How to choose tyres for SUV cars and 4-wheel driving

By definition, a 4x4 is an off-road vehicle. Its four-wheel drive allows it to drive on difficult terrain that passenger cars would find difficult or impossible to drive on. 4x4s, for example, are driven in rallies. They are equipped with tyres which are specially designed for driving on rough and difficult terrain.

Most people refer to a group of vehicles as SUVs – and that often includes CUVs (also known as crossovers). SUVs and crossovers have similar ranges of high performance, storage capacity, superior handling on- and off-road, and fuel-efficiency.

In common language, there is a tendency to confuse the term 4x4 with SUV. However, it is important to distinguish between the two, as the tyres for each are different.

In this article we will focus on SUV tyres.

SUV stands for sport utility vehicle. SUVs entered the market as a way to provided drivers the comfort of a passenger car with the strength and power of a pickup truck. Mid to large SUVs are capable of hauling, towing, and serious off-roading. SUVs are built on the chassis and frame of a pickup truck (and often adopt the same body-on-frame), which means that they often sit higher and are heavier than other cars.

CUV, meanwhile, is short for “crossover utility vehicle”. CUVs – or crossovers – combine a sedan’s compactness with an SUV’s storage space and high performance. However, CUVs are often built on the chassis of a car.

For most SUVs that can take advantage of it, four-wheel drive is often offered as an option, and few consumers take it. In contrast, four-wheel drive is much more common on large SUVs and premium SUVs.

In other words, while SUVs may claim to have a rugged aesthetic, they are not necessarily equipped with an inter-deck differential lock or a short off-road gearbox. While they retain the ride height and rugged appearance of a 4x4, many have only two-wheel drive and have given up some of their off-road ability for better handling.

If your SUV has 4 wheel drive, you can follow the same selection criteria but MICHELIN strongly advises you to equip it with 4 identical tyres, i.e. of the same make and model, size and level of wear.

Do you have to change all 4 tyres on your 4-wheel drive SUV?

For optimum performance, we recommend changing all four tyres at the same time if your SUV is a four-wheel drive vehicle. Your vehicle owners manual will also provide guidance on this topic.

If your SUV has only two wheel drive, you do not need to change all four tyres at the same time. But it is recommended that you do it in pairs, i.e. the two tyres that are on the same axle.

• Traction. Will you be driving in unpredictable, uneven terrain, or mainly on highways? Better traction will help your car respond better while braking. 

• Handling. A shorter sidewall usually creates better handling and steering. 

• Clearance. If your 4-wheel SUV is suitable for larger tyres, this can increase the distance between the road surface and your vehicle, helping o prevent you from getting stuck in potholes and mud.  

• Aesthetics. While this isn’t the most important factor, you may want to consider how you want your vehicle to look. 

• Noise. High performance, luxury tyres can ensure a comfortable and quiet ride for you and your passengers.
  
  

We recommend you always choose tyres that match your manufacturer’s recommendations. Getting the proper tyres can ensure the best performance from your vehicle.

Michelin tyres for SUV deliver long wear life, comfort, and traction, keeping you safe wherever you go. See some of best SUV tyres for your next journey below:

Or, if you want to learn more about the SUV tyres for sale or want to learn more about how to choose tyres for SUV 4-wheel driving, browse our full catalogue of Michelin tyres for SUVs. You can also use our tyre finder tool below to search by vehicle or tyre size.