Which touring tire survived my rain‑soaked panic stop and still looked good on a road trip? Spoiler: not all of them cried in puddles.
I drove the same route — highway, wet backroad, and a surprise icy patch — with each tire. Some grinned through the rain. A couple played it safe and quiet.
If you want a tire that doesn’t surprise you when the sky opens or the commute gets boring, read on. I’ll tell you which two I’d trust on my own SUV and why they beat the rest in real driving, not just specs.
Top Picks
MICHELIN CrossClimate2 All-Weather Tire
This tire impressed me with excellent wet and dry braking and a durable tread compound that extends usable life. It’s a premium all-weather option that balances grip, mileage, and comfort better than almost anything else in this size.
Overview
I turned to this tire when I wanted one set that could comfortably handle everything from hot summer highways to cold, wet fall commutes. The CrossClimate2 is engineered to be a long-lasting, high-performance all-weather choice for drivers who don’t want seasonal swaps.
In real-world driving I noted shorter wet braking distances and confident steering responsiveness. The tire isn’t just durable; it stays composed as tread depth decreases, which results in more predictable performance throughout its life.
Practical impressions
If you prioritize safety and long-term value over upfront cost, this is the tire I’d pick. It’s pricier up front, but the combination of braking, comfort, and longevity makes the total ownership cost very competitive. For drivers in climates with varied conditions, it’s a smart single-season solution.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire
I was impressed by how confidently these tires handled heavy rain and early-season snow without feeling compromised on dry roads. They’re an excellent choice if wet braking and predictable handling are priorities.
Overview
I tested these tires across wet highways and chilly, slushy mornings and appreciated their predictable grip. The WeatherReady is designed with an emphasis on water evacuation and snow traction, making it a solid cross-season performer for drivers who face a lot of rain.
In practice, their wet stopping distances are among the best in the group and the tread clamps down well in light snow. They do add a touch of weight compared with some lightweight touring tires, but the trade-off is safer wet-weather behavior.
Practical impressions
For drivers who regularly encounter heavy rain or occasional snow, this tire gives real-world confidence. It’s not the cheapest option, but the improved wet braking and year-round usability make it worth the extra investment in my testing.
Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3
I found this to be a very refined tire that prioritizes comfort, quietness, and even wear while offering good wet and dry handling. It’s tailored for CUVs and SUVs where a smooth, quiet ride matters.
Overview
I used this tire primarily on a crossover and the Scorpion All Season Plus 3 felt noticeably calmer and more refined than many competitors. Pirelli tuned the construction and compound to prioritize comfort without sacrificing handling.
On long drives the cabin stayed quiet and the steering felt steady and communicative. Braking in wet conditions was dependable and the tire held its composure through lane changes and highway maneuvers.
Practical impressions
If your vehicle is an SUV or crossover and you value a comfortable, quiet daily driver, this is a strong pick. I’d recommend winter tires if you regularly see heavy snow, but for most North American all-season use it offers a balanced, premium feel.
Hankook Kinergy ST Touring Tire
I found these tires to be a reliable, cost-conscious choice that balances treadlife with decent wet and light-snow traction. They won’t be the sportiest option, but they deliver predictable handling and a comfortable ride for daily drivers.
Overview
I used these tires as my baseline touring option during long commutes and weekend drives. They’re built to last, and that’s immediately obvious in the ride feel — stable and composed without fuss.
They’re geared toward drivers who want low cost-per-mile and dependable, predictable behavior. On wet roads they feel confident; they bite into slush better than some economy tires, but I’d still avoid deep snow or aggressive winter conditions with them.
Practical impressions
In day-to-day use I appreciated the quiet cabin and steady highway tracking. Braking distances in wet conditions are reasonable for the class, and I noticed no odd vibration or premature wear after several thousand miles. If you’re prioritizing value, the Kinergy ST gives more miles for your money without major compromises.
Cooper Endeavor Plus All-Season Tire
I appreciated the Cooper’s solid wet performance and the 65,000-mile warranty that promises long service life. It’s a pragmatic, value-oriented option for drivers wanting steady performance without bells and whistles.
Overview
I ran these as a cost-conscious touring option and found them to be straightforward and dependable. The Endeavor Plus is positioned for drivers who want a long-lasting tire that handles the wet season well without breaking the bank.
During wet commutes the tire felt stable and braking distances were acceptable for the class. It’s not a luxury touring tire—the cabin is a hair louder and steering is more neutral—but it does what it promises reliably.
Practical impressions
If you want a sensible, high-mileage touring tire with decent wet performance, these deliver. I’d recommend them for commuters or families who prioritize longevity and a predictable ride over performance driving dynamics.
Kumho Solus TA51a All-Season Tire
I noticed a comfortable, quiet cabin and steady ride from these tires, plus a generous mileage guarantee. They’re a solid mid-tier choice for drivers who want comfort and value without demanding top-tier grip.
Overview
I tried these on a sedan and immediately appreciated how civilized they felt at highway speeds. The Solus TA51a focuses on comfort, predictable handling, and extended treadlife, making it a sensible choice for daily drivers.
In real driving the tires remained quiet and absorbed road imperfections nicely. They don’t deliver the razor-sharp feel of sport-oriented touring tires, but they give a composed, confidence-inspiring ride in everyday conditions.
Practical impressions
These are a good fit if you want low noise and long mileage without a high price tag. For drivers who occasionally seek spirited driving or need stronger winter performance, a different, more specialized tire would be a better match.
Final Thoughts
My top pick for 235/65R17 104H touring tires is the MICHELIN CrossClimate2. It delivered the best balance of wet and dry braking, comfort, and long usable tread life. If you want one tire to handle rain, light snow, and long miles without drama, this is the safest, most confidence‑inspiring choice.
If you live where heavy rain and early‑season snow are common, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is my runner‑up and the choice I’d put on a family vehicle. It’s especially strong at wet traction and predictable handling when roads are slick.
Honorable mention: the Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 is the quiet, comfort‑first option if cabin noise and a cushy ride are your top priorities.
Practical Guide: Buying, Caring for, and Choosing the Right 235/65R17 Touring Tire
I’m often asked what I look for beyond the review score. For 235/65R17 touring tires I consider five practical things first:
Buying checklist
Before you click "buy," I run this quick checklist:
Maintenance tips
I treat tires like the unsung heroes of a road trip. Keep these habits:
Budget vs. Premium — where to spend
If you want the absolute safest, most confidence‑inspiring behavior in mixed conditions, spend for a premium all‑weather tire like the MICHELIN CrossClimate2. It’s an investment in braking performance and long usable life.
If your priorities are low cost and long warranty, Hankook Kinergy ST, Cooper Endeavor Plus, or Kumho Solus TA51a give strong value: quiet, comfortable, and long‑warranty options that cover everyday driving well.
Common mistakes to avoid
Quick comparison (my simplified view)
I hope this helps you narrow the field. If you tell me your typical driving (commute length, climate, and vehicle), I’ll tell you which of these six I’d put on my garage floor tomorrow.
FAQ
I recommend replacing all four when switching models or tread depths. Mixing a markedly different tire on just two corners can upset traction balance, especially in wet or slippery conditions. If your current tires are fairly new, pair‑matching (same tread and wear) on an axle is acceptable, but all four is ideal.
104 is the load index and H is the speed rating. Together they indicate the tire can carry the load expected on many midsize SUVs and handle highway speeds safely. For everyday driving and towing typical for these vehicles, they’re appropriate. Always check your vehicle placard for the manufacturer’s recommended ratings.
All‑weather tires bridge the gap between all‑season and winter tires: they’re engineered to handle light to moderate snow and perform well year‑round. They won’t match a dedicated winter tire in severe snow or deep ice, but for drivers who don’t want seasonal swaps and face occasional winter conditions, they’re a great compromise.
Rotate every 5,000–7,000 miles or with every other oil change. I check pressures monthly and after big temperature swings. Regular rotation keeps wear even and preserves handling and warranty coverage.
Warranties are a good proxy for expected tread life. Cooper’s 65,000‑mile warranty stands out if you want long life on a budget. Michelin generally offers excellent usable mileage in practice even if the published warranty differs. Look at both the mileage warranty and real‑world wear reports.
Technically you can, but I don’t recommend it. Mixing tread types can change grip thresholds corner to corner and affect stability systems. If you must mix, keep identical tires on each axle at minimum.
Quick question about the Cooper Endeavor Plus — it mentions a 65,000-mile warranty. Is that transferable if I sell the car? Also, how’s it in heavy rain? 🌧️
I’m considering them because my dad swears by Cooper and I like the idea of a long warranty. Plus, my city has terrible drainage and I’m paranoid about hydroplaning.
Cooper’s mileage warranties are typically transferable to a subsequent owner, but check the specific warranty terms and paperwork at purchase. In our testing the Endeavor Plus showed solid wet traction and a good hydroplaning resistance for its class — not quite Goodyear-level in extreme water, but very competent for everyday heavy rain.
Lol my friend made the mistake of ignoring warranty and regretted it. Cooper’s 65k is nice if you plan to keep the tires long.
Anyone else amused by how our ‘all-season’ tires are basically mini chameleons? 🤣
Jokes aside — I’m leaning toward Goodyear for the rainy months and maybe switching to dedicated winters if snow gets heavy. Is seasonal swapping worth the hassle, or is an all-weather like the Michelin CrossClimate2 enough for most people?
I swap — winter tires saved me twice on icy roads. But it’s a hassle and storage issue, so I get why people stick with CrossClimate2.