A few decades ago, the element of SUVs was rugged terrain, where they could show themselves in all their glory, although they felt good on hard surfaces. But recently the trend is developing in such a way that cars of the SUV segment not only learned to drive well on asphalt, but also began to reach speeds previously inherent only to sports cars ...
This state of affairs did not leave aside the tire workers - after all, they had to design such tires that would be intended for "all-terrain vehicles" and, at the same time, would have outstanding indicators of speed, handling and durability.
After all, it's not a secret for anyone that modern SUVs of the premium segment (as well as “top” variants from the mid-price segment) can accelerate from zero to 100 km / h in less than seven seconds without any problems, and their maximum characteristics exceed 200 km / h (and - significantly). As the most striking example, such figures can boast of the Porsche Macan, even in the smallest modification (let alone top-end ones), which became our benchmark for the selection of tires suitable for "especially capable" crossovers.
In total, 12 sets of tires were selected with the following parameters: disc diameter - 20 inches, profile width - from 255 to 275 mm, height - from 30% to 55%. Moreover, they all have a speed index Y - that is, they can withstand loads at speeds up to 300 km / h.
It is worth noting that "for the sake of" tires are listed in alphabetical order. this is not a rating, but a list (what to choose, focusing on the combined combination of qualities and cost - it's up to you).
Bridgestone Alenza 001
Japanese tires Bridgestone Alenza 001 are positioned as a "triumph of organic chemistry", and all because of the Nanoprotech formula - which gives them a significant resource.
Visually, they do not stand out for anything special, but they have more rigid sidewalls than those of competitors - such an advantage not only positively affects comfort, but also reduces the tendency to break when cornering.
In addition, these tires have low noise, excellent braking properties on dry asphalt and good fuel efficiency - this conclusion is shared by both ordinary users and experts from test laboratories.
True, here it is worth noting a few "buts": these tires weigh 13.9 kg (a tire in the standard size 275/40 R20 Y) - heavy, and in retail stores they cost about 17,700 rubles - a little expensive.
Continental PremiumContact 6
These tires were "born" at the beginning of 2017, and in the hierarchy of the company itself they are located in an intermediate position between the most comfortable ComfortContact tires and the most sporty MaxContact.
But its main "highlight" against the background of the aforementioned "colleagues in the shop" is the possibility of using it in adverse weather conditions and outside the asphalt surface (but only with caution).
These tires exhibit an asymmetrical tread pattern with gully grooves that are shaped like a storm drain. They contain short-chain polymers that help maintain stable performance throughout the tire's "life cycle".
It is also worth noting that the German organization ADAC recognized this rubber as the most economical, and the Chinese automobile magazine Motor Trend - the safest.
The weight of one Continental PremiumContact 6 tire is 12.8 kg (with a standard size of 255/55 R20 Y), and its retail price starts at 15 850 rubles.
General Tire Grabber GT
General Tire Grabber GT tires are one of the most affordable tires on this list, but at the same time they meet all the requirements without any problems.
They are available in a wide variety of sizes, making them suitable not only for Porsche Macans, but also for full-size SUVs. Moreover, each such tire weighs only about 11 kg in the dimension 255/55 R20.
This rubber can boast of good handling on wet asphalt and high acoustic comfort, however, it is not suitable for off-road conditions - for these purposes, the company's lineup includes more "capable" options.
Testers usually praise the behavior of this rubber on wet surfaces and rate it as average on dry, but ordinary motorists most often highlight durability and braking qualities among their positive qualities.
But the main advantage of the General Tire Grabber GT lies in their price - the retail price of one tire is about 11,200 rubles.
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV is a novelty for 2018 that looks like Formula 1 tires and has only slightly worse performance.
These tires have an asymmetric tread pattern similar to that of passenger sports cars, and also boast similar technologies - Active Braking and Grip Booster. The first of them improves braking by increasing the contact area of the treadmill, and the second adds traction, as if penetrating the unevenness of the asphalt.
In addition, the tires demonstrate another technology - it contributes to more efficient tread cooling.
The Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric SUV performs well in many tire tests with a profile of 55% or less, and is considered one of the nicest SUV options by ordinary users.
The weight of one such tire in the dimension 255/55 R20 does not exceed 12 kg, and the cost in ordinary stores starts from 12,500 rubles.
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
In the company itself, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires are positioned as "Ultra High Performance" (so to speak - a binding phrase). However, in reality, this is just a reinforced version of passenger tires, with a more powerful and thicker sidewall, as well as stiffer central tread tracks with pronounced longitudinal grooves (something similar can be observed on rubber for long-haul tractors).
As for the tests, then these tires do not stand out "in the light" of competitors by any advantages, with the exception of directional stability.
But at the same time, they are heavy and not the cheapest: the weight of one tire of standard size 255/55 R20 is 14.1 kg, and the cost is 14,500 rubles.
Hankook Ventus S1 EVO 2
Korean tires Hankook Ventus S1 EVO 2 are of interest, first of all, because they are created "based on" developments that were used by the company in the DTM (where Hankook acted as a tire sponsor).
These tires have an asymmetric tread pattern that is all about racing direction (and certainly not associated with broken dirt). In addition, the tires boast Multi Tread Radius grooves of various widths and complex structures - which provides them with excellent road holding.
In terms of tests, when passing them, the Ventus S1 EVO 2 usually show stable straight line behavior and good braking performance.
These tires are lightweight: the weight of one unit in size 255/55 R20 equals 11.6 kg. In addition to this, they are reasonably affordable - only 10,070 rubles in retail stores.
Michelin Latitude Sport 3
Michelin Latitude Sport 3 tires have a two-layer carcass, which, according to the manufacturer itself, gives it strength, both on asphalt and dirt roads. This is confirmed to some extent by tests - the presence of the latest generation of elastomers puts them in a leading position in the class in terms of wear resistance.
True, ordinary motorists in their reviews note the not very pleasant behavior of these tires when braking on wet asphalt, which, in turn, does not contribute to a reduction in the braking distance.
Michelin Latitude Sport 3 tires are not heavy - all alone about 12 kg (size 255/55 R20). But here they are not cheap - 16 800 rubles.
Nitto NT555 G2
In the Nitto lineup there are no high-speed models with dimensions 255/55 R20, but there are other interesting tires - on 275/30 R20 - this is the NT555 G2 model. But here it is worth noting right away - not every disc will look good on a 30% profile, which is why the choice will not be easy. However, it is safe to say that on such wheels, an SUV will definitely attract a lot of attention, especially if it has other external improvements.
These tires are able to boast of perfected handling, high grip and braking properties and excellent directional stability, however, comfort from them can be achieved only if the crossover has a soft suspension. Moreover, it depends not only on the height of the profile, but also on the mass of the rubber itself - 13.7 kg (which is a lot).
The main advantage of Nitto NT555 G2 lies in their price - only 12,700 rubles apiece in retail stores.
Nokian Hakka Black 2 SUV
The Finnish Nokian Hakka Black 2 SUV tires are, in fact, a modified version of the Hakka Black passenger car specifically for SUVs, featuring a reinforced sidewall and an additional layer of cord. Well, against the background of the first generation, they stand out with a new mixture composition, which contributed to maintaining comfort and improving performance, as well as a denser tread pattern.
The off-road performance of the tires is emphasized by an aramid ply and flanges that protect the gap between the rubber sidewall and the rim from sand, dirt and splinters.
One such tire with a standard size of 255/55 R20 weighs only 11.8 kg, and is relatively inexpensive - 12,400 rubles.
Toyo Proxes T1 Sport SUV
Toyo Proxes T1 Sport SUV tires have been designed specifically for use on dynamic and fast SUVs, as evidenced by the rounded shoulders of the tread profile - this solution allows you to evenly distribute the load in turns without any damage to grip performance.
In general, they have a real bouquet of modern technologies: additional reinforcement of the sidewalls, the presence of silica in the composition and the tread pattern calculated by means of 3D modeling.
During tests, these tires usually perform well in terms of handling on wet asphalt surfaces, but ordinary users often complain about the decrease in acoustic comfort as they wear.
In addition, with the reinforcement, the manufacturer clearly overdid it - one tire with a dimension of 255/55 R20 weighs 13.9 kg. Although her price tag is quite acceptable for herself - 12,080 rubles.
Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico
Italian Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires have already become famous for their exemplary dry performance. In addition, they are provided in a large number of dimensions available for both the domestic Niva and old premium SUVs (for example, for the Lamborghini LM002).
These tires boast the most modern technologies, in which the Italians are fully invested, thanks to which the final product is one of the best, but quite expensive (especially against the background of many competitors). Almost 80% of the rubber composition is represented by polymers based on silicon dioxide.
Tires of standard size 255/55 R20 cost 14,360 rubles apiece at retail points of sale, and their weight is 11.4 kg.
Yokohama Advan Sport V105S
Yokohama Advan Sport V105S tires are the undisputed leaders in the asphalt direction and are also suitable for cars such as the Porsche Macan. But the tires themselves are not new - their debut took place back in 2012, when the emphasis was on comfort and safety, while speed performance was not given close attention.
Although, of course, since that time, the Japanese have constantly modernized their product, extolling sportiness in it - due to the technology of forming the profiles of Matrix Rayon Body Ply and the Sport Compound 5S, which includes three polymers with special properties at once.
In tests, the Advan Sport V105S typically exhibits excellent dry handling and mediocre performance on wet asphalt. As for ordinary car owners, in their reviews they attribute a high level of comfort to the pluses of these tires, and quick wear to the minuses.
The mass of one such tire with a dimension of 255/55 R20 is 12.6 kg, and the price tag in retail stores starts at 11,500 rubles.
