Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Review: All-Season Versatility for US SUVs

Overview

The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is designed as a premium all-season tyre for SUVs and crossovers, targeting drivers who demand year-round traction, confident handling, and a quiet, comfortable ride. Released as Pirelli’s latest evolution in their Scorpion range, it fits the needs of everyday commuters, families, and light-duty fleet operators looking for reliable performance in a wide variety of US weather conditions, except for extreme winter scenarios. The AS Plus 3 aims to deliver balanced capability—handling dry highways, wet roads, and light snow—with a focus on long tread life and ride refinement. It is positioned against other leading all-season SUV tyres in the US market.

Key Specs

Performance: Dry

On dry pavement, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 stands out for its stable, predictable handling and responsive steering feedback. The tyre’s symmetrical tread pattern and reinforced shoulder blocks provide secure cornering characteristics, giving drivers good confidence during highway merges and lane changes. Braking distances are competitive for its class, with the high-silica compound helping maintain traction even in hot summer conditions. While not as sharp as ultra-high performance summer tyres, the AS Plus 3 offers a reassuring blend of control and comfort tailored for SUVs—ideal for everyday driving and long road trips.

Performance: Wet

Wet weather is where the Scorpion AS Plus 3 demonstrates its all-season credentials. The full-depth circumferential grooves and generous lateral channels efficiently evacuate water, significantly reducing the risk of hydroplaning. In heavy rain, the tyre delivers secure braking and maintains grip during quick maneuvers. The 3D sipes enhance biting edges, further boosting wet traction. In comparisons, it matches or slightly surpasses rivals like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S in wet handling and braking, though the difference is subtle. Drivers can expect a composed, reliable feel in stormy conditions.

Performance: Snow & Ice

As an all-season tyre, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is built to handle light to moderate snow, but it is not a substitute for a dedicated winter tyre. The high-density sipes and the tread’s silica content provide some winter grip, allowing for safe navigation through slush and dustings of snow. Starting, stopping, and cornering on packed snow are manageable for most US city and suburban winters, though deep snow and icy roads will reveal the tyre’s limitations. Enthusiasts and drivers in snowbelt regions should consider switching to a true winter tyre for maximum safety, but for occasional winter weather, the AS Plus 3 is serviceable.

Comfort & Noise

Ride comfort is a notable strength of the Scorpion AS Plus 3. Pirelli’s optimized pitch sequencing and variable groove design work together to minimize road noise, even as the tread wears. On rough pavement and expansion joints, the tyre absorbs impacts smoothly, translating into a relaxed, composed ride for passengers. Highway cruising is particularly quiet, with only minor hum at higher speeds, making this tyre an excellent choice for long-distance travel and family vehicles. Cabin noise remains low on most surfaces, making for pleasant daily commutes and road trips alike.

Durability & Economy

Pirelli backs the Scorpion AS Plus 3 with an 85,000-mile limited treadwear warranty—one of the longest in its segment. The tyre’s UTQG rating of 800 A A underscores its focus on longevity and consistent performance over time. Real-world experiences suggest that the tread compound resists uneven wear and cupping, even on heavier SUVs. Rolling resistance is moderate, translating to solid fuel efficiency for the class—drivers can expect minimal impact on MPG compared to OE fitments. For fleet owners, the long service life and even wear characteristics help keep operating costs predictable and low.

Sizes & Alternatives

The Scorpion AS Plus 3 is available in a broad array of sizes, covering most popular SUVs and crossovers. Common fitments include:

• 235/60 R18 (Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot)
• 265/50 R20 (Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee)
• 255/55 R19 (Volkswagen Atlas, BMW X5)
• 225/65 R17 (Subaru Outback, Nissan Rogue)
• 275/45 R21 (Tesla Model X, Audi Q7)

Notable rivals include:

• Michelin Defender LTX M/S
• Continental CrossContact LX25
• Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus
• Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
• Cooper Endeavor Plus

Each competitor offers a slightly different balance of wet grip, tread life, and winter ability, but the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is among the leaders in comfort and warranty.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent tread life and long warranty (85,000 miles)
• Confident wet and dry handling for SUVs
• Quiet, comfortable ride quality
• Broad size range for modern SUVs and crossovers
• Effective light snow traction for an all-season tyre

Cons

• Not suitable for severe winter or prolonged icy conditions
• Sporty drivers may want more steering sharpness
• Pricing is higher than some value-oriented rivals
• Off-road performance is limited to mild trails

Verdict

The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a compelling choice for US SUV and crossover owners seeking a refined, durable, and versatile all-season tyre. Its combination of long tread life, quiet ride, and balanced wet/dry performance make it a top pick for daily commuters, families, and light-duty fleet operators who value comfort and reliability above all. While it can’t match the grip of a full winter tyre or the razor-sharp response of a summer performance model, its all-around strengths and strong warranty make it a practical investment. For drivers in regions with mild to moderate winters and predominantly paved roads, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is an easy recommendation. Those facing regular harsh snow or looking for maximum cornering thrills may wish to consider alternatives tailored to those needs.