Performance SUV Tires

Since its introduction in the United States in 2001, the Toyota Highlander has been a popular luxury SUV/CUV. The second generation of the vehicle was introduced in 2008 and has continued to be a great choice for many drivers. Given the popularity of the Toyota Highlander, I'm often asked about what replacement tires are best for the vehicle. Below are my top picks that work well for each generation:

2001-2007 Toyota Highlander

Firestone Destination LE 2

Michelin LTX M/S2

The Michelin LTX M/S2 and Firestone Destination LE2 are the top two tires in our Highway All-Season category, and for good reason. Both tires offer a smooth and quiet ride, with excellent traction in all conditions. Firestone's Destination LE 2 is also designed to combine a long wear with a comfortable ride. Its internal structure features twin steel belts reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon to provide strength, uniformity and durability on top of a polyester cord body to help cushion the ride. Destination LE 2 tires come with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty.

Compared to the original LTX M/S, the Michelin LTX M/S2 is an evolution in looks...and a leap forward in performance. It molds a long wearing, silica-enhanced, all-season compound into a tread profile that features Michelin's MaxTouch Construction to produce a contact patch that promotes reliable traction with long wear by evenly distributing acceleration, braking and cornering forces. The tire is offered with a 70,000-mile treadlife warranty.

2008-2013 Toyota Highlander

Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza

Both the Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology and the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza rank near the top of the Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season category. The CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology is a relatively new tire, but initial customer feedback and testing data show it to be a top contending tire. This ecologically friendly tire performs on the highway, as well as in mild off-road conditions. Designed to enhance driving pleasure, the tire saves fuel and maintains grip when braking on wet surfaces while providing long wear and all-season traction, even in light snow.

Bridgestone's Dueler H/L Alenza has been a reliable favorite for many years and is consistently praised for its smooth and quiet ride, as well as great wet traction and wear. The tire provides elegance with an edge, along with year-round traction, even in light snow. Featuring Bridgestone's UNI-T technology takes the tire's behavior to a higher level by increasing comfort and control, in order to further enhance wet traction over the life of the tire.

Shop by vehicle to view all tire options available for your Toyota Highlander.

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, everyone wants to save money without compromising safety. That's why we test tires and currently provide over 2.8 billion miles of customer feedback to help you select the right tire. With many different options to choose from, you're likely to find an option that works for you and your budget.

In addition to these services, we're also fortunate to have strong relationships with the manufacturers so we can offer you some great tires with closeout savings. At this time, take advantage of the the Ultra High Performance Summer Fuzion ZRi and On-/Off-Road All-Terrain Fuzion XTi at amazing pricing.

Fuzion ZRi

Fuzion XTi

Take a look at the popular 225/45R17 ZRi that's been marked down to $61*. This tire is a good choice for drivers in rainy climates, such as Florida, because of its wet grip capabilities. Developed to meet the needs of sport compact and sports car driving enthusiasts and tuners, the tire provides crisp and responsive handling in both wet and dry conditions. Fuzion ZRi tires also feature Rim Guard rubber ridges on its lower sidewalls to function as bumpers to help protect wheels from curb damage.

Other closeout ZRi sizes include:

• 205/55R16 at $64*
• 245/45R16 at $86*
• 215/40R17 at $66*
• 235/40R17 at $88*
• 255/40R17 at $88*
• 215/35R18 at $85*
• 265/35R18 at $119*
• 245/35R19 at $177*
• 255/35R20 at $111*

Are you looking for some moderate off-road capability and a more rugged look for your Jeep, 1/2-ton truck or SUV? The Fuzion XTi will do the job without bombarding you with mud tire drone. Blending overall performance with aggressive styling, this tire meets enthusiasts needs without compromising comfort or affordability. Even better, you can purchase this tire at a great price! For example, the 225/70R16 option is priced at only $79*.

Other closeout XTi sizes include:

• 245/70R16 at $92*
• 255/70R16 at $88*
• 235/65R17 at $88*
• 265/65R17 at $109*
• 275/55R20 at $117*

Whether you're ready for cruising the strip or about to hit some trails, take a look at what some customers are saying about their experiences with the tires:

"These tires have proved exceptional. Dry weather cornering is outstanding and very predictable. The main revelation is in the wet where the Fuzion has completely cured the unstable understeer exhibited with my previous tires. The A6 2.7T Quattro is quick, but heavy. It had an unpredictable push on the previous tires, but now it is a joy in both the wet and dry." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 Audi A6 2.7T (Fuzion ZRi)

"I really liked the look of this tire for the price. This is the best tire I have ever bought. As an outdoorsman, this tire has been off road for many hunting trips. This tire has outperformed any tire in any condition I have subjected it to. I am on your website today to purchase a new set!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 Regular Cab Long Box (Fuzion XTi)

*Limited stock, prices subject to change

Dedicated winter / snow tires perform better than non-winter tires on snow- and ice-covered roads. The downside is that winter tires aren't designed for year-round use, therefore an additional set of tires is needed.  

In light of this, some light truck and SUV drivers choose to compromise and use one set of tires all 12 months of the year. Many will choose a tire from the Highway All-Season or Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season category because of their quiet ride and long wear. 

However, for drivers who are willing to deal with more road road noise and slightly reduced road handling, On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires are worth considering for their better snow traction. On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires (commonly referred to as A/T tires) typically have snow and ice traction that's better than street all-season tires but fall short of the winter performance of a dedicated winter / snow tire. 

Which of the On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires have the best snow traction? The following are my top three choices:

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO

General Grabber AT 2

Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor

As you can see, all three tires have a fairly aggressive tread pattern with many small tread blocks and multiple sipes for better snow, ice and off-road traction. Based on our extensive customer survey data, the General Grabber AT 2 has higher ratings for deep snow traction, light snow traction and ice traction, while being a bit louder and slightly stiffer riding than the other two options. However, these differences were separated by very few points, so it's hard to go wrong with any one of these tires. 

Take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their experiences with the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO, General Grabber AT 2 and Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor:

"I bought these to replace my Original Equipment which honestly were horrible in snow. I slid everywhere, even in the rain. Bought these (BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO) and it is like a whole different truck. I love these tires and will buy them for every truck I ever own as long as they stay this good. Have had them on for about 10,000 miles and they still look new, and I am what they call an aggressive driver. I really love these tires. If they made them to fit all my vehicles, I would buy them for all of them. Best tires I have come across for my truck hands down! Buy them, you won't be disappointed." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Ford F150 XLT Super Cab 4wd (BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO)

"These tires are amazing! i just put a new set on my truck because I was so happy with the performance of the last set. I live in rural North Dakota, so they get plenty of time to play in the mud, gravel and snow. My tire size is mountain/snowflake rated and I see why. They go through deep snow. When it starts snowing in town and you see all the other cars unable to get traction, I can keep it in two-wheel drive and go like it's dry pavement. Even blizzards can't slow them down!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 1999 Nissan Frontier XE 4wd (General Grabber AT 2)

"Best tires I have ever bought! Awesome traction in any condition: wet, dry, snow and even ice. Goodyear hit a home run with this design. 5 stars. I can't say enough good about this tire." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review (Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor)

Shop by vehicle today and upgrade your vehicle's snow and ice traction!

It seems the Audi Q7 is a vehicle that has issues with tire wear. Like most heavier vehicles, it'll tend to wear tires faster than a lighter car. While we can't change this or promise any treadlife miracles, the problem can be remedied to a degree.

The Q7's Original Equipment was made available with several different sizes and brands of tires, however most of the options had one thing in common: very soft tread compounds. Typically, the tires used on the Q7 were sport truck tires or performance tires featuring relatively soft compounds and correspondingly low UTQG treadwear numbers. This type of tire combined with the weight of the vehicle usually leads to poor tire mileage. From my own personal estimate, most Q7 owners usually see about 20,000 miles before needing to replace their tires. When looking for replacement tires, I find it often makes sense to move away from the Original Equipment and take a look at more proven options with the propensity for longer life.

Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season

Continental ExtremeContact DWS

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza

The following are a few of my favorite tires that come with pleasing mileage warranties from the manufacturer:

Pirelli's Scorpion Verde All Season is their eco-friendly Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire that combines dry and wet road handling, comfort and year-round capabilities. Ecoimpact icons on the sidewall highlight its environmental compatibility where it reduces rolling resistance and tire weight to increase fuel economy and lower the vehicle's CO2 emissions.

Continental's ExtremeContact DWS satisfies drivers' year-round driving needs by blending dry and wet road performance with light snow and slush traction. A visible "DWS" indicates the tire has sufficient tread depth for dry conditions, as well as wet roads and light snow. After the "S" wears away, the remaining "DW" indicates the tire only has sufficient tread depth for dry and most wet road conditions. And after the "W" and "S" wear away, the remaining "D" lets drivers know the tire has appropriate tread depth for dry conditions only.

The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza provides elegance with an edge. Featuring Bridgestone's UNI-T technology, the tire takes behavior to a higher level by increasing comfort and control, in order to further enhance wet traction over the life of the tire. In our Tire Survey Results, the Dueler H/L Alenza receives high marks for dry traction, steering response and cornering stability. It's important to note that this tire is only available in an 18" size for your Q7.

To ensure you find the right tire for your Audi Q7, shop by vehicle.

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is for the driver who truly wants it all -- a twin turbo V8, top Speed over 170 mph and the space and comfort of a luxury SUV. All of that power can be rendered useless in the winter without the proper amount of grip for snow and ice. A Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package is the answer to ensure your Cayenne Turbo performs its best this winter!

Because the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is not the average SUV, many drivers don't want to put an average aftermarket wheel on their high performance SUV for winter driving. The best complement to Porsche's high style is to add an equally impressive wheel to your winter package. O.Z. Racing's Superturismo Dakar is an Italian made masterpiece that will rival your German masterpiece.

O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar - Bright Silver Paint

O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar - Matte Graphite Silver

The wheel features a clean 15-spoke design in both a matte graphite silver and bright silver paint finish. Since both wheels boast a fully painted finish, they will easily withstand whatever winter conditions are thrown at them. Road salt and grime can be rinsed right off during a typical car wash. Each wheel is a one-piece, low pressure cast that's offered with a two-year finish and two-year structural warranty.

Shop by vehicle to see if the O.Z. Racing Superturismo Dakar is offered for you Porsche Cayenne Turbo. If so, build a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package today!

The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is a midsize SUV that's being offered with two different tire and wheel combinations. You can choose the 18" wheel and 235/35R18 tires or decide to go with the 20" package sporting 235/55R20 tires.

There are ample options for this vehicle if you have the 18" wheels and want to build a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package. However, if you're looking for winter tires to use with the existing 20" wheels we'll have to get a bit more creative. In the stock size of 235/55R20, none of the manufacturers offer a dedicated winter / snow tire. You can opt into a 245/50R20 that'll be about .4" wider and .6" shorter, or a 255/50R20 that is .8" wider and about .2" shorter than the original size. There are dedicated winter solutions available in both of these sizes that will fit on the factory wheels. While both sizes are wider and not ideal to maximize winter traction, they do fill the gap for drivers to purchase a dedicated winter solution.  

While Minus Sizing isn't an option, a set of winter/snow tires will perform better in winter's harshest conditions compared to an all-season option. After installing your new set of winter tires, drivers should recognize that the personality and handling traits will feel different than the tires they're replacing. Since snow tires provide more traction in snow and on ice, extra care is needed by drivers to familiarize themselves with their vehicle's traction and handling characteristics. To learn more about what to do with your new set of winter / snow tires, read "Breaking In New Winter Tires."

Shop by size to view 20" tire options for your Infiniti JX35.

Looking for a fantastic deal on a set of 235/60R18 tires? Look no further. We're currently offering the top-rated Michelin Primacy MXV4 for just $172 per tire! This low price makes the tire among the least expensive in the 235/60R18 size while giving you the chance to install a set of one of the best tires on the market on your vehicle. 

Ranked as the number one tire in the Grand Touring All-Season category, the Michelin Primacy MXV4 receives high marks for its ride comfort, noise comfort, treadwear and dry traction performance. 235/60R18 Primacy MXV4 tires are branded with Michelin's Green X symbol to show visual confirmation of the tire's positive contribution to vehicle fuel efficiency and the global environment. Lowering the tire's rolling resistance by optimizing its weight, internal structure, tread design and tread compound makes it possible for the vehicle to reduce fuel consumption and its emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

Many applications commonly use the 235/60R18 size and the following vehicles would be a great candidate for a set of Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires in this size: 

• Acura MDX
• Chrysler 300
• Ford Flex
• Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
• Kia Sorento
• Mazda CX-7

The tire is so good I purchased a set for the family SUV, a 2009 Mazda CX-7. For my review of the tire read "Michelin Primacy MXV4 Tires Installed on My Crossover." Along with myself, many of our customers have had a great experience using this tire on their vehicle:

"Holy cow! What a difference a tire makes! These tires by far have the best grip of all three tires I've had. Amazing grip on turns in wet weather gives me utmost confidence as I drive. Every trip is enjoyable. It'll be Michelin from now on!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Subaru Outback Wagon 2.5I

"We replaced a set of very noisy tires with the MXV4 and it is amazing! We now actually hear our engine in the car and not road noise. These tires are so quiet and the ride is very, very smooth! I think they are worth every penny!" -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Mercury Milan

'These Michelin tires have far exceeded my expectations. Our Lexus LS430 drives and performs excellent with no problems whatsoever. Over the past 60 years I have bought and drove on all sorts of brands of tires and this Michelin is the best by far. I would not buy anything else." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2002 Lexus LS430

For additional ordering information of the 235/60R18 Michelin Primacy MXV4 tire view here. Take advantage of this great deal before it's too late!

Most often, one of the biggest concerns when replacing tires is winter weather performance. If you're the owner of a light truck or SUV and need an On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tire that can perform to an exceptional level in winter conditions, then choosing a tire branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol will assure you have the very best winter traction offered.

In 1999, the U.S. Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) agreed on a performance based standard to identify passenger and light truck tires that attain a traction index equal to, or greater than 110 (compared to a reference tire which is rated 100) during the specified American Society for Testing and Materials traction tests on packed snow. The new standard helps ensure that drivers can easily identify tires that provide a higher level of snow traction.

On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires typically have as much capability off the road as they do on the road. These tires feature multifaceted tread blocks to help deliver traction in any direction on gravel roads and dirt trails, as well as are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol indicating their ability to provide all-season versatility, including traction in snow.

Currently, three well-received options in this category include the General Grabber AT 2, Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor, and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO. Certain sizes of these tires display the mountain/snowflake symbol for severe snow service requirements and will be suitable for all-season use.

General Grabber AT 2

Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO

The General Grabber AT 2 has a chip- and tear-resistant tread compound molded into an aggressive, symmetric tread design featuring five rows of independent tread blocks that blends on-road handling with off-road traction. Its internal structure includes twin steel belts on top of a two-ply polyester cord body to combine strength and durability with a quiet ride.

Wrangler SilentArmor tires feature Goodyear's Durawell rubber compound molded at the base of the tread grooves to increase resistance to stone/rock drilling. The tire's internal structure is designed with an Armor Zone that consists of twin, high-tensile steel belts that are reinforced by a layer of DuPont KEVLAR cord to combine strength with comfort.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires are designed to deliver go-anywhere traction along with outstanding durability and great wear. The tire is ranked in the top ten of our Tire Survey Results and our customers have great things to say about it, including the owner of a 2003 Ford F150 Super Crew 4wd who says "This is my fourth set of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires. These tires are rugged. Despite the rugged tread design, they are quiet on the highway. They will get you anywhere you want to go: sand, mud, light snow, deep snow...bring it on!"

NOTE: While most General Grabber AT 2, Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements (and are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol), selected tires do not. Specific tires/sizes not meeting the industry's severe snow service requirements are identified with a "Not Rated For Severe Snow" notation under the Sizes & Pricing, as well as the Specs tab.

To find the tire that's right for your on-road and off-road travels including snow-covered roads, view all On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires.

The BMW X5 is a sleek, sophisticated and high-powered SUV, which meets today's needs of sports car like performance with truck like versatility and cargo space. With the optional Sports Package, the BMW X5 boosts large 20" staggered wheels and run-flat tires. While the package offers a more aggressive stance with wider tires than the standard X5, it also complicates tire shopping when looking for a tire that can perform in all seasons. The 275/40R20 front and 315/35R20 rear tires equipped on the BMW X5 offers a pretty slim selection of all-season tires.

Unbeknownst to many BMW X5 owners, most of these SUVs have been equipped with high performance summer tires. These tires are designed for temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and do not provide traction in the snow or on ice. If you decide to stay with run-flat tires, the only current option is to use a dedicated set of summer tires in the summer, spring and fall and a dedicated set of winter / snow tires during the winter months.

Continental ExtremeContact DWS

Continental ExtremeContact DWS

However, if you've done your research and want a non-run-flat tire, there's an all-season option to consider, Continental's ExtremeContact DWS. I have had many customers opt out of a run-flat tire for this Ultra High Performance All-Season tire with great results. The ExtremeContact DWS will maintain the high level of performance feel you're used to while adding the ability to use the same tire all year long. Keep in mind there are some drawbacks to switching to a non-run-flat tire and you can find those details by reading "Do I Need to Put Run-Flat Winter Tires On My BMW".

Search by vehicle to see if the Continental ExtremeContact DWS is available for your car.

For optimum snow grip, nothing compares to dedicated winter / snow tires. But, what if you live on the edge of the Snowbelt and need to run one set of tires year-round? Then you're better served by purchasing a set of all-season tires with decent light snow capability. 

How do different all-season tires perform in the snow? Our test team has traveled to Sweden the past few winters to find out. Below are brief recaps of five different all-season categories and how certain tires performed during our time near the Arctic Circle.

Ultra High Performance All-Season Test

In comparing the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position, Continental ExtremeContact DWS, Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus and Pirelli PZero Nero All Season we found the Continental ExtremeContact DWS to perform best in the snow with the Pirelli finishing a close second. On ice, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus led the way with Continental's ExtremeContact DWS and Pirelli's PZero Nero All Season coming in next. Bridgestone's Potenza RE970AS Pole Position trailed the others by a fair margin. Complete test results can be found here.

Eco-Focused All-Season Test

When driving on the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422, Continental ProContact with EcoPlus Technology, Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max and Yokohama AVID TRZ we found the Goodyear and Bridgestone options to be tops in the snow and on ice. Goodyear's Assurance Fuel Max delivered impressive results, especially under braking. Yokohama AVID TRZ tires were competitive, but showed lower overall snow traction than the other three tires.

High Performance All-Season Test

The Dunlop SP Sport Signature, Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval AS and Goodyear Eagle GT all offered decent snow and ice performance. The fourth tire in the test, the Yokohama AVID ENVigor, couldn't match the others on both surfaces. It provided a considerably lower level of acceleration, braking and cornering traction. To see how Dunlop's aggressive tread pattern paid a dividend in the snow, read "Testing High Performance All-Season Tires."

Eco-Focused Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season Test

Amongst the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia, Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology and the Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max, the Bridgestone did the best in the snow with the Goodyear coming in next. When it came to braking on the ice, Goodyear's Assurance CS Fuel Max edged out the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia. The Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology was fairly easy to control, but showed somewhat lower overall traction than the other two.

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Season Introductory Comparison Test

In assessing the General AltiMAX HP, Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Season, Hankook Optimo H727 and Michelin HydroEdge with Green X, the Hankook Optimo H727 performed the best in snow and on ice. It was rather impressive in the snow, delivering very good overall traction and predictable handling. To view results from our test, take a look at "Testing the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Season."

The latest and greatest technology in winter / snow tires is found in options such as the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 and Michelin X-Ice Xi3. However, they can be priced higher than other winter tires with different technology. Even the most inexpensive winter tires will offer a noticeable improvement in snow and ice traction compared to all-season tires.  

During our testing at a local ice rink, we wanted to see how much of a difference winter tires make in winter conditions. As illustrated in the photo above, you can see winter / snow tires allow you to stop sooner when braking on ice. It could be the difference between rear ending another car at an intersection or stopping safely with room to spare. You'll also feel much more confident and in control of your vehicle when driving on snow- and ice-covered roads. To see the difference winter tires made at the ice rink compared to summer and all-season tires, read "Testing on Ice: Winter / Snow vs. All-Season vs. Summer Tires."

When looking for a value-priced winter / snow tire, consider the following three options:

Continental ExtremeWinterContact

Dunlop Graspic DS-3

General AltiMAX Arctic

The Dunlop Graspic DS-3 is a Studless Ice & Snow tire that delivers maximum winter traction without using metal studs. It uses Dunlop's Digital Rolling Simulation II technology (computer-enhanced design) and premium tread compounding to deliver wintertime traction in snow and on ice.

Continental's ExtremeWinterContact tire is developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans and crossovers, as well as, passenger-oriented light-duty trucks and SUVs looking for traction on winter's slushy, snow-covered and icy roads. This tire delivers serious performance in winter weather conditions.

AltiMAX Arctic tires from General are a Studdable Winter / Snow option that receives high marks from our customers in the light snow traction, deep snow traction and ice traction categories. Molded to accommodate the use of optional metal studs, AltiMAX Arctic tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol.

Don't wait too long to order. Many value-priced winter / snow tires sell out quickly.