When it comes to maximizing the safety and capability of your all-wheel-drive vehicle, the right set of tires is the single most important upgrade you can make. All-wheel drive systems are designed to send power to the wheels with the most traction, but without quality tires to translate that power into grip, the system’s effectiveness is significantly compromised. Whether you’re navigating rain-slicked highways, tackling a snowy mountain pass, or simply seeking confidence on your daily commute, the correct tires are paramount.
This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect tire for your needs and driving conditions. We have compiled a selection of top-performing options from trusted brands, covering various categories including all-season, winter, and all-terrain tires. Each tire is evaluated for its unique strengths in providing the grip and security that AWD vehicle owners depend on.
Our Recommended All-Wheel Drive Tires
- Garage-Pro Front Complete Shocks Strut & Coil Spring Assembly
- Garage-Pro Front Complete Shocks Strut & Coil Spring Assembly
- MICHELIN CrossClimate2 All-Season Car Tire for SUVs
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire
- CONTINENTAL TerrainContact A/T All-Terrain Radial Tire
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 All-Season Radial Tire
- Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 245/50R20 102V
- Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
- Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax 215/70R16 100H tire
- General Grabber A/TX All-Terrain Radial Tire
Garage-Pro Front Complete Shocks Strut & Coil Spring Assembly
This Garage-Pro assembly is a direct replacement component designed for the front passenger side of 1996-2000 Toyota RAV4 AWD models. It is a complete, pre-assembled unit that includes the shock, strut, and coil spring, which simplifies installation and ensures proper component matching. This makes it an efficient solution for restoring your vehicle’s ride quality and handling.
By replacing worn suspension components, you directly improve tire contact with the road, which is essential for an AWD system to function correctly. A stable and level suspension allows the tires to maintain consistent grip, enhancing overall safety and control. This specific assembly is engineered to meet the original specifications for a precise fit and reliable performance.
Garage-Pro Front Complete Shocks Strut & Coil Spring Assembly
This is the corresponding driver-side assembly, designed to pair with the passenger-side unit for a complete front suspension refresh on your Toyota RAV4. Like its counterpart, it is a loaded strut assembly, which means all the necessary components come pre-assembled. This design minimizes the time and effort required for installation while ensuring correct alignment and function.
Maintaining a balanced suspension is critical for tire performance. When both sides of the vehicle have equally responsive shocks and struts, tire wear is more even and grip is optimized. This Garage-Pro unit helps restore the vehicle’s original handling characteristics, providing a foundation for your AWD tires to deliver their intended safety and traction benefits.
MICHELIN CrossClimate2 All-Season Car Tire
The MICHELIN CrossClimate2 is a premium all-season tire that stands out for its exceptional year-round performance, including in light snow. It is engineered to provide confidence in all climates, offering reliable grip whether the roads are wet or dry. This tire is an excellent choice for AWD SUV and crossover owners who face varied weather conditions and want a single tire solution.
A key benefit of the CrossClimate2 is its impressive stopping power. Michelin notes that it can stop shorter than several leading competitive tires on both dry and wet pavement, a critical safety feature. Furthermore, this tire is built to last, with testing showing it can outlast other tires by a significant margin, providing long-term value and consistent performance.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire
For drivers who confront harsh winter conditions, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is a dedicated winter tire that excels in snow and ice. It is designed to provide a leader in control on icy surfaces, giving you the confidence to drive when temperatures plummet. Pairing these tires with an AWD system creates a formidable combination for winter safety.
The Blizzak WS90 offers confident stopping power and reliable handling specifically tuned for winter conditions. Its specialized tread compound and biting edges remain flexible in cold weather to dig into snow and grip ice. If your priority is maximum security during snowy months, this tire is engineered to deliver the traction you need.
CONTINENTAL TerrainContact A/T All-Terrain Radial Tire
The Continental TerrainContact A/T is an all-terrain tire that successfully balances off-road capability with comfortable on-road performance. It features TractionPlus Technology, which is designed to provide improved traction and durability across various surfaces. This makes it a great option for AWD trucks and SUVs that see both highway driving and light trail duty.
Despite its rugged intentions, this tire is engineered to offer a quiet and comfortable ride on pavement. It also provides better grip on wet roads, addressing a common concern with all-terrain tires. Backed by a 60,000-mile limited tread life warranty, the TerrainContact A/T is built for long-lasting performance and versatility.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 All-Season Radial Tire
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 is an all-season tire built to handle a wide spectrum of weather conditions. It uses a specialized tread compound that stays adaptable in both heat and cold, and it carries the severe snow service rating for confident performance in winter weather. This tire is designed to be a true year-round partner for your AWD vehicle.
A standout feature is its AquaTred Technology, which includes an enhanced tread pattern with sweeping grooves to efficiently evacuate water and slush. This design helps prevent hydroplaning and maintains contact with the road for better wet-weather handling. The Evolving Traction Grooves are engineered to maintain this water-displacing capability throughout the tire’s life.
Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3
The Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 is engineered specifically for the needs of modern CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks. It uses an innovative tread compound that is designed to provide long tread life while delivering consistent all-season confidence. This focus on durability and performance makes it a solid choice for daily drivers.
This tire features full-depth tread sipes that are active from the first mile to the last. These sipes enhance traction, handling, and braking performance by providing additional biting edges that grip the road surface. For AWD vehicle owners seeking a reliable, long-lasting all-season tire from a premium brand, the Scorpion All Season Plus 3 is a strong contender.
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is an all-terrain tire that doesn’t compromise on-road comfort for off-road capability. It is backed by a 60,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, signaling Yokohama’s confidence in its longevity. This tire is well-suited for AWD vehicles that are used for adventures beyond the pavement but still need to be practical for highway driving.
A significant advantage of the Geolandar A/T G015 is its Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification. This means it meets specific performance criteria for severe snow conditions, offering great snow and ice traction without being a dedicated winter tire. Yokohama also supports this tire with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax
The Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax is an all-season tire that emphasizes reliable performance and durability. Its all-season tread design is formulated to provide consistent grip in various conditions, making it a dependable choice for AWD vehicles. The tire also comes with a generous 60,000-mile manufacturer warranty for added peace of mind.
Cooper has reinforced the sidewalls of the Discoverer EnduraMax to enhance durability and resist damage from road hazards. Furthermore, the tread pattern is optimized to reduce road noise, contributing to a quieter and more comfortable driving experience. This combination of toughness and comfort makes it a practical option for many drivers.
General Grabber A/TX All-Terrain Radial Tire
The General Grabber A/TX is a robust all-terrain radial tire designed for drivers who demand serious off-road capability without completely sacrificing on-road manners. It is built to tackle challenging trails, rocks, and mud while still providing stable performance on the highway. For AWD trucks and SUVs used for exploration, this tire is a popular and capable choice.
Its aggressive tread design features deep grooves and biting edges to claw through loose surfaces and provide traction where other tires might struggle. The Grabber A/TX is engineered to be a durable and tough tire that can withstand the rigors of off-road use, making it a go-to option for enthusiasts who frequently venture off the beaten path.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best All-Wheel Drive Tires for Grip and Safety
When I’m picking out new tires for my all-wheel-drive vehicle, my main focus is always on grip and safety. It’s not just about finding a tire; it’s about finding the right partner for a system designed to keep me in control. The wrong choice can actually work against the sophisticated AWD technology in my car. So, here’s what I always consider to make a smart decision.
First, I think about the climate I live in. This is the single biggest factor for me. If I deal with harsh, snowy winters, a dedicated set of winter tires is non-negotiable for true safety. They use a softer rubber compound that stays pliable in freezing temperatures, providing grip that all-season tires simply can’t match once the thermometer drops below 45°F. For those in milder climates who see a mix of rain and dry roads, a high-performance all-season tire is a great year-round choice. And if I never see snow but want maximum dry and wet road performance, summer tires are the way to go.
Tread pattern is another huge deal for me. For wet weather grip, I look for tires with deep grooves and sipes (those little slits in the tread blocks). These channels are fantastic at pushing water out from under the tire, which helps prevent hydroplaning. For snow and ice, a more aggressive, blocky tread with plenty of biting edges is what I need to dig in and find traction. Some all-season and all-weather tires even have a severe snow service rating, indicated by the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, which tells me they’ve passed a specific snow traction test.
I never ignore the tire’s speed rating and load index. These aren’t just random letters and numbers. The load index tells me how much weight each tire can safely support, which is crucial for SUVs and heavier AWD vehicles. The speed rating indicates the maximum speed the tire can handle, which relates to its overall performance and handling capabilities. I always make sure to match or exceed the specifications recommended by my vehicle’s manufacturer.
Finally, I pay close attention to tire wear and warranties. A long treadwear warranty can be a good indicator of how long the tire might last, which helps me think about long-term value. I also check reviews for real-world feedback on how a specific tire wears over time. Uneven wear can be a sign of issues, so I make sure to get my alignment checked whenever I install new tires. By focusing on these key areas—climate, tread, specifications, and longevity—I feel confident I’m choosing one of the best all-wheel drive tires for grip and safety for my specific needs.
FAQ
Do I really need special tires for my all-wheel drive car?
Yes, and it’s more important than many people think. All-wheel drive is fantastic for sending power to the wheels with the most traction, but it’s the tires that actually create that grip. Using mismatched tires, or tires with significantly different tread depths, can confuse the AWD system and cause premature wear on the drivetrain. For the best performance and safety, it’s recommended to replace all four tires at the same time with the same model and size.
What’s the difference between all-season and all-weather tires?
This is a common point of confusion. All-season tires are designed primarily for rain and dry roads, with fair performance in light snow. All-weather tires, on the other hand, are a newer category that bridges the gap between all-season and winter tires. They carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, meaning they meet specific snow traction performance standards. An all-weather tire is a great compromise if you get moderate snow but don’t want to switch to dedicated winter tires.
How often should I rotate the tires on my AWD vehicle?
I try to stick to a schedule of every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Regular rotation is critical on AWD vehicles because it promotes even tread wear across all four tires. Since the drivetrain is interconnected, uneven wear can lead to binding and stress on the system. Keeping the tread depth even on all four corners helps the AWD system operate smoothly and extends the life of your tire set.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my AWD vehicle?
This is risky and generally not advised. Most vehicle manufacturers state that the tread depth on all four tires must be within 2/32nds of an inch of each other to prevent damage to the differential and transfer case. If you have a new tire with 10/32nds of tread and three old ones with 6/32nds, that difference is too great. If you must replace only one due to a puncture, it may need to be shaved down to match the depth of the others, which is why replacing a full axle pair or all four is often the safer bet for the long-term health of your AWD system.
Are performance tires a good option for an AWD sports sedan?
Absolutely. If you have a performance-oriented AWD car, putting on high-performance summer or all-season tires can really wake up the handling. These tires have stiffer sidewalls and specialized tread compounds that provide sharper turn-in and more grip in dry and wet conditions. Just remember that summer tires are not intended for near-freezing temperatures or snow, as the compound can harden and become ineffective. For a balanced approach to finding the best all-wheel drive tires for grip and safety in a performance car, look at ultra-high-performance all-season categories.