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Last updated 2/27/2025 - Originally published 10/11/2023
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
Crossover vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a versatile blend of SUV capabilities and car-like comfort. As the demand for these vehicles grows, so does the need for reliable and high-performing tires that can handle various driving conditions.
Choosing the right tires for your crossover is crucial to ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity. With numerous options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which tires best suit your specific needs.
In this article, we'll explore the world of crossover tires, discussing the different types available, key features to look for, and top recommendations for 2025. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to select the perfect set of tires for your crossover vehicle.
What Are Crossover Vehicles?
Crossover vehicles, also known as crossovers or CUVs (Crossover Utility Vehicles), have gained significant popularity in the automotive market. These versatile vehicles combine the best features of SUVs and passenger cars, offering a perfect balance between comfort, practicality, and capability.
Crossovers are built on a unibody construction, similar to that of a car, rather than the body-on-frame design used in traditional SUVs. This construction method allows for a lighter weight, improved fuel efficiency, and better handling compared to their SUV counterparts. However, crossovers still maintain higher ground clearance and often come with available all-wheel drive systems, enabling them to tackle mild off-road conditions and adverse weather with ease.
Some popular examples of crossover vehicles include:
- Honda CR-V: Known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and excellent fuel economy, the Honda CR-V is a top choice among crossover buyers.
- Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 offers a blend of reliability, practicality, and advanced safety features, making it a favorite in the crossover segment.
- Subaru Forester: With its standard all-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance, the Subaru Forester is an ideal choice for those who frequently encounter inclement weather or light off-road conditions.
Tire Types for Crossovers
When it comes to selecting tires for your crossover vehicle, there are two main categories to consider: highway all-season tires and all-terrain tires. Each type offers unique benefits and is designed to cater to different driving needs and preferences.
Highway All-Season Tires
Highway all-season tires are an excellent choice for crossover owners who primarily drive on paved roads and prioritize a smooth, quiet ride. These tires are engineered to provide reliable traction in dry and wet conditions, making them suitable for year-round use in mild climates.
Key features of highway all-season tires include:
- Optimized tread patterns for a comfortable and quiet ride on paved surfaces
- Reliable traction in dry and wet conditions, ensuring a safe driving experience
- Adequate performance in light snow, although they may struggle in deep snow or icy conditions
- Long tread life and even wear, providing excellent value for money
If your driving habits mainly consist of commuting, highway trips, and city driving, highway all-season tires are an ideal choice for your crossover vehicle.
All-Terrain Tires
For crossover owners who frequently venture off the beaten path or live in areas with unpredictable weather conditions, all-terrain tires are a fantastic option. These tires feature a more aggressive tread pattern, which provides enhanced traction and durability on various surfaces, including mud, sand, and rocky terrain.
Benefits of all-terrain tires for crossovers include:
- Improved off-road capabilities compared to highway all-season tires
- Excellent traction in light snow and rain, thanks to the deeper tread depth and more aggressive pattern
- Rugged construction that can withstand the demands of off-road driving
- Versatility for year-round use, especially in regions with diverse weather conditions
While all-terrain tires may produce slightly more road noise and have a shorter tread life compared to highway all-season tires, they offer the perfect balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability for adventurous crossover owners.
Key Features to Look for in Crossover Tires
When shopping for crossover tires, there are several key features to consider to ensure you're getting the best performance, safety, and value for your money. Here are some essential characteristics to keep in mind:
- All-Season Traction: Look for tires that provide reliable grip in various weather conditions, including light snow. Good all-season traction ensures your crossover remains stable and controllable year-round.
- Comfortable Ride Quality: Crossover owners often prioritize comfort, so choose tires that offer a smooth and quiet ride. Tires with optimized tread patterns and advanced noise-reduction technologies can significantly enhance your driving experience.
- Long Tread Life: Investing in tires with a long tread life not only saves you money in the long run but also reduces the hassle of frequent replacements. Look for tires with even wear characteristics and a good treadwear warranty.
- Strong Braking and Handling: Your crossover tires should provide excellent braking performance and responsive handling to keep you safe and in control. Tires with advanced compound technologies and optimized tread designs can improve your vehicle's overall performance.
- Value for Money: While it's essential to invest in quality tires, you don't necessarily need to break the bank. Look for tires that offer a balance of performance, durability, and affordability, such as the affordable crossover tires available at SimpleTire.
Choosing the Right Tire Size
Selecting the appropriate tire size for your crossover is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. Here are some tips to help you choose the right tire size:
- Refer to Your Vehicle's Original Equipment: The easiest way to determine the correct tire size for your crossover is to refer to the original equipment (OE) size. This information can be found on the tire sidewall, your vehicle's owner's manual, or the tire information placard usually located on the driver's side door jamb.
- Maintain the Same Tire Diameter: When replacing your crossover's tires, it's essential to maintain the same overall tire diameter. Changing the diameter can affect your vehicle's speedometer accuracy, ground clearance, and suspension geometry.
- Consider Tire Width: Tire width can impact your crossover's handling and ride comfort. Wider tires generally provide better grip and handling but may slightly reduce ride comfort. Conversely, narrower tires offer a more comfortable ride but may compromise some handling capabilities.
- Consult a Tire Professional: If you're unsure about the best tire size for your crossover or want to explore alternative options, consult a knowledgeable tire specialist. They can help you determine the optimal tire size based on your specific vehicle, driving needs, and preferences.
Top Crossover Tire Recommendations for 2025
With numerous tire options available, it can be challenging to determine which ones are the best fit for your crossover vehicle. To help narrow down your choices, here are some top crossover tire recommendations for 2025 based on our proprietary tire analyzing tool - SimpleScore - that rates traction, handling/durability, and longevity of a tire on a scale of 0-10:
1. Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra
Coming from the number one tire maker in the world, the Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra features on our list of recommended CUV tires due to its exceptional performance in handling (9.5), traction (9.7), and tread life (9.8). With a superb coverage of 80,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, the Alenza A/S Ultra assures excellent control and stability around the year in dry, wet, and light snowy conditions. Backed by Bridgestone’s QuietTrack Technology, the all-season tire features an optimized tread pattern that ensures the sound and vibrations are kept in check so you enjoy a quiet and comfortable ride. Thanks to angled tread blocks and multiple sipes, the Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra provides an improved grip, traction, and handling in light wintry conditions. Its average price starts at around $192 per tire.
Get Bridgestone Alenza A/S Ultra tires at the best deals for your vehicle here.
2. Continental CrossContact LX25
Next on the list of the best crossover tires is the Continental CrossContact LX25. Scoring an average SimpleScore of 8.9 out of 10, the Conti achieves an excellent longevity rating of 9.2, followed by fantastic numbers of 8.8 and 8.9 in traction and handling, respectively, underlining its great capabilities of performing in different climatic conditions of rain, shine, and light snow. With a superb limited manufacturer tread life warranty of 70,000 miles, the CrossContact LX25 features an optimized tread pattern for low rolling resistance, and wide grooves and dense sipes for increased braking and grip in wet and snow. The Conti all-season tire has DWS (dry, wet, snow) engraved to visually alert drivers about its tread performance in dry, wet, and snowy terrains. With a starting price of $167 per tire, the CrossContact LX25 is a great choice for your CUV.
Get Continental CrossContact LX25 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here.
3. Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
If you drive your CUV in regions experiencing moderate to severe snow, you need to pick all-weather tires that combat the unpredictable weather conditions. The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is among the best all-weather tires out there, scoring a superb 9.5 out of 10 average SimpleScore. Offering top-notch performance in each of its attributes, the Scorpion WeatherActive kills the competition with unbeatable scores of 9.8 in traction, 9.6 in handling, and 9.2 in tread life. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified Pirelli tire assures impeccable performance with a great coverage of 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. With a starting price of around $199 per tire, the Scorpion WeatherActive promises exceptional year-round performance in changing weather conditions.
Get Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tires at the best deals for your vehicle here.
4. Goodyear Winter Command
For folks residing in areas receiving snow for more than 6 months, we recommend a capable winter tire - the Goodyear Winter Command - that is at home with an average score of 9 out of 10. Featuring symmetrical tread pattern with hundreds of zigzag sipes, the Winter Command justifies its name on snow and ice by lending superb traction and control. The Goodyear winter tire scores a superb 9.1 in traction, 9.5 in longevity, and a fine 8.5 in handling. For enhanced traction and grip in extreme snow and ice, the Winter Command can be pinned with 11 mm (TSMI #12) studs. However, do check your local laws before opting for studded tires as they are not legit in some states. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification assures superb performance in ice and snow as the deep and wide lateral grooves expel slush and water away from the tread for improved grip. The Goodyear Winter Command price starts at around $101 per tire, giving great value to its buyers.
Get Goodyear Winter Command tires at the best deals for your vehicle here.
5. Yokohama Geolandar CV G058
Completing the list of recommended crossover tires is the Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 that perfectly balances performance with value. With an excellent overall SimpleScore of 9 out of 10, the Yokohama all-season tire achieves superb ratings of 9.7 in longevity along with great ratings of 8.7 and 8.8 in traction and handling, respectively. Backed by a strong 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, the hundreds of 2D and 3D sipes on the Geolandar CV G058 create extra biting edges for consistent grip, control, and stability in dry, wet, and light wintry conditions. If you are looking for a tire that lasts really long and provides great traction and handling without costing a bomb, the Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 is your answer. It’s tagged at a starting price of $159 per tire.
Get Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best crossover tires at SimpleTire.com.
Making Your Final Decision
When it comes to making your final decision on crossover tires, there are a few additional factors to consider:
- Read Reviews: Take the time to read SUV crossover tire reviews from other owners. This will give you valuable insights into real-world performance, durability, and overall satisfaction.
- Consider Your Specific Needs: Think about your driving habits, local climate, and budget when choosing tires. Prioritize the features that matter most to you, whether it's all-season traction, off-road capability, or a comfortable ride.
- Look for Treadwear Warranties: Tires with longer treadwear warranties often provide better value in the long run. A good warranty can give you peace of mind and protect your investment.
- Shop Online for Convenience: Shopping for crossover tires online offers a wide selection, competitive prices, and the convenience of having your tires shipped directly to your preferred installer. SimpleTire is a great option for finding the perfect tires for your crossover vehicle.
- Consult with a Tire Specialist: If you're still unsure about which tires to choose, don't hesitate to consult with a knowledgeable tire specialist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and help you find the best tires for your crossover.
Choosing the right tires for your crossover vehicle is a crucial decision that impacts your safety, comfort, and overall driving experience. By considering your specific needs, driving habits, and the key features outlined in this article, you can confidently select the perfect set of tires for your crossover. At SimpleTire, we're committed to making your tire buying journey as simple and convenient as possible, offering a wide selection of top-quality tires at competitive prices, so you can shop for tires online and find the best deals from the comfort of your home.