How We Chose
Our selection process centers on real-world performance and value for drivers of sedans and crossovers in the US. We assessed tyres based on safety (dry and wet grip, emergency handling), comfort (ride quality, noise), durability (treadwear, UTQG rating), fuel economy, and seasonal versatility. Both professional tyre test data and verified user feedback informed our rankings. UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) was a key reference for treadwear and traction scores, as mandated for US-market tyres.
1. Michelin CrossClimate2 — All-Weather Confidence
Why it stands out
The CrossClimate2 bridges true all-season and all-weather performance with class-leading wet and light snow grip. Its V-shaped tread and advanced compound deliver stable handling and quiet comfort, making it a top choice for year-round practicality.
Best for
- Drivers in regions with unpredictable weather
- Commuters seeking peace of mind in rain or light snow
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-season/all-weather
- Popular sizes: 205/55R16, 225/60R18, 235/45R18
- Strengths: Wet/snow grip, comfort, long tread life (UTQG 640 A A)
- Trade-offs: Premium price, modest sportiness
2. Continental PureContact LS — Refined Touring Performer
Why it stands out
Blending precise handling with a plush ride, the PureContact LS excels in wet conditions and offers impressive treadwear. EcoPlus Technology keeps rolling resistance low, aiding fuel efficiency—ideal for daily drivers and highway commuters.
Best for
- Comfort-focused sedan and crossover owners
- Long-distance drivers
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-season touring
- Popular sizes: 215/55R17, 225/50R17, 235/60R18
- Strengths: Wet grip, comfort, efficient rolling, UTQG 700 A A
- Trade-offs: Average snow performance
3. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady — Versatility & Traction
Why it stands out
The Assurance WeatherReady features weather-reactive tread zones for year-round confidence, including the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol for real winter capability. It balances ride comfort with proven wet and snow traction.
Best for
- Drivers facing frequent rain or occasional snow
- Those wanting true four-season versatility
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-season/all-weather (3PMSF rated)
- Popular sizes: 225/65R17, 235/60R18, 245/50R20
- Strengths: Wet/snow grip, versatility, UTQG 700 A A
- Trade-offs: Slightly firmer ride, above-average road noise
4. Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack — Whisper-Quiet Comfort
Why it stands out
Tuned for serenity, the Turanza QuietTrack uses noise-reducing tread and shock-absorbing materials for a luxury ride. Reliable in wet and dry conditions, it provides secure handling with a focus on comfort over outright sportiness.
Best for
- Luxury sedan and crossover owners
- Anyone sensitive to road noise
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-season touring
- Popular sizes: 215/55R17, 235/45R18, 245/40R19
- Strengths: Quietness, comfort, wet grip, UTQG 800 A A
- Trade-offs: Modest snow traction, premium price
5. Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II — Eco-Friendly Touring
Why it stands out
Pirelli’s Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II is engineered for low rolling resistance and long tread life, making it a green choice without sacrificing comfort. Its tread design promotes even wear and dependable wet handling.
Best for
- Eco-conscious commuters
- Drivers prioritizing longevity and fuel savings
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-season touring
- Popular sizes: 205/55R16, 225/45R17, 235/40R18
- Strengths: Tread life (UTQG up to 700 A A), fuel economy, even wear
- Trade-offs: Average snow traction, steering feel
6. General AltiMAX RT45 — Value & Dependability
Why it stands out
The AltiMAX RT45 is a wallet-friendly touring tyre delivering impressive longevity and comfort. Its silica-rich tread compound ensures reliable wet braking, while a robust casing resists uneven wear and damage.
Best for
- Budget-minded drivers
- High-mileage vehicles and fleets
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-season touring
- Popular sizes: 195/65R15, 215/55R17, 235/60R16
- Strengths: Value, durability (UTQG 700 A A), even wear
- Trade-offs: Modest snow grip, basic handling response
7. Yokohama AVID Ascend LX — Long-Lasting Comfort
Why it stands out
Yokohama’s AVID Ascend LX stands out for its remarkable treadwear warranty and balanced ride. Orange oil-infused compounds boost wet grip and reduce rolling resistance for enhanced efficiency and comfort.
Best for
- Drivers seeking low maintenance
- Commuters wanting quiet, efficient tyres
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-season touring
- Popular sizes: 215/60R16, 225/65R17, 235/55R18
- Strengths: Tread life (UTQG 800 A B), quiet ride, efficiency
- Trade-offs: Average snow traction, modest cornering grip
8. Cooper Endeavor Plus — Everyday Value
Why it stands out
The Endeavor Plus offers dependable all-season performance at a lower price point. Its symmetrical tread improves wear and fuel economy, while optimized grooves evacuate water for safe wet handling.
Best for
- Budget-conscious crossover and SUV owners
- Drivers covering mixed urban/highway miles
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-season touring
- Popular sizes: 225/65R17, 235/60R18, 245/60R18
- Strengths: Price, tread life (UTQG 680 A A), reliable wet grip
- Trade-offs: Basic road feel, not for spirited driving
9. Kumho Solus TA51a — Quiet, Balanced Ride
Why it stands out
This Kumho model impresses with its balanced performance and value. It absorbs bumps well and minimizes road noise, making it a top pick for daily driving. Consistent wet and dry grip with good treadwear round out its appeal.
Best for
- Drivers seeking a quiet, comfortable ride
- Value-oriented sedan owners
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-season touring
- Popular sizes: 205/55R16, 215/60R17, 235/45R18
- Strengths: Noise comfort, value, UTQG 700 A A
- Trade-offs: Modest snow capability, average steering feedback
10. Firestone WeatherGrip — Surefooted in Wet & Light Snow
Why it stands out
Firestone’s WeatherGrip is designed for drivers needing extra assurance in rain and light snow. The unique tread channels water and slush, while silica compounding ensures solid wet/dry traction. It carries the 3PMSF symbol for real winter use.
Best for
- Drivers in variable climates
- Commuters facing wintery mornings
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-season/all-weather (3PMSF rated)
- Popular sizes: 205/60R16, 215/55R17, 225/65R17
- Strengths: Wet/light snow performance, value, UTQG 640 A A
- Trade-offs: Slightly firmer ride, moderate tread life
Buying Tips
Choosing the right touring tyre for your sedan or crossover involves more than size. Match the speed and load index to your vehicle’s requirements. Consider your region’s climate—if you encounter snow, look for the 3PMSF symbol. Regularly rotate tyres (every 6,000–8,000 miles) to promote even wear and check alignment after impacts or every 12,000 miles. Store off-season tyres in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and chemicals. Proper inflation and periodic inspections ensure safety and maximize tread life.
Verdict
For all-weather confidence and premium comfort, the Michelin CrossClimate2 and Continental PureContact LS lead the pack—ideal for those willing to invest in top-tier safety and ride quality. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady and Firestone WeatherGrip are smart picks for drivers needing enhanced winter assurance. For long-lasting value, the General AltiMAX RT45, Cooper Endeavor Plus, and Kumho Solus TA51a deliver dependable performance on a budget. Luxury and comfort seekers will appreciate the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack or Yokohama AVID Ascend LX. Finally, eco-focused drivers get excellent efficiency and tread life from the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II. Choose based on your driving style, climate, and priorities—safety, comfort, or economy.
Could you clarify how the Michelin CrossClimate2 performs in heavier snow compared to the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, since both mention some level of winter capability?
The Michelin CrossClimate2 generally offers better performance in heavier snow compared to the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady. The CrossClimate2 features a more aggressive tread design and is certified with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, indicating higher winter capability. While both handle light to moderate snow well, the CrossClimate2 provides improved traction and handling in deeper or more challenging snowy conditions.
How important is the 3PMSF snow rating like on the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady for someone in the Midwest, or would a regular all-season be enough for winter commutes?
If you live in the Midwest and face regular snow and ice, the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rating, like on the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, is very helpful. It means the tire meets higher winter traction standards than regular all-seasons. For frequent winter commutes, a 3PMSF tire will provide safer handling and better grip compared to standard all-seasons.
Are there any budget-friendly all-season tires that still perform well in wet conditions, or are these premium models really worth the investment?
Several budget-friendly all-season tires can still provide good wet weather performance, such as the General AltiMAX RT43 or Kumho Solus TA31. While premium models often offer longer tread life and slightly better grip, some mid-range options balance cost and wet traction quite well. It depends on your driving needs and budget, but you don’t always have to go premium for safe, reliable wet performance.
Can you give more insight into how much of a fuel economy difference drivers might actually see between these top touring tires over, say, 20,000 miles?
Most all-season touring tires offer modest fuel economy improvements due to their low rolling resistance designs. Over 20,000 miles, the best performers among these top tires might save you around 10–25 gallons of fuel compared to average alternatives. This typically translates to a 1–3% improvement in miles per gallon, so the difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
I see the Michelin CrossClimate2 is noted for wet and light snow grip, but how does it handle in areas with occasional heavy snow? Would I still need dedicated winter tyres?
The Michelin CrossClimate2 performs well in wet and light snow, but for areas with occasional heavy snow, dedicated winter tyres are still recommended. Winter tyres offer superior traction and safety in harsh winter conditions, especially on ice or deep snow, which all-season tyres like the CrossClimate2 can’t fully match.
For drivers who split their time equally between city and rural roads, which of these recommended tyres provides the best combination of durability and fuel efficiency?
If you split your driving between city and rural roads, the Michelin Defender T+H from the list stands out for both durability and fuel efficiency. Its tread compound is designed to last, and it maintains lower rolling resistance, which helps with fuel savings across mixed driving conditions.
Could you elaborate on how the UTQG ratings for treadwear and traction are determined and how much weight they carried in your rankings compared to user feedback?
UTQG treadwear and traction ratings are determined through standardized lab and track tests, with treadwear comparing tire longevity to a control, and traction measuring wet asphalt/braking performance. For our rankings, we considered UTQG ratings as one factor, but gave slightly more weight to real-world user feedback to reflect everyday driving experiences and satisfaction.
Is the ride quality on the Continental PureContact LS noticeably better than standard all-season tyres for daily city driving?
Yes, the Continental PureContact LS generally offers a smoother and quieter ride compared to many standard all-season tires, especially noticeable during daily city driving. Its advanced tread compound and comfort-focused design help absorb road imperfections and reduce road noise, making everyday commutes more comfortable for both drivers and passengers.
I noticed that some tyres are better for comfort while others focus on traction. Is there a good way to decide which is more important for daily commuting in a city with unpredictable weather?
Choosing between comfort and traction depends on your daily driving priorities. If you want a smoother, quieter ride, comfort-oriented tyres are ideal. For safety, especially in unpredictable weather, traction is crucial. In most city environments with variable weather, prioritizing tyres with good all-weather traction is usually the safest choice, but you can look for models offering a balance of both.
If we mostly drive on highways in the Midwest with occasional snow, would the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady be a better fit than the PureContact LS, especially regarding winter capability?
For Midwest highway driving with occasional snow, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady generally offers better winter traction than the PureContact LS. The WeatherReady is designed with a focus on all-weather performance, including light snow, making it a solid choice if winter capability is important for your driving conditions.
For a small business fleet operated across different states, would you suggest prioritizing tread life or wet/snow grip based on the tyres you reviewed?
For a small business fleet covering various states, it’s smart to balance both tread life and wet/snow grip. However, safety should come first, so prioritize wet and snow grip, especially if your routes include regions with unpredictable weather. Several tyres in the article perform well in both areas, so selecting an option with strong overall ratings in these categories is a good approach.