The Toyota Highlander ticks multiple boxes for the average crossover fan. It comes with a powerful engine lineup, has a tech-laden safety suite, and offers various drive modes. A feature-filled interior and ability to adapt to multiple terrains further distinguish it from its rivals.
Despite all that, it’s tough choosing the best tires for Toyota Highlander. Mainly because, if you’re like me, you’d want a set of tires that could enhance the already good dynamics of this SUV. At the same time, you’d like the replacement tires to complement your driving style.
That is something easier said than done. Most tires you see on the market tilt towards one extreme or the other, forcing you to make a compromise. Unfortunately, that’s what some drivers do. They end up choosing tires that meet some but not all of their requirements.
This article will make sure you aren’t one of them. We’ll provide you with a list of tires from multiple categories – all-season, high-performance, all-terrain, etc. So that you can pick tires that match your driving style while also backing this seven seater’s strong points.
#1.Continental CrossContact LX25 – Best Tire Overall
The CrossContact LX25 is Continental’s flagship replacement tire for crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks, a lineup the Toyota Highlander fits into neatly. Aside from that, it comes with various features that will enhance the already strong dynamics of this seven-seater.
Compared with the LX 20, its predecessor and competitor, the LX 25 is much more dependable on dry roads. Its grip and traction are superb, with steering feedback and responsiveness also above average. Cornering stability is another area where this model shines.
That said, it’s not only its predecessor that this model can beat.
This tire offers a plush and quiet ride that drivers usually associate with Michelin and Bridgestone models, despite costing much, much less cheap. Its rolling resistance is also amongst the lowest in class, helping the LX25 enhance the Highlander’s already decent fuel mileage.
A 70,000-mile warranty further distinguishes it from rivals, most of whom are backed with similar or, in most cases, smaller warranties. Among the best tires for Toyota Highlander, only the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus and CS Fuel Max come with bigger warranties.
Pros
- 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Plush and quiet ride
- Superb overall handling
- Excellent fuel economy
Cons
- Not the best for spirited driving
#2. Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus – Best Touring Tire
Almost every tire manufacturer wants you to believe their products will last the longest. Only a few have any substance behind this claim. The fact that it comes with an 80,000 miles treadwear warranty proves the H/L Alenza Plus belongs to the latter category of tire brands.
You can thus count on this tire to go 5 to 6 years without showing any signs of wear.
A symmetric tread pattern provides more good news. It will soak up vibrations for a comfortable drive and deflect road noise to ensure things stay quiet in the cabin. Aside from that, the tread pattern ensures consistent road contact, resulting in enhanced grip and better fuel economy.
Parallel grooves keep the risk of hydroplaning at bay. Separate from them, a continuous center frame ensures the tire’s high-speed stability. The center frame’s partnership with the knurled shoulder blocks allows for enhanced traction in slippery conditions.
Despite all these points, the H/L Alenza Plus isn’t our top pick. Want to know why? This model is much pricier than the CrossContact LX25, our top tire choice for Highlander. It is also much less reliable in snow. So, park this tire in the garage the moment you see snow on the roads.
Pros
- 80,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Vibration-free and quiet driving experience
- Negligible risk of hydroplaning
- Guarantees excellent fuel economy
Cons
- Pricey
- Isn’t reliable in snow
#3. Goodyear Assurance MaxLife – Best Mid-Priced
The Assurance MaxLife has everything that people love about all-season touring tires. This model is much less pricey than either of our top two picks. At the same time, it comes with a long-lasting warranty and fares pretty well on the performance front, too.
Goodyear’s TredLife Technology helps enhance this tire’s road life. It does that by expanding the contact patch as soon as it comes into contact with the road. The result? Even pressure distribution and a 30 percent long treadlife, per Goodyear’s estimates;
Drivability is also taken care of. A symmetric tread design works in partnership with the center rib to make this tire massively stable at high speeds. For powerful cornering, Goodyear have used nylon steel belts with nylon. These belts also help improve ride quality.
You’ll be surprised by how well this tire handles wet conditions. Multiple grooves not only help with water evacuation but they also ensure the contact patch stays dry. This results in improved traction in wet and/or slippery conditions.
Unfortunately, there’s one area where this tire disappoints. Its steering feedback and responsiveness are nowhere near as good as you get from our top picks. This means that it would take a few seconds more to respond to steering inputs.
Pros
- 85,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Outstanding grip in dry and wet conditions
- Decent braking distances in rain
Cons
- Lackluster steering feedback and responsiveness
#4. Michelin Premier LTX – Best Quiet Tire
The Michelin Premier LTX costs more than a set of touring tires from any cheap brand of your choice. Luckily, it justifies its price with reliable year-round traction, added protection against punctures, and usability in light snow. Start with the year-round traction.
A silica and sunflower oil tread compound helps this tire stay useful year-round. Silica gives the tire the strength needed to grip dry roads. Sunflower oil, meanwhile, gives the tread compound a touch of flexibility, ensuring you can rely on it in the winter.
EverGrip Technology shows why Michelin tires have been ruling the world’s highways for over a century. This technology is meant to replace the tire’s old grooves with new ones once the former are worn out. The result? Consistent traction throughout the tire’s life.
The tire’s lightweight construction means it won’t increase the Highlander’s fuel consumption. A tough sidewall resists punctures pretty well, while expanding Rain Grooves and tread block shoulders improve traction on wet surfaces.
Unfortunately, this tire’s treadwear warranty is a meager 60,000 miles. Which is 10,000 miles smaller than what is considered a decent warranty for premium touring tires these days.
Pros
- Usable in light snow
- Marvelous performance in dry and wet conditions
- Comfortable and quiet driving
Cons
- Only 60,000 miles treadwear warranty
#5. Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus – Best Fuel-Efficient
Estimates by the EPA put the Highlander’s fuel efficiency at up to 36 miles per gallon (mpg) on city roads and 35 mpg on the highway, outstanding numbers for a crossover. But guess what? These numbers can still be improved with the right set of fuel-efficient tires.
That is precisely what the Scorpion Verde All-Season Plus is.
This tire comes with a computer-optimized pitch sequence that helps increase its contact points with the road. The result is even pressure distribution and reduced tire stress. Both these benefits, in turn, translate to improved fuel economy for your Highlander.
This tire also keeps vibrations and road noise at bay. A sound-absorbing device placed inside its middle area makes sure of that. The device absorbs most noises before they can reach the cabin. It also dissipates vibrations before they can be felt in the cabin.
That is not to say that this tire doesn’t have any flaws. The Scorpion Verde All-Season Plus struggles in the rain, even though it will safely carry you from point A to point B. It’s just that the braking distances will be slightly longer and the traction slightly reduced in similar conditions.
Pros
- Delivers excellent fuel economy
- Gives a noise-free riding experience
- Offers improved steering response and handling
Cons
- Traction on wet roads could have been better
#6. Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max – Best Fuel-Efficient
What is common between Jeep Cherokee, Acura MDX, and Toyota Highlander? The Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max can be fitted on all three vehicles. The fact that it can be installed on SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks should tell you all you need to know about this tire’s wide size range.
Unlike the majority of all-season tires, the CS Fuel Max comes with two tread zones.
Its Dry Tread Zone relies on a continuous center rib and shoulder blocks to improve the tire’s high-speed stability. The combination also improves the tire’s steering response, resulting in quick reactions to inputs. The shoulder blocks, meanwhile, enhance the tire’s cornering.
The Wet Tread Zone consists of Dual Aqua Channel grooves. These small channels circumscribe the tread area, performing the job of water evacuation to perfection. Furthermore, small biting edges are also present in this area, making the CS Fuel Max usable on light snow.
A 65.000 miles treadwear warranty doesn’t seem spectacular, until you compare it with the tire’s competitive price. All in all, the Assurance CS Fuel Max is an excellent Highlander tire that can be had without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Low rolling resistance for enhanced fuel economy
- Outstanding performance in dry and wet conditions
- Good treadwear warranty (65,000 miles) for the price
Cons
- Not for harsh wintry conditions
#7.Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 – Best Off-Road
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 is everything one imagines an all-terrain tire would be. It boasts rugged yet eye-catching looks, comes with a cut and chip-resistant sidewall, and has the grip and traction needed to slalom through the toughest conditions.
A cut- and chip-resistant sidewall material helps this tire conquer most terrains without getting punctured in the process. The sidewall’s lettering – all-white or black – distinguishes it from other models, ensuring the tire stays the center of everyone’s attention.
Similar is the case with its handling, which is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re driving on gravel or climbing rocks, this tire won’t make you feel like it’s working too hard. A groove stepping inside the tread area shortens its braking distances in slippery conditions.
Its drivability on snow-laden or wet roads is equally good. An open shoulder design combines with circumferential and lateral grooves to evacuate water. The result? A drier contact patch that won’t let this tire skid or slip on greasy surfaces.
Bridgestone has also seen to it that this model lasts longer than the A/T Revo 2. As a result, while the Revo 2 was backed for 50,000 miles, this model comes with a 60,000 miles treadwear warranty. This helps it belie the myth that dedicated A/T tires require frequent replacement.
Pros
- Excellent (60,000 miles) warranty for an all-terrain tire
- Cut, chip, and puncture-resistant sidewall
- Comes with a 90-day manufacturer replacement warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t work very well in mud
#8. General Grabber HTS 60 – Best Highway Tires
The General Grabber HTS 60 features everything that is good about highway tires. Unfortunately, this model also has a few shortcomings that can be found in the same category. Still, on the whole, its positive points outweigh the not-so-positive ones.
A vehicle-tuned tread pattern helps the HTS 60 grip the road reliably in dry and wet conditions. It is aided in that by external sipes. However, unlike the tread pattern, the sipes also improve this model’s handling in snow, making it a reliable performer in mild wintry conditions.
You might want to note that General offers this tire in two versions.
The lighter version has more sipes and thus is more useful in areas where it rains a lot. It also has the capability to plow through snow and ice. That is something the heavier version of the HTS 60 can do, which comes in handy to haul or tow heavy loads.
A 65,000-mile treadwear warranty is bigger than what you get on most Michelin LTX M/S models. Which is surprising given that this tire belongs to the mid-price category. All in all, the Grabber HTS 60 has everything to merit the attention of Highlander drivers.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly
- Provides superb high-speed stability
- Lighter models provide excellent traction in wet conditions
Cons
- Heavy models aren’t reliable performers on snow
#9. Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 – Best Winter Tires
The Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 is a must-have for anyone who is fearful about driving on snow-laden roads. This tire’s construction and technologies empower it to safely carry you from point A to point B through freezing weather.
Michelin has used one of its latest technologies – Cross Z-Sipes TM – in this model’s construction. The French tire manufacturer has also equipped the X-Ice Xi2 with its class-leading Flex-IceTM tread compound. Here’s why these are excellent pieces of news.
The Cross Z-Sipes TM technology locks the sipes when you’re driving this tire at high speeds. The result? More consistent road contact for superior stability. As for the tread compound, it stays flexible in sub-zero temperatures to not let this tire’s traction go south.
A 40,000 miles treadwear warranty might not look all that impressive on paper, considering that we’ve just seen touring tires being backed for up to 85,000 miles. But make no mistake: finding winter tires with such a generous warranty is difficult, if not outright impossible.
Still, there are two areas where Michelin disappoints with this tire, the first of which is this model’s astronomical asking price. The price tag is too high, even for a winter tire. Secondly, if you use your Highlander for towing and hauling heavy loads, the Xi2 isn’t the best fit for you.
Pros
- 40,000 miles treadwear warranty
- Excellent traction in sub-zero temperatures
- Reliable winter tire for crossovers and SUVs
Cons
Asking price might blow a hole in your pocket
#10.Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 – Best Winter Tires
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is another reliable winter tire. Another good news is that its starting price is much lower than that of the Latitude X-Ice Xi2. So, if you are seeking a less-expensive alternative to the Xi2, the DM-V2 is worth a shot.
Both the Latitude X-Ice Xi2 and Blizzak DM-V2 have much in common. These two tires are built with a special rubber compound that can withstand sub-zero temperatures. Their hydroplaning resistance is equally excellent, a crucial feature for a snow tire.
There is, however, one major difference between the two. With the Latitude X-Ice Xi2, you have the technology that locks tread blocks for high-speed stability. However, the DM-V2’s technology – known as MultiCell – has nothing to do with high-speed driving.
Instead, this technology increases the DM-V2’s traction on ice and snow. It works by trapping the snow and ice within the tread area. The result? The snow inside the tread comes into contact with the snow on the road, resulting in improved and reliable winter traction.
Finally, while this tire isn’t as pricey as the Xi2, it has its fair share of drawbacks. None of them is more glaring than the fact that the MultiCell Technology only covers the first 55% of the tread area. That means that once the tread is past its half-life, this tire’s snow traction will nosedive.
Pros
- Best in class braking power
- Great traction on snow and ice
- Excellent hydroplaning resistance
Cons
- Multi-cell structure features only the first 55% of the tread depth
#11. Yokohama Parada Spec X – Best Performance Tires
Budget-friendly asking prices, excellent road manners for the price, superb cornering power, and high-speed stability – Yokohama tires have these features in common. Luckily for you, the Parada Spec X is no exception. As such, it’s a sought-after performance tire for the Highlander.
As is the case with premium performance tires, the Spec X delivers outstanding cornering performance. Its stiff sidewall ensures that you can attack corners with a vengeance. As a result, Highlander drivers shouldn’t face any issues entering and exiting corners at speed with this model.
High-speed stability is another area where this tire shines. But that was expected from a performance tire mostly seen on the track. The Spec X’s steering response is equally good, and it doesn’t wait for long before responding to your steering inputs.
Be prepared for noise if you decide to drive this tire. That shouldn’t be an issue for enthusiast drivers as tires that squeal and squeak are normal for them. However, if you’re transitioning from a touring tire, the loudness of this tire might be too much to bear for you.
Pros
- Superb cornering performance
- Great steering responsiveness and feel
- Commendable acceleration and braking
Cons
- Loud
Best Tires for Toyota Highlander
Touring and Highway
Touring and highway tires are the best choices for most Toyota Highlander drivers. These tires strike the optimal balance between cost, comfort, and performance. Touring and highway tires are also backed with generous warranties by their manufacturers, all but guaranteeing long road lives.
In case you’re wondering, touring and highway tires aren’t the same. Highway tires have higher load ratings and are thus more suitable for towing massive trailers. However, as far as your search for the best Toyota Highlander tires is concerned, both touring and highway tires should be atop your list.
High-Performance
Do you own a Highlander V6? Are you unsatisfied with the driving experience offered by the factory-installed tires? If your answer to both these questions is in the affirmative, and you have deep pockets, then high-performance tires might be a better option for you.
Sure, these models do not come with long treadwear warranties. Neither do they pay much attention to your comfort and the Highlander’s ride quality. Still, as far as grip, braking power, traction, and high-speed stability are concerned, HP tires have no rival.
Winter Tires
The best winter tires for Toyota Highlander are those that are studless. Studded winter tires might offer better grip on snow-packed roads. But they aren’t allowed entry or require permission from local authorities before you can drive them on most public roads in the US.
Studless winter tires, on the contrary, can be driven anywhere and everywhere. More importantly, the coming together of latest tread compounds and state-of-the-art tire technologies keeps them useful in sub-zero temperatures.
Conclusion
The best tires for Toyota Highlander should complement your driving style and enhance this crossover’s already good dynamics. That is what every model reviewed above does. So, regardless of which tire you pick from the abovementioned list, you’ll be all right.
