SUVs have been around for a long time, but the past few years have seen a boom in their popularity. Drivers are particularly fond of cars with a slightly more off-road character, which is why car manufacturers outdo each other to launch new models of SUVs. The desire to attract potential customers encourages experimentation and compromise, which increasingly steers away from the segment's early concept. It is worth bearing this in mind when buying tyres for an SUV, as not all models will perform well under the same conditions. We suggest what to look out for when choosing the right tyres.
Luxury SUVs are gaining recognition from drivers all over the world.
What are SUV tyres?
Sport utility vehicles have the difficult task of bringing together two distinct worlds: leisure and off-road driving.
SUVs with two-wheel drive do not differ significantly from passenger cars, apart from their size and ground clearance, and they very often use the same tyre models. SUV tyres are in many cases slightly redesigned versions of standard models. They have higher load and speed indices to adapt to the higher loads and stronger engines.
The technologies, however, are very similar. The main difference, in most cases, is the use of a reinforced construction to increase tyre stiffness when driving. Occasionally, you may see the designation ‘XL’ on SUV tyres, meaning ‘extra load’ or reinforced.
Can standard tyres be fitted to SUVs?
Yes, by all means, but make sure you choose the right size. The majority of today's SUVs are mainly suitable for road driving with occasional light off-road use. Good quality tyres can handle these conditions without any problem. However, if you want to use the full potential of your vehicle, then it’s worth investing in dedicated SUV tyres.
What is the difference between SUV and 4x4 off-road tyres?
The vast majority of popular SUVs are far from off-road vehicles in the traditional sense. They are designed to be driven on asphalt roads – for both city and long distance driving. As tyres made for SUVs are designed to meet these requirements, tyre manufacturers pay particular attention to performance indicators such as braking distances in wet and dry conditions, low rolling resistance and noise levels. In these respects, they perform well or very well, but you should not expect them to have a good grip in muddy or sandy terrain, as their treads are not designed for it.
On the other hand, vehicles with a significantly more off-road character, which are also equipped with four-wheel drive, require specially adapted tyres for off-road driving. They feature an aggressive tread pattern and large blocks. They are less suitable for long distances on paved roads due to the high noise level and increased fuel consumption.
Regardless of the vehicle’s drive system, it’s worth paying attention to the winter properties of SUV tyres.
There are three basic types of 4x4 off-road tyres:
Highway tyres – H/T tyres are geared towards comfortable travel on typically asphalt roads. They tend to have more compact block structures in the sidewall zones, which help to reduce tyre deformation whilst driving. As a result, they generate less noise and vibration, performing well in everyday use and on long journeys.
A/T (all-terrain) is by far the most versatile off-road tyre variety, offering balanced on-road and off-road performance. The tyres are distinguished by a distinctly taller block structure and larger spacing between the individual tread elements. The durable construction allows for driving on more difficult terrain. A/T tyres are most commonly found originally equipped on vehicles for predominantly recreational purposes, but with off-road capabilities. H/T (high terrain) tyres are dedicated to off-road vehicles or SUVs with pronounced off-road characteristics.
M/T (mud-terrain) – M/T tyres are extremely durable, purely off-road and designed for off-road vehicles tackling extreme roads or even no-road terrain.
Summer, winter and all-season SUV tyres: the season matters
When choosing tyres, it is extremely important to ensure that they are suited to the weather. This is even more important for SUVs, which are built on stiffer suspensions and are heavier overall. After all, the tyres have to provide adequate grip and driving stability in even the most demanding conditions.
Winter tyres for SUVs
Wintertime is considered the most difficult period for many reasons. The road surface is slippery, layers of snow and mud make driving difficult and frequent precipitation reduces visibility. It is therefore crucial to have the right tyres.
What should a good SUV winter tyre have? There is no one-size-fits-all design that will ensure safety and seasonal performance whatever the conditions. However, when buying new winter tyres for your SUV, there are a few things to look out for:
- The tread pattern should usually be more extensive than on summer models. More blocks and edges provide better grip in snow and mud, and the numerous channels and grooves drain water more efficiently, preventing it from clogging up the tread surface.
- There should be sipes in the blocks: special cross-cuts that aid driving in the snow. The cuts are easy to recognise due to their characteristic wavy structure.
- The winter rubber compound is more flexible, so it doesn’t stiffen up when exposed to low temperatures. This effect is most often achieved with the addition of high-quality silica. You can check the composition of the tyre compound in the information provided by the manufacturer.
- Look for the symbol ‘3PMSF’, the only European tyre label that indicates winter suitability. The symbol ‘M+S’ is merely a manufacturer's declaration. The marking can be found on the sidewall of the tyre (3PMSF – three-peak mountain snowflake).
Recommended winter SUV models:
A premium offering and state-of-the-art model from one of the world's most renowned manufacturers. This tyre excels in typical winter conditions, providing good traction and reduced braking distances. The model has been approved for premium cars such as the Mercedes GLC, BMW X3 and Porsche Cayenne.
Winter tyres for SUVs in the mid-price segment, ideal for drivers seeking value for money. The model has been adapted to the loads of heavy vehicles. The asymmetrical tread bites well into the snow, while a special rubber compound shortens braking distances in the rain.
A representative of the economy class that caters for SUVs. This is a winter tyre for people who avoid enthusiastic or aggressive driving, instead opting for confident steering, extended durability and an attractive purchase price. Thanks to its soft rubber compound, the Dębica Frigo SUV 2 performs well at low temperatures.
Summer tyres for SUVs?
The summer is a bit less demanding on tyres, so there are quite a few different tread designs available on the market, depending on the intended use of the model.
Compared to winter models, summer SUV tyres usually have a less complex pattern and more extensive blocks with a smooth structure. The ribs are separated by distinct grooves, which are designed to protect against aquaplaning. Summer tyres also feature a stiffer construction to protect against deformation and excessive abrasion in high temperatures.
Which tread should I choose for my SUV summer tyres?
It’s worth considering your individual needs. Drivers who prefer a sporty driving style will be happy with tyres that feature an asymmetrical pattern and a stiffer structure. However, this solution has its drawbacks in terms of reduced acoustic comfort and less absorption of road roughness.
If you prefer a mixed style of tyre and frequently encounter rain and wet surfaces, tyres with a directional pattern are a good choice. The numerous grooves aligned with the direction of travel deal well with standing water, offering balanced performance throughout the season.
Heavier SUVs designed for off-road use are often fitted with tyres that have deeper symmetrical patterns and rim protection for better damage resistance. They handle the loads and hardships of driving on uneven surfaces well.
Recommended summer SUV models:
Summer SUV tyres from a well-known American brand. This tyre provides short braking distances on both dry and wet roads, high abrasion resistance and excellent steering precision. The proprietary FuelSaving technology also makes the model environmentally friendly by reducing fuel consumption.
A manufacturer representing the mid-priced segment – Korean Nexen – has a model in its portfolio with characteristics atypical of tyres dedicated to SUVs. The N'Fera Sport SUV model is designed for enthusiastic long distance driving as well as comfortable city driving. It’s an excellent tyre option for everyday SUV use.
Affordable summer tyres for SUVs. This tyre offers balanced economy, solid performance and very good durability. The Ecosport SUV is a great choice for people who want to safely use the full potential of their car in any conditions. The tyres stand up well to high temperatures and heavy loads.
All-season tyres for SUVs
All-season tyres are gaining popularity among drivers in Europe. Urban road users who drive most of the time at moderate speeds and over shorter distances will be particularly satisfied. They save the hassle and expense of changing them every season, while offering stable performance year round.
The same applies to the SUV segment. Users who mainly travel on short routes that are ploughed in winter and occasionally go off-road can opt for a multi-season solution from a wide range of premium, mid-range and budget manufacturers.
How do you choose good all-season tyres for an SUV? First and foremost, it is worth focussing on the winter performance of the model (a siping system or channels between the blocks), as it is the cold and snow that will put them to the greatest test. If you like to drive faster, you should look for tyres with thicker sidewall zones and a slightly more aggressive block system.
Today's SUV all-season tyres offer stable performance on various surfaces. However, it’s worth remembering that they are a compromise between winter and summer performance and cannot fully replace well-chosen seasonal tyres.
Recommended all-season SUV models:
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is an all-season tyre for driving on paved roads and occasional trips into more difficult terrain. As befits a premium model, the tyre copes well with driving on snowy, wet and dry surfaces. The French company's product guarantees a high level of grip in all conditions.
A model designed for SUV drivers looking for one set of tyres for year-round travel. The Kleber Citylander is a mid-range multi-season tyre that provides safety and comfort in all conditions. The French manufacturer has incorporated a number of tried-and-tested features that work well for everyday travel.
Kormoran – a brand within the Michelin Group – proves that an affordable all-season SUV tyre is not a pipe dream, but a viable alternative to more expensive models. The fishbone-shaped directional tread ensures safe driving in rain and snow, while a special rubber compound with added silica reduces rolling resistance.
Accurately identify your needs
When buying tyres, you shouldn’t decide too hastily. The first and most important step when choosing tyres is to define your needs accurately. Not every driver needs sport tyres with an aggressive design and rigid construction.
You should also be careful about tyre size. For most cars, the size approved by the manufacturer is the most desirable. However, this is not the rule. You are free to use substitutes, which will affect the individual tyre performance slightly. However, it is extremely important to maintain the speed and load indices, which are crucial for heavier cars. If you’re wondering which substitutes to use on your car, use our convenient calculator.