The General Altimax is a top-rated all-season tire. It earns Very Good ratings in most test categories, including dry braking, handling, and hydroplaning. Notably, it manages strong snow traction, too, as well as reasonably low rolling resistance, which can aid fuel economy. Its 80,000-mile tread life is above average.

An ideal tire offers a wide range of performance and safety traits, and the Defender T+H does just that. It scores Very Good ratings for dry braking, handling, and snow traction, and a Good rating for wet braking. It wears exceptionally well, with 90,000-mile predicted tread life, and scores an Excellent rating for noise. It’s only slightly less great at rolling resistance, which can aid fuel economy, scoring just a Good rating.

This high-scoring all-season tire has an Excellent rating for snow traction and boasts very high predicted tread life, at 95,000 miles. It earns a Very Good rating for resisting hydroplaning, which is important for safety, but a Fair rating for wet braking and a Good rating for dry braking mean that some rival all-seasons perform better. Notably, however, testers found it to be comfortable and quiet.

Very good marks for snow traction and grip on icy roads.

Very good in key areas of dry braking, snow traction, and hydroplaning resistance.

A good choice for driving in varying weather conditions, and a long wearing tire. Long tread life and quietness are highlights.

This Yokohama has an impressive 100,000-mile predicted life, yet even with reasonably low rolling resistance it doesn’t compromise on handling, scoring well in that category, and especially in managing rainy weather, earning Good ratings on tests of wet braking, and Very Good ratings for dry braking and resisting hydroplaning. Plus, it’s a quiet tire, and its reasonably low rolling resistance may help with fuel efficiency.

The BFGoodrich T/A Sport is a decent, competitive, all-season tire, earning ratings of Very Good for dry braking, Good for wet braking, and Excellent at resisting hydroplaning—a plus for safety. However, rolling resistance is high, which can worsen fuel economy, and its projected 75,000-mile tread life (as tested) is competitive.

The Kinergy PT is a strong performer. It scores Very Good ratings in tests of handling, hydroplaning, and dry braking but is slightly less exceptional (getting a Good rating) at wet braking. It’s also one of the better-rated all-seasons in snow, and it has a near-top predicted tread life of 80,000 miles.

The Solus TA11 is a strong choice for fuel economy, with top marks (an Excellent rating) for rolling resistance. It’s also exceptionally quiet, scoring an Excellent rating for noise, and it earns a Very Good rating for dry braking, hydroplaning, and snow traction. However, note its Fair rating for wet braking, which could be a factor in preventing an accident. Its 75,000-mile predicted tread life is slightly above average.

Solid snow traction and stopping grip on icy roads. Fair wet stopping performance and handling.

Low rolling resistance, a factor in fuel economy and a very quiet ride.

Very good dry braking, hydroplaning resistance, and snow traction. Fair stopping grip on wet roads.

As the name implies, fuel efficiency is impressive. The Champion Fuel Fighter has very low rolling resistance.

No shortcomings, but generally good to very good ratings in key all weather tests.

Very good dry braking and hydroplaning resistance. Fair wet stopping grip and noise.

Very good performance in key areas of dry braking, hydroplaning resistance, and snow traction. Fair wet stops and noise.

Very good marks in braking on cleared roads, handling, and hydroplaning resistance. Fair snow traction, low grip on icy surfaces, and fair tread noise.

Very good dry braking and hydroplaning resistance. Fair snow traction and stopping performance on wet and icy road surfaces.