Many astute readers who commonly visit Tires & tire-talk forum are aware that it’s almost time to release our new tire ratings. And this year we have an extensive list of new tire models. To be exact, 69 new models were tested and rated.  The tire test results will be included in the November issue of Consumer Reports. (See our current car tire buying advice and ratings.) 
 
The new report will include 23 models of standard all-season (primarily T-speed rated) tires, 29 H- and V-speed rated performance all-season tires, and 17 winter tires.
 
Last year we promised to shorten the test cycle to provide major updates every three years rather than four and five years that were customary before. The three-year cycle covers three major categories: standard car tires, ultra performance tires, and truck tires.  And as the cycle goes, last year we tested truck tires, this year is car tires, and next year expect to see a report on ultra high performance tires. Here’s a glimpse of the tire models you can expect to see in the November issue, as well as online in October.

Standard all-season tires (T-rated)

 BFGoodrich Traction T/A
 Bridgestone Turanza EL400 
 Cooper CS4 Touring  
 Cooper Lifeliner GLS 
 Dunlop SP 60
 Falken Sincera SN828  
 Firestone FR710 
 General Altimax RT 
 Goodyear Assurance TripleTred 
 Hankook Optimo H727 
 Dayton Quadra LE 
 Kumho Solus KR21 
 Maxxis Escapade MA-T1 
 Michelin HydroEdge 
 Pirelli P4 Four Seasons 
 Pirelli Cinturato P5   
 Sumitomo HTR T4 
 Toyo Versado LX 
 Toyo Extensa A/S  
 Yokohama Avid T4 
 Yokohama Avid TRZ 
 Yokohama Avid Touring-S  
 Uniroyal Tiger Paw Tour SR  

Performance all-season tires (H-rated)  

Continental ContiProContact 
Cooper CS4 Touring 
General Altimax HP  
Michelin Primacy MXV4 
Hankook Optimo H418  
Nokian WR G2  
Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max 
Falken Ziex ZE512 
Falken Ziex ZE912 
Fuzion HRi
Pirelli P6 Four Seasons 
Kumho Solus KH16 
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S   
Yokohama Avid H4s

Performance all-season tires (V-rated)  

Bridgestone Turanza Serenity   
Continental ContiProContact   
General Altimax HP   
Toyo Versado LX   
Goodyear Eagle ResponseEdge   
Kumho Ectsa LX Platinum  
Hankook Optimo H418   
Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid   
Dunlop Signature  
Firestone Firehawk GTv   
Fuzion VRi 
Goodyear Eagle GT   
Pirelli P6 Four Seasons   
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S   
Yokohama Avid V4s

Winter tires (Q, R, S, T rated) 

Bridgestone Blizzak WS60   
Continental ExtremeWinterContact   
Cooper Weather-Master S/T 2   
Dunlop Graspic DS-2   
Firestone Winterforce  
General Altimax Arctic   
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice   
Hankook Winter i*Pike   
Michelin X-Ice XI 2   
Toyo Observe G-02 Plus   
Yokohama ice Guard iG20   
Gislaved Nordfrost 5   
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5   
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R  

Winter tires (H-rated) 

Hankook icebear W300  
Pirelli Sottozero 210 Series II   
Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3

We tested all tires in the popular P215/60R16 size. Our tire-test cars included a 2008 and a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. Testing 69 models was no easy task. We purchased 976 tires, mounted and balanced over 360 tires, and performed over 3,200 tire changes at our track, not counting the tires we commission an outside laboratory to test for rolling resistance and tread life. Test preparations started last November and the testing was completed in July. Overall scoring of these tires will include results from dry and wet braking and cornering, snow traction, ice braking, hydroplaning resistance, handling, ride comfort, rolling resistance and tread life.

We are still working on compiling the results. Expect a few surprises as many of the models have never before been tested. 

—Gene Petersen

Before buying, be sure to consult our car, truck, and winter tire ratings and buying advice.