Best Rated Tires by Category

Updated 10/14/2023

We've updated our list of the top rated tires for 2023, grouped by performance category or the type of tire. We have included some top picks from Consumer Reports magazine, which don't necessarily translate to the average review score of real drivers. However, rigorous testing was performed on the Consumer Reports picks, so they deserve a mention here.

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Touring All-Season

1. General Altimax RT43 / RT45
4.7 out of 5 based on 537 user ratings as of 9/12/2023.
The Altimax RT43 (now the RT45, released in mid-2022) is our top pick for a Touring All-Season tire (T speed rating). It has over 450 reviews with an excellent rating, with a generous 65-75k mile warranty. It also has the most available sizes (over 80) to fit most cars and cross-over SUVs. Most car tire sizes will run under $100 per tire. It has scored well in a 2016 4-way comparison test at the Tire Rack, with good scores for dry, wet, and light snow traction (General Tire is owned by Continental Tire, which is known for their snow traction performance in All-Season tires). One negative is that there is some minor road noise, though it is quieter than most tires in the category. Check Prices and Read Altimax RT45 Reviews at Discount Tire Check Prices and Read Altimax RT43 Reviews at TireBuyer

2. Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring A/S
4.8 out of 5 based on 293 user ratings as of 9/12/23. Uniroyal's Tiger Paw Touring NT edges out the Continental TrueContact and Pirelli P4 Four Seasons Plus to move up to #2 on our list for 2021. It has a fantastic review rating from over 260 drivers. Also, the DOT code (8E) on the sidewall indicates that this tire is made at the Uniroyal plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama which is a plus for anyone wanting to buy "Made in the USA".
Update: The newer model (2019) is called the Tiger Paw Touring A/S, which is currently scoring very highly with drivers. Michelin, which owns the Uniroyal brand, is even donating to the WWF to assist with tiger conservation efforts. There is also a 75K mile warranty.
Read all Tiger Paw Touring A/S Reviews at TireBuyer.com Read all Tiger Paw Touring NT Reviews at TireBuyer

3. Continental TrueContact and TrueContact Tour
4.7 out of 5 based on 65 user ratings as of 11/19/22.
The TrueContact is more expensive than our #1 pick, but it has good snow traction and also ranks #1 in Tire Rack's survey of Touring tires. If you drive in the rust belt and don't have separate winter tires, this is a solid choice. It also scored the highest for having low road noise. A note of caution however, some reviewers have reported that the tread wore down unusually quickly compared to other tires.

Update: Continental makes a new TrueContact Tour tire, which is supposed to have improved wet traction and noise reduction compared to the old tire. Initial reviews are excellent, with ratings of 4.6 - 4.8 out of 5.
Read all Continental TrueContact Tour Reviews at TireBuyer

4. Ironman GR906 Best Value Pick
4.7 out of 5 based on 227 user ratings as of 9/12/23.

The Ironman GR906 is our new Touring All-Season value pick for 2020. It has an excellent average rating, no doubt due in part to a very affordable price. However, reviewers give it high marks in all categories including quietness, comfort, wet and dry traction, which are all hallmarks of a good Touring All-Season tire. It does have a somewhat low 45K mile warranty for a touring tire.

Read all Ironman GR906 Reviews at TireBuyer

5. Kumho Solus TA11
4.6 out of 5 based on 215 user ratings as of 9/12/23.
The Solus TA11 was our best value pick in this category, but that distinction now belongs to the Ironman GR906. The TA11 has an above average 6 year/75k mile warranty. In a 2016 comparison test performed by Tire Rack, the Solus TA11 came in behind the General Altimax RT43 and Firestone Champion Fuel Fighter (we are withholding judgment on the Firestones as there are very few reviews currently), with their wish being that wet traction on the TA11 was a little better. For drivers who frequently encounter wet weather, we would recommend going with the Altimax RT43 instead. Read all Solus TA11 Reviews at Discount Tire Direct Read all Solus TA11 Reviews at TireBuyer

Grand Touring All-Season

1. General Altimax RT43 Best Value Pick
4.7 out of 5 based on 537 user ratings as of 9/12/2023.
The Altimax RT43 is also a top pick in the Grand Touring All-Season category (H- and V- speed rating). It has over 450 reviews with about the highest average consumer rating, and a generous 65-75k mile warranty. It also has the most available sizes (over 80) to fit most cars and cross-over SUVs. Most car tire sizes will run under $100 per tire, making it an excellent value. Check Prices and Read Altimax RT43 Reviews at Discount Tire Direct Read all General Altimax RT43 Reviews at TireBuyer

2. Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II
4.5 out of 5 based on 354 user ratings as of 9/12/23.
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II is one of the top rated Grand Touring tire in Tire Rack's survey of Grand Touring tires. It has a high light snow rating among the GT tire category, as well as a high score for low road noise. Do not confuse this with the Cinturato P7 All Season (non-Plus), which is not rated as highly. Read all Cinturato P7 All Season Plus Reviews at the Tire Rack Read all Cinturato P7 All Season Plus Reviews at Discount Tire Direct

3. Michelin Primacy MXV4 and MXM4 Best Seller
4.6 out of 5 based on 2,006 user ratings as of 9/12/23.

The Michelin Primacy is one of the top selling and best rated Grand Touring tires on the market. The MXM4 is a little more of performance touring tire, with slightly less on the warranty to reflect that. Either version of the Primacy is pricey compared to others in this list, though they are widely considered to be worth the money. It is a quiet, dependable tire that lasts long and performs well in both dry and rainy conditions.

Update: The Primacy slips a little in our ranking due to reviewer complaints about the tire wearing faster than expected. As one of the more expensive GT tires on the market, we believe the tread should be able to make it to at least 60K miles for the average vehicle.

Read all Primacy MXV4 (60k mile warranty) Reviews at TireBuyer Read all Primacy MXM4 (45-55k mile warranty) Reviews at TireBuyer

4. Continental PureContact LS
4.4 out of 5 based on 37 user ratings as of 11/19/22.
Rated #1 performance tire pick for 2016 by Consumer Reports, due to excellent handling, dry/wet traction and hydroplaning resistance. Individual reviewers also report good wet traction and ride comfort. Continental also provides a long 70k mile warranty. Read all Continental PureContact LS Reviews at TireBuyer

5. Michelin Premier A/S
3.7 out of 5 based on 33 user ratings as of 11/19/22.
The Michelin Premier A/S is the #2 rated Grand Touring tire in Tire Rack's survey of Grand Touring tires. It scores better in rain and hydroplaning resistance than other tires in the category, even besting the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus in that category. It also receives good scores for low road noise.

Update: We're not sure what's happening with the slipping ratings, but reviews seem to echo what we've seen read for the Michelin Primacy - the tires are wearing out faster than expected. We would rather get one of the tires higher up on the list just for peace of mind.

Read all Premier A/S Reviews at TireBuyer

Performance and High Performance All-Season

1. Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S
4.7 out of 5 based on 30 user ratings as of 11/20/2023.

The Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S looks to be the replacement for the well-rated ZE950 A/S, though at the time of this writing, you can still buy the ZE950 A/S. It has some great reviews, and are specifically marketed for all-season weather. Early reviews from drivers show that it does provide some grip in light snow conditions. Falken's description of the ZE960:

The versatile ZIEX ZE960 A/S delivers exceptional performance and responsive handling in any condition. Flask Siping provides enhanced hydroplaning resistance and wet weather grip throughout the life of the tire, while Canyon Groove technology enhances snow traction without disrupting a smooth ride. Designed to match the performance attributes of today’s premium coupes and sedans, the ZIEX ZE960 A/S delivers confidence and control behind the wheel. Featuring up to a 65,000 mile Tread Life Warranty, the ZE960 provides drivers with safety and performance season after season.
Read Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S Reviews at TireBuyer Read Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S Reviews at TireBuyer

2. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus
4.6 out of 5 based on 931 user ratings as of 11/20/23.
Michelin's Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus is on the expensive side, but reviewers overwhelmingly rate these highly for year-round weather, even for some light snow use. A few reviewers reported that the tire wore out faster than expected. Read all Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus Reviews at TireBuyer

3. Kumho Ecsta 4X II
4.6 out of 5 based on 64 user ratings as of 11/20/23. The Ecsta 4X II is actually classified as an Ultra High Performance A/S tire, but we're ranking it highly here as it is price competitive with High Performance A/S tires. It has good reviews at TireBuyer and is also a winner in multiple Tire Rack comparison tests. Check prices and reviews for the Kumho Ecsta 4X II at Discount Tire Direct Read all Kumho Ecsta 4X II reviews at TireBuyer

4. Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season
4.3 out of 5 based on 2,367 user ratings as of 11/20/23. The Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season is one of the more established High Performance All-Season tires on the market, with strong reviews from sporty drivers. It offers a treadwear warranty of 50K miles (or 25K miles for rear tires on vehicles with different front/rear sizes). Read Eagle Sport All-Season Reviews at Goodyear.com

5. Continental PureContact LS
4.5 out of 5 based on 35 user ratings as of 11/20/23.
This was rated the #1 performance tire pick for 2016 by Consumer Reports despite it being more of a Touring tire (indeed, some tires are now called Performance Touring). It has a 70k mile warranty, which is not the norm for most performance tires. If you do not need an true high performance tire, this is a good choice given its wet weather performance and long tread life. Read all Continental PureContact Reviews at TireBuyer

Ultra High Performance All-Season

1. General G-MAX AS-05
4.6 out of 5 based on 92 user ratings as of 11/20/23.

Update 4/2/21: The G-MAX AS-05 moves up to first place in the UHP A/S category for 2021, due to slightly worsening average scores for the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 A/S and the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3.

Update 12/19/17: The AS-03 isn't widely available any longer, but we would look at the successor, the G-MAX AS-05, which has excellent reviews as well.

We also like General Tire's UHP A/S offering, which came in 2nd place in Tire Rack's comparison test. It has also been widely reviewed by hundreds of drivers, so there is more history on this tire. There are also several more sizes available on the G-MAX (20-22 in.) that are not available on other models. Similar to Kumho's Ecsta 4X II, it also has a 40k mile warranty.

Read all G-MAX AS-05 Reviews at TireBuyer

2. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06
4.7 out of 5 based on 17 user ratings as of 11/20/23. The ExtremeContact DWS 06 has the best snow traction rating among UHP A/S tires at the Tire Rack, making this a fantastic choice for those who need a true 4-season tire on their performance vehicle. One negative is that the steering response/feel is not as good as other UHP A/S tires. Buyers should take note that numerous drivers have complained that the tires feel "squirmy" during aggressive driving, but this is perhaps the trade-off to make when looking for a year-round tire. Continental offers a 50k mile limited warranty. Read all ExtremeContact DWS 06 Reviews at Discount Tire Direct Read all ExtremeContact DWS 06 Reviews at TireBuyer

3. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 (W- and Y-speed rating)
4.6 out of 5 based on 931 user ratings as of 11/20/23.
The Pilot Sport A/S 3 has the best wet handling rating in this category, albeit with a smaller sample size than the other tires here. If you frequently drive a sports or sporty car in the rain, this may be the tire for you. Also, if you can find the Pilot Sport A/S 3+, that version has improved snow/ice performance (we think Michelin should have just called it the Pilot Sport A/S 4, to avoid confusion). Read Pilot Sport A/S 3 Reviews at TireBuyer Read all Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus Reviews at TireBuyer

4. Kumho Ecsta 4X II   Best Value Pick
4.5 out of 5 based on 40 user ratings as of 11/20/23. Tire Rack rated the Ecsta 4X II the winner in a comparison with 3 other UHP A/S tires from Firestone, Sumitomo, and Fuzion. If you don't need the winter weather performance of Continental's ExtremeContact DWS 06, this is the UHP tire to get. Kumho also provides a 6-year / 40k mile warranty. Check prices and reviews for the Kumho Ecsta 4X II at Discount Tire Direct Read all Ecsta 4X II Reviews at TireBuyer

5. BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 A/S
4.3 out of 5 based on 344 user ratings as of 11/20/23.
The g-Force Sport Comp-2 A/S has the best dry handling rating in the UHP A/S category. It also has decent snow traction ratings (light snow only). BFGoodrich provides a generous 6 year / 45k mile warranty, which is fairly high in the UHP A/S category. Read all g-Force Sport Comp-2 A/S Reviews at Tirebuyer

Max and Ultra High Summer Performance

1. Michelin Pilot Super Sport
4.9 out of 5 based on 564 user ratings as of 8/14/21.
This is the reigning sports car tire for both dry and wet traction. The near-perfect rating says it all. It is also #1 on Tire Rack's survey for Max Performance Summer tires. Michelin gives it a UTQG treadwear rating of 300, which is impressive considering its sticky grip. Read all Pilot Super Sport Reviews at TireBuyer

2. Bridgestone Potenza RE-11
4.9 out of 5 based on 7 user ratings as of 4/18/19.
This is Tire Rack's #1 rated tire in the Extreme Performance tire category. It is primarily suited for dry handling superiority in auto-cross, HPDE, or just canyon carving. To give you an idea of the lifespan of the tire, Bridgestone gives it a UTQG wear rating of only 200. Read all Potenza RE-11 Reviews at TireBuyer

3. Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
4.5 out of 5 based on 623 user ratings as of 8/14/21.
The Firehawk Indy 500 is also a well-rated UHP summer tire. It has probably the most interesting tread pattern we've ever seen - there's even what can be best described as a lightning bolt to the outside edge. These are definitely worth a look, and are price competitive with the similarly rated BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2s above. Read all Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Reviews at TireBuyer

4. BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2
4.3 out of 5 based on 134 user ratings as of 8/14/21.
Though this is classified as a UHP Summer tire, the g-Force Sport COMP-2 is Tire Rack's #1 rated tire in the category. Pricing is much more reasonable compared to the Max and Extreme performance tires listed above. Also, the UTQG treadwear rating is 340, which should allow you to get more mileage at the expensive of at-the-limit grip. Read all g-Force Sport COMP-2 Reviews at TireBuyer

SUV / Light Truck All-Season

1. Michelin LTX M/S2
4.8 out of 5 based on 2,340 user ratings as of 11/20/23.
This is one of the best selling SUV / Light Truck tires, and sits at the top of Tire Rack's survey results for the Highway All-Season category. Consumer Reports also named it their top All-Season truck tire for 2016. If you can afford them, they are the best on-road All-Season tire for your SUV or truck. Michelin has come out with the new Defender LTX M/S, but it is still relatively new (announced August 2015) and we would like to see more reviews before naming it to our list, though it should be a reliable choice if you cannot find the LTX M/S2 in your size. Read all Michelin LTX M/S2 Reviews at Discount Tire Direct Read all Michelin LTX M/S2 Reviews at TireBuyer Read Michelin Defender LTX M/S Reviews at TireBuyer

2. Uniroyal Laredo Cross Country Tour
4.6 out of 5 based on 49 user ratings as of 8/14/21. Update 12/19/17: the Laredo Cross Country Tour moves up one spot on our list, edging out the General Grabber HTS60 for 2nd place.
The Uniroyal brand is owned by Michelin in the U.S., and has a high review rating like the others here. This is a good pick if you need an alternative in this category. Reviewers rate the Laredo Cross Country Tour highly on their SUVs for good traction in bad weather, as well as having a smooth and quiet ride.
Read all Uniroyal Laredo Cross Country Tour Reviews at TireBuyer

3. General Grabber HTS60
4.6 out of 5 based on 181 user ratings as of 8/14/21.
This is one of our top picks for an SUV or truck that sees mostly city and highway driving. It has a 50-65k mile warranty depending on size, of which there are more than 60 to choose from. We recommend this as a less expensive alternative to the Michelin LTX M/S2. Read all General Grabber HTS60 Reviews at Discount Tire Direct Read all General Grabber HTS60 Reviews at TireBuyer

SUV / Light Truck All Terrain / On- and Off-Road Traction

1. General Grabber AT2
4.8 out of 5 based on 587 user ratings as of 8/14/21. We rank the Grabber AT2 first in class due to its high average rating from over 500 drivers. When comparing against other brands of several sizes, such as 31x10.5 and 33x12.5 on Jeeps and other trucks, the General Tires come in much cheaper for a set of 4. Features a 60k mile limited warranty. Read all Grabber AT2 Reviews at Discount Tire Direct Read all Grabber AT2 Reviews at TireBuyer

2. Ironman All Country A/T Best Value Pick
4.7 out of 5 based on 876 user ratings as of 8/14/21.

The Ironman All Country A/T is a well-rated, affordable option to expensive top-tier A/T tires like those offered by BFGoodrich and General. These are worth a good look with over 150 reviews available. They may not fit for larger trucks however, as we only see sizes available for 15-18" wheels.

Read all Ironman All Country A/T Reviews at TireBuyer

3. Nitto Ridge Grappler
4.6 out of 5 based on 839 user ratings as of 8/14/21.

These are probably one of Nitto's best rated tires, with high marks across the board except in the heavy snow category. Many reviewers report that it is a quiet tire as far as A/T tires go.

Read all Nitto Ridge Grappler Reviews at Discount Tire Direct Read all Nitto Ridge Grappler Reviews at TireBuyer

4. Nitto Terra Grappler
4.6 out of 5 based on 500 user ratings as of 8/14/21.

Nittos are known as a dependable tire brand on truck websites and forums. The Terra Grapplers are a rugged, capable A/T tire - the 4.6 out of 5 average rating from over 400 drivers definitely inspires confidence.

Read all Nitto Terra Grappler Reviews at Tirebuyer

5. Dick Cepek Fun Country
4.8 out of 5 based on 29 user ratings as of 8/14/21.
You may or may not have heard of this brand before (it is owned by Cooper Tire), and has excellent reviews at TireBuyer. OffRoad Extreme did an on-hands review and concluded it was a very capable A/T tire, with a tread profile almost like that of an M/T tire. Still, there are relatively few reviews for this tire and we would like to see more before we move this up the list. Read all Dick Cepek Fun Country Reviews at TireBuyer

6. Kumho Road Venture AT51
4.6 out of 5 based on 297 user ratings as of 8/14/21. The Road Venture AT51 has improved its average customer review since we started tracking it in 2016. With over 200 reviews on hand, we feel comfortable moving it onto our Best Rated Tires list in the All-Terrain category. Read all Road Venture AT51 Reviews at TireBuyer

7. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
4.4 out of 5 based on 838 user ratings as of 8/14/21.
BFGoodrich's All-Terrain T/A KO2 is pricey, but has stellar reviews at both Tire Rack (#1 in category). We're ranking it further down because we feel the General Grabber AT2 is a better bang for the buck. Read all BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Reviews at Discount Tire Direct Read all BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Reviews at TireBuyer

Truck Mud Terrain

1. Ironman All Country M/T
4.7 out of 5 based on 675 user ratings as of 8/14/21.

This looks to be one of Ironman's best sellers, the All Country M/T mud terrain tire. With over 200 reviews, scores are excellent in every category except for noise. They're available in sizes from 15" up to 22".

Read all Ironman All Country M/T Reviews at TireBuyer

2. Dick Cepek Extreme Country
4.6 out of 5 based on 53 user ratings as of 8/14/21.
This is one of the best rated M/T tires by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, which is a small brand owned by Cooper Tire. The brand specializes in A/T and M/T tires and it clearly shows, based on their reviews. OffRoad Extreme reviewed the new Extreme Country tire in depth on their Jeep and found it to be not only capable on the trail, but also quiet on the road. Read all Dick Cepek Extreme Country Reviews at TireBuyer

3. Kelly Safari TSR
4.7 out of 5 based on 42 user ratings as of 6/3/18.

The Safari TSR has excellent reviews as with the Dick Cepek Extreme Country. We would be happy with either of them, so it is up to personal preference, sizing and/or price.

Kelly's own ratings:

  • Dry traction: 7/10
  • Wet traction: 6/10
  • Snow traction: 8/10
  • Off-Road traction: 9/10
  • Quiet Ride: 6/10

Read all Safari TSR Reviews at Walmart.com

4. BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2
4.3 out of 5 based on 129 user ratings as of 8/14/21.
BFGoodrich's Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 can be very expensive in some sizes (a set of 4 can cost over $3k!), but sits atop Tire Rack's survey results for maximum off-road traction, if you can or want to afford it. Read all BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 Reviews at TireBuyer

5. Firestone Destination M/T2
4 out of 5 based on 34 user ratings as of 8/14/21.

Firestone's mudder has excellent reviews as well, coming in 2nd place in Tire Rack's survey behind the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2, and should be slightly less expensive depending on the size. We've included it on our list due to excellent driver ratings and value.

Update: The original Destination M/T has been replaced by the new M/T2, which has solid reviews out of the gate.

Read Firestone Destination M/T2 Reviews at Tire Rack