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Test Charts / Tire Reviews

Best SUV All Season Tires for 2025

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
235/55 R18
Tires tested
7
Disciplines
16

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.

Dry

3

Dry Braking

Dry braking in feet (62 - 3 mph) [Average Temperature 50°F]

Lower is better ↓
Dry Braking
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
RefReference Summer
111 ft -8 ft 0 mph
119 ft Best 0 mph
120 ft +1 ft 8 mph
122 ft +3 ft 14 mph
124 ft +5 ft 17 mph
126 ft +7 ft 19 mph
126 ft +7 ft 20 mph
131 ft +12 ft 24 mph

The difference between best and worst was 17.6% (20 ft ≈ 1.3 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Westlake All Season Elite Z401 would still be travelling at 24 mph when the BFGoodrich Advantage SUV All Season had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Dry Handling

Dry handling time in seconds [Average Temperature 55°F]

Lower is better ↓
Dry Handling
Position / TireResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
72.2 s -0.10 s
72.3 s Best
72.38 s +0.08 s
72.59 s +0.29 s
72.97 s +0.67 s
73.16 s +0.86 s
73.17 s +0.87 s
75.86 s +3.56 s

The difference between best and worst was 5.1% (3.66 s).

Subj. Dry Handling

Subjective Dry Handling Score

Higher is better ↑
Subj. Dry Handling
Position / TireResultGap to best
10 Points Best
10 Points Best
9.75 Points -0.25 Points
9.75 Points -0.25 Points
9.75 Points -0.25 Points
9.75 Points -0.25 Points
8 Points -2.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 20% (2 Points).

Wet

5

Wet Braking

Wet braking in feet (50 - 3 mph) [Average Temperature 54°F]

Lower is better ↓
Wet Braking
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
RefReference Summer
95 ft -5 ft 0 mph
100 ft Best 0 mph
101 ft +1 ft 7 mph
102 ft +2 ft 11 mph
107 ft +7 ft 20 mph
107 ft +7 ft 21 mph
110 ft +10 ft 25 mph
126 ft +26 ft 37 mph

The difference between best and worst was 33.2% (31 ft ≈ 2.1 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Westlake All Season Elite Z401 would still be travelling at 37 mph when the Nokian Seasonproof 2 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 (0 - 0 ) [Average Temperature 47°F]

Lower is better ↓
Wet Handling
Position / TireResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
71.83 s -0.52 s
72.35 s Best
72.38 s +0.03 s
72.48 s +0.13 s
72.65 s +0.30 s
73.66 s +1.31 s
73.8 s +1.45 s
75.51 s +3.16 s

The difference between best and worst was 5.1% (3.68 s).

Subj. Wet Handling

Subjective Wet Handling Score

Higher is better ↑
Subj. Wet Handling
Position / TireResultGap to best
10 Points Best
10 Points Best
9.5 Points -0.50 Points
9.5 Points -0.50 Points
9.5 Points -0.50 Points
9.5 Points -0.50 Points
7 Points -3.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 30% (3 Points).

Straight Aqua

Float Speed in mph

Higher is better ↑
Straight Aqua
Position / TireResultGap to best
50.8 mph Best
50.3 mph -0.5 mph
50.1 mph -0.7 mph
50.1 mph -0.7 mph
49.7 mph -1.1 mph
49.2 mph -1.6 mph
42.9 mph -7.9 mph

The difference between best and worst was 15.5% (7.9 mph).

Curved Aquaplaning

Remaining lateral acceleration

Higher is better ↑
Curved Aquaplaning
Position / TireResultGap to best
26.8 ft/s² Best
26.4 ft/s² -0.4 ft/s²
26.3 ft/s² -0.5 ft/s²
24.8 ft/s² -2.0 ft/s²
24.7 ft/s² -2.1 ft/s²
23.8 ft/s² -3.0 ft/s²
10.8 ft/s² -16.0 ft/s²

The difference between best and worst was 59.9% (16 ft/s²).

Snow

4

Snow Braking

Snow braking in feet

Lower is better ↓
Snow Braking
Position / TireResultGap to best
RefReference Winter Nordic
55 ft -6 ft
61 ft Best
62 ft +1 ft
62 ft +1 ft
62 ft +1 ft
63 ft +2 ft
64 ft +3 ft
67 ft +6 ft

The difference between best and worst was 21.4% (12 ft ≈ 0.8 Car Lengths).

Snow Traction

Snow acceleration time (3 - 25 mph) [Average Temperature 20°F]

Lower is better ↓
Snow Traction
Position / TireResultGap to best
RefReference Winter Nordic
3.2 s -0.48 s
3.68 s Best
3.77 s +0.09 s
3.77 s +0.09 s
3.81 s +0.13 s
3.88 s +0.20 s
3.95 s +0.27 s
4.24 s +0.56 s

The difference between best and worst was 32.5% (1.04 s).

Snow Handling

Snow handling time in seconds [Average Temperature 19°F]

Lower is better ↓
Snow Handling
Position / TireResultGap to best
RefReference Winter Nordic
80.01 s -4.06 s
84.07 s Best
86.01 s +1.94 s
86.91 s +2.84 s
87.8 s +3.73 s
87.8 s +3.73 s
88.15 s +4.08 s
89.91 s +5.84 s

The difference between best and worst was 12.4% (9.9 s).

Subj. Snow Handling

Subjective Snow Handling Score

Higher is better ↑
Subj. Snow Handling
Position / TireResultGap to best
10 Points Best
10 Points Best
9.5 Points -0.50 Points
9 Points -1.00 Points
9 Points -1.00 Points
8.5 Points -1.50 Points
8.5 Points -1.50 Points

The difference between best and worst was 15% (1.5 Points).

Comfort

3

Subj. Comfort

Subjective Comfort Score

Higher is better ↑
Subj. Comfort
Position / TireResultGap to best
10 Points Best
10 Points Best
10 Points Best
9.5 Points -0.50 Points
9.5 Points -0.50 Points
9.5 Points -0.50 Points
9.5 Points -0.50 Points

The difference between best and worst was 5% (0.5 Points).

Subj. Noise

Subjective in car noise levels

Higher is better ↑
Subj. Noise
Position / TireResultGap to best
10 Points Best
10 Points Best
10 Points Best
9.75 Points -0.25 Points
9.5 Points -0.50 Points
9.5 Points -0.50 Points
6 Points -4.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 40% (4 Points).

Noise

External noise in dB

Lower is better ↓
Noise
Position / TireResultGap to best
70.7 dB Best
70.9 dB +0.20 dB
71.2 dB +0.50 dB
71.7 dB +1.00 dB
71.7 dB +1.00 dB
72.1 dB +1.40 dB
73.3 dB +2.60 dB

The difference between best and worst was 3.7% (2.6 dB).

Value

1

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance in kg t

Lower is better ↓
Rolling Resistance
Position / TireResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
6.57 kg/t Best $0
6.6 kg/t +0.03 kg/t $1
7.13 kg/t +0.56 kg/t $25
7.36 kg/t +0.79 kg/t $35
7.89 kg/t +1.32 kg/t $59
7.96 kg/t +1.39 kg/t $62
8.35 kg/t +1.78 kg/t $80

The difference between best and worst was 27.1% (1.78 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Maxxis Premitra All Season AP3 SUV uses about 22 gal ($80) more fuel than the BFGoodrich Advantage SUV All Season.

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.

12,000 mi
$3.60/gal
Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tire age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

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 → 3.1 mph · 48–52 °F
Dry Handling
54–55 °F
Wet Braking
49.7 → 3.1 mph · 52–55 °F
Wet Handling
46–48 °F
Snow Traction
3.1 → 24.9 mph · 19–21 °F
Snow Handling
19 °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.

TestWithin categoryShare of overall score
Dry · 30%
Dry Braking50%15%
Dry Handling35%10.5%
Subj. Dry Handling15%4.5%
Wet · 40%
Wet Braking40%16%
Wet Handling25%10%
Subj. Wet Handling20%8%
Straight Aqua10%4%
Curved Aquaplaning5%2%
Snow · 20%
Snow Braking30%6%
Snow Traction30%6%
Snow Handling30%6%
Subj. Snow Handling10%2%
Comfort · 5%
Subj. Comfort25%1.25%
Subj. Noise25%1.25%
Noise50%2.5%
Value · 5%
Rolling Resistance100%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.

Dry Handling

For dry handling, I drive at the limit of adhesion around a dedicated handling circuit with ESC 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. For more track-focused products, I also do endurance testing, which is a set number of laps at race pace to determine tire wear patterns and heat resistance over longer driving.

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.

Curved Aquaplaning

For curved aquaplaning, I use a circular track, typically around 100 meters in diameter, with a flooded arc of controlled water depth, usually about 7 mm. The vehicle is instrumented with GPS telemetry and a tri-axial accelerometer. I drive through the flooded section at progressively increasing speed, typically in 5 km/h increments, and record the minimum sustained lateral acceleration at each step. The test continues until lateral acceleration collapses, indicating complete aquaplaning. The result is expressed as remaining lateral acceleration in m/s² as speed rises.

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.

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

I measure external pass-by noise in accordance with UNECE Regulation 117 and ISO 13325 using the coast-by method on a compliant test surface. Calibrated microphones are positioned beside the test lane, and the vehicle coasts through the measurement zone under controlled conditions. I record the maximum A-weighted sound pressure level in dB(A), complete multiple runs over the relevant speed range, and normalise the result to the reference speed required by the procedure.

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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