The best all season tires for SUVs balance cold-weather grip, wet braking, and enough tread life to survive a 50,000 to 80,000 mile ownership cycle. The Michelin CROSSCLIMATE2 A/W CUV wins for cold and wet grip, and the Michelin Defender2 wins for tread life. Three questions narrow it down fast: which size does your SUV take, how much snow do you actually drive in, and what matters most to you, quiet highway miles or winter traction.
Most crossovers leave the factory on tires chosen to hit a shipping cost, not a driving standard. Owners on r/tires and r/crv describe the factory rubber as the weakest part of an otherwise good vehicle, and the loudest complaint we saw came from a CR-V owner who was a year and a half from replacing noisy OEM tires they never chose.
We spent a full test season comparing twelve SUV all-season listings across treadwear ratings, load indexes, speed ratings, warranty length, and owner review history, then cross-checked the shortlist against independent test coverage rather than brand marketing. If you also need gear for the road, our picks for the best cordless tire inflators for SUVs and best cargo carriers for SUVs cover the rest of the kit.
Top 3 Best All Season Tires for SUVs for 2026
Starfire Solarus HT 265/65R18 114T
- 50000 mile treadwear warranty
- M+S rated
- Symmetrical tread
- Cooper-made
Travelstar UN66 235/60R18 Set of 4
- Set of four
- 520AA treadwear
- M+S rated
- Silica wet compound
Michelin CROSSCLIMATE2 A/W CUV
- 60000 mile treadwear
- 6 year warranty
- Wet and dry braking
- Light snow grip
All 12 SUV All-Season Picks at a Glance in 2026
The table below ranks every tire in this roundup by how it fits an SUV, not by brand prestige. Load range and load index matter more on a crossover than most listings suggest, and two of these carry a standard-load rating that we flag in the reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Starfire Solarus HT 265/65R18 114T |
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 Fullway HP108 255/50R20 109V XL |
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 Evoluxx Capricorn 4X4 HP 235/60R18 107V |
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 Fullway PC369 235/65R17 108V XL |
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 Goodyear Assurance Finesse 225/65R17 102H |
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 Continental ProContact TX 235/60R18 103H |
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 Mastertrack M-TRAC CUV 235/60R18 Set of 4 |
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| Travelstar UN66 235/60R18 103V Set of 4 |
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 Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II P265/70R17 113S |
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| Michelin CROSSCLIMATE2 A/W CUV 235/65R17 |
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 Goodyear Assurance 235/65R17 104T |
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 Michelin Defender2 225/65R17 102H |
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1. Starfire Solarus HT 265/65R18 114T — Our Best Overall SUV All-Season Tire
- Quiet smooth ride with low highway noise
- Even wear with about 7/32 inch left at 18000 miles
- Dependable grip in dry wet and light snow
- Cooper Tire and Rubber manufacturing
- A minority of long-term owners report tread cracking and belt wires
- Heavier sidewalls need extra balancing effort
- Slightly more highway noise than some touring tires
This is the tire we kept coming back to while building the list. It carries a 4.6-star average across more than 4,400 ratings, which is the deepest owner history in this roundup, and the 265/65R18 114T sizing covers a lot of mid-size and body-on-frame SUVs. The tire is made by Cooper Tire and Rubber and wears a symmetrical tread pattern, which is why wear comes in so evenly.
Owners report roughly 18,000 miles with tread depth still near 7/32 inch, and several mention getting 5 to 8 percent better fuel economy than the all-season tires they replaced. That last number lines up with the design intent: this is a highway-terrain pattern that keeps rolling resistance down rather than chasing off-road grip.
The spec sheet is the quiet differentiator. A load index of 114 means each tire carries up to 2,601 pounds, which is the rating you want on a tow-heavy SUV, and a 4-ply radial carcass handles the 31.5 inch diameter without flexing excessively. Maximum cold pressure is listed at 44 psi, so check your door jamb spec before inflating past that.
Deep tread blocks also hold up better in sand and mud than most highway all-seasons, which came up repeatedly in owner reviews. It is not an all-terrain tire, but owners on gravel logging roads report it is far less fussy than a low-profile touring tire.
Who the Starfire Solarus HT fits well
This suits anyone who drives a heavier SUV or pickup-based SUV and wants a tire that will still look healthy at 40,000 miles. The 4,400-plus rating count means you are reading a large sample, not a handful of early adopters, which matters on a safety component.
It also suits road-trip drivers, because quietness and even wear are the two things owners mention most. If your SUV is rated to tow, the 2,601 pound per-tire capacity is the number to compare against your door jamb spec.
Where it falls short
A small group of long-term owners report tread cracking and steel belt wires showing after extended use, so inspect your tires periodically rather than assuming tread depth is the only thing to watch. The sidewalls are a touch heavier than the OEM part, which means your installer may spend more time balancing.
Drivers chasing the absolute quietest highway mile should look at the Travelstar set below instead. And if your SUV runs a 17-inch wheel, you will need a different size, since this listing is an 18-inch fitment.
2. Fullway HP108 255/50R20 109V XL — Best for Large 20-Inch Factory Wheels
Fullway HP108 255/50R20 109V All Season XL Performance 20 inch Tire
- Extra-load XL construction for heavy SUVs and trucks
- V speed rating certified to 149 mph
- 13660 ratings averaging 4.5 stars
- Wide size availability across common SUV fitments
- Standard manufacturer warranty only
- 380AA treadwear rating is modest
- Sold as tire only with no rim included
If your SUV rolled off the lot on 20-inch wheels, the HP108 is the one we would look at first. A 50-series aspect ratio on a 20-inch rim gives you a short, stiff sidewall, and this tire is built to take that without feeling vague. The XL extra-load construction supports 2,271 pounds per tire.
The review base is enormous: more than 13,600 ratings holding a 4.5-star average. That volume matters for a cheap-looking part, because it means the pattern has been through a lot of real miles in real trucks and crossovers rather than a short launch window.
Technically it is a 4-ply asymmetric radial with a V speed rating certified to 149 mph and a maximum pressure of 49 psi. The 380AA UTQG treadwear rating is the weak point in the spec sheet, since it undercuts the premium touring tires on paper even though owners rarely complain about short life at ordinary annual mileages.
The asymmetrical pattern matters for how you rotate. Off-center shoulder blocks help the outside shoulder hold during cornering, which is where a tall crossover generates the most load on a 255 width.
Why owners on 20-inch wheels pick this tire
The core reason is sidewall durability. A 255/50R20 has a sidewall height of roughly 12.8 inches, which is far more protective against potholes than the 25-series tires that many 20 and 22 inch factory wheels force onto owners. That protection matters in northern climates where road salt and potholes, not mileage, are what end tire life.
It is also a sensible choice for anyone who tows or carries a heavy rear load, since the extra-load rating gives you margin above the standard-load number.
Who should skip it
If you drive less than about 8,000 miles a year, the 380AA treadwear rating means you will probably replace these before they wear out. Buyers who want a written mileage warranty should step up to the Evoluxx Capricorn, which carries a 60,000-mile limited warranty and a 480AA rating.
Also note it is a single tire per listing, so a full replacement means four separate purchases.
3. Evoluxx Capricorn 4X4 HP 235/60R18 107V — Best for Tread Life on a Budget
Evoluxx Capricorn 4X4 HP 235/60R18 107V All Season XL 18 inch Tire
- 60000 mile limited warranty for the money
- 480AA UTQG treadwear rating
- XL load rating supports 2149 lbs per tire
- Symmetrical pattern wears evenly
- Value brand with limited name recognition
- Sold as tire only without a rim
- 42 psi maximum cold pressure is lower than most XL rivals
The Capricorn 4X4 HP is the value pick that quietly outperforms its price tier on paper. A 480AA UTQG treadwear rating and a 60,000-mile limited warranty put it ahead of the budget competition, and owners rate it 4.6 stars across nearly 900 ratings.
The 235/60R18 107V sizing fits a very common crossover fitment, so the odds of finding your exact size are good. It is a 4-ply radial with a symmetrical tread, which means you can rotate it front to rear without a direction-of-rotation penalty.
Load rating is the number that matters here. Load index 107 means 2,149 pounds per tire, and the XL designation tells you the sidewall is built for extra-load duty cycles rather than standard. New tread depth is 10/32 inch, which is deeper than most touring tires in this roundup and gives you room to run the tire down further.
The tire weighs 30 pounds and measures 29.1 inches in overall diameter. Maximum cold pressure is listed at 42 psi, which is lower than the 49 psi you will see on several XL rivals in this list, so do not inflate beyond the sidewall limit.
Who this tire rewards most
High-mileage drivers are the obvious audience. If you put 20,000 miles a year on a crossover, the 60,000-mile warranty and the 480AA rating mean the tire is likely to wear out around the same time you would replace it anyway.
Owners also like that the symmetrical pattern predicts the wear, which makes a simple front-to-back rotation schedule easy to stick to and easy to measure.
Who should pass on this tire
Buyers who need help from a dealer network should know this is a value brand name, and roadside support is not the same as an established premium marque. If you tow regularly or run a three-row SUV near its gross weight, step up to a higher load index such as the 114 on the Starfire Solarus.
The 42 psi ceiling is also worth weighing on a heavy vehicle, since your door jamb pressure spec could exceed it.
4. Fullway PC369 235/65R17 108V XL — Budget Pick for Common Crossovers
Fullway PC369 235/65R17 108V All Season XL Performance 17 inch Tire
- Low cost per tire for a common 17 inch crossover fitment
- XL extra load supports 2205 lbs per tire
- 4.6 star average from nearly 800 ratings
- Symmetrical tread for steady all season wear
- 380AA treadwear rating is entry level
- Standard manufacturer warranty only
- Sold as tire only without a rim
235/65R17 is arguably the single most common tire size on mid-size crossovers, and the PC369 is built for exactly that fitment. Load index 108 puts it at 2,205 pounds per tire with an XL load range, so it has more capacity than the standard-load tires many manufacturers fit from the factory.
Owners rate it 4.6 stars across nearly 800 ratings and describe steady, dependable daily performance rather than anything dramatic. That is the right expectation for an entry touring tire.
The V speed rating is certified to 149 mph, which is overkill for a family crossover but tells you the sidewall is not the limiting factor. Maximum pressure is 49 psi, and new tread depth is 10/32 inch from a 4-ply radial construction.
Because the tread is symmetrical, this tire rotates freely between axles. That is useful on an all-wheel-drive SUV where front to rear rotation keeps wear even across all four.
Why this is our value pick
The math is simple: an XL-rated 17-inch crossover tire with a V speed rating and a 4.6-star owner average is hard to argue with when the alternative is a premium touring tire that costs several times more per tire. Owners consistently call it inexpensive and dependable for daily use.
For a commuter who replaces tires on a budget and stays on paved roads, this is the pick we would make first.
Where buyers expect disappointment
The 380AA treadwear rating is entry level, and the warranty is only the standard manufacturer coverage. If you drive hard or high mileage, the tread may run out before the car needs it replaced.
It also is a single tire per listing. Plan on four separate orders, and confirm your exact size and load index on the door jamb before you start.
5. Goodyear Assurance Finesse 225/65R17 102H — Best for Fuel Economy
- Low rolling resistance compound for better fuel economy
- Patented tread pattern delivers a quiet ride
- Grip reported in wet dry snow and ice
- Goodyear brand sizing support
- Standard load rating limits gross weight versus XL versions
- 7.6 mm new tread is shallower than most rivals
- Sold as tire only
The Assurance Finesse is built around a fuel-saving rubber compound, and that shows up as the headline reason to pick it. Owners highlight the quiet, comfortable ride alongside the low rolling resistance, and it sits at 4.5 stars across 472 ratings.
At 225/65R17 with an H speed rating, this is the smallest tire in the roundup by section width, and that is deliberate. Narrower tires roll further, which is the whole point.
The trade-off is load capacity. Load index 102 means 1,874 pounds per tire on a standard load range, which is below the XL ratings on most tires in this list. If your three-row SUV is close to its gross vehicle weight rating, or if you tow, that margin matters.
New tread depth is listed at 7.6 millimeters, roughly 9/32 inch, which is shallower than the 10 to 11/32 inch starting depths elsewhere in this roundup. You are giving up a little usable life for efficiency.
Who gets the most from this tire
Hybrids and EVs benefit most, because every reduction in rolling resistance shows up directly in efficiency. Daily commuters who do modest annual mileage and never exceed the door jamb pressure spec will also find the tread depth less of a concern.
Owners report grip in wet, dry, snow, and ice, which makes it a safe pick for mixed-climate drivers who do not push hard in deep snow.
Who should choose something else
Anyone running near the vehicle weight limit should not run a standard-load tire where an XL version exists. Heavy three-row families and tow-happy owners are better served by the Starfire Solarus HT at load index 114.
Drivers who want maximum usable tread should look at a tire that starts at 10/32 inch or deeper.
6. Continental ProContact TX 235/60R18 103H — Best for Wet Weather Driving
Continental ProContact TX All Season 235/60R18 103H Passenger Tire
- Strong wet braking and handling in rain
- Low road noise for a quiet ride
- Up to 65000 mile limited treadwear coverage
- Good traction in light snow
- 55000 mile warranty trails some premium rivals
- Standard load rating for this 18 inch fitment
- Sold as tire only without a rim
If your driving lives in the rain, the ProContact TX is the Continental model to look at. Owners put wet braking and handling at the top of the list, and the tire pairs that with genuinely low road noise for a premium touring feel at 4.5 stars across 477 ratings.
The 235/60R18 103H sizing is a common crossover fitment, and the treadwear coverage is listed at up to 65,000 miles depending on the specific size you choose.
Symmetrical tread is used here, which keeps rotation simple and wear predictable on an all-wheel-drive SUV. New tread depth is 9/32 inch and the tire weighs 27.6 pounds, with maximum cold pressure listed at 51 psi.
Load index 103 gives you 1,929 pounds per tire on a standard load range. That is enough for most crossovers, but check your door jamb rating before you commit, particularly on a fully loaded three-row model.
Who this tire suits
Rain-belt commuters and highway tourers get the most from it. The wet braking reputation is the reason owners move up from OEM rubber, and the low road noise makes long interstate stretches easier on the ears.
It also handles light snow without drama, which suits drivers who want one tire for a mixed climate rather than a seasonal swap.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers chasing the longest warranty in the roundup should compare the Michelin Defender2 at 80,000 miles. Drivers in heavy snow regions should treat any all-season as a compromise and consider a true winter tire for winter months.
The standard-load rating also means this is not the right tire for a heavily loaded tow vehicle.
7. Mastertrack M-TRAC CUV 235/60R18 103V — Best for Replacing a Full Set at Once
Set of 4 (FOUR) Mastertrack M-TRAC CUV 235/60R18 103V Tires
- Sold as a complete set of four
- Very low road noise versus worn tires being replaced
- Solid dry and wet traction with no hydroplaning
- Predictable steering through lane changes
- Three year road hazard warranty included
- Less brand recognition than established makers
- Tread wear out warranty covers only the first 4/32 inch of tread
- Tire only with no wheel or rim
This listing solves a problem the others do not: it arrives as a set of four in the same size, which removes the guesswork from ordering. On an all-wheel-drive SUV, replacing all four at once is the cleanest way to keep the front and rear tires wearing at the same rate.
Owners rate it 4.6 stars across 362 ratings and describe the ride as quieter and smoother than what they replaced. Several call out the value of a complete four-tire set compared with big-brand alternatives.
The construction is worth noting: this is a 10-ply radial at 235/60R18 with a V speed rating and a load index of 103, meaning 1,929 pounds per tire. The asymmetric tread pattern carries four wide lateral drainage channels specifically to resist hydroplaning, which matches what owners report.
Stiffened shoulder blocks are the handling story here, and they are why the steering feels predictable when you change lanes at highway speed.
Why the set format matters on an AWD SUV
On an all-wheel-drive system, the drivetrain expects all four tires to have similar diameter and grip. Owners on tire forums repeatedly raise this as their biggest source of anxiety, and a matched set removes the calculation entirely.
Staggered fitments are the exception. If your SUV uses a different front and rear size, verify the exact fitment before ordering a set of four in one size.
Where the warranty falls short
The included tread wear out warranty applies only within the first 4/32 inch of tread, so it is protection against an early failure rather than a mileage promise. The road hazard coverage runs three years.
Buyers who want a written mileage warranty should compare the Michelin Defender2 or the Evoluxx Capricorn.
8. Travelstar UN66 235/60R18 103V — Best for Quietness
- Quiet ride reported by multiple owners
- 520AA treadwear rating in a value set
- Dependable rain and light snow performance
- Advanced silica compound lowers rolling resistance
- Sold as a set of four with three year road hazard
- Newer listing with a smaller review history
- Asymmetrical pattern complicates simple rotation
- Tire only with no wheel or rim
The UN66 holds the highest average rating in this roundup at 4.7 stars, and the reason owners keep mentioning is noise. Multiple reviewers describe a quieter cabin than the tires they replaced, which is exactly the complaint that drives most OEM tire replacements in the first place.
It is also sold as a set of four, so it lands in the same convenience category as the Mastertrack set above while carrying a stronger UTQG treadwear number.
Tech-wise it is an asymmetric 235/60R18 with a V speed rating, a load index of 103 for 1,929 pounds per tire, and 11/32 inch of new tread, which is the deepest starting depth among the sets we reviewed. The compound is silica-based, aimed at wet grip while cutting rolling resistance.
The M+S rating covers mud and snow for light winter use. That is not the same as a 3PMSF snowflake rating, and it is worth keeping that distinction clear if you drive in real snow.
Who notices this tire most
Highway commuters and long-distance drivers are the group that benefits most from a quiet pattern. The optimized pitch design in the tread is aimed at cabin quietness, and owners report the tread still looks new after extended use.
Rain-belt drivers also get a good deal here, because the silica compound was chosen for wet-road traction and braking confidence.
Who should weigh the alternatives
The review history is smaller than the big-brand options, at 347 ratings, so you are working with a shorter data set. Buyers who want deep cold-weather capability should read the CROSSCLIMATE2 section below.
Because the tread is asymmetric, front-to-back rotation still works but you lose some of the flexibility of a symmetric pattern.
9. Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II P265/70R17 113S — Best for Original Equipment Fitments
Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684II Highway Terrain SUV Tire P265/70R17 113 S
- Original equipment tire on select vehicles
- 60000 mile warranty coverage
- Highway terrain design for on-road SUV use
- 4 ply standard load rated to 2535 lbs
- Deep 11/32 inch tread depth
- S speed rating is lower than most competitors
- Highway terrain tread not meant for serious off-road
- Sold as tire only
When your SUV shipped with a Bridgestone Dueler H/T, buying the same pattern keeps the ride consistent with what the chassis was tuned for. This 684II is listed as original equipment on select vehicles, and owners value the durability of that choice at 4.6 stars across 333 ratings.
The P265/70R17 113S sizing suits larger body-on-frame and body-on-body SUVs, and the 70-series aspect ratio gives a tall sidewall that absorbs potholes and gravel better than any tire in this roundup.
Load index 113 means 2,535 pounds per tire, the second-highest capacity here behind the Starfire Solarus, which matters if your SUV tows. New tread depth is 11/32 inch and the tire weighs 25 pounds.
The one number to watch is the S speed rating, which caps sustained speed well below the H and V ratings common elsewhere. Maximum cold pressure is 44 psi.
Who benefits from this pattern
Drivers on rough roads, gravel, and long highway stretches get the most value from a 70-series sidewall. Owners using this tire report strong durability and a tread depth that starts deep enough to run well past 40,000 miles.
If your SUV is rated for towing and you want a big-rim tire with real capacity, this is a legitimate match rather than a compromise.
What to watch before you order
The S speed rating rules this out for anyone who wants to run at highway speed in sustained conditions. Check your door jamb rating, because if it calls for V you cannot substitute down.
It is a highway-terrain pattern, so it is not the tire for serious trail work. For that you would want an all-terrain design, which is outside this roundup.
10. Michelin CROSSCLIMATE2 A/W CUV 235/65R17 104H — Best for Winter Grip
- Highest rated at 4.8 stars from 291 ratings
- Confident wet and dry braking
- Strong traction in light snow and on ice
- Tread still looks new at 30000 miles
- 60000 mile treadwear plus 6 year warranty
- Sold as a single tire so a full set takes multiple orders
- Directional pattern is awkward on staggered fitments
- Higher cost per tire than value brand rivals
If you drive through real winter, this is the tire we would put on. Michelin rates it at 4.8 stars, the highest average in this roundup, and owners describe confident braking on wet pavement, in light snow, and on ice.
Across r/tires and the Bogleheads forum, the CROSSCLIMATE2 is the model owners re-recommend most often to other SUV owners. The recurring description is that it feels like a winter tire without giving up year-round manners.
The warranty story is strong: a 60,000-mile manufacturer treadwear limited warranty plus a six-year standard limited warranty, which is longer than most rivals here offer on both counts. Owners report tread that still looks new at 30,000 miles.
Michelin also states that it stops shorter than four leading competitors in dry and wet conditions and lasts up to 15,000 miles longer on their testing. Treat those as manufacturer claims, but the owner reports line up with them.
Who this tire is built for
Snow-belt commuters who want one tire instead of a seasonal swap will get the most out of it. The 3PMSF-rated all-weather classification and biting sipes give it traction that plain M+S tires in this roundup do not.
It is also a sensible choice for hybrid and electric crossovers that carry instant torque, because owners report improved fuel economy after switching.
What the compromises are
This is a single tire per listing, so a full set means four orders, and the directional tread pattern makes rotation more prescriptive. It also carries the highest per-tire cost in this roundup, which is the trade for the cold-weather capability.
On a staggered fitment, check size availability before committing, since directional patterns are not offered in every size.
11. Goodyear Assurance 235/65R17 104T — Best for Daily Driving
- 65000 mile tread life warranty
- Quiet ride from a reduced-noise tread pattern
- Wide grooves evacuate water and slush
- Large shoulder blocks for wet and dry handling
- T speed rating is low for the class
- Multiple listing variants can confuse fitment
- Sold as tire only
The Goodyear Assurance is a familiar nameplate and a 65,000-mile tread life warranty, which is a strong combination for a daily-driven crossover. Owners report a smooth, quiet ride and steady all-season grip at 4.6 stars across 183 ratings.
At 235/65R17 with a 104 load index, this is the most common fitment in the roundup and the tire weighs just 24.4 pounds, so it is easy on unsprung weight compared with the heavier value options.
The tread design does the work here. Multiple biting edges and wide grooves handle wet, dry, and snowy surfaces, while the optimized pattern is what keeps road noise down. New tread depth is 9/32 inch and maximum cold pressure is 51 psi.
One practical warning: several variants share the Assurance family name, including high-mileage versions with different specs. Confirm the load index and speed rating on the listing match your door jamb before ordering.
Who this pick works for
Daily commuters who just want a dependable, quiet tire from a name they recognize will be happy here. The 65,000-mile warranty gives a benchmark, and owners report the standard version wears well against the high-mileage variant.
It is a good choice for anyone who wants to move off OEM rubber without moving up to a premium price.
Why you might choose something else
The T speed rating is lower than every other tire in this roundup, which is a real constraint if your door jamb calls for H or V. That rating alone disqualifies it for many performance-oriented crossovers.
If cold-weather grip is your priority, the CROSSCLIMATE2 is the better buy despite costing more.
12. Michelin Defender2 225/65R17 102H — Best for Tread Life
MICHELIN Defender2 All-Season Tire, CUV, SUV, Cars and Minivans – 225/65R17 102H
- 80000 mile treadwear warranty is the longest here
- Locking 3-D sipes improve wet and dry stopping
- Designed for common SUV and CUV fitments
- 6 year standard limited warranty
- Sold as tire only without rims
- Standard load construction at this size
- Higher cost per tire than value brand options
The Defender2 is the tread-life winner, with an 80,000-mile manufacturer treadwear limited warranty that no other tire in this roundup matches. Michelin says it can offer two extra years of tread life versus three leading competitors, up to 25,000 miles on their own treadwear test.
Owners single out tread life as the standout trait, alongside confident wet-weather stopping and quiet everyday comfort. Michelin specifically designed this size for vehicles such as the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox.
The compound story is the locking 3-D sipes, which create hundreds of biting edges for wet and dry stopping distances. The tire is a symmetrical pattern at 225/65R17 with a 102 load index, so it rotates easily front to rear.
It is also backed by a six-year standard limited warranty, and it ships with 10.5/32 inch of new tread, which gives you usable life well past the warranty threshold.
Who buys a tire for the long haul
Drivers putting 15,000 to 20,000 miles a year on a commuter crossover are the clearest fit. The math works out because the warranty horizon matches the real replacement horizon.
It is also a strong match for drivers who would rather not think about tires again for four or five years.
What gives pause
The 225/65R17 is the narrower, lighter-duty option here at load index 102 and standard load range. On a fully loaded three-row SUV, an XL-rated tire such as the Starfire Solarus gives you more margin.
Per-tire cost is higher than the value brands, and it is a single tire per listing, so budget for four.
How to Choose All-Season Tires for an SUV
Start on the door jamb, not the tire sidewall. Every tire lists a maximum pressure, and it is higher than the pressure your SUV was engineered to run at. The placard inside the driver door frame gives you three numbers that matter: section width in millimeters, aspect ratio, and rim diameter in inches, plus the recommended cold pressures for front and rear.
A 235/65R17 breaks down as 235 millimeters of section width, 65 percent aspect ratio meaning the sidewall height is 65 percent of the width, R for radial construction, and 17 for the rim diameter. Everything after that is the load index and speed rating.
Check the load index before anything else
SUVs put more load through each tire than sedans because they are heavier and taller. A load index of 107 means the tire carries 2,149 pounds at rated pressure, and an XL load range tells you the sidewall is designed for that higher duty cycle. Match or exceed your door jamb requirement, and never substitute a standard-load tire where the placard calls for XL.
In this roundup, the highest capacities are the Starfire Solarus at 2,601 pounds and the Bridgestone Dueler H/T at 2,535 pounds. The narrowest option here carries 1,874 pounds.
Read the speed rating as a limit, not a target
Speed ratings run from S up through T, H, and V. Most crossovers are specified at H or V. If your placard requires H, a T-rated tire is a downgrade that also shortchanges you on wet braking, so treat the T-rated Goodyear Assurance as a fitment question rather than a preference.
All-season, all-weather, winter, or all-terrain
All-season is the general-purpose SUV default and works well for mixed climates. All-weather tires carry a 3PMSF snowflake rating and use compounds that stay flexible in genuine cold, which is why the Michelin CROSSCLIMATE2 performs better in snow than an M+S-only tire. Winter tires win outright below roughly 20 degrees Fahrenheit but are unusable in warm conditions. All-terrain adds off-road capability at the cost of highway quietness and tread life.
Drivers in heavy snow regions should treat an all-season as a compromise and consider true winter tires for winter months. That is the honest answer rather than pretending a single all-season tire covers every climate.
Verify the DOT date code before you accept delivery
The DOT code on the sidewall ends with four digits: two for the week and two for the year the tire was manufactured. Anything older than six years should be discounted, and tires that sat in a warehouse for years can harden even if they look new.
Ask the seller for the manufacture week in writing before the tires ship, and check the code yourself when the box arrives. This step is skipped by almost every buyer and it is the cheapest protection you have.
Replace four, or at least a matched pair on one axle
On an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive SUV, the drivetrain expects all four tires to have similar diameter and grip. Replacing two tires on one axle keeps the axle balanced, which is the minimum acceptable approach. Replacing all four is cleaner, and on an AWD system mismatched wear across the vehicle is what owners worry about most in forum threads.
If you must replace two, put the newer pair on the rear axle for vehicles that engage rear-biased all-wheel drive, and match the model and size on that axle rather than just the size.
Match the tire to your climate zone
Snow belt drivers who see sustained snow should prioritize a 3PMSF-rated all-weather tire such as the CROSSCLIMATE2. Rain belt drivers should prioritize wet braking, which points to the Continental ProContact TX. Snow-free southern states can chase tread life and quietness, where the Michelin Defender2 and the Travelstar UN66 both fit well. Mixed four-season climates are well served by the Starfire Solarus HT.
Rough-road and gravel drivers benefit from a taller 70-series sidewall, which is what the Bridgestone Dueler H/T offers.
Know when to replace: 2/32 inch versus 4/32 inch
The legal minimum tread depth in most states is 2/32 inch, and every tire carries tread wear indicators in the grooves that bridge the legal limit. Practically, wet braking performance degrades well before that point, and most drivers are safer replacing at 4/32 inch, especially in rain or snow.
A quarter inserted into the groove with its top edge flush with the tread surface is roughly 4/32 inch, and a penny works for the 2/32 inch check. If your tires are at or below either threshold, replace them regardless of how the rest of the vehicle looks.
Think about your wheel size before your tire
The single most common complaint we found among owners is noise, and wheel size explains most of it. A 20-inch or 22-inch factory wheel forces a short, stiff sidewall, and that tire thumps over expansion joints and hums on coarse asphalt. If your SUV came on large wheels and you have the option, a smaller wheel with a taller tire profile is usually quieter and more comfortable.
Keep pressures at the door jamb spec, and set a rotation interval, since front tires on an all-wheel-drive SUV still do most of the steering work. Our picks for the best cordless inflators for tires make the monthly pressure check less of a chore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best all-season tires for SUVs?
The Michelin CROSSCLIMATE2 A/W CUV is our pick for balanced year-round and cold-weather grip, and the Michelin Defender2 wins for tread life with an 80,000-mile warranty. The Starfire Solarus HT is the best overall balance of quietness, load capacity, and owner rating history.
What brand of tire is best for SUVs?
Brand matters less than fitment on an SUV. Match your door jamb load index and speed rating first, then compare warranty length and treadwear ratings within that constraint. Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, and Goodyear all appear in this roundup with SUV-specific fitments.
What are the smoothest, quietest tires for an SUV?
The Travelstar UN66 and the Continental ProContact TX are the quietest picks here based on owner reports. Quietness is also a function of wheel size, since 20-inch and 22-inch factory wheels force stiff sidewalls that hum regardless of tire.
Are all-weather tires better than all-season tires for SUVs?
All-weather tires carry a 3PMSF snowflake rating and use compounds that stay flexible in cold temperatures, so they hold up better in snow and ice. For a crossover in a mixed climate, that difference is worth paying for. In a snow-free region, an all-season touring tire gives you more tread life for the money.
Should I replace 2 or 4 tires on my AWD SUV?
Replacing all four is the cleanest option because the drivetrain expects similar diameter and grip at each corner. The minimum acceptable approach is a matched pair on a single axle. Never mix a new tire with a significantly worn one across an AWD system.
Our Final Verdict for 2026
Our overall pick for 2026 is the Starfire Solarus HT, because it is the only tire in this roundup that balances a 114 load index, even wear, a 4.6-star average over more than 4,400 owner ratings, and a genuinely quiet highway ride. The best all season tires for SUVs come down to which failure mode you can least afford, so the specialists still matter. If you drive through snow and ice, buy the Michelin CROSSCLIMATE2 A/W CUV and accept the higher per-tire cost. If you drive 20,000 miles a year and want to stop thinking about tires, the Michelin Defender2 with its 80,000-mile warranty is the smarter long-term purchase. If you tow or run near gross weight, the Starfire Solarus HT at load index 114 gives you the capacity margin you need, and it carries the deepest owner review history in the group.
For mixed-climate commuters without a tow rating to worry about, the Continental ProContact TX handles rain best and the Evoluxx Capricorn 4X4 HP gives you the longest warranty per dollar. Rain belt drivers should look at wet braking first, snow belt drivers at the 3PMSF snowflake rating, and everyone else can start with the load index on the door jamb.
Check your size, confirm the DOT date code before the tires ship, and replace four if your budget allows it. If you need gear for the same vehicle, our guides to the best dog ramps for SUVs round out the setup.