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.

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.

The Continental TrueContact offers well balanced grip for most road conditions.. Very good marks for dry braking, handling, hydroplaning resistance, snow traction and is a quiet riding tire. Relatively high rolling resistance compared to many other all season tires.

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 BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season offers capable all season grip and a comfortable ride. Excellent resistance to hydroplaning, and high marks for braking on dry and wet roads, snow traction, and a compliant, quiet ride. A fair score for rolling resistance, a factor in fuel economy.

The Firestone tires are solid but just don’t do anything outstanding. They earn Very Good ratings for dry braking and resisting hydroplaning. No shortcomings with generally good to very good ratings in key all weather tests. Low rolling resistance can enhance fuel economy. A quiet riding tire as well.

The Extensa A/S II places emphasis on dry and wet performance, along with a quiet ride. It's best for areas where mild winter weather conditions may prevail. Solid marks for dry braking, hydroplaning resistance, fuel efficiency (rolling resistance), and low noise. Average snow traction combined with fair stopping performance on ice.

Tire Firestone WeatherGrip is an all weather tire for use in spring, summer, fall, and winter with excellent snow traction and very good braking on ice, and resists hydroplaning well. Just falls short of an average wet braking score common to many all-season tires.