How We Chose
For drivers who spend hours on the road, tyre noise is more than a minor annoyance—it’s a daily quality-of-life issue. Our selection process focused on leading touring tyres for US passenger cars and crossovers, with a clear emphasis on low in-cabin noise across various speeds and surfaces. We also evaluated safety (wet and dry grip), comfort, durability, and rolling resistance, referencing the UTQG system and available EU label data where relevant. Only current-generation tyres widely available in the US were considered, spanning premium to value tiers. Snow capability was considered for all-season options, but our main lens was noise and comfort for everyday driving.
1. Michelin Primacy Tour A/S — Whisper-Quiet Luxury
Why it stands out
Michelin’s top-tier touring all-season is repeatedly praised for its serene ride, minimal tread noise, and plush comfort—even on rough pavement. Proprietary tread compounds and a tuned tread pattern help absorb impacts and reduce noise, making it a favorite for luxury sedans and crossovers.
Best for
- Drivers prioritizing near-silent cabins and upscale comfort
- Frequent highway commuters
- Luxury car and crossover owners
Key notes
- Season/Type: Grand Touring All-Season
- Popular sizes: 215/55R17, 235/45R18, 245/40R19
- Strengths: Outstanding noise suppression, refined ride, long tread life
- Trade-offs: Premium price, modest snow traction
2. Continental PureContact LS — Balanced Quiet & Control
Why it stands out
Continental’s PureContact LS delivers a hushed cabin thanks to Comfort Ride Technology, combining a smooth, quiet ride with responsive steering and strong wet grip. Its noise-canceling tread design helps minimize pattern roar, even as the miles add up.
Best for
- Drivers seeking a quiet ride without sacrificing handling
- Mid-size sedans and crossovers
- All-weather daily use
Key notes
- Season/Type: Grand Touring All-Season
- Popular sizes: 225/60R16, 235/50R17, 245/45R18
- Strengths: Low noise, excellent wet braking, good treadwear
- Trade-offs: Can be firm on harsh impacts
3. Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack — Tuned for Tranquility
Why it stands out
The Turanza QuietTrack’s name says it all: it’s engineered for supreme quietness. An advanced tread pattern and sound-absorbing technology reduce airborne and road noise, while silica-rich compounds provide year-round grip and fuel efficiency.
Best for
- Long-distance travelers valuing quiet and comfort
- Hybrid and EV drivers sensitive to tyre noise
- Crossover and sedan owners
Key notes
- Season/Type: Grand Touring All-Season
- Popular sizes: 215/55R17, 225/50R18, 235/45R18
- Strengths: Class-leading quietness, even wear, confident handling
- Trade-offs: Not for heavy snow, higher cost
4. Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive — Everyday Peace
Why it stands out
Goodyear’s ComfortDrive is designed for everyday serenity, with a tread pattern and ComfortFlex technology that absorb bumps and reduce noise. It delivers a relaxed ride, reliable wet traction, and versatility for most non-sporty vehicles.
Best for
- Daily commuters and families
- Drivers prioritizing low in-cabin noise
- Modern sedans and crossovers
Key notes
- Season/Type: Grand Touring All-Season
- Popular sizes: 215/60R16, 225/55R17, 235/60R18
- Strengths: Quiet ride, wet grip, comfort
- Trade-offs: Only average snow performance
5. Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 — Italian Comfort, American Roads
Why it stands out
Pirelli’s P7 AS Plus 3 is tuned for US road conditions, offering a calm ride with minimal tread hum. It uses advanced noise-dampening materials and a tread pattern designed to disperse sound, while also delivering competitive tread life.
Best for
- Comfort-focused drivers in variable climates
- Owners of sedans and crossovers
- Commuters sensitive to road noise
Key notes
- Season/Type: Touring All-Season
- Popular sizes: 205/55R16, 225/45R17, 235/50R18
- Strengths: Quietness, treadwear, balanced handling
- Trade-offs: Less sporty steering feel
6. Yokohama AVID Ascend LX — Value Quietness
Why it stands out
The AVID Ascend LX stands out in the value segment, providing a surprisingly quiet and composed ride at a lower price point. Its tread pattern minimizes pattern noise and provides stable all-season traction, making it a budget-friendly choice for peace of mind.
Best for
- Cost-conscious drivers
- Owners of older sedans and compacts
- City and suburban driving
Key notes
- Season/Type: Standard Touring All-Season
- Popular sizes: 195/65R15, 205/55R16, 215/60R16
- Strengths: Low noise for the price, longevity
- Trade-offs: Not for spirited driving, light snow only
7. General Altimax RT45 — Everyday Quiet for Less
Why it stands out
General’s Altimax RT45 offers above-average noise comfort for its price, with a tread design that limits resonance and pattern noise. It’s ideal for daily drivers who want a tranquil ride without a premium price tag.
Best for
- Budget-minded commuters
- Older cars and family sedans
- Urban and suburban roads
Key notes
- Season/Type: Standard Touring All-Season
- Popular sizes: 185/65R15, 205/55R16, 225/60R16
- Strengths: Quietness vs. cost, even wear
- Trade-offs: Not as refined as premium models
8. Hankook Kinergy PT (H737) — Quiet Durability for the Miles
Why it stands out
The Kinergy PT is known for its low noise levels and exceptional tread life, making it a great pick for high-mileage drivers. Its multi-pitch tread block design reduces noise patterning, while the silica compound aids comfort and fuel economy.
Best for
- High-mileage drivers and fleet vehicles
- Family sedans and compacts
- Drivers who value both quiet and longevity
Key notes
- Season/Type: Standard Touring All-Season
- Popular sizes: 195/65R15, 215/60R16, 225/60R17
- Strengths: Quiet ride, long treadwear, value
- Trade-offs: Not the softest over sharp impacts
9. Kumho Crugen HP71 — Quiet Crossover Comfort
Why it stands out
Targeted at crossovers and SUVs, the Crugen HP71 uses a noise-reducing tread block arrangement and a comfort-optimized carcass. It’s among the quietest in its class, offering strong wet grip and a smooth ride for larger vehicles.
Best for
- SUV and crossover owners
- Highway travelers
- Drivers prioritizing quiet and comfort over sportiness
Key notes
- Season/Type: Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season
- Popular sizes: 225/65R17, 235/60R18, 245/50R20
- Strengths: Low cabin noise, comfort, value
- Trade-offs: Moderate snow performance
Buying Tips
1. Choose the right fitment: Always match tyre size, load, and speed ratings to your vehicle’s requirements. Check the driver’s door jamb or owner’s manual.
2. Don’t overlook tyre age: Even quiet tyres lose performance with age. Replace tyres over 6 years old, regardless of tread depth.
3. Prioritize rotations: Regular rotations (every 5,000–8,000 miles) prevent uneven wear and keep noise low.
4. Store tyres properly: If using seasonal tyres, store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to prevent compound hardening and increased noise.
5. Keep alignment in check: Misalignment causes irregular wear, which can create annoying tyre noise and shorten lifespan.
Verdict
If a near-silent ride is your top priority and your budget allows, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, Continental PureContact LS, and Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack are leaders in refined quietness and comfort. The Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive and Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 are excellent for a balance of noise suppression, safety, and value. For those on tighter budgets, Yokohama AVID Ascend LX and General Altimax RT45 deliver impressive noise comfort for the price, while Hankook Kinergy PT excels in both quietness and tread life. Kumho Crugen HP71 stands out for crossover and SUV owners seeking a calm highway experience. Ultimately, prioritizing quiet tyres means smoother, less fatiguing drives—especially important for commuters, families, and anyone craving peace on the road.
Are these tyre models widely in stock at most US dealers right now, or should I expect potential backorders, especially for the more popular sizes mentioned in the article?
Availability can vary depending on the brand and specific size, especially for popular models and sizes featured in the article. Some of these tyres may be in high demand, leading to occasional backorders. It’s a good idea to check with local dealers or call ahead to confirm stock for your vehicle before visiting.
How do these quiet touring tyres perform on older asphalt or concrete highways? I do a lot of cross-country trips and noise from rough surfaces is the biggest issue for me.
Quiet touring tyres on this list generally perform well at reducing noise, even on older asphalt or concrete highways. While they can’t eliminate all road noise on rough surfaces, their advanced tread patterns and noise-reducing technologies help dampen sound noticeably compared to standard tyres. For frequent cross-country trips, you should notice a quieter cabin, although some tyre models may still handle coarse concrete slightly better than others.
For someone driving a mid-size crossover in an area with occasional light snow, is it better to go with a noisier all-weather tyre for safety, or do these quiet touring options handle light snow well enough?
Many of the quiet touring tyres highlighted in the article are engineered to handle light snow, making them good options if you mostly see occasional wintry conditions. However, if your area gets more than just occasional light snow or you prioritize winter safety above all, an all-weather tyre may give you extra peace of mind, even if it’s a bit noisier.