In the United States, Volvo made a big change to their game plan by discontinuing the V70 station wagon to focus on the XC70 Cross Country and XC90.
XC90 drivers like the fact they're getting the combination of safety and versatility in an SUV. If there's one quibble, it's a pattern of very average tire wear. Perhaps it's a combination of a higher center gravity and suspension dynamics, but whatever the root causes, many SUV/CUV vehicles wear their tires markedly faster compared to a sedan of similar mass. Therefore, XC90 drivers should also look at wear relative to cost so they can lower their treadwear cost per mile.
Be sure to check your tire size as Volvo used both 235/65R17 and 235/60R18 as Original Equipment. The best choice for your vehicle will depend on the weather conditions you encounter. If you're running the 235/65R17 size and need an all-season option to use year-round, consider the following options:
The General Grabber HTS stands out to me because of its wet grip capabilities. It was designed to combine style, comfort, durability and performance in a tire that offers pleasant road manners and a long life, in addition to year-round traction, including in light snow.
When testing the Bridgestone Dueler H/L422 Ecopia, I found it to offer average traction in wet conditions. The tire does provide handling and comfort with a reduced environmental impact. Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia tires are designed to enhance vehicle fuel economy by reducing tire rolling resistance along with the vehicle's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions while delivering year-round all-season traction.
Goodyear's Assurance CS TripleTred All-Season's predecessor, the Fortera TripleTred, was successfully used by many Snowbelt drivers. This newer model displayed good emergency handling and decent wet grip during our tests. CS TripleTred All-Season tires feature three unique zones designed to provide all-season traction in dry, wet and wintry conditions.
Installing a set of winter / snow tires is the best option if you experience harsh winter conditions. If you reside in an area where all-season tires are what you need, keep these three options in mind as you search for a combination of treadwear, road manners, wet grip and light snow grip. Getting the right tire will help make your XC90 that much safer.
*Prices subject to change
General Motors' best-selling full-size SUVs are all based from the same platform. These vehicles include the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and the Cadillac Escalade. There are many basic similarities between these three vehicles, including tires. The current generation of these three SUVs either came with a 17", 18" or 20" tire. Given the popularity of these vehicles, many owners are looking for the best tire selection for their vehicle. Take a look at the following options when considering tire replacements for your Tahoe, Yukon or Escalade:
Bridgestone's Dueler H/L Alenza is the Original Equipment tire on most of these SUVs. This Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire is a very good option and I would continue to recommend it as a replacement option. It rides very nicely, offers good all-season traction and provides good treadlife. Designed to provide elegance with an edge, the tire has been ride and noise tuned to enhance comfort.
Another good option for these trucks is the new Michelin LTX M/S2. If you consider yourself a "Michelin Man", than this is your tire. This latest Highway All-Season radial from the French tire maker offers a very smooth ride and has the best all-season traction according to our most recent survey results. The LTX M/S2 molds a long wearing, silica-enhanced, all-season compound into a tread profile featuring Michelin's MaxTouch Construction to produce a contact patch that promotes reliable traction and long wear by evenly distributing acceleration, braking and cornering forces. Compared to the original LTX M/S, the LTX M/S2 is an evolution in looks and a leap forward in performance.
If you're looking for a tire with good value, then consider the Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology. The tire is a favorite among our customers as it is currently ranked number one in our Tire Survey Results for Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tires. It's also engineered to help you improve your fuel efficiency and maintain grip when braking on wet surfaces while providing long wear and all-season traction, even in light snow. For more information about EcoPlus Technology, read "Continental Tire EcoPlus+ Technology, EcoPlus or 'E' Symbol."
When your Tahoe, Yukon or Escalade is in need of new tires, consider these options or shop by vehicle to find the tire that's best for your driving style.
The Subaru Outback is known as one of the most versatile vehicles on the market today. It combines everyday drivability, SUV cargo space and all-wheel-drive capability. But even the Outback can be stopped by winter weather because electronic drivers aid and AWD systems aren't enough to tackle what winter has to offer.
Anti-lock brakes, traction control and vehicle stability control make the car easier to drive in winter weather but none of these provide more traction. These systems only limit engine power and braking force -- you're still ultimately limited by the amount of grip you have from your tires. Although the Outback comes with a sophisticated AWD system to keep the vehicle moving forward in slippery conditions, when it comes to stopping and steering you still depend on your tires to provide the level of traction needed to keep safe on the road.
Most Subaru Outback models can use a 16" Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package. This is usually the most attractive route as it allows you to use a dedicated winter tire mounted to an inexpensive black steel wheel. For example, for the 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i I would recommend using the 225/65R16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 or Continental ExtremeWinterContact mounted to the 16x6.5" black steel wheel. Tire Pressure Monitors Systems can also be added if you wish. If the wheels and tires are purchased at the same time, we'll also provide Hunter Road Force balancing for free.
Shop by vehicle to view the winter / snow tires and wheels available for your Subaru.
Designed with fuel economy in mind, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 reduces the amount of resistance to the road surface for a smooth ride and cost savings at the pump. While I have never been a fan of promising huge mileage bumps, the change of even one mile per gallon can offer a significant savings over the tires' life.
The Ecopia EP422 is developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans and small crossover vehicles looking for year-round traction, handling and comfort with reduced environmental impact. Ecopia EP422 tires also help enhance fuel economy by reducing tire rolling resistance along with the vehicle's carbon dioxide (C02) emissions while delivering year-round, all-season traction, even in light snow.
This tire, which has been highly rated by consumers, seems to work well as a competitively priced Grand Touring All-Season. The tire features a symmetrical tread pattern, which I favor over others due to its rotational ability and likeliness to generate less noise as the tire wears. See what drivers are saying about the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 and why it's well received by our customers:
"A fantastic, inexpensive tire. Tires are quiet, have great traction and help deliver great mileage. I have experienced no problems in highway driving, turning or braking. They are so good I will probably get them for my compact SUV. I could not be happier with these tires, especially considering the price." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2010 Toyota Prius IV
"I would give these tires a 9.5/10 on all counts. Quiet, smooth, brakes well on dry and wet surfaces. The cornering is good given the size and suspension of the car. I also put these tires on a 2009 Scion xB and the wear on both cars has been excellent. I have the tires rotated and alignment checked every oil change. I highly recommend the Ecopia tires." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review 2007 Toyota Avalon XLS
"My Jetta drives like a different car since the switch from the stock Bridgestone tires. Much quieter and more comfortable ride and feels more stable over rough surfaces. Highway fuel economy has increased from a range of 42-44 MPG to a range of 44-47 MPG. Traction in heavy traffic at 65-75 mph in a heavy downpour was impressive considering the obvious hydroplaning other vehicles were experiencing (I pulled out of traffic as soon as I found a diner and waited for the rain to let up). -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9L
Available in 32 sizes ranging from 15"-18" this tire is designed to fit the needs of most light duty passenger vehicles and select SUVs.
It's that time of year again. The kids are back in school, football season has started and winter weather will be here before we know it. With that in mind, it is really never too early to get your vehicle ready for the inevitable snow and ice that's on the way. Fortunately, there's never been a better time to consider winter / snow tires. The technology and performance in the winter elements is truly remarkable. If you've never driven on a set of winter / snow tires, it's hard to understand how good they can be. Talk to anyone who has and he or she will tell you they will never, ever, go back to driving in the winter without them.
Every season I get asked, "What's the best snow tire?" Well, that may depend on what kind of vehicle you have, what kind of conditions you'll encounter and what you want the tire to do. Below are my top choices in the popular winter performance categories.
Studless Ice & Snow
Tires in this category will satisfy most drivers as they are developed to maximize snow and ice traction without the inconvenience of using winter tire studs. These tires are designed for the worst conditions. My top choices are the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 and Bridgestone Blizzak WS70. The Michelin X-Ice Xi2 will be replaced in most sizes by the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 and I expect it to be just as good, if not better, than the Xi2.
Performance Winter / Snow
Performance Winter / Snow tires are designed for drivers of high performance sports cars, luxury coupes and sedans. They offer good winter traction, but on dry pavement they'll act and behave more like your summer performance tires and aren't as soft as a Studless Ice and Snow tire. My top choices in this category are the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 and Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D.
Light Truck/SUV Studless Ice & Snow
These tires feature the newest in tread design and compound technology to provide winter traction for cars and light trucks without using metal tire studs. They trade a little handling and high speed capability for great ice and snow traction. My top two choices in the category are the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 and the Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2.
Winter / snow tires will give you the confidence and peace of mind that you need to handle the worst winter conditions. After all, the tire is the only thing keeping you in contact with the road and in control of your vehicle.
When winter weather approaches many Americans switch their summer or all-season tires for a more capable dedicated snow and ice tire. Switching to a dedicated winter / snow tire will provide traction benefits far beyond any all-season can offer, but the "Blizzak" name is recognized by many Americans as the pinnacle of winter weather performance. Bridgestone Blizzak tires are designed to deliver wintertime traction and control that inspires driver confidence.
Whether you drive a sports car, family sedan or light duty truck there is a Bridgestone Blizzak tailored for your specific vehicle.
For a high performance coupe or sedan, I recommend the Blizzak LM-60 and Blizzak LM-25. Both of these tires offer the best blend of high speed durability and snow and ice traction. On those dry-road, cold weather days, the vehicle will still feel and perform as it was designed. The combination of a high silica content winter / snow tread compound molded into a directional tread design features independent tread blocks with 3-D zigzag sipes for hydroplaning resistance and greater accelerating and braking forces on snow-covered roads. Both the Blizzak LM-60 and Blizzak LM-25 are offered in a run-flat or RFT (Run-Flat Technology) version for run-flat equipped BMW, MINI, and Mercedes-Benz.
For coupes, sedans, minivans and smaller crossover vehicles, I would recommend the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70. The WS-70 is the pinnacle of winter traction thanks to Bridgestone's NanoPro-Tech silica-enhanced Tube Multicell compound layered on top of a standard winter compound. The Tube Multicell compound features thousands of microscopic tubes and cells uniformly distributed throughout the compound that wicks water away that form between the tire's contact patch and the surface of snow-packed and icy roads.
For an SUV, crossover or pickup truck, I would recommend the Blizzak DM-V1. The Blizzak DM-V1 features a Multicell Z compound which uses microscopic bubbles and tubes to absorb the thin film of water that forms as tires run over snow-packed and ice-covered roads. The rubber compound also includes a special polymer that improves silica dispersion to increase wet grip in chilly temperatures by suppressing the influence cold temperatures have on rubber hardness.
If winter weather is in your future, use the shop by vehicle function to see if any Bridgestone Blizzak products are available for your vehicle.
Fuzion tires are part of a division of Bridgestone/Firestone, so you know they're from a name you can trust.
Recently, they introduced their new line-up and so far they have received very positive reviews and feedback. The Fuzion Touring is a very nice Grand Touring All-Season tire that's offered with either a 55,000- or 40,000-mile treadlife warranty, depending on speed rating. There is bound to be one for your vehicle with 25 popular sizes available.
Fuzion's SUV is designed for light truck and SUV applications looking for traction in all seasons. It's offered with a 50,000-mile treadlife warranty. Featuring a fairly aggressive tread design, the tire not only has a good look but offers great traction as well.
If you're looking for a good tire that won't break the bank, look no further than the options available from Fuzion.
Bridgestone combines great traction and low rolling resistance technology in their Ecopia family of tires in an effort to deliver better fuel economy for both passenger cars and light truck / SUV applications. Lowering tire rolling resistance by reducing a tire’s weight, internal components, tread design and tread compound make it possible to reduce vehicle fuel consumption and emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
The Ecopia EP20 is an all-season capable tire designed for use on the Toyota Prius and other small cars using the P195/65R15 tire size. This size is also found on many other applications such as the Honda Civic, MAZDA 3 and Nissan Versa.
Ecopia EP422 is a Grand Touring All-Season tire with a much broader selection of sizes covering coupes, sedans and some SUV/CUV applications. Like the EP20, the EP422 features a symmetrical tread design to minimize road noise, resist hydroplaning and enhance wet traction. The EP422 also comes with a 5-year, 65,000-mile treadlife warranty for added peace of mind.
The Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia rounds out the family with all-season capability for SUVs and even some light truck applications. Our most recent test using Porsche Cayennes as test vehicles showed the Dueler H/L 422 to be a very capable and predictable performer.
Take a look at all Bridgestone options and see if one is right for your application.
2010 Lexus IS 350 Sedan
2008 Lexus RX350
