When shopping for tires, the choices can feel overwhelming: touring and performance tires, all-season and summer tires—the terms just keep piling up. So, let’s cut through the noise and provide some clarity on one of the most balanced and dependable categories tire manufacturers offer—touring tires.
Learn what they are, what pros and cons they come with, and whether they’re the right match for your vehicle and lifestyle.
What are Touring Tires?
Touring tires are designed for everyday drivers who value smooth performance over speed or track-ready grip. They’re not flashy, but they’re reliable, road-friendly, refined, and built to provide you with a quiet ride. That’s why many touring tires are ideal for SUVs, sedans, minivans, and crossovers.
Some common features of touring tires are:
- Tread patterns that are engineered for a smoother, quieter ride
- Wide tread blocks for stable handling and consistent grip
- Rubber compounds that balance long tread life with reliable traction in wet and dry conditions.
Touring tires aren’t typically built for high-speed cornering or off-roading. Sports cars and performance tires are designed for that. But if you’re someone with a normal vehicle who values peace in the cabin, even on the highway, touring tires might just be your ideal match.
Are Touring Tires Good for Everyday Driving? — Pros
Yes! Every day driving is exactly where touring tires shine. Here’s what you can expect from a good touring tire:
- Road Noise Reduction: If you came here wondering, “What is the quietest tire?” you can stop your search. Touring tires, like Bridgestone Turanza EverDrives, are widely regarded as quiet tires.
- Solid Versatility: No tire is meant for everything, but touring tires tend to embody the “jack of all trades” philosophy. Most touring tires feature all-season compounds and tread designs that help maintain traction in both wet and dry conditions.
- Comfort and Consistency: While performance tires may sacrifice some comfort in exchange for sportiness, touring tires lean in the opposite direction. Whether you’re driving the kids to school or heading out on a road trip, touring tires deliver a smooth, consistent, comfortable driving experience.
- Long Tread Life: Compared to other types of tires, many touring options utilize broader, more evenly distributed tread blocks to maximize tread life. If mileage matters the most to you, touring tires might be the best choice.
What Aren’t Touring Tires Good For? — Cons
Touring tires are like your favorite pair of sandals — they’re comfortable and will get you where you need to go in most situations, but some scenarios, like running a 5K or walking through snow, might require something a bit more specialized. Here’s where touring tires might not be the best fit:
- Aggressive Driving: Although they perform well in everyday situations, touring tires prioritize comfort over ultimate grip and cornering. So, if you drive a high-torque vehicle or enjoy pushing your car around corners, touring tires may feel a bit too soft.
- Severe Winter Conditions: While most touring tires are all-season and can handle some light snow, dedicated winter tires are best for deep snow or icy conditions. So, are touring tires good in snow? They can be, but if you live in an area that experiences frequent snowfall, touring tires may not provide the level of winter performance you need.
Looking for a Great Touring Tire? These Are Our Favorites:
Bridgestone Turanza EverDrive
Bridgestone has released several excellent touring tires over the years, and these are no exception. With outstanding longevity, a quiet and comfortable ride, and handling capabilities in wet and winter conditions1, the Turanza EverDrive is a top-tier example of a smooth and dependable all-season touring tire.
The Turanza EverDrive features:
- A New, Multi-Pitch Tread Pattern: The precision-tuned tread pattern of EVERDRIVE tires helps reduce road noise and minimize vibration for a comfortable, quiet drive. Additionally, the brand-new tread pattern effectively evacuates water and winter slush for confident control.
- A Next-Generation Compound: This next-generation compound is engineered to protect against irregular and premature wear for precision performance that keeps you moving confidently season after season.
- Rolling Resistance Technology: ENLITEN™ Technology offers impressive efficiency for both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) platforms through rolling resistance and wear optimization.2
The cherry on top? ENLITEN™ Technology not only offers the features above, but it also uses manufacturing materials such as renewable soybean oil to deliver a remarkable balance of performance and sustainability elements.3
Bridgestone Turanza Prestige
Looking for a more performance-forward, luxurious grand touring tire? The Turanza Prestige, another new tire in the Turanza lineup, might be what you’re looking for. Also featuring ENLITEN™ Technology4., these tires offer elegant comfort, a quiet ride, long-lasting, even treadwear, and wet traction. Here’s what makes them special.
- An Advanced Tread Compound: The tread on Turanza Prestige tires is engineered to deliver enhanced wet performance.
- PeakLife™ Polymer: A proprietary material engineered to resist irregular and premature wear for consistent performance.
- QuietTrack™ Technology and a Wide Center Rib: Designed to minimize road vibration and maintain a smooth, quiet driving experience
Ready to Upgrade? Firestone Complete Auto Care Has What You Need
Looking for a tire that delivers a smooth, quiet ride without sacrificing durability? Touring tires could be the perfect match. Stop by Firestone Complete Auto Care to explore top-rated options and get knowledgeable advice on what fits your car best. Schedule your tire installation today or shop online to get rolling in comfort.
1 The Bridgestone Turanza EverDrive is not a dedicated winter tire.
2 Based on internal testing. Results may vary by specific tire product and depending on proper tire and vehicle maintenance, road conditions and driving habits.
3 The specific ENLITEN technology attributes vary by tire product. Results may vary depending upon proper tire and vehicle maintenance, road conditions, and driving habits.
4 The combination of ENLITEN technology attributes applicable to a specific tire product may vary. Results may vary depending on proper tire and vehicle maintenance, road conditions and driving habits.
