Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

Initial Review, 16,454 Miles on Tires
March 05, 2012

In March 2011 I was driving on an 8 year old set of Michelin Cross Terrains size 225/75R/16. The tires were worn well beyond the wear bars resembling slicks more than a highway all season tire. Safe to say, it was time for new tires.

Prior to purchasing, I spent a great deal of time learning about tires, talking to experts, and reading reviews. Besides good wet and dry traction, I wanted a tire that provided a smooth and quiet ride the way my Cross Terrains did. Moreover, I wanted a tire that performed reasonably well in the snow for the occasional winter trip to Tahoe.

I narrowed my search down to two tires, the Michelin Latitude Tour and the Michelin LTX M/S2. I was on the fence between the two tires, but I eventually chose the Latitude Tour, size P225/75R/16, because it had a tighter tread pattern and a softer sidewall, which in my mind translated to a smoother, quieter ride.

65% of my driving by distance on highways here in the Bay Area, the remaining 35% on city streets. I am somewhat of an assertive driver cruising between 70 and 80 mph on the highways and I take corners a bit faster than some. That said, I have put 16,454 miles on my Latitude Tours and could not be happier. The tires provide a smooth and quiet ride in both wet and dry conditions and I have yet to experience any uneven tread wear, hydroplaning, wheel slip, skidding, or stability issues. I can't say for sure but I think my worn Cross Terrains provided a slightly smoother ride, but that was probably due to the lack of tread on those tires.

As of this review, I have not driven in the snow or ice and I never take the Jeep off road so a don't have any input in these areas.

Note: Despite Jeep's suggested tire fill of 33psi per the in the doorjamb sticker, I have my Latitude Tours filled to 40psi cold because the tires look like they are low on air at 33psi. The higher pressure makes for a stiffer ride, but handling is improved.

I would not hesitate to purchase the Latitude Tours again!