Here are the Best All-Season Tires for 2021 According to Forbes
Whether you live in a snow state or an area where the temperatures stay moderately warm all year round, a good set of all-season tires should work well for your car, truck, or SUV. As the name implies, all-season tires are meant to be driven on throughout the year as their rubber compounds and tire tread patterns are able to operate under a range of temperatures and road conditions. Even if the roads are wet, dry, or packed with snow.
However, there is a multitude of all-season tires to pick from in the current market. As such, Forbes recently put together a list of the best all-season tires for 2021 in order to help you decide.
1. Michelin CrossClimate 2
It doesn’t take a tire expert to realize that the Michelin CrossClimate 2 tire is something special. Take one look at the funky tread pattern and you can probably guess that this tire is meant for more than just gripping the road in the summertime. According to Forbes, the CrossClimate 2 tire is rated No. 1 out of 57 on Tire Rack’s Grand Touring All-Season options and remains a top choice among drivers that use them.
Many owners have commented that the tire’s unique tread pattern allows for a comfortable and quiet ride. But it is also able to maintain a good amount of grip in light snow and rainy driving conditions as it is rated for severe snow conditions. It’s no wonder that the CrossClimate 2 gets such high praise all around and earned a 9.5 rating for wet-road performance and 9.4 for dry performance on Tire Rack’s 10-point scale. It also earned the top spot on Forbes’ list.
2. Bridgestone Turanza Quiettrack
Those looking for a quiet and luxurious ride could find a solution in the Bridgestone Turanza Quiettrack. Tire Rack notes that the Quiettrack is “designed to blend a smooth, quiet ride, long tread life and wet traction with confident capability in light snow,” and the comments from drivers reflect that statement. A few commenters noted that these tires offer a really quiet ride and perform well in the dry and in the rain.
Tire Rack customers rated the Turanza Quiettrack with high marks across the board, with a 9.2 for wet performance and 9.4 for dry performance. It’s no wonder that Forbes also put this tire high on its list.
3. Firestone Weathergrip
The Firestone Weathergrip tires utilize the brand’s Hydro-Grip technology in addition to its “snow traction claw” technology that aids in wet and snowy driving performance. The tire features full-depth grooves and open shoulder slots that help prevent hydroplaning as well as zig-zagging sipes and interlocking grooves for better traction in the snow.
Many reviews on Tire Rack put the Firestone Weathergrip tire in high regard as do the customer ratings. According to Tire Rack’s 10-point scale, the Weathergrip tires received a 9.2 in dry performance and a 9.3 for wet performance.
4. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tire performs well in the summer and is highly capable in the wintertime. What makes the WeatherReady tire so great is that Goodyear incorporated its Weather Reactive Technology that uses 3D Treadlock Technology Blades that ensures maximum grip when cornering in the wet.
However, drivers reported that these tires tend to be a little nosier and ride rougher during the summer months, which is a normal trade-off for a tire that performs well in the snow, Forbes noted. After all, the WeatherReady is rated for use in severe snow, so we would say that it’s a good trade-off.
5. Continental True Contact Tour
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly all-season tire that’s responsive in dry weather and grippy in the wet, then the Continental True Contact Tour tire could fit the bill. At only around $113 per tire (depending on the size), the True Contact Tour provides buyers with the year-round grip that they need without breaking the bank.
Forbes noted that this tire uses the brand’s Comfort Ride Technology, which offers an underlayer beneath the tread to block road vibrations. Additionally, Continental’s Silane additives enhance the tire’s traction during wet driving conditions. Overall, considering the 70,000 to 80,000-mile lifespan, there’s no doubt that the Continental True Contact Tour offers a great bang for the buck.
How Forbes picked these tires
Forbes Wheels picked the aforementioned tires based on expert reviews and customer ratings. They ended up choosing these top-rated tires as they are known for their versatility, durability, ride comfort, and long tread life. And while it’s easy to say that the CrossClimate 2 tire is “the best,” truthfully, the right all-season tire for you will depend on your budget, your vehicle, and the type of driving that you do year-round.