Top 5 best summer and all-season tires for SUVs and crossovers in 2026

To choose the best all-season and summer tires for SUVs and crossovers in Canada, you need to focus on the right balance of safety, stability, durability, and comfort. The models below stand out for family vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Tiguan, in real Canadian driving conditions.

How to Choose the Right All-Season and Summer Tires for Your SUV

An SUV or crossover is heavier than a sedan. That extra weight directly affects braking performance, cornering stability, and overall tire wear.

Here are the key criteria to prioritize:

• Strong wet traction (essential in Canadian climates)
• Highway stability
• Hydroplaning resistance
• Long tread life
• Ride comfort and low road noise
• True all-season capability (and 3PMSF certification if applicable)

According to engineers from major tire manufacturers, a properly designed SUV tire must feature a reinforced internal structure to support added vehicle weight while maintaining even tread wear.

Our choice #1 - Michelin Defender 2

The Michelin Defender 2 is widely recognized for its outstanding longevity. It consistently ranks among the top-rated tires in its category, especially for highway stability and long-distance comfort.

Its tread design promotes highly uniform wear, making it an excellent choice for drivers who log high annual mileage.

What sets it apart:

• Exceptional tread life
• Smooth and quiet ride
• Excellent highway stability
• Strong dry and wet traction
• Suitable for hybrid and electric SUVs

If your priority is reducing replacement frequency while maintaining high safety standards, this tire is hard to beat.

Our choice #2 - Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3

The Scorpion AS Plus 3 is frequently highlighted in North American comparisons for its wet traction performance. Its advanced compound improves grip during heavy rain, an important factor for everyday safety.

It also delivers a comfortable ride, making it a strong option for daily-driven family vehicles.

What sets it apart:

• Excellent wet-road traction
• Reduced hydroplaning risk
• Progressive, even wear
• Balanced performance and comfort
• Well suited for city and highway driving

For SUV owners seeking reliable year-round performance, this is a solid choice.

Our choice #3 - Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra

The Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra is designed specifically for modern SUVs. It emphasizes ride comfort and reduced road noise thanks to advanced internal noise-reduction technology.

Independent testing also highlights its dependable wet performance and ability to handle slush conditions.

What sets it apart:

• Among the quietest in its class
• Strong traction in rain and light slush
• Stable at highway speeds
• Precise steering feel
• Premium comfort for upscale SUVs

If you drive a high-end SUV or crossover and comfort is essential, this tire deserves your attention.

Our Choice #4 - Continental CrossContact LX25

The CrossContact LX25 is often preferred over traditional touring tires when fitted on SUVs. Its reinforced construction better accommodates the higher weight of these vehicles.

It also incorporates comfort-focused polymers that help absorb road imperfections without sacrificing stability.

What sets it apart:

• Robust SUV-oriented construction
• Strong wet traction
• Even wear over long distances
• Comfortable ride on rough pavement
• Improved fuel efficiency

For families covering significant mileage each year, this tire offers a smart balance between safety and operating costs.

Our choice #5 - Yokohama Geolandar CV 4S (G061)

The Geolandar CV 4S G061 stands out with its 3PMSF certification, meaning it meets recognized winter performance standards.

It is a true all-season tire engineered to provide stable summer performance while offering better winter capability than most traditional all-season models.

What sets it apart:

• 3PMSF certification
• Reliable traction in light winter conditions
• Balanced dry and wet performance
• Consistent wear pattern
• Comfortable for crossovers and minivans

If you live in an area with variable winters and prefer to avoid switching tire sets, this model provides practical year-round versatility.

Summer vs. All-Season Tires: What Should You Choose?

Summer tires deliver superior grip when temperatures stay above 7°C (45°F). They offer sharper steering response and shorter braking distances on dry pavement.

All-season tires are designed to perform across a broader temperature range. They are better suited for drivers who want versatility throughout the year.

In Canada, for safety reasons, many experts still recommend dedicated winter tires in regions where temperatures frequently drop below freezing.

Relevant Statistic

According to several major manufacturers, premium all-season SUV tires can go up to 100,000 km (over 60,000 miles) of tread life when properly maintained and inflated. For daily-driven family vehicles, that longevity represents meaningful long-term value.

FAQ – SUV and Crossover Tires

Are all-season tires sufficient for Canadian winters?

They may be adequate for mild winter conditions, especially if 3PMSF certified. However, for frequent icy and snowy conditions, dedicated winter tires remain the safer choice.

What is the difference between sedan tires and SUV tires?

SUV tires typically feature a stronger internal construction and higher load rating to support the additional vehicle weight of an SUV.

Is a more expensive tire always better?

Not necessarily. The best tire depends on your real-world driving needs. An urban driver will not have the same requirements as someone driving 30,000 km per year on highways.

How to Make the Right Choice

If longevity and comfort are your top priorities, the Michelin Defender 2 and Continental CrossContact LX25 are dependable options.

If you are looking for strong wet traction combined with ride comfort, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 and Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra are excellent candidates.

If you want an all-season tire capable of handling more demanding winter conditions, the Yokohama Geolandar CV 4S G061 is worth serious consideration.

The key is aligning your choice with your climate, driving habits, and vehicle weight. A good tire is not just good on paper, it needs to match your everyday reality.