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As the seasons begin to change and the temperatures drop, many motorists will be on the hunt for winter tires, or even just a set of new all-seasons. Well in advance of the snow, Consumer Reports has released a list of the best new all-season and winter tires to meet different traction needs with both Michelin and Continental scoring highly.
Ranking highest in the Winter Tire category are the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 and Xi2, which topped the list of 16 tires tested in numerous categories including wet and dry grip, ice braking, handling, hydroplaning, snow traction, ride comfort, noise, rolling resistance and tread life. The Xi3 was noted for superior rolling resistance, while the Xi2 offered better handling.
In the All Season tire category, a total of 62 different tires were tested in different sub-sections. Topping the list for T-speed rated tires was the Michelin Defender, which has excellent tread life and ranked highly in the outlet’s three-season driving test. A close second was the Continental ProContact EcoPlus, which CR says is ideal for older cars, minivans and small crossovers/SUVs.
In the H-speed rated (130 mph) high-performance all-season tire category, Michelin once again tops the list with the Michelin Primacy MXV4, while another close second was the Continental PureContact. In the V-speed rated (149 mph) high-performance category Continental finally takes a category win with the PureContact, with second place going to the Pirelli P7 Cinturato. The Continental is a better all-around package while the Pirelli had a lower tread-life score, although it’s handling was superior.
Overall, CR‘s analysis of 78 different tires showed that it’s difficult to find a poor option. Many of the 62 all-season tires scored well in three-season driving and some even performed well in snow and ice. In the winter tires category, almost all offered excellent snow traction and most were also goog to excellent at ice braking.
