Despite the date on the calendar, the summer season already arrived,
so it's time to think about choosing the right wheels. It is well known that fifty percent of the appearance of the car is created by the right set of tires and wheels. but, in addition to solving aesthetic issues, the choice of rubber also determines the operating conditions of the car. Therefore, today we will talk about the most relevant tire offers that will suit any modern SUV, regardless of its size, class and price.
BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/P 680
Tires primarily targeted at premium cars. Their purpose is asphalt roads. They hold the track well and are not afraid of rutting. The AQ-compound technology maintains the elasticity of the material regardless of mileage, which greatly improves handling and reduces noise levels. Dueler H / P 680 tires do not save up before the primer at the exit from the holiday village, but they are not designed for great off-road exploits. Ideal for everyday use, driving performance is limited only by the capabilities of the car itself.
BRIDGESTONE ECOPIA EP850
A successful model from a Japanese company that claims to be the right choice for daily asphalt use. This model has asymmetrical pattern tread, consisting of five longitudinal ribs, united by quadrangular blocks. A very original design reduces rolling resistance and improves acceleration dynamics. Pretty stiff, thanks to which it provides excellent handling. Any off-road is contraindicated - afraid of side cuts. It has a good roll on asphalt, which saves fuel.
GENERAL GRABBER HTS
The manufacturer focuses on the increased wear resistance of this model. Based on a symmetrical tread pattern with wide grooves for water drainage. As a result, hydroplaning resistance is high. The tire is quite soft, which has a positive effect on comfort - joints and small potholes are smoothed out by the tire itself, leaving larger bumps in the suspension. Great for full-size SUVs and crossovers moving off the asphalt in exceptional cases.
GOODYEAR EFFICIENT GRIP
The tires provide excellent handling on wet pavement, maintaining maximum contact with the road surface even during sharp lane changes. They are not afraid of rutting and up to 60 km / h are almost silent. However, at high speeds, they also do not annoy with noise.
They are completely useless off-road: the tread pattern is typically asphalt, and even on a primer you need to be prepared for bad grip. They are distinguished by a large, compared to competitors, weight, but level this with excellent stability on the track.
CONTINENTAL PREMIUMCONTACT 6
A tire that offers an excellent compromise between sportiness, safety and environmental friendliness. Compared to the previous generation, PremiumContact 6 has significantly changed the rubber composition (the addition of silicon dioxide provides a short braking distance on wet roads). The asymmetric tread pattern with a well-thought-out shoulder system provides excellent handling on all types of surfaces.
GOODYEAR EAGLE F1 ASYMMETRIC 3
Asymmetric tire model from Goodyear, designed for high speeds and asphalt trails. On dry surfaces it behaves very predictably. The soft rubber compound dampens many small bumps, keeping them away from the suspension. True, due to soft sidewalls there is a high chance of punctures. You also need to be careful when crossing puddles and in general when driving on wet surfaces: tires are subject to hydroplaning and float up rather quickly.
HANKOOK VENTUS ST
A tire for high speeds and fast accelerations. The V-shaped tread pattern provides good handling on dry pavement, and also quickly evacuates water. Reinforced cord improves cornering stability and prevents the sidewall from folding.
The design uses rubber of very high density, which has a positive effect on the service life.
HANKOOK DYNAPRO HP2 RA33
The composition of the rubber allows the tires to successfully withstand small bumps and other defects in the roadway. Noise on par with competitors. From-affects. well tolerated water procedures and resist hydroplaning. The strong sidewall allows you to confidently reduce pressure and achieve a smoother ride.
MAXXIS S-PRO
Good alternative to expensive models famous brands. They have an asymmetric tread pattern that provides stable handling both on dry pavement and on wet pavement. Designed for high-speed cars - speed index V (up to 240 km / h). The center grooves are designed to resist deflection under side load, which has a positive effect on cornering.
KUMHO CRUGEN HP91
This model is designed for premium SUVs. Tolerates rutting well. In addition, asphalt joints are not transferred to the body, but are absorbed by the tire itself. Of the shortcomings, problematic balancing. True, according to dealers, after running in, the weight of the balancing weights is reduced to 50–80 g. Good value for money due to a not-so-famous manufacturer.
KUMHO SOLUS KL21
Distinctive features - low noise level, profitability and wear resistance. The special composition of the rubber allows you to move at temperatures down to minus 10 - the rubber does not tan and retains grip with the road. Hydroplaning at high speeds. Outside of asphalt, it quickly becomes washed out and loses its ability to self-clean. Afraid of rutting on the road, and at high speeds you need to be vigilant.
MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE
One of the most really all season tires, which handles well both on dry pavement and on slippery surfaces. The composition of the rubber allows you to ride safely in any temperature conditions- from minus 25 to plus 35. A feature of this model is a directional tread pattern that effectively removes water. The tire is a bit noisy, but overall it's a reasonable compromise between handling and comfort.
MICHELIN LATITUDE CROSS
Tires that allow you to operate an SUV outside the city. They perform well on wet grass and sandy surfaces. On asphalt, they are stable, but in a rut they require constant steering. They begin to make noise already at 60 km / h, so they are hardly suitable for purely urban use. The best ratio of asphalt and dirt road will be 70/30.
NITTO NT420S
The design of the tread blocks of these tires is built in such a way as to maximize the contact patch with the road. This solution improves maneuverability and stability at high speeds. They have an aggressive design that will make your SUV stand out from the crowd. They are unlikely to be suitable for use on slippery types of surfaces (clay, wet grass) - skidding in corners occurs quite early, although it is predictable.
NITTO NT421Q
It seems that the Japanese engineers worked very hard when designing the pattern of these tires. Due to the special system of grooves that lead water out of the tread, handling on wet surfaces is improved, as well as the noise level when driving is reduced. The pattern is asymmetric, which maximizes traction and braking performance on asphalt. A wide range of standard sizes will allow you to put the NT421 on almost any car.
NOKIAN HAKKA BLACK SUV
Tires for safe driving at high speeds and with maximum accelerations. Reinforced sidewall protects against punctures and cuts. Aramid fibers are used in the carcass, which increase the resistance of rubber to tearing. The SilentGroove groove design reduces tire temperature and also prevents rumble. Hakka Black SUV well resist the effect of aquaplaning due to an extensive network of grooves in the shoulder areas.
NOKIAN HAKKA BLUE SUV
The diagonal groove system reduces braking distances on wet surfaces and is responsible for the stability and predictability of the machine's behavior at high speeds. The tire material is made using reinforcing elements. This improves wear resistance and maintains quality grip on dry pavement. The cord is reinforced with aramid fibers - in the best tradition of Nokian.
NEXEN ROADIAN HP
One of best tires according to the ratio "price - quality". It resists hydroplaning well and softens small irregularities due to the composition of the rubber. It is recommended to use only in the warm season and on hard surfaces, as the adhesion deteriorates rapidly with decreasing temperatures. Even on light off-road, the tread is quickly washed out. Advantages: wear resistance and good performance by noise.
NEXEN NFERA RU1
They have a well-designed water drainage system, which delays the onset of aquaplaning. Quite noisy, but this is offset by stability on the track and good braking properties. During sharp turns it can be a roll due to the soft sidewalls. Easily balanced and provides a good ride.
NEXEN ROADIAN HTX RH5
The tread pattern has pronounced longitudinal grooves, thanks to which the car remains stable at high speeds. Side lugs are practically absent, so you need to carefully move off the asphalt. Quiet. Stable on wet roads due to well-thought-out drainage system. The carcass of the tire is reinforced, so the sidewall does not fold in high-speed corners.
NOKIAN ROTIIVA HT
It is balanced with minimal use of balancing weights (up to 5 g per wheel). Stably behaves on the pavement at medium speeds. Doesn't make noise. When leaving a hard surface, it quickly becomes washed out and loses grip, but behaves predictably on the primer. A large number of transverse slots improves the behavior of the machine during active maneuvering. Water removal from the tread is carried out very quickly, so braking on slippery surfaces is most effective.
NOKIAN NORDMAN S SUV
They are well controlled on slippery surfaces and after running in they are much less noisy. Often problematic balance (up to 100-150 g of cargo on each wheel). And at first, it is better to check the balancing every 500-1000 km. Due to the large number of lamellas and grooves, it self-cleans well both from water and from dirt and wet sand. They have a reinforced cord and are intended primarily for full-size SUVs.
PIRELLI PZERO
Comfortable tires that do not annoy with noise at speeds up to 110 km/h. Further, the noise increases a little, but still remains within reason. Designed for high-speed premium SUVs. Have excellent braking performance, and the design features of the carcass ensure uniform wear. Distinguishing feature - reinforced sidewall, which protects an expensive tire from damage on poor-quality road surfaces.
PIRELLI SCORPION ZERO ASIMMETRICO
Sufficiently rigid rubber with predictable behavior even on snowy surfaces. Balanced with small loads, excellent road holding at high speed. Good turns, relatively wear-resistant. Of the minuses - quite noisy, which is especially noticeable on cars with poor sound insulation. Poorly tolerates rutting. The quality of workmanship is excellent, the percentage of factory defects is minimal.
ROADSTONE ROADIAN HT
Perfect for those who often travel out of town: the strength and grip properties of the tread are enough for trips on any dirt roads. It gets washed out quickly in the mud, but on the pavement it holds its course well and goes through turns. Noisy compared to competitors. Good value for money to replace factory tires. When driving into obstacles in the city, there is a chance to damage the sidewall, especially if you drive in not at a right angle.
ROADSTONE ROADIAN HP
A good option for those who leave the stone jungle from time to time. Claimed as all season, but more suitable for summer use. Virtually no noise on the pavement and holds the road well at speed. On a dirt road, it self-cleans well and retains traction. Wear resistance at height - without any problems withstands three seasons. The sidewalls are made of durable material, which allows you to park close to the curbs without the risk of damage.
ROADSTONE NFERA RU5
A good option for urban use, with rare trips to a dirt road. Due to the soft composition of the rubber, the tires smooth out most of the small bumps. With similar driving characteristics, it is cheaper than European counterparts. At high speeds, it holds the road well, without requiring frequent taxiing. In addition to Indonesia, they are also produced in China, so it is recommended to pay attention to the manufacturer's markings.
YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR H/T G056
Relatively quiet tire model, handles equally well in both dry and wet conditions. It was originally developed for the North American market, but later its sales began in Europe. The design feature of the tread is a large number of sipes that provide reliable grip with the roadway.
YOKOHAMA PARADA SPEC-X
Recommended for use on high speed SUVs. Differs in stability at acceleration and without effort transfers rutting. Of the features - not the most durable sidewall, with a high probability of damage during careless parking. The soft rubber compound allows you to smooth out small road bumps. It enters into rapid turns with a slight squeal, but tenaciously keeps the car on the trajectory.
TOYO PROXES ST3
An excellent choice for urban use: they hold the road well and are controlled. Balanced with minimal loads, which affects stability
at high speeds. They have their own original sound when driving on asphalt - they emit not a rumble, but a rustle. Traditionally for Japanese rubber, they have increased wear resistance. The sidewalls are not particularly soft and protect the tire from accidental damage.
A crisis is a crisis, but cars are being sold, and crossovers are in the most stable demand. And tires for crossovers are a separate issue. They are required to drive well not only on asphalt, but also outside of it. Therefore, tests of such tires in 2018 should be carried out according to an expanded program, preferably at a test site with calibrated off-road sections.
You won't find them in Russia. That is why we turned to Continental for help and occupied its training ground near Hannover. At the "Kontidrom" we have already carried out tire tests and we know that there are only asphalt tracks, albeit with fairly wide possibilities. Therefore, the rest of the tests, including off-road, were decided to be organized overseas - at the Continental test site in the US state of Texas. There are many asphalt trails of different quality, areas with irrigation, as well as primers, gravel and sandy roads. In general, everything you need!
After consulting, we chose for testing tires of dimension 235/65 R17, suitable for most mid-size SUVs, and of the H / T (or HT) type - the so-called asphalt tires, the most massive, occupying more than 80% Russian market crossover tires. The rest is divided between mud (M / T or MT) and universal (A / T or AT).
Eighth International
Eight sets of tires from the most popular brands were collected for testing. Without the “top five”, that is, the five leaders of the market, there is no way to do. Therefore, among the participants were models Bridgestone Dueler H / P Sport, Michelin Latitude Tour HP, Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV, Continental ContiCrossContact UHP and Pirelli Scorpion Verde. Two more companies are not so large, but have their own production in Russia: we take Nokian Hakka Blue SUV tires and Yokohama Geolandar SUV G055. In addition, we included in the test a representative of the rapidly growing South Korean company Hankoook - the Dynapro HP2 model. It so happened that all eight sets were released in different countries. Neither give nor take - the eighth International.
What should definitely be included in the test program besides our traditional asphalt disciplines? Of course, longitudinal aquaplaning and light off-road. After all, even on purely highway NT tires, crossover owners sometimes go out on sand or wet grass, drive on primers and gravel roads. And they decided not to drive asphalt tires into real mud - they are helpless there.
Volkswagen Touareg was appointed as the main tire carrier.
On the stand in 2018
At the Kontidrom training ground, located near Hannover, there is no off-road section, but there is a unique laboratory with expensive equipment that allows you to quickly and with minimal error get a lot of interesting results, simulating real tests. For example, you can evaluate tires for rolling resistance. We usually do this kind of test on the road to measure fuel consumption. At the stand, this work can be carried out faster and with a smaller measurement error, since the technology has long been worked out. The methodology is this. Our test subjects have load indices of 104 and 108. We focus on index 104, which means a maximum load of 900 kg. When testing on a wheel rolling on a running drum, the downforce, which is 80% of the allowable one, with a simple calculation we get 7063 N. Continental testers usually determine the tire resistance on the stand only at a speed of 80 km / h. In our tests, we work with two speed limits - city (60 km/h) and country (90 km/h). I had to ask the Germans to rebuild the bench test programs for "our" speeds.
At the test bench, not one tire of each model was rolled, but two - and the average value was calculated in order to level out the possible scatter of results. Michelin and Yokohama showed the lowest rolling resistance - and the lower the resistance, the lower the fuel consumption. Hankook resisted the most.
On the roads of the Contidrom
Hydroplaning of tires on a straight line was also evaluated at the Contidrome - so as not to waste time on this in Texas. The tire carrier was Amarok, whose transmission was forcibly transferred to rear-wheel drive mode.
We direct the pickup truck with the left wheels into a 200-meter-long bath with an eight-millimeter layer of water, while the right wheels drive on dry asphalt. Approach the measuring point in third gear at a speed of 60 km/h. The measuring equipment records the difference in the angular speeds of the left and right front wheels using individual wheel sensors. The onset of hydroplaning is considered to be a 15 percent difference between angular velocities the right wheel going along the asphalt (this is the real speed) and the slipping left wheel, which pops up above the road.
The best result was shown Pirelli tires: 92.6 km/h. Goodyear tires (91.9 km/h) and Hankook (91.5 km/h) pop up a little earlier. The outsiders are Michelin (87.2 km/h) and Continental (87.6 km/h km/h).
Hello Texas!
Many hours of flight across the ocean, and we are in the south North America, in Texas. Here, near the small town of Uvalde, almost on the border with Mexico, at the Continental branded training ground, we conducted the rest, perhaps the main part of the tests. The temperature during the tests rose to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 27 ° C). Hot for people, but perfect for tire testing.
We work in parallel on two machines. On the Tuareg, we begin to evaluate directional stability at high speed. To do this, we use a small speed ring. We pay attention to the clarity of the car's reactions when adjusting the direction of movement and soft lane changes to the neighboring lane. We take into account all the nuances of the behavior of the machine. At the same time, we fix how easy and understandable it is to control the Tuareg in such modes, evaluate the steering angles and the information content of the steering.
Of course, do not forget about the internal noise and smoothness. To do this, in addition to the high-speed ring, we use special roads with artificial patches and other irregularities.
I liked Nokian tires more than others in terms of directional stability - it is on them that the Tuareg has the tightest, highly informative steering wheel and very clear reactions when taxiing. But there were comments about Bridgestone tires: on a straight line, the steering wheel became unpleasantly empty and uninformative, while adjusting the course and changing lanes, it rotates almost without resistance, like a boat’s steering wheel. And since the reactions are fast, it is easy to mistakenly turn such an empty steering wheel to a larger angle than necessary. In terms of comfort, the quiet and soft Michelin stands out from the rest. Only Hankook can compete with him in "silence".
Wet driving
And now - braking on asphalt, covered with a one and a half millimeter layer of water. Modes - as when testing passenger tires according to the ZR method. The starting point of the braking distance is 80 km / h, the final point is 5 km / h (to exclude the influence of work anti-lock braking system); before each measurement, we cool the brakes, making a loop along the service road.
Having learned that it is possible to test braking on two surfaces, we gladly agree. After all, for the first time there is an opportunity to compare how tires brake on asphalt of different quality.
The results we got are damn interesting. On wet pavement with an average grip coefficient (almost like on Russian roads) Goodyear showed the best results - 33.5 meters. Continental managed to lose almost half a meter to him: 33.9 meters. However, on smooth surfaces with good grip, Continental took the lead with a score of 24.2 meters, and Goodyear was only fourth (25.5 meters), giving way to Nokian and Hankook tires. Consistently worst results on both surfaces are Michelin tires (46.6 and 28.1 m respectively) and Yokohama (48.6 and 31.4 m).
It is the turn of the "wet" rearrangement. For this exercise, we use the so-called short rearrangement: the width of the lanes is 3.5 meters, the lane change is carried out on a segment 12 meters long. The entrance corridor is the width of the Tuareg, so that in each race the car goes along the same track: this reduces the measurement error.
In this exercise, Nokian tires were ahead of everyone: on them, the Touareg showed the highest speed - 67.2 km / h. Nothing surprising:
We repeat the rearrangement: the same dimensions, methods, cones, car and driver, only the asphalt is dry. Let me remind you once again that the coefficient of adhesion on this dry pavement turned out to be less than on wet pavement on another site. For this reason, the speeds on a dry rearrangement turned out to be slightly lower. The “dry” leader is Hankook (65.3 km/h), very close is Nokian (65.1 km/h), the outsider is Bridgestone (60.6 km/h). In terms of handling, I liked Nokian tires the most (9 points), and on last place turned out to be Yokohama (6 points).
We repeat the assessment of handling on a special track with a dry surface. Here, as in the wet, we focus on the reaction and behavior of the car, as well as on the simplicity and reliability of control. “Lap time”, as well as on a wet track, is not taken into account. And again we get small discrepancies in the estimates: here Pirelli tires were more liked than others.
A little off-road
Filling out the protocol for assessing controllability: after leaving the highway - ing in the mass of information received is easy (it is important to lose nuances in Germany) and Nissan Navara(in Texas) - here you need a 2-wheel drive car (with the ability to disable one of the axles), which allows you to clearly capture the difference between the tires. Pickups were equipped with speed and acceleration sensors.
The first test was on wet grass. Amarok in first gear moves on grass at walking speed (5-8 km/h). I press the gas pedal and accelerate until the wheel slip reaches 70% (this is monitored by a separate device). The acceleration of the car at this moment is measured by the sensor. Multiplying the acceleration by the mass of the car, we get the traction force. Special Program builds a graph of the dependence of traction force on the amount of wheel slippage.
We use data limited by two points - an initial slip of 15 percent and a final slip that can be achieved by all compared tires. Empirically, this value was taken equal to 69%. To summarize the results of the tests, we calculate the average value of the traction force between the indicated marks.
For the reliability of the results, the accelerations on the tires of each model are repeated twenty-five times. We test each set twice, with periodic repetition of measurements on the reference (base) tire, with the help of which we monitor changes in coverage during the test (if necessary, taking into account the results obtained on base tires ah recalculate the totals). Still, grip on grass is not as stable as on asphalt. The best result in this test showed Yokohama tires: thrust force reached 430 N. Nearby were Continental tires(421 N), and Pirelli (385 N) behind them all: traction on grass was 6% worse than the average in the test.
The determination of traction on gravel is a test similar to the previous one. Yes, and the pickup truck itself is now the Nissan Navara. The only difference is that under the wheels is a gravel road. The measurement range is also different: from 15 to 75 percent slippage. The average value is calculated from the data of this range. Continental tires turned out to be the “strongest” - with 443 N of thrust. Yokohama (399 N) and Bridgestone (398 N) were weaker than the others - their traction on gravel is 5% worse than the average according to the test results.
The wet sand deadlift is perhaps the most difficult exercise, requiring extensive surface preparation. Sand must be filled with water and compacted with heavy equipment. A pickup truck with test tires, acting as a "locomotive", is fastened with a rigid hitch to the truck and tries to move it from its place. To do this, I raise the speed and drop the clutch pedal. Traction force is determined by a dynamometer built into the hitch. This instrument starts measuring one second after fully engaging the clutch on the pickup truck; the measurement is taken for the next second, and then the dynamometer is turned off. It is impossible to move a colossus standing on the brakes - rear wheels pickup trucks skid on the sand, sometimes burrowing up the hub. Sometimes a powerful “trailer” even has to push the “tractor” out of the holes dug by the wheels after measuring with the help of a rigid hitch. We carry out the next measurement by moving forward a meter. Two dozen repetitions give a completely reliable result. These tests, like the previous ones, are repeated twice - with the participation of the base tires. All races are held along the diagonal of the prepared site in order to eliminate the heterogeneity of the sand "bath". The most high-torque tires in the sand were Continental tires -494 N. The most modest were Bridgestone tires with a result of 424 N, which is 8% worse than the average.
Crossovers - cars for all occasions. Perfect Tires for them, those who do not save on asphalt, and on light off-road will not let you down
For dessert, another exercise from a series of light off-road - controllability assessment on a special dirt track. Touareg enters the arena again. The criteria are the same as when assessing controllability - it is not “lap time” that is evaluated, but the behavior of the car and the convenience, simplicity and reliability of driving it. There are three winners here: Michelin, Nokian and Pirelli earned 8 points each. Lowest rating - Bridgestone tires: total b points. The decrease in the score is due to delays in reactions, increased steering angles and prolonged slips.
The results of tests of summer tires for crossovers 2018
We have decided to leave our scoring system with a possible maximum of 1000 points for asphalt exercises only. After all, the tires we tested are designed for paved roads. As the number of disciplines has increased, the proportion of each of the exercises has been reduced.
On asphalt, Nokian Hakka Blue SUV won with 935 points, congratulations! Moreover, a victory with a fairly decent margin from the Continental ContiCrossContact UHP tires (914 points), which took second place. Pirelli Scorpion Verde (908 points) did not get into the top three - only one point separated it from third place (it was taken by Goodyear EffkientGrip SUV: 909 points). At the same time, Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires can be called the golden mean in terms of price and quality ratio in asphalt disciplines.
Recall that we consider tires that score 900 points or more to be excellent. The result of 370 points indicates that the tires are very good, but just good ones score 850-869 points according to our system. in the good category.
Tire tires do not fit only Yokohama Geolandar SUV G055, which scored only 826 points, very poor results in almost all exercises. Literally on the edge is the Michelin Latitude Tour HP with a score of 851; its main advantages are low rolling resistance and a high level of comfort, and in terms of grip properties, it lags noticeably behind the main group.
For off-road, a separate offset was introduced. The maximum possible final score is -250 points, that is, four times less than the "asphalt" one. We consider such weightiness of ratings on light off-road to be fair, because owners of crossovers on asphalt tires rarely go into gullies. The Continental ContiCross Contact UHP tires took the lead in this standings with 233 points.
But still, crossovers are cars for all occasions. The ideal tires for them are those that do not save on asphalt, and will not let you down on light off-road. And, despite the first place Nokian in the sum of two series (1160 points out of 1250 possible), Continental - the best, in our opinion, in terms of combination of qualities. If you expect to go off-road often - stop your choice on these tires. They have, perhaps, only one drawback - the high price. For those who cannot afford these tires, we offer a “universal” option that is slightly more modest in terms of performance, but cheaper - Hankook.
Choosing summer tires for crossovers is not as easy as it seems. These cars have more ground clearance than conventional cars, which means they have a higher center of gravity, which negatively affects stability, especially in corners and at high speeds. In addition, SUVs are usually heavier, respectively, requiring tires with a higher load index. It should also be taken into account that a crossover is usually bought in order to be able to move off the asphalt, for example, to spend a weekend or a vacation in nature. Therefore, increased requirements are imposed on rubber for such cars:
- Good grip on dry and wet surfaces.
- Stability during sharp maneuvers and high speeds;
- Strength;
- Good cushioning when driving through holes and other obstacles;
- impact resistance;
- Patency.
In our review - only the most quality tires specially designed for crossovers. When placing places in the ranking, the following were taken into account:
- popularity of tires among domestic buyers;
- the number of positive reviews from owners;
- recommendations from experienced drivers;
- results of tests conducted by reputable publications.
Best Budget Tires
Even compact SUVs usually equipped with tires, the landing diameter of which starts from 16 inches, and the most popular sizes are r17, r18 and r19. Therefore, the budget for buying a set of summer tires starts at 20,000 rubles. This category contains the best options for inexpensive tires for crossovers, the cost of which does not exceed 6,000 rubles apiece. All of them provide a sufficient level of security. At the same time, on high permeability or supercomfort, of course, you should not count. Drivers with an aggressive driving style are better off choosing tires from medium or premium price category – budget options uniquely designed for a quiet ride without sudden overloads.
4 GT Radial Savero SUV
Wide range of sizes
Country: China
Average price: 5 540 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The rubber compound and construction of the Radial Savero SUV was developed at GT's research center in Germany. Thanks to this, rubber stands out from the competition with traditional European attention to detail. The tread with wide and rigid shoulder parts, longitudinal grooves optimized for fast water drainage, well-thought-out sipe pattern provide confident driving and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
The owners of these tires praise their grip, handling and large size range - from 15 to 20 inches. Many buyers note the economy of rubber and little wear. Among the shortcomings, it is worth mentioning the noise on the highway and insufficiently stable movement on a bad road.
3 Cordiant Comfort 2 SUV
Best price
Country Russia
Average price: 4,900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The tires of the Russian company Cordiant confidently hold the first place in sales in the domestic market. This is facilitated by reasonable price policy. Cordiant Comfort 2 SUV rubber is a successful attempt by Russian developers to adapt the well-proven passenger series comfort. With the help of computer simulation, the tire profile is modified so that the contact patch has an optimal area and shape. Two-layer tread: the outer layer is softer and more elastic, this provides comfort and good grip, and a solid inner guarantees handling and low rolling resistance.
Consumers are satisfied with the wear resistance and good balance of the rubber. All buyers are pleased with the low price. The disadvantages include a small size range - so far only landing diameters of 15, 16 and 17 inches are available, so owners of compact crossovers will be able to use them.
2 Viatti Bosco A/T
The most durable
Country Russia
Average price: 5 080 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Domestic rubber produced at the Nizhnekamsk Tire Plant combines strength and excellent cross. The special ViaPRO technology, according to which the tread pattern is made, allows to reduce the noise level when driving. Curved sipes reduce wear and make it more even. The components of the rubber compound from which the tires are made are selected to increase the contact patch with the road and guarantee handling on all types of surfaces.
Owners are pleasantly surprised by the hydroplaning resistance and durability of this rubber. Experienced drivers also note confident cornering at any speed and impact resistance of the sidewall. The disadvantage is the significant rigidity of the tires, there are also problems with balancing.
1 Kormoran SUV Summer
Buyers Choice
Country: Serbia
Average price: 5 290 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
These tires are specifically designed for crossovers that are used in city traffic and only occasionally go to dirt roads. The tread pattern is symmetrical, has deep longitudinal grooves to reduce the risk of aquaplaning. Tires are produced at factories owned by the MICHELIN concern. The competent work of the company's engineers is immediately noticeable: this rubber has an excellent price-quality ratio and behaves steadily both on dry and wet tracks. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Kormoran SUV Summer is the record holder for the number of positive owner reviews.
Users note the softness and comfort of these tires, as well as a fairly strong sidewall. Wear resistance is also quite on the level. Wet roads do not create problems up to a speed of 80 km/h. Among the shortcomings - insufficient patency, rubber behaves satisfactorily on the primer, but for complete off-road not intended.
The best mid-range tires
In this category - summer tires for crossovers, combining excellent performance and reasonable price. All of them are comfortable, stable in turns, perform well not only on pavement, but also on dirt roads and have a high speed threshold for hydroplaning resistance. You just need to choose which qualities of rubber are more important for a particular driver: more soft options almost do not “notice” bumps and holes, keep track better, but, at the same time, are prone to rapid wear. Solid tires are stable and dynamic, but often noisy.
4 Nokian Tires Hakka Blue SUV
Better Handling
Country: Finland
Average price: 7 647 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
This rubber is a modification of popular passenger tires, specially adapted for crossovers. Aramid fibers are used in the sidewalls, providing additional rigidity and strength. central part It has an asymmetric pattern, which improves grip with the road surface and contributes to the rapid removal of water from the contact patch towards the longitudinal grooves. The Black Coral Silica rubber compound from which the tires are made is practically insensitive to temperature changes, so that handling and braking remain stable in all conditions.
Experienced drivers claim that this rubber holds any road perfectly, copes well with pits and other uneven terrain. Buyers note tire durability and good resistance hydroplaning. Complaints cause fairly rapid wear.
3 Yokohama Geolandar SUV G055
Optimal energy efficiency
Country: Japan
Average price: 7,715 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The Blue Earth technology, according to which the components of the rubber compound for these tires are selected, allows to reduce their weight and reduce rolling resistance. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption. The tread pattern is designed to achieve excellent directional stability. The wide central rib with S-grooves guarantees both stability and good road dynamics. Larger shoulder areas allow for easy maneuvering and confident cornering.
According to customer reviews, these tires are soft, keep the track perfectly, and almost do not get clogged with small stones. The owners also praise the cross-country ability - in the mud, on clay and sand, the rubber behaves even better than expected. The disadvantage is the noise at high speeds on the highway.
2 Nexen ROADIAN HTX RH5
The most versatile
Country: South Korea
Average price: 6 391 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
This off-season tire is a real all-rounder: it performs well on dry, wet and even snowy roads, allows you to confidently take turns and is resistant to hydroplaning. Branded zigzag tread lamellas are a special development of the company's engineers, which allows the tires to be successfully used both in the summer and in the winter season. The profile of the side zones, formed by a plurality of open transverse elements, provides ease of maneuvering and effective braking.
The owners claim that the ROADIAN HTX RH5 is good not only on the highway, but also on the dirt road. The reviews specifically mention the soft and comfortable overcoming of pits and other road surface defects. A wide range of sizes - from 15 to 20 inches - allows you to choose tires for any crossover.
1 Toyo Proxes CF2 SUV
Optimal price-quality ratio
Country: Japan
Average price: 6 811 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The asymmetric tread of this rubber guarantees special wear resistance and excellent handling. Softness, comfort and effective braking are the main characteristics Toyo Proxes CF2 SUV. In order to provide these benefits, Japanese engineers have developed a proprietary Nano Balance rubber compound, which contains a large amount of silica. Tires made with its use have reduced rolling resistance and, at the same time, improved braking properties. At the same time, the price of rubber is one of the lowest in the class.
Buyers note excellent handling on dry and wet roads, softness and low noise. Low fuel consumption and low noise complement the list of advantages of the Toyo Proxes CF2 SUV. Minus - a somewhat blurry reaction to the steering wheel - is the flip side of the comfort of the tires.
The best premium tires
Engineers at the market's flagships compete to improve tire performance. Every year new technologies appear: energy-efficient rubber compounds, three-dimensional tread relief, special reinforcing materials that increase the strength of the tire carcass while reducing weight. Nevertheless, each of the models presented in the premium segment is really the best in one thing, while the rest of the characteristics are usually quite up to par. Therefore, it is worth choosing tires, focusing on the habits and characteristics of a particular driver: for someone, dynamic characteristics are most important, and someone needs to be able to drive on the first snow.
4 Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport
The best option for the highway
Country: Japan
Average price: 12,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
It is a tough, durable, dry and wet road tire that is optimal for sharp turns And good asphalt. The prefix Sport means that the developers paid special attention to the optimal location of the center of gravity of the tire. This is done in order to achieve unrivaled handling and cornering stability. By resistance longitudinal hydroplaning rubber is one of the three world leaders.
Experienced drivers prefer this particular rubber, if necessary, to overcome serpentines, especially when driving in a downpour. According to customer reviews, the tires have excellent durability and wear resistance, and also do well on gravel roads. Cons - a rather high price and poor cross-country ability at the exit to clay and mud.
3 Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Optimum all-season tires
Average price: 10,290 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The characteristic directional tread relief determines the excellent drainage of water from the contact patch of these tires and makes it possible to operate them on snow. The double-mesh reinforced carcass evenly distributes forces in the contact area with the road. Three-dimensional sipes improve traction on slippery surfaces, and the two-layer tread effectively removes heat, increasing tire life and energy efficiency.
Buyers praise the softness, comfort and versatility of this rubber, especially they like the ability to not change tires when the first snow falls. Among the advantages that satisfied owners mention are excellent handling on wet roads and low noise. Driving on dirt roads and even through mud is also quite up to par.
2 Continental ContiSportContact 5
Better braking
Country: Germany
Average price: 12,810 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The main characteristic of this rubber is super-efficient braking. The technologists-developers of the unique Black Chilli rubber compound should be thanked for this: when exposed to a longitudinal acceleration tread made of this material, it instantly heats up, which greatly enhances its grip properties. The relief of the shoulder parts of the tire has many transverse notches that increase braking efficiency. With special jumpers, the side parts are connected to each other, increasing the contact patch.
Buyers praise the directional stability and hydroplaning resistance of this rubber. Experts particularly recommend the ContiSportContact 5 tires to enthusiasts of dynamic driving and drivers with an aggressive driving style - excellent traction ensures safety at high speeds and fast maneuvering.
1 GOODYEAR Efficient Grip SUV
Best-seller
Country: Germany
Average price: 10,916 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
EfficientGrip SUV tires are the benchmark for good tires for crossovers and SUVs: they regularly win prizes in the test results of various authoritative publications. The rubber is almost equally good in handling, hydroplaning resistance and rut stability. In addition, the special FuelSaving technology saves fuel by reducing weight and reducing the rolling resistance coefficient. Silicon-containing polymer, which is part of the rubber compound, reduces tire wear. The durable sidewall is specially designed to prevent damage to the rims when they come into contact with the curbs.
Owners are pleased with the softness and flotation of the tires, and also note the reduction in fuel consumption and excellent grip on wet roads. Many drivers are pleasantly surprised by the low noise level and quite acceptable overcoming of pits and roads with poor coverage.
Mid-size crossovers are a class of cars in the SUV (sport utility vehicle) category, which were originally created more for high-speed driving on asphalt-concrete roads than for off-road rides. In view of this, they also need tires not off-road, but highway.
What's more, some crossover manufacturers provide tire recommendations for their SUVs, and leading tire manufacturers have homologated some of their products under specific brands and car models.
We do tire comparison tests to find out which tire performs best in any given size. This time we decided to check the tire size 235/65R17, which are installed mainly on mid-size SUVs. In addition, we set out to find out how much the so-called all-terrain tires are inferior to road tires. For this, an all-terrain tire from a reputable manufacturer (Cotinental ContiCrossContact LX2) was included in the test.
The list of test participants includes tires of different premium levels, since it is when choosing them that car owners often try to save on this category of car expenses.
Already after the first tests, it became clear that a group of leaders was formed, which included Goodyear Efficient Grip SUV tires, Michelin Latitude Sport 3 and the recent Nokian Hakka Blue 2 SUV. And it was in this trio that there was a tough fight for every point, every second, every meter in different types tests. At the same time, everyone was the best in one form or another of the tests.
For example, in dry and wet handling tests, the Goodyear Efficient Grip SUV tyre, according to the test drivers, is the best. But it loses out to the Michelin Latitude Sport 3 and Nokian Hakka Blue 2 SUV in wet and dry braking tests.
At the same time, the Hakka Blue 2 SUV is slightly better than the Latitude Sport 3 in handling tests, but, at the same time, the Finn loses to the French in the test for hydroplaning resistance on a straight line and in rolling resistance, and therefore in such a characteristic as economy.
As a result, according to the final assessment, which takes into account the importance various tests, came out on top Nokian tire The Hakka Blue 2 SUV, followed by the Goodyear Efficient Grip SUV in second place and the Michelin Latitude Sport 3 in third. All three tires earn five stars in our safety rating.
The Matador MP 85 Hectorra 4X4 SUV UHP, General Grabber GT and Falken AzeniS (FK453CC) tires are far behind this trio. Tire Matador the best of the three. And, if not for some shortcomings in handling on dry pavement, it could have received a higher final score and four safety stars. In the meantime, it has three stars in its standings with fairly balanced characteristics (with the exception of one). The General Grabber GT doesn't have any clear performance failures, but the average performance on various surfaces kept it from taking a higher position. The Falken AzeniS tire also received average marks. And, as tests have shown, it lacks grip on wet pavement.
The absolute outsider was Tigar tire Summer SUV, which has a tread pattern that is more off-road than road. Accordingly, it has the worst braking properties on wet and dry pavement and it is the worst in this company in terms of wet and dry handling. Consequently, she received only one safety star. This tire can only be considered by those who often travel on dirt roads.
Providing in each of our tests the performance characteristics of tires, we always give information about their weight. Previously, we did not focus on it much attention. However, it's time to explain that this is also an important parameter in our operating conditions. The fact is that every extra kilogram in the weight of a tire on our broken roads, due to the action of large inertia forces, contributes to the transfer of large loads to the suspension units. A heavy loads- this is a decrease in the resource of stabilizer struts, shock absorbers, ball bearings, etc.
In this discipline, the Michelin Latitude Sport 3 and Nokian Hakka Blue 2 SUV tires were the absolute winners, weighing a kilogram or more less than the other competitors.
All-terrain kit
The all-terrain tire, for all its orientation to both asphalt-concrete and dirt roads, surprised me by the fact that after the calculations it was not in last place. Obviously, due to the premium nature of its brand, it showed good results in a number of tests.
However, we still recommend these tires more for farmers, hunters and fishermen who understand what they put on their car and, accordingly, on the roads common use behave calmly, without signs of aggressive, high-speed driving.
TEST RESULTS
The ratings for the tested tires are presented in the table
The trend to use all-season tires both in summer and in winter is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Crossover owners refuse to use all-season tires throughout the year. Therefore, with the advent of sufficiently warm days, each owner of a crossover thinks about what kind of tires to change shoes for his car.
The use of summer tires in the warm season is explained not only by the desire for maximum safety, but also by the desire to save money. The fact is that summer tires for a crossover make it possible to ensure the stability of the car on various pavement, also when driving on asphalt, they have a low degree of wear.
In conditions of high temperatures and hot asphalt, summer tires are several times superior in wear resistance to all-weather tires. In addition, it is summer that is the period of holidays and trips to nature, where poor road surfaces can be more common.
Features of choosing the best summer tires for crossovers
Summer tires are able to provide maximum crossover stability on the road surface, not only on dry pavement, but also in bad weather. At the same time, fast and reliable braking is also ensured, as well as a minimum braking distance. In addition, high-quality crossover tires have such a characteristic as the rapid removal of heat that comes from hot asphalt.
Another important quality summer tires is a special tread pattern. It should provide high-quality water removal from the plane of the contact patch. This allows you to practically remove or minimize the effect of aquaplaning. The tread has narrow transverse grooves, as well as one-piece checkers. There are also from one to four longitudinal grooves, which are necessary for high-quality water drainage. Also, summer tires for a crossover have smooth transition from the part of the wheel with a protector to the side.
If you plan to use the crossover for frequent off-road driving, then you need to install tires with lugs. If the vehicle will be used in areas with frequent precipitation, it is recommended to choose tires with a V-shaped tread.
If the crossover is mainly used for driving on good road surfaces with high speed, then it is recommended to choose tires with a directional tread pattern. This is the type of rubber most often used on various models crossovers. In addition to excellent sensations on high-quality road surfaces, such rubber behaves well on moderate off-road. For driving at high speeds, it is best to choose an asymmetric tread pattern.
The advantages of such rubber include excellent grip with the roadway under various weather conditions. It is these tires that can be attributed to the most versatile when driving fast on various road surfaces.
Why You Shouldn't Wear All-Season Tires in Summer
Tread pattern for summer, winter and all season tires similar in many ways. However, when choosing tires, attention should be paid not only to the tread pattern, but, first of all, to the characteristics of the mixtures from which rubber is produced.
For example, summer tires at low temperatures become hard enough, so they cease to be safe. As a result of the increased hardness of the rubber, the area of adhesion of the vehicle's wheels to the road surface is reduced, which leads to a deterioration in handling and an increase in the braking distance.
This also occurs when using all-season tires, however, they begin to harden at a lower temperature. At high temperatures all-season tires remain the same elastic, but wear out faster. And at high speeds, the wear of all-season tires in summer is catastrophic. Therefore, for best performance and maximum wear resistance, it is recommended to use tires that are suitable for temperature conditions for crossovers.
Criteria for choosing flight tires for a crossover
There are several main characteristics to consider when choosing summer tires.
- Fuel economy. The first characteristic indicates the degree of tire resistance to rolling. Fuel consumption decreases as drag decreases.
- Braking distances. The quality of tire grip on wet roads.
- Tire rolling noise level.
- Tire size.
- cost and manufacturer.
According to the above characteristics, we will evaluate various types of summer tires for crossovers.
The most popular summer tires for crossovers - our test drive
1.Nokian Hakka SUV. The cost of tires is about 5 thousand rubles. It has an asymmetric tread pattern. Made in Russia. Tires show fairly good braking even on wet pavement. In addition, the tires provide a fairly smooth crossover movement and high efficiency. Among the disadvantages of tires, a slight delay in reaction should be highlighted.
2.Continental ContiCrossContact LX. The cost of tires is about 5.5 thousand rubles. They have an asymmetric tread pattern. Made in Romania. Show excellent results both on dry, and on wet asphalt. In addition, they are indicators of good running smoothness, low noise. The main characteristics of this tire brand are among the highest, but a sufficiently high cost may not suit some crossover owners.
3.Continental ContiCrossContact UHP. The average cost of tires is 5.6 thousand rubles. They have an asymmetric tread pattern. Made in France. Good brakes on both dry and wet pavement. Able to provide excellent steering and low consumption fuel. Among the shortcomings, excessive rigidity should be canceled, as well as a strong skid when exiting a turn on dry and wet asphalt.
4.Pirelli Scorpion Verde. The average price of tires is about 4.7 thousand rubles. They have an asymmetric tread pattern. Made in the UK. Rubber is one of the safest on dry and wet road surfaces. However, among the shortcomings, one should single out excessive rigidity and insufficient comfort of movement, which include loud noise on a rough surface. However, among the popular tire models, these are the ones that have the shortest braking distance.
5. Yokohama Geolandar SUV. The average cost of tires is about 5 thousand rubles. They have an asymmetric tread pattern. Made in Thailand. Possess low quality grip on wet and dry asphalt. Among the advantages, low noise level and smooth running should be highlighted. However, these tires are ideal for off-road use.
6.Viatti Bosco A/T. The average cost of tires is 3.7 thousand rubles. I have an asymmetric tread pattern. Made in Russia. On dry pavement and off-road, these tires received average results. Among the advantages, one should highlight excellent handling on wet pavement, as well as excellent performance in terms of price and quality.
7. Goodyear Efficient Grip SUV. The average price is about 5 thousand rubles. They have an asymmetric tread pattern. Made in Germany. According to the test results, they showed average braking results on both dry and wet pavement. In addition, steering at high speeds becomes less informative. The disadvantages also include low efficiency, and the advantages - excellent wear resistance.
8.Kumho Solus KH17. The average cost is 4 thousand rubles. They have a symmetrical tread pattern. Made in Korea. Brake let on wet pavement is one of the shortest, so the tires are practically not inferior to the leaders. The advantages also include a high rate of efficiency. However this model has a low wear resistance and creates a high level of noise.
9.Hankook DynaPro HP 98H. The average cost is 3.8 thousand rubles. They have an asymmetric tread pattern. Made in Hungary. Tires are inexpensive, but their performance is also below average. The braking distance on wet pavement is too long, and on dry pavement they cause long slips. But they also have certain advantages, which should be attributed high performance economy and durability.
