Serene Journey: The Quietest SUV Tires of 2024

On the hunt for the quietest SUV tires? Look no further. Our article zeros in on top contenders that excel in hushing road noise, ensuring your ride is as peaceful as it gets.

We have tested and rated them on noise reduction and general performance, so you’ll find the perfect balance for your vehicle without any unnecessary fluff.

Car Talk, a trusted source for car info, honours these top mechanics with their Golden Wrench Awards. This award finds the best in the auto repair business, making it easier for you to find a great mechanic.

This year, Car Talk shone a light on several exceptional SUV tires. Among them, the Continental CrossContact LX25 emerged as a clear winner, receiving the coveted Golden Wrench Award.

I know what you are thinking, why they chose “Continental CrossContact LX25” as a winner is because this tyre provides you with quiet driving performance.

Users have reported that continental crosscontact LX25 produce less road noise than other tyres, such as the Michelin CrossClimate2, which is a competitor in the all-season touring tire market.

Snapshot of Supreme Silence

If you are in the market for the quietest tire options for your SUV, you are in luck. We have scoured numerous products and taken advice from forums’ top contributors to bring you the crème de la crème of noiseless driving.

These are the best in their respective categories:

• Best for Overall Quiet Performance: Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack Tires
• Best for All-Season Adaptability: Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tires
• Best for Durability: Yokohama’s Long-Lasting Treads
• Best for Off-Road Quietness: BfGoodrich’s Rugged Trail Tires
• Best Value for Money: Continentals’ Affordable Silence

Next, we will delve into each one to aid you in determining the most fitting for your vehicle and requirements.

Best Overall Quiet Performance: Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack Tires

That’s the promise of Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack tires, based on Mavis survey results.

• Long Lasting: Backed by an 80,000-mile warranty, these tires are built for extended use.
• All-Season Performance: Enjoy confident handling in all weather conditions, perfect for road trips and highway driving.
• Quiet Ride: Silence the road noise with QuietTrack technology for a more peaceful driving experience.

Price: $180 – $300

Specifications

• Size: Various available from 15” to 20”
• Treadwear warranty: 80,000 miles

Pros:

• Exceptional noise reduction
• Smooth handling
• Superior traction in both dry and wet conditions, ensuring excellent wet traction

Cons:

• Premium price point

Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack tires stand out for their exceptional features:

• Exceptional quietness
• Engineered with QuietTrack Technology for market-leading noise reduction
• Tailored to luxury vehicles for a quiet and luxurious driving experience
• Smooth handling
• Superior traction in both dry and wet conditions
• 3D full-depth sipes that enhance traction in snowy weather and improve tread life

We were pleasantly surprised by their performance. The tires are smooth and stable on the highway, with barely any tire noise heard inside the cabin.

In wet conditions, they provide excellent grip, keeping the car stable and safe.

Although these tires represent a premium choice within their category, the combination of luxury-level quietness and exceptional road performance justifies the investment for those seeking tranquillity without sacrificing traction and handling.

Bridgestone launched the Turanza EV tire, focusing on wear resistance and lower rolling resistance to enhance fuel efficiency in electric vehicles. The tire is designed to deliver a quiet, comfortable ride, control in wet conditions, and a long mileage range per charge. It incorporates 50% renewable and recycled materials, aligning with sustainability goals.

Rating:

• Noise Reduction: 5/5
• Handling: 4.5/5
• Traction: 4.5/5
• Value for Money: 4/5

Best for All-Season Adaptability: Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tires

Mechanic Martha Hernandez asked customers about new high-performance tires. Here’s the scoop:

• Drivers liked the quiet ride and good grip on dry and wet roads.
• Some noticed a change in steering and thought the tires were expensive.

Good tires for quiet rides and confident handling, but consider how they might affect steering and cost more.

Price: $150 – $250

Specifications

• Size: Various available from 16” to 22”
• Treadwear warranty: 60,000 miles

Pros:

• All-season capability
• Quiet ride
• Decent snow traction in wet and snowy environments

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to some competitors

If you are seeking a tire that’s adaptable to all seasons and ensures a quiet ride, Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires could be your ideal pick.

Here are some key features of these tires:

• Severe snow rating
• 60,000-mile treadwear warranty
• Excellent performance in dry conditions
• Decent traction in wet and snowy environments
• Designed with a focus on snow performance

During our test drive, we found that these all-season tires offer improved traction for driving in light snow conditions.

Despite being at a higher price point than some competitors, these tires are valued for their year-round performance and the peace they offer throughout the seasons.

If you live in an area with changing weather conditions and want a tire that offers quiet performance throughout the year, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires are worth considering.

Rating:

• Noise Reduction: 4.5/5
• Handling: 4/5
• Traction: 4.5/5
• Value for Money: 4/5

Best for Durability: Yokohama’s Long-Lasting Treads

The Yokohama Avid Ascend (T) boasts a whopping 85,000-mile warranty, and Consumer Reports estimates it hitting an even higher 100,000 miles. That is some serious road warrior cred.

Avid Ascend LX does not lag either, offering a stellar 85,000-mile warranty. Yokohama – your one-stop shop for long-lasting tires.

Price: $120 – $200

Specifications

• Size: Various available from 14” to 20”
• Treadwear warranty: Up to 25,000 miles

Pros:

• Long-lasting tread life
• Noise reduction features
• Cost-effective for sustained use

Cons:

• Not as quiet as some premium models

Yokohama’s long-lasting treads are the go-to choice for durability. These tires are designed with advanced micro-silica compounds and rounded rib designs that significantly extend the lifespan of tire treads. Users have reported tread life that exceeds the advertised by up to 15,000 miles.

The extended tread life means fewer replacements are needed over time, making these tires a cost-effective selection for sustained use.

The benefits of Yokohama tires include:

• Rigid construction and optimized groove angles are designed to minimize road noise, contributing to a quieter ride experience
• Durability and long-lasting treads
• Reasonable noise reduction, although not as quiet as some premium models

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tire that offers these benefits, Yokohama tires are a great choice.

Rating:

• Noise Reduction: 4/5
• Handling: 3.5/5
• Tread Life: 5/5
• Value for Money: 4.5/5

I don’t need a whisper-quiet ride, but a loud tire can get annoying on long trips. A 4 out of 5 rating for noise reduction sounds pretty decent, but maybe I should do some more research to see how they compare to other quiet tires.

Best for Off-Road Quietness: BfGoodrich’s Rugged Trail Tires

Price: $150 – $250

Specifications

• Size: Various available from 15” to 20”
• Treadwear warranty: Manufacturer’s Standard

Pros:

• Off-road durability
• Comfortable ride
• Suitable for all-season use

Cons:

• Not as quiet as some premium models

For off-road enthusiasts who desire a quieter drive, BfGoodrich’s Rugged Trail Tires merit consideration. These tires offer:

• Off-road durability thanks to their two-ply polyester carcass
• A comfortable ride
• Enhanced off-road traction and minimized noise levels due to the amplitude and design of the grooves

These quiet tires are a great choice for those who enjoy the thrill of off-roading without the excess noise, especially when compared to stock tires. Additionally, a tire rack can help keep your tires organized and easily accessible.

During our test drive, we were quite impressed with the performance of these tires. Here are some key features:

• They handled well on muddy and rocky terrains
• The road noise was noticeably reduced compared to other off-road tires
• They are suitable for all-season use
• They are original equipment on many popular trucks, jeeps, and SUVs, ensuring adaptability regardless of the terrain or weather conditions

If you’re an off-road enthusiast looking for a quieter ride, BfGoodrich’s Rugged Trail Tires could be the perfect fit for you.

Rating:

• Noise Reduction: 4/5
• Handling: 4/5
• Off-Road Performance: 4.5/5
• Value for Money: 4/5

Best Value for Money: Continentals’ Affordable Silence

Price: $100 – $200

Specifications

• Size: Various available from 14” to 22”
• Treadwear warranty: Manufacturer’s Standard

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Offers a quiet and enduring ride

Cons:

• Less luxurious feel compared to premium tires

For those in pursuit of quieter tires that also provide excellent value for money, Continentals’ Affordable Silence makes for a stellar choice.

These quiet SUV tires are recognized for providing a quiet and enduring ride, which is cost-effective for consumers looking for noise suppression without a high price.

While they are economical, the tactile feel of driving may be slightly less luxurious compared to more premium tire options.

During our testing, we found that Continentals’ tires provide a reasonable level of noise dampening, considering their price.

The ride was smooth, and the tires handled well in various conditions.

Given their affordability and decent performance, Continentals’ tires are indeed a sound investment for quiet performance without breaking the bank.

Rating:

• Noise Reduction: 3.5/5
• Handling: 3.5/5
• Value for Money: 4.5/5

Best for Wet Conditions: Continental PureContact LS Tires

Customers have reported that the PureContact LS tires are notably quiet, provide great traction in dry and wet conditions, and offer improved handling compared to other tires, with minimal energy penalty for larger and wider sizes.

Price: $120 – $200

Specifications

• Size: Various available from 16” to 20”
• Treadwear warranty: Manufacturer’s Standard

Pros:

• Exceptional performance in wet conditions
• Comfortable and quiet ride

Cons:

• Could be quieter as they wear out

For those who often navigate wet conditions and desire a tire ensuring quiet and comfortable rides, the Continental PureContact LS Tires make a splendid choice.

These tires feature open shoulder slots to effectively evacuate water and reduce aquaplaning, while in-groove ridges prevent high-frequency noise.

Designed for exceptional traction and improved vehicle handling, these tires also focus on reducing road noise for a peaceful ride.

During our test drive, we were quite impressed with their performance. The tires were quiet and provided excellent grip in wet conditions.

As they wore out, we did notice a slight increase in noise, but it was still less than what we’ve experienced with other tires.

These tires are a great choice if you’re looking for a quiet, comfortable ride in wet conditions.

Rating:

• Noise Reduction: 4/5
• Wet Performance: 4.5/5
• Value for Money: 4/5

Best Budget-Friendly Option: Riken Tire’s Economical Quiet

Price: $70 – $120

Specifications

• Size: Various available from 15” to 18”
• Treadwear warranty: Manufacturer’s Standard

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Reasonable level of noise dampening

Cons:

• Not as quiet as some premium models

For budget-conscious individuals seeking a decent level of noise reduction, Riken Tire’s Economical Quiet is a commendable option.

While they might not be as advanced as some premium models, Riken tires strike a balance between cost and quietness for the driver.

In our testing, we found that Riken tires offer a fair amount of noise reduction. While they’re not the quietest tires on the market, they do a decent job for their price.

If you’re on a budget and looking for a tire that offers some level of noise reduction, Riken Tire’s Economical Quiet is worth considering.

Rating:

• Noise Reduction: 3/5
• Value for Money: 4.5/5

Best for Sporty Silence: Azenis 615K’s Performance Hush

Price: $120 – $200

Specifications

• Size: Various available from 15” to 18”
• Treadwear warranty: Manufacturer’s Standard

Pros:

• Sporty profile with a quieter ride
• Responsive handling and stability

Cons:

• Quicker wear with aggressive driving styles

Azenis 615K’s Performance Hush offers a perfect blend for drivers who appreciate sportiness without compromising on silence.

These tires are constructed using a special silica tread compound that contributes to a quieter ride even with their sporty profile.

They offer responsive handling and stability during spirited driving, thanks to their advanced tread pattern and tire composition.

Our test drives with Azenis 615K tires revealed the following features:

• Capacity to minimize noise intrusion
• Smooth and quiet ride
• Performance suitable for sporty driving styles
• Potential for faster wear with aggressive driving

Overall, the Azenis 615K tires are a top choice for drivers who value sportiness without noise.

Rating:

• Noise Reduction: 4/5
• Performance: 4.5/5
• Value for Money: 4/5

Best for High-Speed Quiet: Michelin Pilot Super Sports’ Whisper

Price: $150 – $300

Specifications

• Size: Various available from 17” to 22”
• Treadwear warranty: Manufacturer’s Standard

Pros:

• High-speed stability with reduced road noise
• Excellent grip in wet conditions

Cons:

• Might produce more noise as they wear out

Michelin Pilot Super Sports’ whisper is designed to deliver:

• High-speed stability with minimized road noise, even under aggressive driving conditions
• Notable improvements in dry handling and stability under braking
• A firm grip even in wet road conditions

We were quite impressed with their performance. The high-performance tires provided excellent grip, keeping the car stable and safe at high speeds.

Even at highway speeds, we found the tires to be remarkably quiet. While they might produce more noise as they wear out, their performance and quietness make them a top choice for drivers who enjoy high-speed driving without the noise.

Rating:

• Noise Reduction: 4/5
• High-Speed Performance: 5/5
• Value for Money: 4/5

How to Choose the Quietest SUV Tires?

Ever feel like your SUV’s rumble turns errands into headaches? A peaceful journey awaits with the perfect quietest SUV tires.

This guide empowers you to pick the best quietest SUV tires, making commutes serene escapes, not noisy nightmares.

Understanding the Symphony of Tire Noise

Several factors contribute to the noisy symphony emanating from your SUV’s tires:

• Tread Design: Aggressive treads, common on off-road tires, create more noise. Look for smoother, symmetrical patterns with features that disrupt noise, like variable-pitch tread blocks and circumferential grooves.
• Materials: Tires with sound-absorbing foam or fiber layers embedded within the structure dampen vibrations and road noise.
• Sidewall Stiffness: Flimsy sidewalls can flex and create additional noise. Stiffer sidewalls minimize this movement for a quieter ride.

Selecting Quiet Champions: Key Considerations

Tire Type: Touring tires prioritize a smooth, quiet ride, translating to less noise. All-season tires can also be quiet, but choose those designed with noise reduction in mind.

Noise Reduction Technologies: Look for technologies like Michelin’s Comfort Control Technology or Continental’s ComfortRide Technology. These innovations utilize features like noise-cancelling tread patterns and sound-absorbing materials for a hushed cabin.

Brand Reputation: Established tire manufacturers like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear invest heavily in noise-reduction research. While not a guarantee, these brands often produce some of the quietest tires available.

User Reviews and Ratings: Don’t underestimate the power of real-world experience. Online reviews and ratings from other SUV drivers can provide valuable insights into a particular tire’s noise level.

Balancing Quiet with Performance Needs

The quest for quiet shouldn’t compromise safety or performance entirely. Here’s how to find the perfect balance:

Decoding the Specs: Finding Quiet on the Tire Label

• UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grade): This label provides a three-part rating system. Focus on the treadwear rating. A higher treadwear rating often indicates a quieter tire, as softer compounds that wear out faster can be noisier.
• Noise Bar: Look for a chart with three noise bars on the UTQG label. Fewer bars indicate a quieter tire. Remember: While the UTQG system offers some guidance, it’s not an exhaustive indicator of noise levels.

Test Drives and Your Trusted Mechanic

• Test Drive: If possible, schedule a test drive with tires you are considering. This is the best way to experience the noise level firsthand.
• Mechanic’s Expertise: Consult your trusted mechanic. They can provide expert advice based on your specific SUV model, driving habits, and noise reduction preferences.

Understanding Tire Noise Specifications

Grasping tire noise specifications facilitates informed decisions when selecting the quietest SUV tires. One of the main factors that contribute to noise reduction is the tread design, which directly impacts tread noise.

Understanding the Mechanism:

This noise can be categorized into two main types:

• Interior Noise: This is the sound that reaches your ears inside the cabin. It’s a combination of vibrations travelling through the vehicle’s structure and sound waves carried through the air.
• Exterior Noise: This is the noise that radiates outward, affecting the environment around your vehicle.

Tire Noise Reduction

The good news is that tire noise isn’t an inevitable evil. Here are some key strategies for keeping things quiet:

• Smoother Treads: The smoother the tread pattern, the less noise it generates. Imagine whispering compared to shouting – that’s the difference a smooth tread can make!
• Tech to the Rescue: Advancements in computer-aided design and prediction tools have allowed manufacturers to optimize tire patterns for minimal noise generation.
• The Power of Progress: Modern tires are significantly quieter than their predecessors. In just the past decade, overall tire noise has been reduced by 5 to 8 decibels (dB), with some tires boasting noise levels just 2-3 dB higher than a completely smooth tire.

Regulations & Ratings

Several regulations and rating systems ensure that tire noise stays within acceptable limits:

• EU Tire Labeling: Since 2012, the European Union (EU) has mandated tire labeling for passenger cars and light trucks. These labels indicate a tyre’s performance in three key areas: wet braking, fuel efficiency, and, crucially, pass-by noise.
• Noise Levels by Size: Interestingly, noise level targets vary depending on tire size. Narrower tires face stricter noise limits compared to wider ones.
• The US and the E-mark: While the US lacks a nationwide tire noise regulation, most tires sold there carry the European E-mark, signifying compliance with lower noise standards.

Understanding Tire Noise Ratings:

Next time you’re shopping for tires, keep an eye out for the noise rating:

• The Decibel Range: A rolling tire typically emits noise in the range of 67 to 77 decibels. For reference, a normal conversation registers around 60 dB.
• The Color-Coded Chart: green for the quietest, orange for moderate noise, and red for the loudest tires. The chart will also display a letter corresponding to the tyre’s specific noise level.
• The Speaker Icon: This icon with sound bars provides a visual representation of the noise rating. Three black bars indicate the tire exceeds current noise standards, two signify compliance with EU noise levels, and one black bar signifies a poor noise rating.

Personalizing Your Peaceful Drive

Selecting the appropriate tire size, and brand and ensuring proper tire care is essential in personalizing your drive for a quieter journey.

Opting for narrower tires can help in achieving a quieter ride.

Also, choosing the correct tire size for your SUV and ensuring professional installation can help reduce noise and enhance performance.

Premium tire brands may offer better noise reduction due to their investment in research and development. Therefore, if your budget allows, it might be worthwhile to consider these brands.

Lastly, regular tire rotation and alignment are necessary to maintain low noise levels and prevent uneven wear. By following these tips, you can ensure that your drive remains peaceful, regardless of the journey.

Summing Up……..

the quest for quiet SUV tires doesn’t have to be a challenge. There are several great options available, each excelling in different areas.

Whether you are looking for overall quiet performance, all-season adaptability, durability, off-road quietness, value for money, wet condition performance, a budget-friendly option, sporty silence, or high-speed quiet, there’s a tire out there for you.

Remember to check the noise specifications and maintain proper tire care to ensure your drive remains peaceful.

Frequently Asked Questions