Last Updated on 7 months
Best Tires for Long Summer Road Trips
Summer is road trip season, and this year, like any other, millions of American families will hit the road in search of new sights, experiences, and fun. Whether you’re planning to take a few weeks off or just a short weekend getaway, you’ll need a comfortable vehicle and dependable tires. But which ones?
Although it might seem like any tire will do, choosing the right tires for a summer road trip is more important than it appears. Your final decision should depend on the type of vehicle you’re driving, the distance you’ll be covering, and the regions you plan to visit. Let’s dive into the details and help you choose the best tires for your summer road adventures.
What Should You Look for in a Summer Road Trip Tire?
The first step in choosing the ideal touring tire for summer vacation is identifying the type of vehicle you’ll be driving. Sedans, hatchbacks, and minivans typically require tires with lower load ratings, while larger SUVs and pickups benefit from higher load-rated tires to support their extra weight and cargo.
Next, consider whether to go with summer or all-season tires. Summer tires offer superior grip, better performance on wet roads, and shorter braking distances—all crucial for long-distance driving in warm conditions. However, if your trip involves varying climates or if you plan to use the same tires year-round, all-season options might be more practical. Summer tires are often better suited for passenger cars, while all-season tires may be a better fit for SUVs and pickups.
You should also think about where you’ll be driving—interstates, backroads, or a mix of both. Regardless of the route, a great summer road trip tire should be durable, with a high treadwear rating, capable of handling thousands of miles in all kinds of driving conditions.
With that in mind, here are the top-rated tires for road trip comfort and durability in 2025.
Best Tires For Long Summer Road Trips For Sedans, Hatchbacks, and Minivans
Premium Options
Michelin CrossClimate2 (Grand Touring All-Season)
The Michelin CrossClimate2 is a premium all-season tire that behaves like a summer tire on dry pavement, yet handles unexpected weather changes with confidence. Designed for comfort, safety, and exceptional tread life, it’s perfect for families or road warriors who travel across varying climates.
Features:
- V-formation tread design for superior dry and wet traction
- Thermal adaptive compound optimized for heat and cold
- 3PMSF-certified for light snow (rare in summer tires)
- MaxTouch Construction for even wear and long mileage
- Outstanding hydroplaning resistance
Specifications:
- Treadwear warranty: 60,000 miles
- Speed rating: H, V
- Load Index: 87–103
- Available sizes: From 16 to 20 inches
- Price: Click Here For The Price
Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack (Touring All-Season)
Engineered for ultimate comfort and quiet performance, the Turanza QuietTrack is ideal for long summer drives. It provides a luxurious ride with excellent all-season traction and long tread life, making it a go-to choice for families and professionals alike.
Features:
- QuietTrack Technology for noise reduction
- EdgePerformance Technology™ for sharp cornering
- 3D full-depth sipes for consistent performance over the tire’s life
- Silica-enhanced compound improves wet traction
- Round footprint optimizes pressure distribution
Specifications:
- Treadwear warranty: 80,000 miles
- Speed rating: H, V, W
- Load Index: 84–104
- Available sizes: From 15 to 20 inches
- Price: Click Here For The Price
Mid-Tier Options
Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S (Ultra High Performance All-Season)
A versatile all-season tire for spirited road trippers, the Ziex ZE960 offers high-speed stability and confident braking. It’s an excellent choice for hatchbacks and sedans prioritizing value and traction in varying summer weather conditions.
Features
- Dynamic Range Technology for performance in hot and cold temps
- Asymmetric tread pattern for cornering and straight-line stability
- Wide circumferential grooves for hydroplaning resistance
- Silica-enhanced compound for longer tread life
- Built for responsive handling on dry highways
Specifications
- Tire type: Ultra High Performance All-Season
- Treadwear warranty: 65,000 miles (H/V), 45,000 miles (W)
- Speed rating: H, V, W
- Load index: 84–103
- Available sizes: From 15 to 20 inches
- Price: Click Here For The Price
Affordable Options
General AltiMAX RT45 (All-Season Touring)
The AltiMAX RT45 is a solid, budget-friendly all-season touring tire. It’s made for long-lasting wear, dependable road manners, and solid summer performance—all without stretching your wallet.
Features:
- Comfort Balance Technology for a smooth ride
- Visual Alignment Indicators for tread wear awareness
- Twin Cushion silica tread compound enhances wet and dry grip
- Symmetrical design for easy rotation and consistent wear
- Monitor indicators show remaining tread life
Specifications:
- Treadwear warranty: 75,000 miles (T), 65,000 miles (H/V)
- Speed rating: T, H, V
- Load Index: 84–107
- Available sizes: From 14 to 20 inches
- Price: Click Here For The Price
Kenda Kenetica KR217 (All-Season Touring)
An excellent value tire for budget-conscious drivers. The KR217 offers comfort, reasonable wet and dry performance, and dependable treadwear for city commutes and long highway travel.
Features:
- All-weather tread compound with variable pitch sequencing
- Optimized tread blocks for reduced road noise
- Four wide grooves for improved hydroplaning resistance
- Computer-designed tread profile enhances durability
- Built-in tread wear indicators for long-term monitoring
Specifications:
- Treadwear warranty: 60,000 miles
- Speed rating: T, H, V
- Load Index: 84–103
- Available sizes: From 14 to 18 inches
- Price: Click Here For The Price
Best Tires For Long Summer Road Trips For SUVs and Pickups
Premium Options
Michelin Defender LTX M/S (All-Season Highway Tire)
A top-tier tire designed for durability and comfort, the Defender LTX M/S is perfect for long summer road trips in light trucks and SUVs. It offers exceptional tread life, quiet performance, and firm wet and dry grip—ideal for high-mileage travel and towing.
Features:
- Evertread compound for long tread life under heavy loads
- MaxTouch Construction for even wear and fuel efficiency
- Exceptional braking on wet pavement
- Low road noise and smooth ride for long-haul comfort
- Snow traction certified with M+S rating for year-round use
Specifications:
- Tire type: All-Season Highway
- Treadwear warranty: 70,000 miles
- Speed rating: R, S, T, H
- Load Index: 99–129
- Available sizes: From 15 to 22 inches
- Price: Click Here For The Price
Continental TerrainContact H/T (All-Season Highway Tire)
A refined highway tire made for large SUVs and pickups, the TerrainContact H/T combines strong towing capability, excellent highway manners, and quiet comfort. It’s an ideal tire for families who prioritize safety and peace of mind on long road trips.
Features:
- TractionPlus Technology for long life and confident braking
- Silane-enhanced compound for firm wet and dry grip
- Comfort-focused tread pattern for quiet highway driving
- Strong sidewalls for towing stability
- Excellent traction even in light snow
Specifications:
- Tire type: All-Season Highway
- Treadwear warranty: 70,000 miles (P-metric), 60,000 miles (LT-metric)
- Speed rating: S, T, H
- Load Index: 104–129
- Available sizes: From 16 to 22 inches
- Price: Click Here For The Price
Mid-Tier Options
Falken Wildpeak H/T02 (All-Season Highway Tire)
A newer tire designed for full-size pickups and SUVs, the Wildpeak H/T02 offers all-weather confidence with the comfort and durability required for long-distance summer travel. It is excellent for daily driving, towing, and high-mileage trips.
Features:
- 3D Canyon Sipes for excellent handling and wear resistance
- Optimized tread for water evacuation and hydroplaning resistance
- Reinforced construction for towing and payload stability
- Quiet, smooth ride even at highway speeds
- Severe snow service rating with 3PMSF (on select sizes)
Specifications:
- Tire type: All-Season Highway
- Treadwear warranty: 70,000 miles (P-metric), 50,000 miles (LT)
- Speed rating: S, T, H
- Load Index: 102–129
- Available sizes: From 16 to 22 inches
- Price: Click Here For The Price
General Grabber HTS60 (All-Season Touring/Highway Tire)
Ideal for light trucks and SUVs, the HTS60 is a comfortable, reliable tire that delivers a smooth ride with impressive highway manners. It balances performance and durability at a mid-level price—great for road trips with family or gear.
Features:
- Comfort Balance Technology for reduced vibration and noise
- Duragen Technology for durability and stability under load
- Enhanced wet traction and responsive handling
- Reliable dry performance and braking
- Available in both standard and LT-metric sizes for heavier vehicles
Specifications:
- Tire type: All-Season Highway
- Treadwear warranty: 65,000 miles (P-metric), 50,000 miles (LT)
- Speed rating: T, H, S
- Load Index: 102–129
- Available sizes: From 15 to 22 inches
- Price: Click Here For The Price
Affordable Options
Kumho Crugen HT51 (All-Season Highway Tire)
This tire offers excellent comfort, tread life, and affordability for SUVs and pickups. The Crugen HT51 is ideal for budget-conscious drivers who still want performance for summer road trips and everyday use.
Features:
- Snow and wet traction thanks to symmetrical tread with full-depth sipes
- Dual silica compound for reduced rolling resistance and fuel efficiency
- Reinforced internal construction for load handling
- Quiet ride with blockchain control technology
- M+S rated for year-round utility
Specifications:
- Tire type: All-Season Highway
- Treadwear warranty: 70,000 miles (P-metric), 45,000 miles (LT)
- Speed rating: T, H
- Load Index: 102–129
- Available sizes: From 15 to 22 inches
- Price: Click Here For The Price
Firestone Destination LE3 (All-Season Touring Tire)
An excellent budget option for crossovers, light trucks, and SUVs, the LE3 offers a comfortable and durable ride for road trips, daily commuting, and mild towing. Reliable performance and traction with a price that fits most budgets.
Features:
- Hydro-Grip Technology for improved wet performance
- Full-depth 3D sipes for traction throughout the tire’s life
- Quiet, stable ride on highways
- Enhanced tread compound for longer mileage
- Great wet and dry handling balance
Specifications:
- Tire type: All-Season Touring
- Treadwear warranty: 70,000 miles
- Speed rating: T, H, V
- Load Index: 100–117
- Available sizes: From 15 to 22 inches
- Price: Click Here For The Price
Conclusion
Whatever your summer plans may be, dependable tires are your first step toward a great vacation and a memorable road trip. Choose wisely from our selection of high-quality options designed to keep you safe, comfortable, and confident on the road.