Test Charts / Tire Reviews
All Season vs All Terrain Tires Tested: Do You Actually Need an All Terrain?
Compare each discipline in the tested size. See the measured result, position and gap to the best tire, then read the verdict for the trade-offs behind the finishing order.
- Tested size
- 265/70 R17
- Tires tested
- 2
- Disciplines
- 17
- Test vehicle
- Ford Ranger Raptor
Read the measurements, not just the rank
Lower is better for braking distances and lap times; higher is better for subjective scores and aquaplaning speed. Bars start at zero. Read the gap alongside the position: adjacent tires can be separated by very different margins.
Positions and gaps always refer to the full test field within each group. Selecting tires does not recalculate rankings or change the best-in-test benchmark.
Focus on your tires
Select tires to highlight them throughout the charts.
Positions and gaps always refer to the full test field within each group. Selecting tires does not recalculate rankings or change the best-in-test benchmark.
Dry
2Dry Braking
Dry braking in feet (62 - 6 mph) [Average Temperature 60°F]
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 132 ft | Best | 0 mph | |
| 134 ft | +2 ft | 11 mph | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
147 ft | +15 ft | 26 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 11.4% (15 ft ≈ 1 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT would still be travelling at 11 mph when the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Subj. Dry Handling
Subjective Dry Handling Score
Higher is better ↑| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Points | Best | |
| 9.75 Points | -1.25 Points | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
9.32 Points | -1.68 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 15.3% (1.68 Points).
Wet
4Wet Braking
Wet braking in feet (50 - 6 mph) [Average Temperature 56°F]
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110 ft | Best | 0 mph | |
| 117 ft | +7 ft | 20 mph | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
133 ft | +23 ft | 34 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 21.4% (23 ft ≈ 1.6 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT would still be travelling at 20 mph when the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Wet Handling
Wet handling time in seconds [Average Temperature 52°F]
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 117.67 s | Best | |
| 119.98 s | +2.31 s | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
128.15 s | +10.48 s |
The difference between best and worst was 8.9% (10.48 s).
Subj. Wet Handling
Subjective Wet Handling Score
Higher is better ↑| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 8.9 Points | Best | |
| 8.4 Points | -0.50 Points | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
7.9 Points | -1.00 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 11.2% (1 Points).
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in mph
Higher is better ↑| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 63.5 mph | Best | |
| 63.1 mph | -0.4 mph | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
62.6 mph | -0.9 mph |
All the tires in the Straight Aqua test finished less than 3% apart.
Snow
4Snow Braking
Snow braking in feet (19 - 6 mph) [Average Temperature 23°F]
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44 ft | Best | 0 mph | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
46 ft | +2 ft | 17 mph |
| 48 ft | +4 ft | 24 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 10.1% (4 ft). From 80 mph, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 would still be travelling at 24 mph when the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Snow Traction
Snow acceleration time (3 - 22 mph) [Average Temperature 23°F]
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 5.26 s | Best | |
| 5.37 s | +0.11 s | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
5.99 s | +0.73 s |
The difference between best and worst was 13.9% (0.73 s).
Snow Handling
Snow handling time in seconds [Average Temperature 28°F]
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 81.64 s | Best | |
| 81.91 s | +0.27 s | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
83.37 s | +1.73 s |
All the tires in the Snow Handling test finished less than 3% apart.
Subj. Snow Handling
Subjective Snow Handling Score
Higher is better ↑| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 8.7 Points | Best | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
8.29 Points | -0.41 Points |
| 8.2 Points | -0.50 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 5.7% (0.5 Points).
Off road
2Dirt Handling
Dirt handling time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 80.13 s | Best | |
| 80.9 s | +0.77 s |
All the tires in the Dirt Handling test finished less than 3% apart.
Sand Drag
Time over 82 ft from a standstill in sand
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 6.25 s | Best | |
| 6.31 s | +0.06 s |
All the tires in the Sand Drag test finished less than 3% apart.
Comfort
3Subj. Comfort
Subjective Comfort Score
Higher is better ↑| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Points | Best | |
| 9.5 Points | -1.50 Points | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
8.89 Points | -2.11 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 19.2% (2.11 Points).
Subj. Noise
Subjective in car noise levels
Higher is better ↑| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Points | Best | |
| 9 Points | -1.00 Points | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
8.36 Points | -1.64 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 16.4% (1.64 Points).
Noise
Internal noise in dB
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 52.79 dB | Best | |
| 54.95 dB | +2.16 dB | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
55.56 dB | +2.77 dB |
The difference between best and worst was 5.2% (2.77 dB).
Value
2Value
Dollars/1000 miles based on mileage warranty
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best | cost per 1,000 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.41 Price/1000 | Best | $14.77 | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
5.23 Price/1000 | +1.82 Price/1000 | $26.01 |
| 5.39 Price/1000 | +1.98 Price/1000 | $26.30 |
The difference between best and worst was 58.1% (1.98 Price/1000). Over 25,000 miles the cheapest tire to own (Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3) works out $288 cheaper than the most expensive (Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT).
How this is calculated
Tire life here is the manufacturer's treadwear warranty, NOT measured wear - treat it as the maker's promise, not a test result.
Tire life is the manufacturer's treadwear warranty, not measured wear. Assumes a typical car doing 29 mpg (rolling resistance causing 20% of fuel use), fuel at $3.60 per gallon and $80 fitting per set of four. US prices are from the time of the 2026 test; financing costs are excluded.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.2 kg/t | Best | $0 | |
| 9.3 kg/t | +1.10 kg/t | $39 | |
RefReference All Terrain Avg |
9.4 kg/t | +1.20 kg/t | $43 |
The difference between best and worst was 14.6% (1.2 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT uses about 11 gal ($39) more fuel than the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions. These calculators use the full test field, independently of your tire selection above.
Test setup & methodology
The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.
Show full testing methodology
Recorded test conditions
- Dry Braking
- 62.1 → 6.2 mph · 57–63 °F
- Wet Braking
- 49.7 → 6.2 mph · 54–59 °F
- Wet Handling
- 50–54 °F
- Snow Braking
- 18.6 → 6.2 mph · 21–25 °F
- Snow Traction
- 3.1 → 21.7 mph · 21–25 °F
- Snow Handling
- 27–28 °F
Score Weighting
Weights express the scoring priorities, not how much each discipline actually changed the finishing order. The size of the performance gaps matters too. Category weights contribute to the overall score. Within each category, discipline weights divide that category’s share. Published finishing positions also need to be read alongside the editorial verdict.
| Test | Within category | Share of overall score |
|---|---|---|
| Dry · 30% | ||
| Dry Braking | 75% | 22.5% |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 25% | 7.5% |
| Wet · 35% | ||
| Wet Braking | 50% | 17.5% |
| Wet Handling | 30% | 10.5% |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 10% | 3.5% |
| Straight Aqua | 10% | 3.5% |
| Off road · 12.5% | ||
| Dirt Handling | 50% | 6.25% |
| Sand Drag | 50% | 6.25% |
| Snow · 10% | ||
| Snow Braking | 35% | 3.5% |
| Snow Traction | 35% | 3.5% |
| Snow Handling | 20% | 2% |
| Subj. Snow Handling | 10% | 1% |
| Comfort · 10% | ||
| Subj. Comfort | 50% | 5% |
| Subj. Noise | 25% | 2.5% |
| Noise | 25% | 2.5% |
| Value · 2.5% | ||
| Value | 100% | 2.5% |
Our standard methods
The conditions above are recorded for this test. The descriptions below explain our standard procedures; measurement windows and run counts can vary by test.
Dry Braking
For dry braking, I drive the test vehicle at an entry speed of 110 km/h and apply full braking effort to a standstill with ABS active on clean, dry asphalt. I typically use an 100–5 km/h measurement window. My standard programme is five runs per tire set where possible, although the sequence can extend to as many as fifteen runs if conditions and tire category justify it. I analyze the full set of runs and discard statistical outliers before averaging. Reference tires are run repeatedly throughout the session to correct for changing conditions.
Subj. Dry Handling
I also carry out a structured subjective handling assessment at the limit of adhesion on a dedicated dry handling circuit. I score steering precision, steering response, turn-in behavior, mid-corner balance, corner-exit traction, breakaway characteristics, and overall confidence using a standardised 1–10 scale used consistently across my testing. The final assessment combines numeric scoring with written technical commentary. I complete familiarisation laps on the control tire before evaluating each candidate.
Wet Braking
For wet braking, I drive the test vehicle at an entry speed of 88 km/h and apply full braking effort to a standstill with ABS active on an asphalt surface with a controlled water film. I typically use an 80–5 km/h measurement window to isolate tire performance from variability in the initial brake application. My standard programme is eight runs per tire set where possible, although the sequence can extend to as many as fifteen runs if conditions and tire category justify it. I analyze the full set of runs and discard statistical outliers before averaging. To correct for changing conditions, I run reference tires repeatedly throughout the session — in wet testing, typically every three candidate test sets.
Wet Handling
For wet handling, I drive at the limit of adhesion around a dedicated handling circuit. I generally use specialist wet circuits with kerb-watering systems designed to maintain a consistent surface condition. ESC is disabled where possible so I can assess the tire's natural balance, transient response, and limit behavior without electronic intervention masking the result. I usually complete between two and five timed laps per tire set, depending on the circuit, tire type, and consistency of conditions. I exclude laps affected by clear driver error or obvious environmental inconsistency. Control runs are carried out frequently throughout the session, and I often use multiple sets of control tires so that wear on the references does not become a meaningful variable.
Subj. Wet Handling
I also carry out a structured subjective handling assessment at the limit of adhesion on a dedicated wet handling circuit. I score steering precision, steering response, turn-in behavior, mid-corner balance, aquaplaning resistance, breakaway characteristics, and overall confidence using a standardised 1–10 scale used consistently across my testing. The final assessment combines numeric scoring with written technical commentary. I complete familiarisation laps on the control tire before evaluating each candidate.
Straight Aqua
To measure straight-line aquaplaning resistance, I drive one side of the vehicle through a water trough of controlled depth, typically around 7 mm, while the opposite side remains on dry pavement. I enter at a fixed speed and then accelerate progressively. I define aquaplaning onset as the point at which the wheel travelling through the water exceeds a specified slip threshold relative to the dry-side reference wheel. I usually perform four runs per tire set and average the valid results.
Snow Braking
For snow braking, I drive the test vehicle at an entry speed of 50 km/h and apply full braking effort to a standstill with ABS active on a groomed, compacted snow surface, measuring 45-5 km/h. I generally use a wide VDA (vehicle dynamic area) and progressively move across the surface between runs so that no tire ever brakes on the same piece of snow twice. My standard programme is twelve runs per tire set, although the sequence can extend further if the data justify it. I analyze the full set of runs and discard statistical outliers before averaging. The surface is regularly groomed throughout the session. To correct for changing snow surface conditions, I run reference tires repeatedly — typically every two candidate test sets.
Snow Traction
For snow traction, I accelerate the vehicle from rest on a groomed snow surface with traction control active and measure speed and time using GPS telemetry. I typically use a 5–35 km/h measurement window to reduce the influence of launch transients and powertrain irregularities. I use a wide VDA (vehicle dynamic area) and progressively move across the surface between runs so that no tire ever accelerates on the same piece of snow twice. The surface is regularly groomed throughout the session. I complete multiple runs per tire set and average the valid results. Reference tires are run typically every two candidate test sets to correct for changing snow surface conditions.
Snow Handling
For snow handling, I drive at the limit of adhesion around a dedicated snow handling circuit with ESC disabled where possible. The circuit is groomed and prepared after every run while tires are being changed, so each set runs on a consistently prepared surface. I usually complete between two and five timed laps per tire set, excluding laps affected by clear driver error or obvious environmental inconsistency. Because snow surfaces degrade more rapidly than asphalt, control runs are carried out more frequently — typically every two candidate test sets.
Subj. Snow Handling
I also carry out a structured subjective handling assessment at the limit of adhesion on a dedicated snow handling circuit. The circuit is groomed and prepared after every run while tires are being changed, so each set runs on a consistently prepared surface. I score steering precision, turn-in behavior, mid-corner balance, corner-exit traction, breakaway characteristics, and overall confidence on snow using a standardised 1–10 scale used consistently across my testing. The final assessment combines numeric scoring with written technical commentary. I complete familiarisation laps on the control tire before evaluating each candidate.
Dirt Handling
For dirt handling, I drive at the limit of adhesion around a dedicated dirt handling course with ESC typically disabled. I complete multiple timed laps per tire set, excluding laps affected by driver error or environmental inconsistency. Because natural surfaces are inherently variable, I place particular emphasis on repeat runs, careful reference tracking, and averaged results. The control tire is retested at regular intervals.
Subj. Comfort
To assess comfort, I drive on a wide range of road surfaces (often dedicated comfort tracks at test facilities) at speeds from 50 to 120 km/h, including smooth motorway, coarse surfaces, expansion joints, broken pavement, and sharp-edged obstacles. I evaluate primary ride quality, secondary ride quality, impact harshness, seat-transmitted vibration, and the tire's ability to absorb sharp inputs. Ratings are assigned on a 1–10 scale relative to the reference tire.
Subj. Noise
For subjective noise assessment, I drive at constant speeds across multiple surface types with the windows closed, ventilation off, and audio system off. I assess overall noise level, tonal quality, cavity boom, pattern noise, broadband roar, and sensitivity to both speed and road texture. Each tire is rated on a 1–10 scale and supported by written observations on noise character and annoyance.
Noise
For cabin noise assessment, I drive at controlled speeds, typically 50, 80, 100, and 120 km/h, on NVH test surfaces with defined texture characteristics. Calibrated microphones are positioned at ear height within the cabin. Measurements are taken using A-weighting, with one-third octave analysis where required to identify tonal features such as cavity resonance. Windows remain closed, ventilation is off, and ambient conditions are controlled so the data reflects the tire rather than external interference.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance is measured under controlled laboratory conditions in accordance with ISO 28580 and UNECE Regulation 117 Annex 6. The tire is mounted on a test wheel and loaded against a large-diameter steel drum. After thermal stabilisation at the prescribed test speed, rolling resistance force is measured at the spindle and corrected according to the relevant procedure. The result is expressed as rolling resistance coefficient, typically in kg/tonne.
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