Tires encapsulate the box-ticking SUV – they need to be robust enough for testing assignments while offering a smooth and quiet ride. So what are the quietest SUV tires?
In this mini guide, we pick out 7 pairs of SUV tires acclaimed for their low noise level, and talk about some other handy features, too. Skip to:
- Michelin Premier LTX
- Continental ‎CrossContact LX20
- Falken Ziex CT60 A/S
- Kumho Road Venture AT52
- Michelin Defender LTX
- Yokohama Parada Spec-X
- Michelin Primary A/S
But first, a stat comparison:
#1 – Michelin Premier LTX
With their EverGrip technology and advanced symmetric tread design, Michelin Premier LTXs are an impressive all-season touring tire from the iconic tire manufacturer.
The Premier LTX will keep your SUV’s noise down with its EverGrip technology. So what does this fancy feature actually do?
It’s essentially an advanced symmetric tread design that minimizes vibrations and promotes even wear, adding up to a quieter tire.
Users back up the fact that the Michelin Premier LTXs are pretty damn quiet, with one driver, Sugarred on Amazon, saying:
“Probably the most quiet tires I have owned with good traction in the rain and decent handling.”
This is an all-season touring tire with rigid tread blocks that further enhance its quietness by maintaining consistent road contact.
The Premier LTX’s noise killing doesn’t stop there. Michelin has incorporated their innovative Comfort Control technology that acts like built-in shock absorbers, soaking up impacts and road irregularities to prevent their transmission into the cabin as noise and vibration.
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet
- Smooth ride
- Long treadwear
- All-season traction
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Limited off-road capability
#2 – Continental ‎CrossContact LX20
A quiet and smooth ride facilitated by g-F polymers and an optimized tread pattern, the higher-end of the price spectrum. Cushion midsole for superior shock absorption.
If you buy a luxury crossover or SUV, you are probably expecting a refined driving experience. With the wrong tires, this isn’t likely.
The Continental CrossContact LX20s go a long way to giving you this feeling. They are quiet, with impressive noise insulation. This comes from Tg-F polymers and an optimized tread pattern. The science? The tire maintains consistent road contact to minimize the generation of sound waves.
Also worth mentioning is the unique cushion midsole designed to absorb shocks and vibrations before they can reverberate into the cabin as disruptive noises
Pros
- Luxury touring tire with excellent noise insulation
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- All-season traction
Cons
- Relatively expensive pricing
- Not intended for serious off-roading
#3 – Falken Ziex CT60 A/S
Silent Wall technology reduces noise levels while Silica Tread Compound enhances grip. An excellent value, quiet, long tread life option.
This budget-friendly option still has some quiet features to talk about.
The innovative Ziex CT60 A/S all-season touring tire has Falken’s proprietary Silent Wall technology. This is basically an engineered tread pattern and cavity shape that has been optimized to reduce noise levels.
There is also a specialized Silica Tread Compound that enhances grip on multiple surfaces while maintaining low sound emissions. You still get tough characteristics needed for an SUV, such as all-season traction.
If you want quiet ride quality for affordable pricing the Ziex CT60 A/S is a good bet.
Pros
- Very quiet operation
- Good all-season traction
- Long treadlife
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Less dry grip than other tires in same category
#4 – Kumho Road Venture AT52
Low on-road noise levels and robust off-road traction from this durable tire which will appeal to the SUV adventurer.
This is an all-terrain tire that can be used on and off-road use.
This might not be the quietest of the quietest tire – because it is an off-roader, you will lose some quietness in the name of traction and durability.
However, there is some clever engineering that minimizes noise levels. The AT52’s tread pattern has been computer-optimized to reduce the patterned noise and drone often associated with all-terrain tires.
Make no mistake – don’t expect this tire to be as quiet as a dedicated touring tire. Where the Road Venture AT52 succeeds is managing to strike a balance between off-road capability and acceptable on-road noise levels.
This option makes sense for those with a sense of off-road adventure who still want a quiet highway ride.
Pros
- Robust off-road traction
- Durable construction
- Reasonable on-road noise levels
Cons
- Noisier than dedicated highway touring tires
- Stiffer on-road ride
#5 – Michelin Defender LTX
A combination of EverGrip and Comfort Control technologies with long-lasting tread life make the Michelin Defender LTXs serious but quiet performers.
Another on the list for Michelin, who knows how to make quiet and comfortable tires.
The Defender LTX is a durable all-season tire that utilizes Michelin’s EverGrip technology. This offers reinforced, rigid tread blocks to maintain consistent road contact and minimize pattern noise.
Noise reduction is enhanced by Comfort Control technology, which brings cushioning elements into play. They effectively absorb shocks and vibrations before they can become noticeable sounds in the cabin. Alexandria, a reviewer on Amazon, backs this up:
“The road noise is nearly non existent. I don’t think you can get rid of all of it completely on the highway, but compared to how loud it was before, it was like closing a sound proof door lol.”
Along with the quiet driving experience, you’ll also get extended tread life.
Pros
- Quiet ride with EverGrip and Comfort Control technologies
- Long-lasting tread life
- All-season performance
Cons
- Pricing towards upper end of category scale
- Not designed for serious off-roading
#6 – Yokohama Parada Spec-X
Offering a winning combination of low on-road noise levels and off-road traction, this is an impressive quiet all-terrain tire for your SUV.
Yokohama Parada Spec-Xs are all-terrain tires featuring some neat features to minimize on-road noise.
The Parada Spec-X has a tread pattern that is designed to cut patterned noise and drone. Its shoulder blocks make consistent road contact for quieter performance.
You’ll still get a certain amount of off-road prowess, with the Spec-X’s aggressive tread design and robust construction making it suitable for rugged environments.
Pros
- Low on-road noise levels for an all-terrain tire
- Robust off-road traction
- Durable construction
Cons
- Noisier than dedicated touring tires
- Stiff on-road ride quality
#7 – Michelin Primary A/S
EverGrip and Comfort Control technologies combine for a smooth and quiet ride. While not an off-road tire, the Michelin Primary A/S does offer long tread life and all-season traction.
Another from Michelin, but this time a touring tire that can deliver a luxuriously quiet and comfortable ride for SUVs.
Michelin’s EverGrip technology comes into play, employing an advanced symmetric tread design with rigid tread blocks to minimize pattern noise. The Primary A/S also gives you innovative Comfort Control technology. This is a built-in cushioning system that absorbs shocks and vibrations before they can reverberate into the cabin as unwanted noise.
The result is quite on-road cruising – a hushed and composed ride quality that isn’t limited by weather conditions.
Pros
- EverGrip and Comfort Control technologies
- Smooth ride
- Long tread life and all-season traction
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Not designed for off-road use
