Looking for the best summer tires for your SUV in 2025? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re planning summer road trips, towing a trailer, or simply want a smooth ride on hot pavement, the right tires can make a big difference in comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency.
As someone who’s done the research and knows what to look for, I’ve picked five top-rated summer tires that are known for durability, performance, and peace of mind. This guide is built for real drivers—not tire techs—so you’ll find simple explanations, helpful pros and cons, and exactly what each tire is best for.
Let’s hit the road.
Why Summer Tires Matter for Your SUV
When it comes to ensuring a smooth, safe, and comfortable ride, the right summer tires for your SUV are essential. Summer tires are specifically designed for warmer weather, offering superior performance compared to all-season tires. They feature specialized rubber compounds that maintain flexibility in the heat, allowing for improved grip on both dry and wet roads. This means sharper handling, shorter braking distances, and better overall traction in hot conditions.
For SUVs—often heavier and taller than typical cars—the importance of selecting high-quality summer tires increases. These tires enhance stability, reduce road noise, and ensure a more comfortable, smooth ride, especially during those long summer trips or daily commutes. The right tire also means greater durability, helping to avoid frequent tire replacements and providing better long-term value.
I’ve carefully curated this list of the best summer tires for SUVs in 2025 based on performance, reliability, and value, drawing from expert reviews and real-world feedback from drivers just like you. Whether you’re looking for comfort, longevity, or versatility, these tires stand out for their ability to meet the specific demands of SUVs. Let’s dive into the top five options to see which one is the best fit for your vehicle and driving style!
5 Best Summer Tires for SUV
1. Nokian One
Category: Summer Touring Tire
The Nokian One is a strong and reliable tire that handles daily summer driving like a champ. It features aramid-reinforced sidewalls (the same material used in bulletproof vests), which makes it especially good at resisting damage from potholes or curbs.
What It’s Best For:
Drivers who want a tough, long-lasting summer tire that’s comfortable and safe for everyday use.
Key Performance Highlights:
- Keeps you steady on the pavement, rain or shine.
- Very smooth and quiet ride
- Aramid sidewall for extra strength
- Long tread life
Pros and Cons
- Built tough for rough roads
- Great for everyday city or highway driving
- Long-lasting tread
- Not for snow or off-road use
Ideal Use Cases:
✅ Daily commuting
✅ Highway road trips
✅ Urban driving with occasional rough roads
2. Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
Category: Summer/All-Season Highway Tire
The Defender LTX M/S2 is Michelin’s latest upgrade to one of their best-selling tires. It combines great traction, long tread life, and a smooth ride—especially in warm weather. It’s built for larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks.
What It’s Best For:
Drivers who want a premium tire that performs in summer and lasts for the long haul.
Key Performance Highlights:
- Strong wet and dry traction
- Smooth, quiet ride
- MaxTouch Construction for long-lasting wear
- Helps improve fuel efficiency
Pros and Cons
- Excellent durability
- Safe in hot or rainy conditions
- Trusted Michelin quality
- Premium price
- Not for off-roading
Ideal Use Cases:
✅ Highway and city driving
✅ Long-distance travel
✅ Light towing or hauling during summer months
3. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
Category: Summer/All-Season Touring Tire
Pirelli’s Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a comfort-focused touring tire made for crossovers and SUVs. It offers quiet, stable rides and handles dry or wet summer roads with ease.
What It’s Best For:
Families or commuters looking for comfort, reliability, and safety in warm weather.
Key Performance Highlights:
- Quiet ride with minimal road noise
- Stable handling in both dry and wet conditions
- Excellent tread life (up to 70,000 miles)
- Ideal for daily use
Pros and Cons
- Quiet, smooth ride
- Strong wet and dry grip
- Long-lasting
- Cons: ✘ Not for winter or off-road use
Ideal Use Cases:
✅ Suburban and highway cruising
✅ Daily commuting in warm weather
✅ Families looking for a quiet, comfortable summer tire
4. Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse HT
Category: Summer/All-Season Highway Tire
The Wrangler Workhorse HT is built for heavier jobs. If you tow, haul, or drive with a full load often during the summer, this tire can handle it—while still keeping things stable and safe.
What It’s Best For:
Drivers who tow or carry heavy loads in warm weather, and need strength without giving up ride quality.
Key Performance Highlights:
- Designed for durability under load
- Excellent traction in dry and wet conditions
- Reinforced construction for towing and hauling
- Good lifespan with proper care
Pros and Cons
- Strong and dependable
- Great for work or utility SUVs
- Handles heat and weight well
- A bit firmer than touring tires
- Not for snow or deep mud
Ideal Use Cases:
✅ Summer towing and hauling
✅ Long highway drives with heavy loads
✅ Light off-road or worksite use in dry conditions
5. Toyo Open Country Q/T
Category: Summer/All-Season Touring Tire
The Toyo Open Country Q/T is a great value for drivers who want a peaceful ride in warm weather. It’s known for being quiet, comfortable, and consistent across city streets and highways alike.
What It’s Best For:
Everyday driving where comfort and fuel economy matter more than off-road toughness.
Key Performance Highlights:
- Quiet tread design reduces road noise
- Stable on dry and wet roads
- Even wear pattern for long tread life
- Great price-to-performance ratio
Pros and Cons
- Quiet and smooth
- Reliable summer traction
- Budget-friendly
- Not for snow or rough terrain
- Less sporty than performance models
Ideal Use Cases:
✅ Summer city and highway driving
✅ Family road trips
✅ Everyday commuting in warm, wet, or dry conditions
✅ Quick Comparison: Best Summer Tires for SUVs in 2025
| Tire Model | Category | Best For | Key Strengths | Ideal Use Cases | Treadwear Warranty |
| Nokian One | Summer Touring | Everyday summer driving | Tough sidewalls, smooth ride | City & highway, rough roads | ~80,000 miles |
| Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 | Summer/All-Season Highway | Long-lasting, premium performance | Wet & dry traction, durability | Highway, light towing | ~70,000 miles |
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | Summer/All-Season Touring | Quiet comfort for daily driving | Quiet ride, strong wet grip | Suburban & highway | ~70,000 miles |
| Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse HT | Summer/All-Season Highway | Heavy loads & towing | Load handling, strong grip | Towing, hauling, hot highways | ~60,000 miles |
| Toyo Open Country Q/T | Summer/All-Season Touring | Comfort & quiet driving | Quiet, even wear, value | Family trips, daily commuting | ~65,000 miles |
How to Choose the Right Summer Tire for Your SUV
Choosing the best summer tire for your SUV requires considering your driving needs and preferences. The right tire can enhance your vehicle’s performance, safety, and comfort—whether you’re driving on smooth highways or taking a road trip. Here are key factors to help you pick the perfect tire for your SUV:
1. Prioritize Comfort for Highway Driving
If you spend a lot of time on highways or long road trips, comfort should be your top priority. Tires like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 and Toyo Open Country Q/T are known for their quiet, smooth rides and excellent performance on long journeys. They reduce road noise, making your driving experience much more enjoyable, even on extended trips.
2. Need Year-Round Versatility?
For drivers who want a tire that offers more than just summer performance, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is an excellent option. This tire delivers year-round versatility and impressive performance in warm conditions, while still providing strong grip in both wet and dry conditions. It’s ideal for drivers who need a tire that works across multiple seasons but shines during summer.
3. Hauling or Towing Heavy Loads?
If your SUV is used for towing or heavy-duty hauling, you’ll need a tire that can handle the extra weight without sacrificing comfort. The Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse HT is designed for heavy-duty tasks, with reinforced construction to handle towing and hauling without compromising your comfort. It offers strong traction and durability under load, making it perfect for work vehicles or road trips that require heavy towing.
4. Budget-Friendly Performance
Not everyone needs premium pricing to get high-quality performance. If you’re looking for a tire that offers premium performance at a more affordable price, the Nokian One is an excellent option. It combines durability, reliable handling, and a long-lasting tread—all at a budget-friendly price, so you can enjoy high performance without breaking the bank.
5. Check Your SUV’s Tire Size
It’s crucial to ensure the tire you choose fits your SUV properly. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or inspect your current tire’s sidewall to find the right size specifications. Choosing the correct tire size is essential for safety, performance, and fuel efficiency, as well as ensuring a smooth ride.
Conclusion
Every SUV driver is different—and so is every tire on this list. Here’s a quick recap:
- Nokian One: Great for daily driving with extra sidewall protection
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S2: Long-lasting and great for highway or towing
- Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3: Super quiet and smooth for family road trips
- Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse HT: Built tough for hauling and work vehicles
- Toyo Open Country Q/T: Comfort and value for everyday summer driving
Choose based on what you need: more comfort, more strength, or more mileage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use summer tires all year round?
Summer tires are made for warm weather. They handle dry and wet summer roads very well, but once temperatures drop below 45°F (7°C), their grip starts to weaken. If you live in an area with cold winters or snow, switch to winter or all-season tires in the fall.
Q: Are all of these tires fuel-efficient?
Yes! Most summer and highway touring tires are designed to reduce rolling resistance, which helps improve fuel efficiency. The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 and Toyo Open Country Q/T are especially good in this area.
Q: Do I need to rotate summer tires?
Absolutely. To get the most life out of your tires, rotate them every 5,000 to 7,000 miles—or as recommended in your vehicle’s manual.
Q: How do I know when to replace my summer tires?
Check your tread depth! If it’s below 2/32″ or you notice cracking, uneven wear, or vibration, it’s time for a new set.
