SUVs are an increasingly popular choice for motorists. With their size and 4x4 drivetrain, they need tyres that can cope with the intensity of use and the power of their engine. To help you choose a new set of tyres, we've put together a summer off-road tyre ranking based on feedback from consumers.
Many tyre manufacturers create special models for 4x4s and SUVs.
It is hard to argue with the fact that modern motoring is all about SUVs and smaller CUVs (or crossovers). People all over the world have grown to love these spacious and chunky cars with increased ground clearance. They are even sought after as city cars - more wheel arch space means you no longer have to worry about accidentally scraping the chassis against the curb, and high positioned seats ensure a sense of security and better control.
The popularity of the term Sport Utility Vehicle, or SUV for short, has led many tyre manufacturers to develop models specifically for this type of vehicle. Above all, these SUV tyres must be able to cope with the increased weight of the vehicle. It is important that they not only provide a short braking distance and good grip, especially in corners but are also stable and durable enough not to wear out too quickly under load. Motorists also expect 4x4 tyres for SUVs to help reduce fuel consumption and not generate excessive driving noise.
Expectations are high, so how do the different models cope? We have prepared a special 4x4 summer tyre ranking for drivers interested in this subject.
The best 4x4 summer tyres
The criterion for ranking the tyres in the ranking is based on the ratings given by the drivers buying on Oponeo. A few weeks after the purchase, each driver receives a form by e-mail in which he can assess how the chosen tyres perform in practice. Ratings are given on a scale of 1 to 6 and take into account the most important tyre parameters such as: driving in various conditions, driving the economy, or overall comfort. An overall score is then calculated based on the individual ratings, reflecting the rider's satisfaction with the tyre.
Of course, each driver's impressions may vary, depending to a large extent on the car he or she uses and the driving style. However, such reviews provide an interesting point of view and a lot of information about the tyres. Good feedback from drivers can indicate which tyres are worth buying, just as tests carried out by respected motoring organisations, led by the most popular ADAC, do every year.
*Only 4x4 and SUV models were considered. The number of ratings was also a condition.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV (5,8)
First place in this year's 4x4 summer tyre ranking goes to the premium tyre from the French manufacturer. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is prized above all for its safety and excellent handling in adverse weather conditions. It is suitable for both people who drive only in the city and drivers who often go on long journeys. Thanks to the Premium Touch technology, the product also looks very attractive.
The rubber mixture with innovative elastomers and silica used for this model is characterised by high resistance to mechanical damage and intensive use. This gives the tyre long service life. It also ensures optimum noise level, which contributes to comfort.
The asymmetrical tread with a perfectly developed pattern is a solid asset. The outer shoulder is designed for dry conditions, while the inner shoulder ensures excellent grip in wet conditions. The stiff construction combined with well-placed sipes ensures a short braking distance. The use of Dynamic Response Technology, which involves reinforcing the belt with aramid-nylon fibres, improves traction and facilitates vehicle control.
The quality of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is also reflected in the feedback from satisfied drivers:
Fantastic tyres. On dry roads, they react quickly to every movement of the steering wheel. Sticks to the road like a tack. Every bend is safe. On wet, it is brilliant. I've never had tyres that can drive so safely in the rain or through large puddles. Not once has there occurred aquaplaning. The car drives smoothly. I would recommend them. Expensive, but worth the price. Safety is assured, which is the most important thing. Jack
Pirelli Powergy (5,6)
The second position on the podium is again occupied by a premium tyre, namely the Powergy from Italian manufacturer Pirelli. It is designed for SUVs and cars. The solutions applied to mean that this product not only offers excellent driving characteristics, but also a high level of comfort. The driver also receives a long warranty period of up to 7 years, which will certainly appeal to users. The standard warranty period is 5 years.
The solutions used on Pirelli Powergy make the tyres very quiet. Noise levels of just 68 dB make driving a pleasure. The special rubber compound also ensures low rolling resistance, which reduces combustion and makes the fuel savings noticeable.
The Italian manufacturer has also taken care of the proper shape of the tread, the distribution of the grooves, and the notches in the shoulder of the tyre. This ensures excellent grip both in dry and wet conditions. This reduces the risk of dangerous aquaplaning and reduces stopping distances, which significantly improves safety even when driving in bad weather.
What do users say about the Pirelli Powergy?
I definitely recommend these tyres, they work well in both wet and dry conditions. If you like safe, but fast and dynamic driving, these tyres are for you. Seba-1987
Nokian Tyres Wetproof SUV (5,4)
The third place went to Nokian Tyres Wetproof SUV. This premium tyre has been developed in response to the needs of SUV drivers. The manufacturer ensures that the tyres are safe for the driver and passengers in all driving conditions. They also provide a high level of comfort, which is why they are definitely an option to consider when looking for a new set of 4x4 summer tyres.
The tyres are made of a specially selected rubber compound, so rolling resistance is relatively low, and the noise level is only 69 dB, which is very good. Aramid sidewalls are characterised by high durability. The material is used in the aerospace and defence industries. It is highly resistant to damage such as cuts.
Nokian Tyres Wetproff SUV also features a dual safety zone system. The outer layer is responsible for traction control on dry roads. The inner layer prevents aquaplaning. In addition, the Responsive Lock Technology ensures that water is quickly dispersed away from under the tyre, making it easier for the rider to control the vehicle when driving in the rain.
This is what satisfied users say about the quality of Nokian Tyres Wetproof SUV:
With a weight of 2.5 tonnes, the car handles superbly, and on bends, in the rain, it behaves like it is glued to the asphalt and follows the track. I am pleased with these tyres, which are perfect for the weather in Scandinavia and I recommend them to everyone. Adrian
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV (5,4)
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV is the last tyre on the podium, together with Nokian Tyres. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV is a tyre that combines not only high performance but also low noise levels. This means that driving over long distances, especially on the motorway at high speed, will not be annoying or irritating.
The tyre is manufactured using an innovative and unique Grip Booster compound. This ensures that the tyre adheres better to the road, providing excellent grip and confident driving in a wide range of conditions. Rolling resistance is also reduced, which helps to reduce fuel consumption. This will be particularly appreciated by people who drive a lot and need to refuel frequently.
The Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 3 SUV has been specifically optimised for 4x4 vehicles. This means it wears down more slowly, allowing you to enjoy a longer drive life. The specially developed tread pattern together with Goodyear's ActiveBraking System provides shorter braking distances and excellent grip in both dry and wet conditions.
The model also features rim protection technology, which uses thicker rubber on the lower side next to the rim. This protects both the rim and tyre from damage when driving against curbs, for example.
Drivers appreciate the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV and have expressed their appreciation in the reviews:
Super tyre on dry as well as wet asphalt. Quiet and comfortable. They simply stick to the road. I would highly recommend them. Andrew
Kormoran SUV Summer
Cheap does not always mean worse. This is well known to drivers who look for new tyres primarily in the budget segment. It is not usually there that you will find the latest technology transferred into treads straight from the racing track. However, it is easy to find proven and reliable solutions.
When it comes to budget SUV tyres, the price/quality ratio is of paramount importance. The Kormoran SUV Summer is a champion in this field, a model available at an attractive price and enjoying excellent reviews. The high ratings awarded by drivers resulted in an excellent average (5.3), thanks to which the model does not stand out from its predecessors in the premium segment.
Why does this tyre perform well? The tyre's symmetrical tread, which features four wide circumferential grooves in the centre, quickly channel mud and water away from the wheels, ensuring stable driving even in difficult conditions. The tyre's pressure distribution technology also ensures that it handles well around bends, making it easier to manoeuvre. The stable internal construction and durable rubber compound ensure even tyre wear. As a result, Kormoran SUV Summer does not chafe and can be safely used for a long time.
The affordable SUV summer tyre provides a safe, trouble-free ride in a variety of conditions, and drivers appreciate it for that:
I had concerns because of the low price, but I am pleasantly surprised. I have a bit of a drive into town through the woods and sometimes a lot of mud. The tyres cope very well. The holiday journey of 800 km was also covered without any problems. Quiet and pleasant for 5 people and their luggage. No need to overpay and you can drive comfortably. (Mario-8)
SUVs today are often spacious cars designed for the city and the motorway.
How do I choose the right 4x4 tyre?
This is no easy matter since nowadays every major manufacturer offers several models dedicated to 4x4s and SUVs. In order to choose the right tyre for your needs, it is advisable to collect as much useful information about the product as possible. A description of the tyre is provided, and the tyre label also contains a lot of data. Here you can find basic information about the tyre's noise level, rolling resistance and performance in different conditions.
The results of tests carried out by various trade magazines and road safety organisations, such as the ADAC in Germany, should also be taken into account. Some buyers also appreciate the opinions and ratings of other drivers. The largest base of reviews can of course be found on Oponeo. In addition, they are written exclusively by users who have dealt with the given model.
Check out our range of 4x4 tyres:
- MT (mud-terrain)
- AT (all-terrain)
- HT (highway-terrain)