Top Pick Tires: The Best Car, SUV, and Truck Tires Updated

When it comes to your vehicle tires, many shoppers look at the expected number of road miles you can get out of your tire per dollar spent as a top priority, which is reasonable…to a point.

However, your number one concern should always be safety, especially when we are talking about how well your tires perform under a wide range of driving conditions, including road slippage under dry, wet, and ice conditions.

Despite this, sometimes car owners buy the wrong replacement tires because of a sale, dependence on a tire technician or sales associate to recommend the correct tire type, or just confusion about the whole tire-shopping process.

Related article: Why You Should Not Fit Original Equipment Tires on Your Car

The Tire Tests

In fact, that is where Consumer Reports' tire recommendations particularly shine by testing a wide range of tires with multiple vehicle types on closed tracks, open roads, and yes―even on an ice-skating rink to provide a controlled test surface to compare tires under identical ice conditions for you to help you decipher what your car's true tire needs are.

"While everyone wants a tire with a long treadwear life, choosing the wrong replacement tire can adversely affect the handling, ride, noise, and even safety of your vehicle," says Ryan Pszczolkowski, CR's tire program manager. "That's why we provide results from a dozen tests so you can find the best tire for your car and priorities."

THE TOP TIRE PICKS BASIC LIST

As such, their recently updated top tire picks for the best car, SUV, and truck tires are provided in the summary below to help you choose your next set of tires that includes not only a basic list of selections by vehicle type but also some recommendations for both off-roading and driving in winter.

That said, here is a summary of CR's recent update:

Best Tire for Cars and Small SUVs: Michelin Defender2 (Price: $189)

CR Tire Analysts State: "For cars and small SUVs, the Michelin Defender2 is the clear winner. It earns above-average scores for dry braking, resistance to hydroplaning, snow traction, and noise. Plus, its projected tread life is 100,000 miles, the highest of any tire we tested, making it a long-term value. In our surveys, owners gave the Defender2 top marks for satisfaction."

Best Tire for Sports Cars: Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 (Price: $194.99)

CR Tire Analysts State: "The Pilot Sport All Season 4 gets top marks for dry braking, hydroplaning resistance, and noise. It also delivers above-average handling, snow traction, and braking performance on wet surfaces. Plus, members give it the highest rating for satisfaction. If want a UHP tire with even more sport capability than the Michelin and don't need all-season versatility, UHP Summer tires earned the highest scores for performance in our tests."

Best Tire for Midsized SUVs: Michelin CrossClimate2 (Price: $254)

CR Tire Analysts State: "The Michelin CrossClimate2 is the clear standout among all-season SUV tires, with an Overall Score that is several points above its nearest rivals. This exceptional tire provides above-average—or greater—performance in every test. Plus, it is an all-weather tire, meaning it has cold-weather capabilities like dedicated winter/snow tires but can be used all year. Its high cost is offset by the epic 95,000-mile predicted tread life."

Best Tire for Pickup Trucks: Continental TerrainContact H/T (Price: $219.99)

CR Tire Analysts State: "The Continental TerrainContact H/T dominates this category, with snow traction and noise being notable high points that contribute to an Overall Score well above its nearest competitor. Dry braking, handling, and ice braking test results were above average. Plus, this Continental boasts the longest predicted tread life in the category at 70,000 miles."

Best Tire for Off-Roaders: Continental TerrainContact A/T (Price: $252.99)

CR Tire Analysts State: "The Continental TerrainContact A/T earns average or better scores in all test categories, including for dry braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance. Of special note, it receives top marks for noise, a trait that can be a particular concern in this category. Even with its off-road capabilities, our tests indicate that this tire can be expected to last up to 65,000 miles. All told, this Continental is a great on-road performer in a category focused on off-road adventure and cosmetics."

Best Tire for Cars in Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 (Price: $189)

CR Tire Analysts State: "The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 dominates the ratings for this category, delivering excellent snow traction and ice braking. Dry braking, resistance to hydroplaning, ride comfort, and noise are all average, but it earned the highest mark for satisfaction among members in our survey. All told, these tires excel at their snow-bounding mission."

For additional tire-related articles, be sure to check out these selected three:

• Why You Should Not Fit Original Equipment Tires on Your Car
• Everything You Need To Know About Buying Car and Truck Tires
• Proper Tire Care & Maintenance Car Owners Need to Follow

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs), focusing on being a DIY mechanic, buying and using tools, and related topical automotive repair news that is informative, if not at least entertaining. Follow Tim on Twitter at@TimBoyerWrites for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.