YONKERS, N.Y. (May 16, 2016) — The Michelin brand grabbed the top spot in three of the six categories Consumer Reports (CR) ranked for Top Picks for tires in 2016.
CR said it tested more than 150 tire models for a variety of features, including braking, handling, hydroplaning resistance, winter traction, ride comfort, and rolling resistance.
“We also evaluate how long a tire wears, by driving on them day and night for up to 16,000 miles apiece in rural Texas. The testing is so extensive, it takes us a full year to evaluate each major group,” said Gene Petersen, tire testing engineer for Yonkers-based CR.
“In the end, we have the data that allows us to separate the best from the worst, with detailed insights into how each model performs across a broad series of characteristics, such as wet vs. dry braking.”
CR's top picks are:
- All-season: The Michelin Defender “proved to be the best overall tire among 16 tested models, offering solid all-season grip and crisp handling,” CR said, noting that consumers could expect a long tread life of up to 90,000 miles. All tested models in this class were T-speed rated, which according to the magazine are popular choices for older cars.
- Performance all-season: Continental PureContact “has impressive dry and wet braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance,” CR said, adding that while the tire provides “very good” tread life, it is not the best in class.
- UHP summer: Pirelli P Zero “delivers outstanding dry and wet stopping and handling attributes,” CR said, noting that like typical summer tires, its tread life is just fair, though some runner-ups wear longer.
- All-season truck: Michelin LTX M/S2 “offers an impressive balance of four-season grip with very good snow traction, a quiet and smooth ride, and excellent tread life,” CR said.
- All-terrain truck: Hankook Dynapro AT-M “scores good or better in all test categories, and it is one of just two all-terrain models tested that proved to have excellent tread life,” CR said.
- Winter tire: Michelin X-ice XI3 “offers outstanding snow traction and grip on ice, along with a smooth, quiet ride,” CR said.