Best SUV tyres:

Your Ultimate Guide to Top Picks

Chris Turner by Chris Turner - updated Nov 21, 2024
5 min read
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Your tyres are arguably critical for ensuring safety, performance, and comfort when driving an SUV. Whether cruising through city streets, tackling rough terrains, or facing unpredictable UK weather, choosing the right tyres can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through the best SUV tyres available in the UK, helping you make an informed decision for your vehicle.

Factors to Consider When Choosing SUV tyres

When choosing tyres, it’s essential to consider more than just the brand name or price. Here are some critical factors to keep in mind:

Tread Pattern
The tread pattern affects how your vehicle handles different driving conditions. Deeper treads are better for wet or off-road conditions, while shallower treads provide a quieter and smoother ride on highways.

Tyre Size
Always use the tyre size recommended by the manufacturer for your SUV. Incorrect sizes can affect vehicle handling and safety.

Weather Conditions
Consider the climate where you do most of your driving. Different tyres perform better in varying weather conditions—some are designed for all seasons, while others specialise in summer or winter.

Driving Habits
Your driving habits should influence your tyre choice. City drivers might prefer comfort and low noise, while off-road enthusiasts need durability and traction.

Fuel Efficiency
Tyres can impact your vehicle’s fuel consumption. To improve fuel efficiency, look for tyres with low rolling resistance.

Best SUV tyres in the UK

Premium vs. Budget Options:
Premium tyres usually offer better performance and durability. However, budget tyres can still deliver good value and safety for everyday driving.

Top Premium Brands:
Michelin

Pirelli
Continental
Goodyear
Bridgestone

A Volvo showing the Best SUV tyres in the UK

Best all season SUV tyres UK

All-season tyres are versatile and suitable for various weather conditions, making them a popular choice for the best all-season SUV tyres in the UK.

Overview of All-Season Tyres:
These tyres are designed to perform well in summer and winter, offering a balanced performance year-round.

Top Picks for All-Season Tyres:
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons SUV
Continental AllSeasonContact

A line up of Continental All Season Contact tyres

Best SUV summer tyres

Summer tyres perform best in warm conditions, improving grip and handling on dry and wet roads.

Why You Need Summer Tyres:
These tyres are constructed with a rubber compound that maintains flexibility in higher temperatures, improving traction and braking performance.

Best SUV summer tyres:
Pirelli Scorpion Verde

Michelin Latitude Sport 3
Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport

A SUV driving on a road in the summer to show Best SUV summer tyres

Best SUV Winter tyres

Winter tyres are necessary for safe driving in cold, icy, and snowy conditions. They have a unique tread design and rubber compound that maintains flexibility in low temperatures and provides superior grip.

Top picks for winter tyres include:
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
Bridgestone Blizzak
Pirelli Sottozero

A SUV driving through snow and ice to show the Best SUV tyres and the Best SUV Winter tyres

Best SUV tyres for Off-Roading

If you often drive your SUV off-road, you’ll need tyres to handle rough terrain. When looking for off-road tyres, consider ones with aggressive tread patterns, reinforced sidewalls, and puncture resistance.

Top picks for SUV tyres for Off-Roading:
BFGoodrich Trail Terrain tyre
General Grabber AT3
Falken Wildpeak A/T AT3WA
Cooper Discoverer AT3 Sport 2

A SUV heading off road to show the Best SUV tyres and Best SUV tyres for Off Roading

Best Budget-Friendly SUV Tyres

You don’t have to spend much money to get quality tyres. Many budget options provide reliable performance and safety. It’s important to balance cost with quality by looking for tyres that offer good value without compromising on essential features.

Top picks for Best Budget-Friendly SUV tyres:
Hankook Dynapro HP2
General Grabber GT+
GT Radial Sport Active 2
Falken Azenis FK510 SUV

A Nissan Juke-R SUV showing the Best SUV tyres and Best Budget Friendly SUV Tyres

Best Performance SUV Tyres

These tyres offer enhanced handling, speed, and braking capabilities for those who prioritise performance.

They are designed for high-speed stability, precise handling, and superior traction.

Top picks for Performance SUV tyres:
Michelin Pilot Sport
Pirelli P Zero
Continental SportContact 6

A SUV Showing its performance in the wet to show Best SUV tyres Best Performance SUV Tyres

How to Maintain Your SUV tyres
Please remember the following points about maintaining your tyres:

Regular Inspection:
Check for any signs of damage or uneven wear at least once a month.

Proper Inflation:
Keep the recommended tyre pressure for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Rotating tyres:
Rotate your tyres every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to promote even wear.
Please note that not every tyre pattern can be rotated, as many SUV tyres have an asymmetric pattern that does not allow for rotation on the specific rim. You can change the front to the rear, as long as the tyres are not staggered, for example, on BMW x3 or BMW x5.

Alignment Checks:
Ensure your wheels are correctly aligned to avoid uneven tyre wear and handling issues.

Environmental Impact of Tyre Choices:
Eco-friendly tyres can reduce your carbon footprint.

Eco-Friendly Tyres:
Look for tyres made from sustainable materials and those designed to reduce rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency.

Recycling Old tyres:
Properly dispose of old tyres by taking them to a recycling facility. Many tyre retailers offer recycling services.

Read more in our Tyre Safety Guide.

Conclusion

Selecting the right tyres for your SUV to ensure safety, performance, and comfort in various driving conditions is essential. Whether you need all-season versatility, the grip of summer tyres, the security of winter tyres, or the rugged durability of off-road tyres, there are top-quality options available for the best SUV tyres in the UK. Premium brands like Michelin, Pirelli, Continental, Goodyear, and Bridgestone lead the market, offering tyres that cater to different needs and budgets.

Remember, maintaining your tyres through regular inspections, proper inflation, rotation, and alignment checks can extend their lifespan and enhance your driving experience. Additionally, considering the environmental impact of your tyre choices and recycling old tyres can contribute to a more sustainable future.

By taking the time to understand the features and benefits of various tyre types, you can make an informed decision that best suits your driving habits and conditions. Whether you prioritize performance, budget-friendliness, or eco-friendliness, the right tyres can make all the difference in your SUV’s handling and safety.