Best minivan tires

Popular on many cars and minivans, standard all-season tires typically carry a T-speed rating (118 mph). They are designed to provide good grip on dry, wet, and snow covered roads, along with long wear and a smooth quiet ride.

The Michelin Defender is the top-rated all-season tire, with impressive all-weather grip, crisp handling, and very long treadwear. In fact, Consumer Report’s extensive vehicle treadwear test confirms Michelin’s 90, 000-mile warranty. However, the Pirelli P4 Four Seasons Plus with the same warranty achieved the highest mileage of any all-season tire tested with a staggering 100, 000-mile wear projection. The Pirelli ranked fourth behind the Continental TrueContact and the General Altimax RT43, with all three offering mostly strong all-weather grip. Despite the impressive showing, the Continental and General do have lower estimated tread lifespans.

Performance All-Season Tires

There is a three-way tie for top score between the Continental PureContact, Michelin Premier A/S, and the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus. Continental gets to the top of the heap for its strong performance in dry and wet grip, handling, snow traction and a quiet, comfortable ride. Both the Michelin and Pirelli models share many of the same qualities, along with longer tread life. Performance all-season tires come on many newer cars with speed ratings of H (130) and V (149) mph.

All-Season or Performance All-Season Tires?

Consumer Reports test results show there is a lot of overlap in price and performance between T-, H-, and V-speed rated tires. For example, performance all-season tires generally have better handling than standard all-season tires, but the Michelin Defender all-season tire had the best handling agility of all tires tested. Whether your car takes all-season or performance all-season tires, the good news is there are plenty of choices offering long wear, comfort, and all-weather grip.

Winter Tires

A mountain and snowflake symbol signify that snow tires are designed for severe winter weather and that they meet an industry standard for snow traction. This year we tested a record number for Consumer Reports. The sheer volume of cold-weather models highlights consumers are very interested in the added peace of mind, and traction, that winter tires can deliver over all-season and summer tires. The Michelin X-Ice XI3 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 are top rated, but the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is a strong performer that offers excellent winter traction.