There is a new top grand touring all-season tire, according to the latest Tire Rack survey: the Michelin Premier A/S.
The average score for the Premier A/S was 9.2, barely ahead of the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus and its 9.1 rating. The Continental PureContact with EcoPlus technology is third with an average score of 8.7.
"The Michelin Premier A/S enters in our survey results as the 'grandest' of the grand touring all-season tires," says Tire Rack. "Receiving category-leading wet and winter/snow performance survey ratings confirms drivers appreciate how the Premier A/S tire's foul-weather traction has impressed us ever since our introductory drive.
"In order to experience the Premier A/S's EverGrip technology last winter, we conducted our introductory test with both new tires, as well as tires shaved to 5/32-inch of remaining tread depth to represent worn tires. With the Premier A/S's worn tire performance exceeding its competitors' new tires' performance, we're expecting to see the Premier A/S retain favorable wet and winter/snow performance ratings as North American drivers experience their first full winter.
"The Premier A/S outscores the now second-place Pirelli Cinturato P7 All-Season Plus in everything but dry performance ratings. We'll watch to see if it holds the position as the reported miles add up," says the company.
Tire Rack also re-tested the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 in the light truck/SUV studless ice and snow category. The DM-V1's average score of 8.8 remains well ahead of the Bridgestone Blizzak W965 and Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2, each at 8.4.
"Leading its category's dry, wet and winter-time traction for the second year, the Blizzak DM-V1 is rated as delivering it all for light-duty crossover, SUV and pickup drivers. With over three million miles of winter driving experience already reported, the Blizzak DM-V1 holds its position ahead of Bridgestone's Blizzak W965 (a heavy-duty Load Range E tire for light truck applications)."
