Finding the right all-season tire for your SUV or truck is about more than just fitment; it’s about confidence. The 245/60R18 size is a popular choice for many modern vehicles, and the right set of tires can dramatically improve your driving experience, especially when it comes to road grip. Whether you’re navigating a sudden downpour, cruising on a dry highway, or facing a light dusting of snow, dependable traction is non-negotiable.
This review focuses on how various all-season and all-terrain options in this size perform in terms of keeping you firmly connected to the pavement. We’ve analyzed a range of products from trusted manufacturers to help you understand which tire offers the best combination of wet and dry road grip, durability, and comfort for your specific needs. Our goal is to provide you with the information required to make a well-informed decision for your vehicle.
Top 245/60R18 All-Season Tires for Superior Road Grip
- Cooper Discoverer Road and Trail AT All-Terrain Tire
- Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse At All-Season Tire
- Starfire Solarus HT All-Season Tire
- Continental TerrainContact A/T All Terrain Light Truck Tire
- Atturo Trail Blade ATS A/T Truck/SUV All-Terrain Radial Tire
- Continental CrossContact LX25 All Season SUV/Crossover Tire
- Hankook H737 KINERGY PT All-Season Radial Tire
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S All-Season Radial Car Tire
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Radial Tire
Cooper Discoverer Road and Trail AT All-Terrain Tire
The Cooper Discoverer Road and Trail is designed for drivers who need a capable all-terrain tire without sacrificing on-road manners. Its continuous tread pattern extends further down the sidewall, providing a larger contact area to grip soft or uneven surfaces. This design is also twice as thick, which contributes to durability and traction off the beaten path.
For road grip, the interlocking tread blocks are key. They work to provide consistent control and reliable grip on both wet and dry pavement. You can feel confident during sudden maneuvers or in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The tire is engineered to resist the cutting and tearing that can occur on rough trails, ensuring it remains dependable for the long haul.
Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse At All-Season Tire
The Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse is built to handle a variety of challenges. Its large tread blocks, combined with open grooves and sawtooth edges, are designed to improve off-road capability while also providing a stable footprint on the road. This structure helps maintain contact with the pavement for better control.
A unique tread pattern is employed to promote even wear and a quiet ride across different road surfaces. For year-round security, the tire features numerous biting edges and a specialized tread compound that provides enhanced winter traction. This makes it a solid choice for drivers who encounter light snow and ice in addition to standard road conditions.
Starfire Solarus HT All-Season Tire
The Starfire Solarus HT is a highway-terrain, all-season touring tire made for SUVs, CUVs, and pickups. It focuses on delivering a quiet and comfortable ride, which is often a priority for drivers who spend most of their time on paved roads. The tire is engineered for even treadwear, which helps maintain consistent performance over its lifespan.
Backed by a 50,000-mile warranty, this tire offers a strong value proposition. It provides excellent all-season traction, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving in various weather conditions. If your primary need is a dependable, no-fuss tire for daily commuting and family trips, the Solarus HT is a contender.
Continental TerrainContact A/T All Terrain Light Truck Tire
Continental’s TerrainContact A/T strikes a careful balance between off-road traction and comfortable on-road performance. It features TractionPlus Technology, which is engineered to improve overall traction and durability. This technology also contributes to better grip on wet roads, a critical factor for safety in rainy conditions.
With a 60,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life coverage, this tire is built to last. It manages to offer capable off-road characteristics while keeping road noise to a minimum, ensuring a more pleasant driving experience on the highway. For those seeking a premium all-terrain tire that doesn’t compromise on-road civility, this is an excellent option.
Atturo Trail Blade ATS A/T Truck/SUV All-Terrain Radial Tire
The Atturo Trail Blade ATS is an all-terrain radial tire designed for trucks and SUVs. Its aggressive tread pattern is built to handle a variety of surfaces, from pavement to dirt paths. The tire’s construction is focused on providing a robust and durable performance for drivers who need a tough, off-road capable tire.
As an all-terrain option, it provides a confident grip when venturing off the pavement. The design aims to clear mud and debris effectively, which helps maintain traction in challenging conditions. This tire is a solid choice for those whose driving habits include regular off-road excursions.
Continental CrossContact LX25 All Season SUV/Crossover Tire
The Continental CrossContact LX25 is engineered specifically for modern SUVs and crossovers. A standout feature is its impressive up to 70,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life coverage, indicating a long-lasting product. It utilizes Continental’s EcoPlus Technology, which is designed to save fuel and extend tread life.
Where road grip is concerned, this tire excels in wet conditions. It is specifically noted for providing short braking distances on wet roads, a vital safety benefit. For drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency, long tread life, and superior wet weather performance, the CrossContact LX25 is a top-tier highway-focused tire.
Hankook H737 KINERGY PT All-Season Radial Tire
The Hankook Kinergy PT is an all-season radial tire designed for a smooth and quiet ride. It is built to handle the demands of daily driving, offering reliable performance in a variety of weather conditions. The tire’s construction focuses on providing comfort and stability on paved roads.
As a touring tire, it aims to deliver a balanced performance with an emphasis on reducing road noise and providing consistent all-season traction. For drivers looking for a dependable tire for their sedan or crossover that performs well in dry, wet, and lightly snowy conditions, the Kinergy PT is a worthy consideration.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S All-Season Radial Car Tire
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is renowned for its long-lasting tread life and all-weather capability. It is engineered to provide confident traction in various conditions, including rain, light snow, and dry roads. The tire’s robust construction helps resist damage from hazards, contributing to its durability.
For road grip, it offers a stable and comfortable ride, making it a popular choice for light trucks and SUVs. The tread compound is designed to remain flexible in colder temperatures, which aids in maintaining grip during winter months. This tire is an investment in long-term, reliable performance for the daily driver.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Radial Tire
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is designed to be a truly all-weather tire, providing reliable traction in rain, snow, and dry conditions. It features Goodyear’s Weather Reactive Technology, which includes traction grooves and biting edges that adapt to changing road surfaces for improved grip.
This tire is recognized for its strong performance in wet and winter conditions, offering drivers peace of mind throughout the year. The tread pattern is engineered to efficiently evacuate water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and improving control during heavy rain. It’s a comprehensive solution for those facing diverse and challenging weather.
What to Look For in the Best 9/60R18 All-Season Tires for Road Grip
When I’m looking for new tires, especially in a specific size like 9/60R18, my main focus is always on how well they stick to the road. It’s not just about dry pavement; a truly great all-season tire needs to perform when it’s wet, and maybe even when there’s a light dusting of snow. The whole point is confidence, no matter what the weather decides to do. So, here’s what I pay attention to when judging a tire’s road grip.
First up is the tread compound. This is the actual rubber mix the tire is made from. A softer compound generally provides better grip because it can conform to the road’s texture more easily. However, a tire that’s too soft might wear out too quickly. The best all-season tires use a sophisticated blend that stays flexible in colder temperatures for grip but is resilient enough to handle summer heat without wearing down prematurely. I always look for technologies like silica-infused tread compounds, as these are known to improve wet traction significantly.
Next, I examine the tread pattern itself. Those grooves and blocks aren’t just for show. For water to be channeled away effectively, you need a pattern with plenty of grooves and sipes (those tiny slits in the tread blocks). In heavy rain, standing water can cause hydroplaning, where the tire loses contact with the road. A tire with an aggressive, multi-directional tread pattern will push water out to the sides, maintaining contact and grip. I specifically check for features like wide circumferential grooves and high-density siping.
Finally, I consider the internal construction and the tire’s overall design philosophy. Some tires are built with stiffer sidewalls for better handling response, which translates to sharper grip during cornering. Others might prioritize comfort, which can sometimes mean a slightly softer feel. For my money, I look for a tire that strikes a good balance. I also make it a point to read through professional test results and user reviews that focus on real-world braking distances and cornering stability in both dry and wet conditions. This hands-on data gives me a much clearer picture than marketing claims alone. Finding the right balance in these areas is key to selecting the best 9/60R18 all-season tires for superior road grip.
FAQ
What makes an all-season tire good for road grip?
It’s a combination of the rubber compound and the tread design. The compound needs to stay pliable in various temperatures to maintain traction. The tread pattern needs deep grooves to resist hydroplaning by evacuating water, and lots of small sipes to bite into light snow and wet pavement. A stiff internal structure also helps the tire respond quickly when I turn the steering wheel.
Can I use these 9/60R18 all-season tires in snow?
You can, but with a big caveat. All-season tires are competent in light snow and slush. However, if I lived in an area with frequent heavy snowfall or icy roads, I would strongly consider dedicated winter tires. The rubber compounds and tread patterns on winter tires are specifically designed for those severe conditions, offering a much higher level of safety and control.
How long can I expect a set of these tires to last?
Tire lifespan varies a lot based on the specific model, your vehicle, your driving style, and even road conditions. A high-performance all-season tire might have a treadwear rating of 40,000 to 60,000 miles. I always check the Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) treadwear number on the sidewall. A higher number suggests a longer potential lifespan, but it’s just one factor to consider alongside grip and comfort.
Is road noise a problem with high-grip tires?
It can be. Tires designed for maximum grip often have a more aggressive tread pattern and a softer compound, which can sometimes generate more noise compared to a grand-touring tire designed for quiet comfort. However, many modern all-season tires use computer-optimized tread patterns and noise-cancelling technologies to keep things quiet without sacrificing performance. It’s a trade-off I look into by reading reviews.
How important is proper tire pressure for maintaining grip?
It’s incredibly important and something I check monthly. Under-inflated tires can feel sluggish and reduce grip because the tread doesn’t make proper contact with the road. Over-inflated tires can make the center of the tread bulge, reducing the contact patch and making the ride harsher. I always keep my tires inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended PSI, which is found on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, to ensure optimal performance and grip from my best 9/60R18 all-season tires.