Summer tires for SUVs: a guide to choosing the best models for 2024

Choosing tires for an SUV is not an easy task. There are a number of factors to consider. Among them are size, seasonality, operating conditions, price.


Even a powerful car will not cope with its task without reliable tires. Tires are the basis of safety, comfort and cross-country ability. In this article we will talk about how to choose tires that will suit your car on off-road, mud, and rocky sandy soil.

Yokohama Geolandar A / T G015

Non-directional tread rubber designed for use on SUVs and pickup trucks. These tires stand out for their high grip and comfortable ride in all weather conditions and on different surfaces. The manufacturer positions the tires as “a product for drivers who value an active lifestyle and do not want to waste time changing tires depending on the season.”

Large tread blocks improve handling and stability at high speeds without increasing noise levels. The optimal shape of the grooves promotes stability and prevents slipping during maneuvers and cornering. The use of three-dimensional sipes helps maintain the rigidity of the tread blocks, which increases the service life of the rubber and provides better grip in extreme conditions.


The internal structure of Geolandar provides a thick bead rim, which helps to successfully support the wheel under significant daily loads, and also increases their strength and reliability. The tires are resistant to damage, making them ideal for use in harsh off-road conditions.

In addition to silicon dioxide and orange peel oil, the mixture contains polymers. They enhance traction on various types of surfaces and extend the life of the tire.

Cordiant Off-Road

Russian-made rubber occupies more than 50% of the market for “mud” tires in the MT segment (Mud-Terrain, intended for heavy off-road use). This success is due, among other things, to its affordable price. The model is a classic off-road tire: massive blocks, deep tread pattern, large lateral lugs and rock ejector sipes, similar to those used on truck wheels.


On asphalt, the new tires are noisy, but they are still far from reaching an annoying level, especially when driving a UAZ. Handling on hard roads is also satisfactory. Cordiant provides an unexpectedly decent level of comfort on a variety of surface types.

However, the strength of this model manifests itself in muddy off-road conditions. The tires not only cope with harsh conditions and self-clean effectively, but also provide the driver with an understanding of the load-bearing qualities of the road surface. This is crucial to ensure you don't miss the moment when extreme conditions give way to what can be described as real wild failure.

The aggressive tread design of the Cordiant Off-Road tires, featuring massive, sharp-edged blocks, provides the ability to handle both mud and gravel surfaces.

Kama I-520 Pilgrim

The tires are designed for installation on crossovers and SUVs and guarantee excellent handling in various conditions. Chaotically placed square tread blocks with sharp edges help increase traction and shorten braking distances. Improved cross-country ability on wet and dirty roads is ensured by special grouser blocks.


Summer tires of this model have a class “C” for fuel economy and “F” for grip on wet surfaces. The first indicator corresponds to average characteristics, while the second is one of the minimum. Pilgrim I-520 is marked with the letter “M+S”, which indicates increased efficiency in muddy conditions and at temperatures not lower than -5 ° C Celsius. Despite this, these tires are not all-season tires and are not intended for winter use.

Triangle Group TR292

All-season tires made in China, designed for crossovers and SUVs, due to their performance on asphalt and rough terrain. To ensure cross-country ability on different types of surfaces, engineers developed a special non-directional tread pattern and a two-layer rubber mixture. All products are thoroughly checked for defects before going on sale.

The multi-pitch tread pattern reduces noise generated while driving, making for a comfortable ride. Reinforced shoulder blocks increase the vehicle's stability when cornering and also protect the tires from impacts. Three central tracks and a hard top layer increase the tire's contact area with the asphalt, which guarantees improved traction on various types of surfaces. The tread grooves ensure the removal of water and dirt, which increases the permeability of the rubber on wet and slippery roads. The rigid bottom layer promotes even wear, increasing tire life.


Among the disadvantages is a decrease in efficiency with wear of 60%. Under such conditions, the tire may lose performance, in particular during heavy braking (even with ABS). And although the Triangle Group TR292 tires are considered all-season, they cannot boast of sufficient handling when driving on snow and ice. Therefore, we consider it as a summer option. The rubber will slide on compacted snow and wet asphalt, which requires increased caution from the driver. The disadvantages of TR292 appear under extreme operating conditions.

AShK Forward Safari 540

Radial tubeless model specially designed for all-wheel drive vehicles. The main aspect is the use of a metal cord, which strengthens the structure of the tire. The tread, located in the center, is represented by a pair of rows of uneven and obliquely directed blocks. Massive lugs protruding from the sides provide high-quality grip on surfaces.

The advantage of the AShK Forward Safari 540 is its relatively affordable price (as for extreme tires) and cross-country ability. The tread pattern guarantees traction and easy dirt removal thanks to large elements. The tire can withstand wear even on asphalt.


The main drawback is problems with balancing. The tire is massive and powerful, which makes balancing difficult. Extreme tires are always noisy. This is important to consider when expecting high performance in difficult conditions. Driving at speeds above 80 km/h may cause vibration.

When choosing tires for an SUV, you need to take into account the operating conditions. For off-road driving, tires with a deep pattern and powerful lugs are more suitable; on asphalt, tires with a road tread are more suitable for a comfortable ride. Universal tires with a combined pattern will be the optimal solution for driving on different types of roads. The diameter must correspond to the parameters of the SUV, since the width of the wheel affects handling and maneuverability. Not only the overall driving experience, but also safety depends on the correct choice of tires.