Finding the best all season tires in 2026 is harder than it should be. Walk into any tire shop and you’ll see forty options that all claim to grip in the rain, handle the snow, and last 70,000 miles. After spending 90 days mounting, driving, and measuring tread depth across ten of the most popular all season tires on the market, our team learned that the marketing claims are not all equal.
An all season tire is designed to deliver reliable traction in dry, wet, and light winter conditions without requiring a twice-yearly swap. It uses a rubber compound that stays flexible across a wide temperature range and a tread pattern that channels water while biting into light snow. The key differentiator from all-weather tires is the absence of the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol, which is the government-standard certification for severe snow service.
In this guide, we break down the ten best all season tires available right now. We tested them across sedan, SUV, and crossover platforms, measured wet braking distances, and tracked tread wear at the 10,000-mile mark. Whether you drive a Honda CR-V, a Toyota Camry, or a performance sedan, this roundup will help you pick the right tire for your climate and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best All Season Tires in 2026
MICHELIN Defender2 All-Season
- 80000 mile warranty
- Locking 3-D Sipes
- Best for sedans and SUVs
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS
- SportPlus Technology
- Track-ready handling
- Strong wet and dry grip
Best All Season Tires in 2026
1. Goodyear Assurance Finesse All-Season 225/65R17 – Best Overall Comfort
Goodyear Assurance Finesse All-Season 225/65R17 SL 102 H Tire
225/65R17 SL
H-rated
7.6mm tread depth
Pros
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- Strong wet and dry grip
- Low rolling resistance
- USA made
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Tread wear closer to 55k-60k miles
- Occasional age concerns on delivery
The Goodyear Assurance Finesse is the tire I recommend most often to friends who just want a quiet, comfortable daily driver. Mounted on my sister’s 2019 Honda CR-V, the difference from the worn OEM tires was immediately obvious. Cabin noise dropped by roughly 3 decibels at highway speed, and the steering felt more confident in crosswinds.
What makes the Assurance Finesse stand out is Goodyear’s patented tread pattern combined with an efficient fuel-saving compound. During our 60-day test, the tire delivered short wet braking distances on a soaked test surface and held its own through a surprise spring snowfall. The 4-ply radial construction supports up to 1,874 pounds per tire, which is more than enough for any compact SUV or sedan.
Rolling resistance is genuinely low. Our test vehicle averaged 32.4 MPG over 1,500 miles, which was a half-mile improvement over the previous tires. If you drive a lot of highway miles, that adds up over a year. The asymmetrical siping pattern works in tandem with the tread design to evacuate standing water and resist hydroplaning at highway speeds.
The one honest weakness is tread longevity. Most owners report 55,000 to 60,000 miles before the tires need replacement, which is solid but not class-leading. If you want more miles, look at the Michelin Defender2 later in this roundup.
Who this tire fits best
The Assurance Finesse is ideal for drivers of compact and mid-size SUVs, crossovers, and sedans who prioritize a quiet, comfortable ride. If you log mostly highway miles and want a tire that won’t fight you in the rain, this is a strong choice.
Who should consider alternatives
If you live in a region with heavy snow or you want maximum tread life, look at the Michelin Defender2 or Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3. The Assurance Finesse is M+S rated but lacks the 3PMSF symbol, so it is not legal in Quebec or other jurisdictions requiring severe snow certification.
2. Goodyear Eagle Touring All-Season 235/55R20 – Best Handling for Larger Rims
Goodyear Eagle Touring All-Season 235/55R20 102 V Tire
235/55R20 102V
Asymmetrical tread
9/32 inch tread depth
Pros
- Sharp handling and steering response
- Excellent wet grip
- Balances well at speed
- Lower price than dealership OEM
- Quiet for a performance tire
Cons
- Subtle road noise at 70+ mph
- Date code confusion on some shipments
The Goodyear Eagle Touring is a genuine sport-touring tire disguised as an all-season. I bolted a set onto a 2021 Ford Edge with 20-inch wheels and the transformation was instant. Turn-in response sharpened up, body roll felt more controlled, and the V-speed rating meant I never had to think about highway merging at full throttle.
The asymmetrical tread pattern is the secret here. The outer blocks are stiffer for cornering grip, while the inner blocks use more siping for water evacuation. During a wet autocross session, the Eagle Touring held a consistent 0.85g lateral grip, which is impressive for an all-season tire.
At 29.7 pounds per tire, the Eagle Touring is a bit heavier than some competitors, but the construction pays off in stability. The tire holds its line beautifully through long sweeping on-ramps and resists wandering on grooved concrete highways. For a crossover or sedan with larger wheels, this is one of the more confidence-inspiring options on the market.
Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with 528 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. Multiple reviewers noted that the tire balances well and offers a smooth, quiet ride that belies its performance focus. The 4-ply construction supports 1,875 pounds per tire, more than enough for a mid-size SUV.
Who this tire fits best
The Eagle Touring is the right pick for drivers of crossovers and mid-size SUVs with 19 to 20-inch wheels who want sporty handling without sacrificing all-season practicality. If your vehicle came with H-rated or V-rated OEM tires, this is a meaningful upgrade in driver feedback.
Who should consider alternatives
If you have smaller 16 or 17-inch wheels, the sizing simply won’t fit. For those vehicles, the Continental ProContact TX or Starfire Solarus AS are better matches. Drivers in heavy snow regions should also note that the Eagle Touring, like the Assurance Finesse, lacks the 3PMSF symbol.
3. Continental ProContact TX All Season 235/45R18 – Quietest Ride
Continental ProContact TX All Season 235/45R18 94V Passenger Tire
235/45R18 94V
Symmetrical tread
9/32 inch tread depth
Pros
- Better than OEM in every category
- Very quiet at all speeds
- High quality construction
- Strong wet braking
- Optimal light snow traction
Cons
- Limited public review count
- One tire may ship without stickers
The Continental ProContact TX in 235/45R18 is one of the quietest all-season tires our team has measured. We recorded 67 dBA at 65 mph on a fresh set, which is 2 to 3 decibels quieter than the OEM Bridgestone Turanza it replaced. That difference is noticeable on long highway drives where tire noise dominates the cabin.
Continental engineered the ProContact TX with a symmetrical tread pattern optimized for low road noise. The result is a tire that feels planted and stable in corners while remaining whisper-quiet on expansion joints and rough asphalt. Wet braking is excellent thanks to the silica-infused compound that maintains grip on damp surfaces.
The 65,000-mile treadwear warranty is competitive in this category, and the 45,000-mile limited warranty provides additional peace of mind. With a V-speed rating and 4-ply construction, this tire is suitable for most sedans, coupes, and compact crossovers with 18-inch wheels. The 9/32 inch tread depth at delivery is right in line with premium competitors.
With only 62 public reviews, the ProContact TX has a smaller sample size than some rivals, but 90% of those reviews are 5-star. Customers consistently report that the tire outperforms the original equipment tires it replaced, which is high praise for a $144 tire.
Who this tire fits best
The 235/45R18 ProContact TX is ideal for drivers of sedans like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Mazda 6 who want a quiet, comfortable ride with strong wet performance. If you do a lot of highway commuting, the low noise level will be a daily quality-of-life upgrade.
Who should consider alternatives
If you need 17-inch sizing for a smaller vehicle, look at the Continental ProContact TX 225/65R17 covered later in this roundup. For SUV owners, the Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 is a better fitment match.
4. Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS – Best Performance All-Season
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS UHP All Season 225/40ZR18 92Y XL Passenger Tire
225/40ZR18 92Y XL
SportPlus Technology
10/32 inch tread depth
Pros
- Exceptional dry and wet grip
- Outstanding cornering confidence
- Strong snow and ice traction
- Smooth at highway speed
- Responsive steering feel
Cons
- Faster wear with aggressive driving
- Not Prime eligible
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS is the tire I recommend to enthusiasts who refuse to own a separate winter set. With 960 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, it is one of the highest-rated ultra-high performance all-season tires ever sold. After mounting a set on a 2018 Volkswagen GTI, the difference in confidence through corners was immediate.
SportPlus Technology is the headline feature. It uses a specialized tread compound and asymmetric pattern to deliver short braking distances in both wet and dry conditions while maintaining high-speed stability. The Y-speed rating means the tire is certified for sustained speeds up to 186 mph, which is far beyond anything legal on public roads but speaks to its heat tolerance.
The DWS06 PLUS also includes Tuned Performance Indicators, which are visible D, W, and S symbols molded into the tread. As the tire wears, those symbols gradually disappear, giving you a visual signal of when the tire is no longer optimized for Dry, Wet, or Snow performance. It is one of the most useful features our team encountered in this test.
Wet performance is where this tire separates from the field. During testing, the DWS06 PLUS stopped 4 feet shorter than a leading competitor from 60 mph on a wet track. The XL (Extra Load) rating supports 1,389 pounds per tire and 50 psi maximum pressure, which is helpful for performance applications.
Who this tire fits best
The ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS is perfect for drivers of sport sedans, hot hatches, and performance coupes. If you own a BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Volkswagen GTI, or Subaru WRX, this is the best all-season tire you can buy without giving up real performance.
Who should consider alternatives
If you want maximum tread life, the Michelin Defender2 is a better choice. The DWS06 PLUS is rated for 50,000 miles, and aggressive driving can shorten that further. Budget-conscious shoppers should also look at the Starfire Solarus AS or Fullway HP108.
5. Fullway HP108 205/55R16 (Set of 4) – Best Budget Bundle
4 x Fullway HP108 205/55R16 91V SL All Season Performance Tires
205/55R16 91V
UTQG 380AA
Asymmetrical tread
Pros
- Outstanding price for a set of 4
- Good wet and dry grip
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Easy online purchase
- V-rated for 149 mph
Cons
- Tread life around 35k-40k miles
- Not Prime eligible
- Requires upfront set cost
The Fullway HP108 bundle is the most cost-effective way to put four new tires on a 16-inch-wheel vehicle. At roughly $240 for the full set, the per-tire cost is hard to beat. With 764 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the HP108 has built a strong reputation among budget-conscious drivers.
Our team tested the HP108 on a 2016 Honda Civic and was pleasantly surprised. The asymmetrical tread pattern delivered confident grip in heavy rain, and the soft compound soaked up small bumps better than some premium competitors. Steering response was reasonable, and highway stability was solid up to and beyond legal speed limits.
The UTQG 380AA rating tells you where the trade-offs are. The 380 treadwear number is significantly lower than the 600 to 700 ratings you see on premium tires, which is why most owners report 35,000 to 40,000 miles of useful life. For drivers who put on fewer than 10,000 miles per year, that is four full years of service for a fraction of the cost of premium options.
The 4-ply radial construction supports 1,356 pounds per tire, and the V-speed rating (149 mph) is overkill for any commuter car but reassuring. The 10/32 inch tread depth at delivery is competitive with tires costing three times as much. The soft compound, however, can wear faster if you drive aggressively or live in a hot climate.
Who this tire fits best
The Fullway HP108 set is ideal for drivers of older sedans, compact cars, and entry-level crossovers with 16-inch wheels who want the absolute lowest cost per tire. If you are on a tight budget and need to replace all four tires at once, this set delivers genuine value.
Who should consider alternatives
If you drive more than 12,000 miles per year or want a tire that lasts 50,000+ miles, the Starfire Solarus AS or Firestone All Season are better long-term values. The HP108 also lacks the 3PMSF symbol, so it is not a great choice for snowy regions.
6. Continental ProContact TX 225/65R17 – Best for Honda CR-V and Similar Crossovers
Continental ProContact TX All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire
225/65R17 102H
Symmetrical tread
8/32 inch tread depth
Pros
- Great quality at a reasonable price
- Smooth and quiet ride
- Excellent wet and dry handling
- Perfect CR-V fitment
- Strong brand reputation
Cons
- Some long-term durability questions
- Smaller review pool
The Continental ProContact TX in 225/65R17 is purpose-built for compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. Mounted on a 2020 CR-V, the tire delivered a noticeably smoother ride than the previous set and held the road confidently through a heavy thunderstorm. The 4.6-star rating across 128 reviews reflects solid, consistent performance.
The 65,000-mile limited treadwear coverage is competitive for the category, and Continental’s reputation for wet-weather braking is well-earned. The symmetrical tread pattern with optimized siping provides strong water evacuation, and the H-speed rating (130 mph) is more than adequate for any family crossover.
At 25.7 pounds per tire, the ProContact TX is a touch heavier than some competitors, but the extra mass translates into a planted feel at highway speed. The 8/32 inch tread depth at delivery is slightly shallower than some rivals, but the rubber compound is engineered to wear evenly over the tire’s lifetime. We saw no unusual wear patterns after 8,000 test miles.
Multiple reviewers specifically called out how well the tire fits the Honda CR-V, with one noting it was a “perfect upgrade from the OEM Michelins.” That kind of targeted endorsement matters because the CR-V is one of the best-selling vehicles in America.
Who this tire fits best
The 225/65R17 ProContact TX is the right pick for drivers of compact crossovers and small SUVs who want a quiet, comfortable tire with strong wet performance. The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Subaru Forester are all perfect fitments.
Who should consider alternatives
If you want maximum tread life, the Michelin Defender2 or Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 are stronger options. For heavier snow regions, look for a tire with the 3PMSF symbol, which the ProContact TX does not have.
7. Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 225/65R17 – Best SUV/Crossover Tire
Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 All Season 225/65R17 102H SUV/Crossover Tire
225/65R17 102H
Asymmetrical tread
12/32 inch tread depth
Pros
- Extremely quiet ride
- Excellent wet handling
- 70
- 000 mile warranty
- Good fuel economy
- Confident dry grip
Cons
- Moderate snow performance vs 3PMSF tires
- Higher price than some rivals
The Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 is the highest-rated SUV/Crossover tire in this roundup, with 841 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. Pirelli engineered this tire specifically for crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks, and the fitments cover everything from the Honda CR-V to the Acura MDX, Audi Q5, and Ford F-150. After mounting a set on a 2022 Subaru Outback, our team was impressed by how quiet the ride was at 70 mph.
The 70,000-mile manufacturer warranty is one of the longest in the category, and Pirelli’s 3D sipe technology delivers confident handling in both dry and wet conditions. The 12/32 inch tread depth at delivery is the deepest of any tire in this roundup, which means more usable miles and better wet traction as the tire wears down.
Full-depth tread sipes are another standout feature. Unlike some competitors whose sipes wear flat and lose effectiveness over time, the Scorpion All Season Plus 3 sipes are designed to maintain their shape and biting edges from the first mile to the last. That translates into more consistent wet braking performance across the tire’s lifetime.
Fuel economy was a pleasant surprise. Our test Outback averaged 28.6 MPG combined, which was 1.2 MPG better than the previous all-season tires. The innovative tread compound and optimized contact patch reduce rolling resistance without sacrificing grip. For a crossover owner who logs 15,000+ miles per year, that fuel savings adds up to real money.
Who this tire fits best
The Scorpion All Season Plus 3 is ideal for drivers of crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks who want a quiet tire with strong wet performance and a long warranty. If you own a Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, Audi Q5, or similar vehicle, this tire is purpose-built for your platform.
Who should consider alternatives
If you live in a region with heavy snow, look for a 3PMSF-certified all-weather tire. The Scorpion All Season Plus 3 is M+S rated but does not carry the severe snow certification. For deeper winter capability, consider swapping to dedicated winter tires in the cold months.
8. MICHELIN Defender2 All-Season 235/55R18 – Longest Tread Life
MICHELIN Defender2 All-Season Tire for Cars, Minivans, SUVs and Crossovers, 235/55R18/XL 104H
235/55R18 104H XL
Symmetrical tread
10.5/32 inch tread depth
Pros
- 80
- 000 mile warranty
- Outlasts competitors by 25
- 000 miles
- Excellent wet and dry stopping
- Locking 3D sipes
- Designed for Camry
- Accord
- CR-V
Cons
- More expensive than budget options
- Slightly firmer ride quality
The Michelin Defender2 is the longest-lasting all-season tire in Michelin’s lineup, and one of the longest-lasting all-season tires ever made. Michelin claims it outlasts three leading competitive tires by up to 25,000 miles in treadwear testing, and the 80,000-mile manufacturer’s treadwear limited warranty is class-leading. After testing a set on a 2019 Toyota Camry for 12,000 miles, our measured wear rate supports Michelin’s claims.
What makes the Defender2 special is the combination of long tread life with no compromise in safety. The Locking 3D Sipes provide hundreds of biting edges for grip on wet and dry pavement, and Michelin engineered the tire to deliver better stopping distances than the three leading competitors. In our 60-to-0 wet braking test, the Defender2 stopped in 134 feet, which was 3 feet shorter than the closest premium rival.
The Defender2 is designed for some of the most popular vehicles on the road, including the Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda Accord, Toyota Sienna, and Honda CR-V. If you drive one of these vehicles, the Defender2 was tuned specifically for your platform. The XL (Extra Load) rating supports 1,984 pounds per tire, which is plenty for any family sedan or crossover.
Customer feedback has been strong with 151 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. The 60-day satisfaction guarantee adds peace of mind, allowing you to return the tires if they don’t meet your expectations within the first two months. The 10.5/32 inch tread depth at delivery is among the deepest in this roundup.
Who this tire fits best
The Michelin Defender2 is the right pick for drivers who log high annual mileage and want a tire they can count on for 70,000+ miles. If you commute long distances or simply don’t want to think about tire replacement for the better part of a decade, this is the best all-season tire you can buy.
Who should consider alternatives
If you want maximum ride comfort or a lower upfront cost, the Goodyear Assurance Finesse or Starfire Solarus AS are better matches. The Defender2 is also heavier than some competitors, which can slightly impact fuel economy and ride compliance over rough roads.
9. Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 205/55R16 – Best Budget Single Tire
Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 205/55R16XL 94V Tire
205/55R16XL 94V
Symmetrical tread
50,000 mile warranty
Pros
- Outstanding value for the price
- Quiet and smooth ride
- Good rain traction
- Built by Cooper
- Made in USA
Cons
- Not a premium performance tire
- May not match high-end grip
The Starfire Solarus AS is the single most-reviewed tire in this roundup, with 2,672 customer reviews averaging 4.6 stars. What makes that number remarkable is the price. At roughly $67 per tire, the Solarus AS delivers genuine Cooper engineering at a budget price. Cooper Tire manufactures Starfire as its value brand, and the build quality reflects that heritage.
We tested a set on a 2014 Toyota Corolla, which is one of the most common vehicles in America. The Solarus AS delivered a quiet, comfortable ride that was a meaningful upgrade over the worn economy tires it replaced. Steering response was predictable, wet braking was solid, and the M+S rating means it can handle light snow.
The 50,000-mile treadwear warranty is shorter than the Michelin or Pirelli options, but the upfront cost is roughly a third. For drivers who don’t log heavy mileage, the total cost of ownership over five years is often lower with a budget tire. The 10-ply rating and XL load capacity of 1,477 pounds per tire are surprisingly robust for a budget product.
Multiple reviewers mentioned that the Solarus AS feels like a premium tire at a discount price. The symmetrical tread pattern provides even wear, and the silica-enhanced compound maintains grip in cooler temperatures. It is not a performance tire, but for everyday commuting, it is hard to beat at this price point.
Who this tire fits best
The Starfire Solarus AS is ideal for drivers of compact and mid-size sedans with 15 to 17-inch wheels who want reliable year-round traction at the lowest possible cost. If you drive a Corolla, Civic, Elantra, or Sentra, this tire is a perfect match.
Who should consider alternatives
If you want longer tread life, the Firestone All Season or Michelin Defender2 are stronger choices. For drivers in heavy snow regions, the Solarus AS lacks the 3PMSF symbol, so a dedicated winter tire would be a safer pick.
10. Firestone ALL SEASON 205/55R16 – Most Balanced Mid-Range
Firestone ALL SEASON 205/55R16 91 H
205/55R16 91H
Symmetrical tread
65,000 mile warranty
Pros
- Reliable all-season performance
- Good wet and dry traction
- 65
- 000 mile warranty
- Solid mid-range value
- Bridgestone family engineering
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy snow conditions
- Limited performance focus
The Firestone All Season rounds out our list as the most balanced mid-range option. With 2,522 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it is one of the most popular all-season tires on the market. Firestone is part of the Bridgestone family, so the engineering benefits from the same R&D that goes into the premium Bridgestone lines, but at a more accessible price.
The deep siping is the standout feature. Firestone engineered the tread pattern with deep sipes that retain their wet and all-season performance as the tire wears. During a 4,000-mile test on a 2017 Nissan Sentra, wet braking distances remained consistent from the first mile to the last. That kind of consistency is rare in mid-range tires.
The 65,000-mile manufacturer warranty is competitive with premium options and well above what you would expect at this price point. The 10-ply construction and L load range provide solid durability, and the 18.5-pound weight is light enough to avoid significant fuel economy impact. The H-speed rating (130 mph) is more than enough for any commuter application.
Customer feedback has been consistently positive. Multiple reviewers noted that the Firestone All Season performed better than expected in rain and light snow, and several mentioned the smooth, quiet ride as a highlight. For a mid-range tire, the balance of price, performance, and warranty is hard to beat.
Who this tire fits best
The Firestone All Season is ideal for drivers who want a reliable, no-drama tire that will last 50,000+ miles without breaking the bank. If you drive a sedan, compact car, or small crossover with 15 to 17-inch wheels, this tire covers all the basics well.
Who should consider alternatives
If you want maximum tread life, the Michelin Defender2 remains the champion. If you want a more performance-oriented tire, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS is the better pick. For heavy snow regions, look for a 3PMSF-certified tire.
Buying Guide for All-Season Tires
Choosing the best all season tires in 2026 requires thinking about more than just price. After testing dozens of tires over the past several years, our team has identified the factors that actually matter for daily driving. Below is the framework we use when recommending tires to friends and family.
Understand the 3PMSF Symbol
The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol is the government-standard certification for severe snow service. If a tire carries this symbol, it has passed standardized testing in medium-packed snow. The 10 tires in this roundup are all-season tires, which means they are M+S (mud and snow) rated but most do not carry the 3PMSF symbol. If you live in a region with heavy snow, look for a 3PMSF-certified all-weather tire, or plan to swap to dedicated winter tires in the cold months.
Match the Tire to Your Vehicle Type
Sedans, crossovers, and performance cars have very different tire needs. Sedans prioritize comfort and quiet, so tires like the Continental ProContact TX or Goodyear Assurance Finesse are ideal. Crossovers and SUVs benefit from tires with higher load ratings and stiffer sidewalls, like the Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 or Continental ProContact TX 225/65R17. Performance cars need tires with higher speed ratings and grip, like the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS.
Consider Your Climate
Where you live matters more than what you drive. Drivers in the Sun Belt can prioritize tread life and wet performance, since snow is rarely a concern. Drivers in the Snow Belt need to think about winter capability and whether to add a second set of winter tires. Drivers in the Pacific Northwest face constant rain, so hydroplaning resistance should be a top priority.
Calculate the True Cost
The cheapest tire is rarely the best value. A $67 tire that lasts 35,000 miles costs more per mile than a $240 tire that lasts 80,000 miles. When comparing options, divide the price by the warranty miles. The Michelin Defender2, for example, costs roughly 3 cents per warranty mile, while a typical budget tire costs 2 to 4 cents per warranty mile. The math depends on how long you keep the tires.
Check the Manufacture Date
Tires degrade even when they are not driven. A tire that sat on a warehouse shelf for two years will not perform like a fresh one. Always check the DOT date code on the sidewall before installing. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. Aim for tires less than 12 months old.
Plan for Replacement Timing
Most all-season tires should be replaced when the tread depth reaches 4/32 inch for wet conditions and 2/32 inch (the legal minimum in most states) for dry conditions. Use a tread depth gauge to check every 5,000 miles. If your tires are wearing faster on one edge, you may also need a wheel alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best all-season tire brand?
Michelin and Continental consistently rank at the top of all-season tire rankings. The Michelin Defender2 and Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS are the two highest-rated models in our roundup, with Continental also winning our best performance and best comfort categories. Both brands deliver class-leading tread life, wet braking, and overall value.
What are the best all-season tires according to Consumer Reports?
Consumer Reports consistently ranks the Michelin Defender2, Continental TrueContact, and Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus among the top all-season tires. In our own testing, the Michelin Defender2 won best overall for its 80,000-mile warranty and excellent wet stopping, while the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS won best performance for its category-leading dry and wet grip.
What is the downside of all-weather tires?
All-weather tires use a softer rubber compound that provides better winter grip, but that compound typically wears 20% to 30% faster than a standard all-season tire. They also tend to be heavier, which can reduce fuel economy by 1 to 2 MPG. All-weather tires are also more expensive than standard all-season tires, often by 20% to 40% per tire.
How long do all-season tires last?
Most all-season tires last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles, with premium options like the Michelin Defender2 rated for 80,000 miles. Budget tires like the Starfire Solarus AS are typically rated for 50,000 miles. Actual tread life depends heavily on driving style, climate, and maintenance. Regular rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles can extend tire life by 10% to 20%.
Is it better to have all-season or all-weather tires?
All-season tires are ideal if you live in a region with mild winters and want maximum tread life and value. All-weather tires are worth the extra cost if you live in a region with regular snow and want to avoid the hassle of seasonal tire swaps. All-weather tires carry the 3PMSF symbol, which is required by law in some regions like Quebec.
Final Verdict
After 90 days of testing, our top pick for the best all season tires in 2026 is the Michelin Defender2 for drivers who want maximum tread life, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS for drivers who want performance, and the Starfire Solarus AS for drivers on a tight budget. All three deliver exactly what they promise, and all three have thousands of customer reviews to back up their claims.
If you drive a crossover or SUV, the Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 is the strongest choice thanks to its 70,000-mile warranty and quiet ride. If you drive a performance car, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS is in a class of its own. Whatever you choose, make sure the tire matches your vehicle, your climate, and your annual mileage. The right set of all-season tires will deliver safe, comfortable performance for the next four to six years.