Best Tire Brands of 2024
Consumer Reports' test results reveal which companies make the best-performing tires
There are significant performance differences among tire brands and models, particularly in grip and tread life, based on Consumer Reports’ extensive tire testing.
“The best tires shine for impressive braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance. For all-season and winter tires, snow traction and stopping on ice are important in our scores,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, Consumer Reports’ tire program manager. “And the best brands are those whose tires consistently shine in those areas.”
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
How CR Tests Tires
Our tests measure performance in braking, comfort, handling, hydroplaning (when water gets between the tire and the pavement), noise, snow traction, and other important areas. We test braking on ice at a local skating rink (shown below), and an outside lab assesses rolling resistance, which affects fuel economy. Plus, we evaluate tread life by driving thousands of miles on a road course in western Texas and use that information to predict tread life.
Combined, this extensive information can help you find the best tires from among 30 tested brands, including BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Falken, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kumho, Michelin, Nexen, Nitto, Nokian, Pirelli, Sumitomo, Toyo, Uniroyal, Vredestein, and Yokohama.
A tire must excel at performance and safety in our tests to earn a Consumer Reports recommendation, a distinction noted in our dynamic ratings chart.
If you’re a CR member, you can access the brand rankings, plus summaries and list of recommended models from the top brands.
