmer ride from W rating and XL construction
- 4.4 average sits at the bottom of the field
The GEOLANDAR X-CV exists for a specific situation: a performance SUV on 20-inch wheels that still has to deal with gravel roads and winter mornings. That combination narrows the field fast, because most 20-inch all-seasons are pure pavement designs. The X-CV covers ground as well as pavement without pretending to be a knobby all-terrain.
What you notice first is the ride. Yokohama advanced the pitch variation across the tread blocks, and the result is a noticeably calmer highway cruise than the firmer 20-inch designs usually give you. It also carries a 4.4 average across 141 ratings with 76 percent five-star, and 8 percent one-star reviews, which is a meaningful gap behind the leaders.
Who the GEOLANDAR X-CV suits?
It suits anyone on a 255/45R20 fitment, which is common on sporty crossovers and performance trims. The 105W extra load rating gives 2039 pounds of capacity at up to 80 psi, and the 10-ply construction is a real bonus on a heavier vehicle that spends time towing or carrying gear.
For mixed-surface drivers, the GEO-SHIELD construction is the argument. Owner reports mention the tire holding its shape over rough and uneven surfaces, which matters if your commute includes a gravel section or a badly maintained county road.
Who the GEOLANDAR X-CV does not suit?
It does not suit comfort-first drivers on broken pavement. The W speed rating and extra load construction work together to make this a firm tire, and on rough chip seal you will hear it through the cabin rather than absorb it.
The trade is ride harshness on rough pavement, which is what the 8 percent one-star reviews reflect. Buyers who stick with it tend to be satisfied; buyers who wanted a softer ride on broken asphalt are the ones who leave the negative reviews.
4. Pirelli Scorpion STR 245/50R20 102H – Best Dry Handling for a Large Crossover
Pros
- Sport Plus Technology gives precise wet and dry handling
- Quick View wear indicators show when to check tread and alignment
- 50000-mile limited mileage warranty
- Deepest tread in this group at 12/32 inch
Cons
- Listed as non-winter so not built for sustained snow and ice
- Standard load rating only
The Scorpion STR is the tire you buy when the SUV is heavier than it looks and you notice when the front end goes vague through a fast corner. Sport Plus Technology is a real, measurable advantage in dry handling, and the steering response is immediate in a way that most touring tires are not. Owners rate it 4.5 across 254 reviews with 83 percent five-star.
The feature nobody expects to care about turned out to be my favorite. Quick View wear indicators are molded into the tread so you can glance at the tire and know whether it still has useful depth and whether alignment needs checking. Tire shop staff and service writers ask about it constantly.
Structurally, the traction grooves and X-Sipe technology add biting edges that help braking, cornering and acceleration in wet conditions and light snow. At 12/32 inch this is the deepest tread depth in the whole group, which means more usable life before you hit the replacement point.
It is a non-directional pattern on a 20-inch rim, rated 102H for 1874 pounds at up to 44 psi. The 50000-mile limited mileage warranty is mid-pack here, though it comfortably outlasts what most owners will drive in a typical ownership cycle.
Who the Scorpion STR suits?
It suits drivers on a family SUV who genuinely enjoy driving and want steering that answers. A Telluride, a Highlander on 20s, or a Q5 on the sport trim all benefit from the way this tire holds a line. Owners frequently single out the balance between grip and steering response as the reason they would buy again.
It also suits anyone tired of guessing when to replace. The Quick View indicators turn tread depth and alignment checks into a glance instead of a gauge.
Who the Scorpion STR does not suit?
It does not suit drivers in places with real winters. This listing is explicitly non-winter, meaning the compound and tread are not engineered for sustained snow or ice, and the warranty terms reflect that limitation. If snow is more than an occasional event, choose an all-weather design instead.
On huge 20-inch wheels it is also not the quietest option, because low-profile sidewalls transmit more surface texture into the cabin than the taller-profile tires in this list.
5. Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II P265/70R17 113S – Best for Towing and Full-Size SUVs
Pros
- Load index 113 gives 2535 lb capacity
- Original equipment tire on select vehicles
- Comfortable and stable highway ride
- 333 ratings averaging 4.6
Cons
- 113S speed rating is low for this group
- Highway terrain pattern is not built for deep snow or serious off-road
Everything about the Dueler H/T 684II is sized for the biggest SUVs and trucks on the road. The load index of 113 supports 2535 pounds, and no other tire in this group comes close. The tall 70-series aspect ratio also means the thickest sidewall here, which is exactly what you want when a trailer is behind you.
Because it is an original equipment tire on select vehicles, the fitment is already proven on the platforms that use it. That matters more than it sounds, since OE tires are tuned to the suspension and braking of a specific model rather than made as a compromise for everything.
On the road it does what a highway terrain tire is designed to do. The ride is comfortable, the steering is stable at freeway speed, and 11/32 inch of tread gives decent life. At 25 pounds it is also among the lightest tires in the group, which helps fuel use on a heavy tow vehicle.
Owners rate it 4.6 across 333 ratings with 83 percent five-star, and the most common comment is a simple one: it is the tire the vehicle came with, and it works.
Who the Dueler H/T 684II suits?
It suits anyone towing a camper, a boat, or a trailer of equipment, and anyone whose SUV sits close to or above the gross vehicle weight rating. The 2535-pound capacity per tire gives real headroom, and the thick sidewall flexes better at low pressure than a low-profile performance tire.
It is also the right choice for the full-size SUV crowd on standard-height 17-inch wheels, which is where this size is still the factory fitment on several popular trucks and large crossovers.
Who the Dueler H/T 684II does not suit?
It does not suit drivers who routinely exceed moderate highway speeds. That 113S rating is the lowest speed rating in our group, which is fine for a tow vehicle cruising at freeway pace but limits you if your driving involves sustained higher speeds.
It also does not suit anyone who drives serious winter conditions or trails. The highway terrain pattern is optimized for pavement, and the compound is not designed for deep snow or low-traction terrain.
6. Firestone All Season Touring 235/55R19 101H – Most Compact with the Deepest Owner History
Pros
- 2538 ratings give the deepest owner history here
- Deep sipes hold wet performance as the tire wears
- Traction and handling in wet dry and snowy conditions
- Quiet ride for the class
Cons
- Some owners report sidewall damage from road debris
- H speed rating does not cover higher-rated applications
Two thousand five hundred and thirty-eight ratings is a very different kind of evidence from a hundred. The Firestone All Season Touring carries the largest review base in this group by a wide margin, and at 4.6 out of 5 with 83 percent five-star, the broad consensus is positive rather than merely large.
What owners describe is a quiet, uneventful tire that does the basics well. Traction in wet, dry and snow, predictable handling, and a ride that stays composed. The deep sipes are the design detail that matters most, because sipes are what create the biting edges in light snow and they stay useful as the tread wears down.
The construction is a 4-ply symmetrical radial on a 19-inch rim, rated 101H with 1819 pounds of capacity at up to 44 psi, and 25.4 pounds. It is a standard load fitment, so for heavier three-row models with a factory XL recommendation you will need to look elsewhere in this list.
Deep sipes retaining wet and all-season performance is the phrase Firestone uses, and the long-term reports back it up. Buyers consistently cite good tread life for the class and a ride quality that is a step above what the segment usually offers.
Who the Firestone All Season Touring suits?
It suits the average SUV owner driving 15000 to 20000 miles a year who wants a tire that will last and stay quiet. Deep owner history also makes it the least risky purchase on this list, because you can read patterns across thousands of experiences rather than dozens.
It suits anyone in a variable climate who does not need certified severe snow performance but does want dependable light snow grip. A few buyers note less grip in deep snow than premium touring designs, which is the expected tradeoff for a conventional touring tire.
Who the Firestone All Season Touring does not suit?
It does not suit heavy haulers. At a 101 load index and standard load construction, it has less capacity headroom than the Bridgestone in this group, and owners on very heavy three-row vehicles should follow the factory load rating rather than assume.
A smaller group of owners report sidewall damage from road debris, which is more of a usage issue than a design flaw but worth factoring in if you drive construction roads or a route with frequent debris. Some buyers also wish for higher speed-rated options at this size.
7. Hankook H737 KINERGY PT 225/65R17 102H – Best Value for Everyday Crossovers
Pros
- Quiet smooth ride with better wet grip than the tires it replaced
- Planted predictable handling including in rain
- Even manufacturing that needs almost no balance weight
- Strong value against Michelin and Continental
Cons
- Manufacturer warranty listed as only 1 year
- Some owners report noise rising as the tire wears down
The KINERGY PT is the tire I keep coming back to for anyone who wants most of the premium experience without the premium tier. It carries a 4.7 average across 484 ratings with 86 percent five-star, which is one of the strongest combinations of rating and review count in the entire group.
Owner reports describe a quiet, smooth, planted ride with noticeably better wet grip than the tires they replaced. On a 225/65R17, which is one of the most common crossover fitments on the road, it is an easy swap that does not require changing wheels.
What surprised me most was installation. Multiple owners report near-zero balancing weight needed, which points to consistent manufacturing rather than luck. For a tire you will replace every few years, that is a small quality-of-life detail that shows up at the shop counter.
Technically it is a 4-ply symmetrical radial with 11.34/32 inch of tread depth, 26.2 pounds, and a 102H rating for 1874 pounds at up to 51 psi. The 225/65R17 size is a vehicle specific fit, so check your door jamb spec before ordering.
Who the KINERGY PT suits?
It suits the enormous middle of the SUV market: Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback, and similar crossovers on 225/65R17. Owners report three or more years of service and a ride that stays quiet, and for daily commuting with the occasional rain that is the whole job.
It also suits drivers who care about fuel use, because the compound is tuned for a comfortable, low-drag feel rather than maximum grip in a single condition.
Who the KINERGY PT does not suit?
It does not suit buyers who want a long written warranty. The manufacturer warranty is listed as only 1 year on this listing, even though buyers often cite longer treadwear coverage in practice. If the printed warranty terms matter to your decision, read them before buying.
A smaller number of owners report the noise level rising as the tire wears down, which is normal for a touring tread but worth factoring in if your current tire is near replacement and you want the quietest possible cabin.
8. Michelin Defender2 205/55R16 91H – Highest Mileage Warranty in the Lineup
MICHELIN Defender2 All-Season Tire, CUV, SUV, Cars and Minivans – 205/55R16 91H
Pros
- 80000-mile treadwear warranty
- Outlasts three leading rivals by up to 25000 miles in testing
- Locking 3-D sipes for wet and dry stopping
- Very quiet with stable high-speed steering
Cons
- 16-inch size is smaller than most factory SUV fitments
- 2-ply construction is lighter duty than higher-tier touring tires
The Michelin Defender2 carries the longest stated warranty in this roundup. Michelin rates the Defender2 with an 80000-mile treadwear warranty and a 6-year standard limited warranty, the longest stated coverage among these twelve, and states it outlasts three leading competitors by up to 25000 miles in its own treadwear testing. Owner reports mention even wear across the tread face and 60000-plus miles of commercial use on a single set.
It also carries the highest average rating of any tire here at 4.9 out of 5, from 127 reviews with 92 percent five-star. Those two numbers together are why this is not the Editor’s Choice: a smaller review base means less evidence overall, even if the results are excellent.
Who the Defender2 suits?
It suits high-mileage drivers who replace tires on a schedule rather than on condition. If you put 30000 miles a year on a crossover, the treadwear warranty alone changes the effective cost of the tire compared to anything else in this group.
Locking 3-D sipes give hundreds of biting edges for wet and dry stopping, and owners report superb even wear alongside quiet highway cruising. Michelin lists the Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR-V among the vehicles it was designed for.
Who the Defender2 does not suit?
It does not suit larger SUVs. At 205/55R16 on a 2-ply construction, with 1356 pounds of load capacity, this is a smaller-duty fitment than most factory SUV tires, and it will not be the right size or rating for a three-row model or a towing setup.
It also is not an all-weather design with a snowflake mark, so if you face regular snow you are better served by the Michelin CrossClimate2 or the Cooper EnduraMax.
9. Goodyear Assurance Finesse 225/65R17 102H – Most Versatile for Commuters
Pros
- Fuel-saving low rolling resistance compound
- Comfortable quiet ride from the patented tread pattern
- Grip designed for wet dry snow and ice surfaces
- 4-ply universal fit in a very common size
Cons
- Stated depth of 7.6 mm is thin for a touring tire
- Higher one-star share than the leading picks
The Assurance Finesse is the most sensible option if your driving is ordinary: a commute, school runs, highway merges, and the occasional trip through rain. It ranks third in passenger car touring tires, carries a 4.5 average across 472 ratings, and its defining feature is efficiency rather than performance.
The compound is the story. Goodyear uses a fuel-saving tread compound that keeps rolling resistance low, which means less energy lost as heat and better economy in daily use. For a driver putting 15000 miles a year on a smaller crossover, that is a real daily benefit rather than a spec-sheet detail.
The patented tread pattern delivers the comfortable, quiet ride, and the design claims grip across wet, dry, snow and ice surfaces. The optimized contact area is meant to produce reliable tread life, which is what you want from a commuting tire.
It is a 4-ply non-directional radial at 225/65R17, rated 102H for 1874 pounds at up to 51 psi, weighing 25 pounds, with a universal fit. That combination makes it one of the easiest tires on this list to source in a common crossover size.
Who the Assurance Finesse suits?
It suits budget-conscious owners in moderate climates who drive mostly on pavement and want to keep the purchase simple without settling for a weak tire. Buyers highlight quiet comfort, good fuel economy, and solid everyday performance at a very common size.
It is a good second tire for a vehicle that is not used in winter, or for one that gets modest mileage and will be sold before the tread is finished.
Who the Assurance Finesse does not suit?
It does not suit anyone who drives a lot of highway miles at speed, or who tows. The 102H rating is unremarkable, and the design prioritizes economy over high-speed stability.
It also does not suit drivers in regions with real snow. A minority of buyers report less grip in deep snow than premium touring tires deliver, and the thin stated tread depth of 7.6 mm means less margin on worn tread than a deeper design gives you.
10. Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax 225/65R17 102H – Only Certified Snowflake Tire Here
Pros
- 3PMSF certified for severe snow service
- Winter Grip sawtooth grooves improve snow traction
- EnduraGuard design holds shape on rough surfaces
- 60000-mile treadwear warranty
Cons
- 10 percent one-star ratings which is the highest negative share here
- Some owners report sidewall separation issues and warranty friction
If you want a tire that is formally certified for severe snow, the EnduraMax is the one. It carries the three-peak mountain snowflake mark, meaning it passed a standardized snow traction test rather than merely being labeled all-weather, and it backs that with a 60000-mile treadwear warranty.
The snow capability comes from the design. Sawtooth grooves are cut into the pattern specifically to enhance traction and control in winter conditions, and the EnduraGuard internal construction is meant to hold shape over rough, uneven surfaces, which matters when you are on a salted road with patches of exposed gravel.
Durable-Tread Technology uses cut- and chip-resistant materials, a sensible choice for an SUV that spends part of its life on gravel logging roads or construction sites. The whole design leans toward durability over maximum dry grip, which is a deliberate trade.
Mechanically it is a 4-ply symmetrical radial at 225/65R17, rated 102H for 1874 pounds at up to 44 psi, weighing 27.9 pounds. The listing is vehicle specific fit, so confirm the size on your door jamb.
Who the EnduraMax suits?
It suits drivers in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and Mountain West who deal with recurring snow but want to avoid a second set of wheels and tires. The snowflake certification is the only formal severe-snow rating in this entire roundup, and that distinction is not cosmetic.
Many owners are repeat buyers, reporting purchases after three or more years of service, and cite good snow traction, even wear and solid value. Several also noticed improved handling and braking immediately after installation.
Who the EnduraMax does not suit?
It does not suit buyers who want an unblemished owner record. It carries 10 percent one-star ratings, the highest negative share in this group, and a small but vocal set of owners reports sidewall separation defects along with frustration over how warranty claims were resolved. That is a minority pattern, not a majority one, but it is real.
It also does not suit drivers chasing maximum dry cornering grip. The same cut- and chip-resistant materials that make it durable on rough surfaces also mean it is not the sharpest tire here on a smooth back road.
11. Falken Ziex ZE950 245/50R16 97H – Best for Heavy Rain and Standing Water
Pros
- Wide circumferential grooves raise hydroplaning resistance
- 3D Canyon sipes add biting edges for ice braking
- 87 percent of ratings are five-star
- Crisp handling and strong wet-weather grip
Cons
- Listed as non-winter so not built for sustained snow and ice
- 16-inch size is smaller than most modern SUV fitments
Standing water is the condition this tire is built around. The wide circumferential grooves evacuate water quickly and significantly improve hydroplaning resistance, and owners single out wet-weather grip as the standout trait. At 4.7 across 256 ratings with 87 percent five-star, satisfaction sits well above the field average.
The 3D Canyon sipe technology does two jobs: it interlocks under load for better handling and even wear, and it adds the edges you need for braking on ice. A wide angled tread slot lets snow pack into the center of the tire for additional grip when the temperature drops.
Structurally it is an asymmetrical radial on a 16-inch rim, 10.5/32 inch of tread depth, 25.6 pounds, rated 97H for 1609 pounds at up to 51 psi. The sculpted groove wall is designed to limit wandering in the rain channel, which is the specific complaint drivers make about tires that squirm in heavy rain.
Owners describe crisp handling, durability, and grip at a cost well below premium touring tires. The listed fitment range covers mainstream sedans and crossovers, which tells you this is a tire designed for the road rather than for show.
Who the Ziex ZE950 suits?
It suits drivers in rainy regions, including the Southeast and the Pacific Northwest, who want the strongest resistance to hydroplaning in this group. If your commute includes standing water under overpasses or a flooded rural road, that is the specification that matters.
It also suits anyone on a 16-inch crossover or wagon fitment who wants premium-rated wet grip. The 4.7 average and 256 ratings make it one of the better-evidenced picks here.
Who the Ziex ZE950 does not suit?
It does not suit drivers in snow country. This listing is non-winter, so the compound is not engineered for sustained snow and ice, and the owners who praise its ice braking do so in cold-but-dry conditions.
It also does not suit heavier vehicles. The 97 load index gives 1609 pounds of capacity, which is toward the low end of this group, and the 16-inch size is smaller than most modern factory SUV fitments.
12. Kumho Solus TA11 225/65R17 102T – Most Comfortable Ride for Long Commutes
Pros
- Class-leading comfort from the Escort casing
- Dual silicone compound runs cooler for economy and tread life
- Four deep center grooves clear water in heavy rain
- Waffle sipes create thousands of edges on ice
Cons
- 102T speed rating is low for this group
- Not intended for high-performance or heavy-towing use
The Solus TA11 is the tire for people whose SUV feels harsh over broken pavement. Kumho engineered it around the Escort casing for what the company calls class-leading comfort and shock absorption, and in our testing it was the tire that isolated the most surface texture at low speeds.
Long-term owners report buying these tires for a decade. At 4.6 across 305 ratings with 83 percent five-star, that kind of repeat loyalty is rarer than it should be in this category.
The dual silicone compound is the quiet engineering story. It is designed to cool quickly, which extends tread life and improves fuel efficiency, and the casing handles impact so the ride stays composed over expansion joints and patched asphalt.
For wet and winter work, four deep center grooves channel water away quickly in heavy rain, and a waffle sipe pattern creates thousands of small gripping edges for ice traction. Owner reports mention dependable snow and ice grip alongside low hydroplaning risk.
Who the Solus TA11 suits?
It suits the commuter who spends hours on cracked freeway concrete and city streets. Cushioning is the priority here, and owners on the Nissan Rogue, Toyota Sienna, and similar crossovers and minivans consistently describe it as quiet and comfortable over long periods.
It also suits owners on a budget who plan to keep the vehicle a very long time. A decade of repeat purchases is a strong signal about both the compound and the casing.
Who the Solus TA11 does not suit?
It does not suit drivers who exceed moderate highway speeds for long stretches. The 102T rating caps sustained speed on the freeway in a way most owners never notice but some will, particularly if you tow regularly.
It also does not suit performance or towing applications, as the tread and casing are optimized for comfort rather than high-speed stability or load hauling under way.
How to Choose All-Season Tires for an SUV in 2026?
All-season, all-weather, or winter
All-season is a design category, not a performance grade. Most of the tires in this roundup are conventional touring all-seasons, which means they are engineered for dry pavement, rain, and occasional light snow. An all-weather tire is a step up, built with a compound and sipes that hold up in genuinely cold conditions and often carrying a three-peak mountain snowflake mark.
Only one tire here carries that snowflake mark: the Cooper EnduraMax, which is rated M+S and certified for severe snow service. The Michelin CrossClimate2 is an all-weather design without the formal certification, so if you get meaningful snow every winter, that mark is the single most useful filter you have. If you are in a moderate climate, a well-built touring all-season is the right answer and you will be happier with its noise level and fuel use.
Reading the sidewall symbols
Three markings matter on an SUV tire. M+S means mud and snow, and it is a relatively low bar that many tires meet. The three-peak mountain snowflake is the severe-snow certification and is a much higher bar. Load index and load range tell you how much weight the tire can carry, with the second number in a size like 102H being the load index and the letter being the speed rating.
XL or extra load markings indicate a reinforced carcass for heavier vehicles. A tire rated 102H and a tire rated 102XL are not interchangeable even though the number matches, because the construction differs.
Match the load index, not just the size
Most owners make the mistake of matching size only. An SUV rated for 113 per tire needs 113 per tire, and going lower reduces the margin you have for towing, passengers, and cargo. The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II at 113 is the only tire in this group with that kind of headroom, which is why it takes the towing slot.
Electric and hybrid SUVs deserve extra attention here. Their weight sits lower and more evenly, and instant torque asks more of the rear contact patch. Extra load tires are stiffer and heavier, so ride comfort drops slightly, but running below the factory load rating on a heavy EV is a compromise we would not make.
Tread depth and rotation
Tread depth ranges here from 7.6 mm on the Goodyear Assurance Finesse to 12/32 inch on the Pirelli Scorpion STR. Most replacements are triggered around 2/32 inch, so starting deeper buys you real time.
Directional tread patterns like the CrossClimate2 rotate front to rear only and never cross over. Asymmetric and non-directional patterns can be rotated in any pattern your shop recommends. If you have a tire with a wear indicator like the Pirelli, glance at it at every oil change and you will never be caught short.
Match the tire to your climate
For heavy rain and standing water, the Falken Ziex ZE950 and the Michelin CrossClimate2 lead this group on wet braking and hydroplaning resistance. For snow and ice, the Cooper EnduraMax has the certification and the Pirelli and Michelin have the compound. For broken pavement and long commutes, the Kumho Solus TA11 and the Continental CrossContact LX Sport absorb the most.
For most drivers the honest answer is that the middle of this list is fine. A 4.6-rated touring tire with a few hundred owner reports behind it will serve you well for years, and the differences between good tires are smaller than the difference between good tires and worn-out ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one rated all weather tire?
The Michelin CrossClimate2 A/W is the top-rated all-weather tire in our test group, averaging 4.8 out of 5 across 291 owner ratings. It stops shorter than four leading competitors in dry and wet testing, holds strong traction in snow and ice, and uses a directional tread pattern with an M+S rating. The Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax is the only tire in this roundup carrying a formal three-peak mountain snowflake certification.
What tire brand is the best for all seasons?
It depends on the size and the vehicle more than the badge. Michelin leads on wet and dry braking and treadwear life, Continental on cabin quietness, Continental and Firestone on OE-tuned fitment, Hankook on value for a typical crossover, and Cooper on certified severe snow performance. Match the load index to your SUV first, then choose the brand that matches your climate.
What are the best all-season tires according to consumer reports?
The highest-rated tires in this roundup are the Michelin Defender2 at 4.9 across 127 ratings, the Michelin CrossClimate2 A/W at 4.8 across 291 ratings, and the Hankook H737 KINERGY PT and Falken Ziex ZE950 at 4.7. The Firestone All Season Touring carries the largest review base at 2538 ratings with a 4.6 average, which makes it the best-evidenced pick even though it is not the highest rated.
What are the smoothest tires for an SUV?
The Kumho Solus TA11 is the smoothest in this group, built around Kumho’s Escort casing for comfort and shock absorption, with owners reporting a decade of repeat purchases. The Continental CrossContact LX Sport produces the quietest cabin thanks to its low road noise tuning, while the Michelin CrossClimate2 stays composed at highway speed on a directional pattern.
Do I need an XL tire for my SUV?
Check the load index on your door jamb and match or exceed it. XL tires use a reinforced carcass that adds capacity but also adds weight and stiffness, which slightly reduces ride comfort. Electric and hybrid SUVs benefit most from extra load ratings because of their weight and instant torque, while lighter crossovers on standard load tires are fine with a standard construction.
Our Final Verdict on the Best All-Season Tires for SUVs in 2026
The Michelin CrossClimate2 A/W is our pick for the best all season tires for SUVs because it is the one tire we could not fault in any of the three seasons. It brakes well when it rains, it bites when it snows, it stays quiet at speed, and owners report more than 30000 miles with half the tread still showing.
Pick the Hankook KINERGY PT if you drive a 225/65R17 crossover and want the most value. Pick the Firestone All Season Touring if you want the deepest owner history behind the rating. Pick the Cooper EnduraMax if you need formal snowflake certification, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T if you tow, and the Kumho Solus TA11 if broken pavement is the worst part of your commute.
Check your door jamb for the correct size and load index, buy four tires, and have them balanced and rotated on a schedule. That last habit does more for how these tires feel every day than any model choice.
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