Thinking about getting the Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max for your SUV or crossover but not sure if it’s the right choice? You’re in the right place. We’ll break down everything you need to know about this tire, from its performance on wet and dry roads to its comfort and durability. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype.
The Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max is on par with its leading competitors in most areas, excelling in fuel efficiency and comfort. However, it may not be the best choice for severe winter conditions.
In this article, we’ll explore the Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max’s performance features, potential problems, and top alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.6 of 10
Wet Weather
7.9 of 10
Winter Weather
6.7 of 10
Tread Wear
8.1 of 10
Dry Weather
8.1 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.3 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 600
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: B
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 65,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 7.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.0 of 10
Cornering: 7.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.5 of 10
Responsiveness: 7.9 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 7.4 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 6.4 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.3 of 10
Comfort Level: 7.5 of 10
Road Noise: 7.0 of 10
The Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max is a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire designed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency, comfort, and reliable performance in various conditions. This tire is crafted to meet the demands of drivers who want to maximize their vehicle’s fuel economy without sacrificing safety or comfort.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The Assurance CS Fuel Max performs admirably in wet conditions. It offers strong hydroplaning resistance and reliable wet traction, giving you confidence during rainy weather. Compared to leading competitors, it holds its own, though it may not top the charts.
- Dry Handling: On dry roads, this tire delivers dependable performance. Its dry traction is solid, and it provides good corner stability and responsive steering. While it may not be the absolute best in its class, it still offers a smooth and controlled driving experience.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: Goodyear has focused on comfort with the Assurance CS Fuel Max. The tire provides a smooth ride with low noise levels, making for a pleasant driving experience. It’s comparable to top competitors in this regard, offering a quiet and comfortable journey.
- Treadwear: This tire is built to last, with a competitive treadwear rating. You can expect a good lifespan, making it a cost-effective option in the long run. While it may not lead the pack in treadwear, it certainly provides solid durability.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet Performance: The Assurance CS Fuel Max holds its own against leading competitors in wet performance, offering reliable traction and hydroplaning resistance. It may not exceed the highest-rated tires but provides safe and predictable handling in the rain.
- Dry Performance: In dry conditions, the Assurance CS Fuel Max offers solid performance with good stability and traction. It performs well but might not match the top-tier tires in dry handling precision.
- Comfort and Noise: This tire excels in comfort and noise reduction, matching some of the best in the category. It delivers a quiet and smooth ride, making it a great choice for long drives.
- Treadwear: The Assurance CS Fuel Max provides respectable treadwear, ensuring you get good mileage out of your tires. While there are tires with longer-lasting tread, it offers a good balance of performance and durability.
PROS
- Fuel Efficiency: Designed to maximize fuel economy, helping you save at the pump.
- Comfort: Offers a smooth and quiet ride, ideal for daily driving and long trips.
- Wet Performance: Reliable traction and hydroplaning resistance in wet conditions.
- Durability: Competitive treadwear rating ensures good longevity.
CONS
- Dry Handling: While solid, it may not match the precision of the highest-performing dry-condition tires.
- Winter Performance: Not the best choice for severe winter conditions; better suited for light snow and mild climates.
THE VERDICT
The Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max is a well-rounded tire that offers a good mix of fuel efficiency, comfort, and reliable performance in various conditions. It’s an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize fuel savings and a smooth, quiet ride. While it may not lead in every performance category, it provides solid, dependable performance for everyday driving needs. If you’re looking for a tire that delivers value and balanced performance, the Assurance CS Fuel Max is a strong contender.
Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max Problems
The Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max is appreciated for its balanced performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort. However, like any product, it has its drawbacks. Recognizing these issues is essential for making an informed decision that suits your driving needs.
Road Noise and Comfort
- Increased Road Noise: Some users report that the Assurance CS Fuel Max produces more road noise than expected, particularly at higher speeds. While it’s quieter than many off-road or aggressive tread tires, it may not be the quietest in its class.
- Ride Comfort: Although this tire provides a smooth ride, some drivers find the comfort level drops on rough or uneven roads. The focus on fuel efficiency may lead to a slightly firmer ride compared to other touring tires.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Inconsistent Tread Life: While the Assurance CS Fuel Max is designed for durability, user experiences with tread life can vary. Some drivers report shorter tread life than anticipated, which might be due to driving habits, vehicle type, or maintenance practices.
- Warranty Concerns: There have been mentions of dissatisfaction with the treadwear warranty, with some users feeling it doesn’t fully align with the tire’s actual lifespan under regular use.
Winter Performance
- Ice and Snow Traction: The Assurance CS Fuel Max performs adequately in light snow, but its traction on ice and deep snow is not as strong as dedicated winter tires. Drivers in regions with severe winter conditions might find it lacking compared to specialized winter options.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Against Competitors: When compared to the top tires in its category, the Assurance CS Fuel Max offers good overall performance but may fall short in specific areas like noise reduction and extreme winter traction. Some high-end competitors might provide a better balance for drivers who prioritize these aspects.
The Bottom Line
The Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max is a solid choice for drivers seeking fuel efficiency and comfort in an all-season tire. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations regarding road noise, ride comfort on uneven surfaces, tread life variability, and winter performance. Understanding these factors will help ensure that the tire meets your specific driving requirements.
Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max Alternatives
While the Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max is a solid tire, you might want to explore other options that could better fit your specific needs. Here are three top alternatives, each offering unique strengths. We’ve also included a budget-friendly choice for those looking to save some money without sacrificing too much performance.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall Rating: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a top-tier all-season tire that excels in both wet and dry conditions.
- Performance: This tire is a standout with a wet traction rating of 9.5 and a dry performance rating of 9.5, placing it among the best in its class. It also performs exceptionally well in winter conditions, with a light snow traction rating of 9.4 and a deep snow traction rating of 9.2.
- Comfort: It offers a smooth and quiet ride, scoring 9.2 in comfort, which is slightly higher than the Assurance CS Fuel Max.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.2, it surpasses the Assurance CS Fuel Max, promising a longer lifespan.
- Comparison: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive exceeds the Assurance CS Fuel Max in wet performance, winter traction, and treadwear, making it a solid choice for those seeking top-tier performance in all conditions.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Overall Rating: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is an excellent option for those wanting a high-performance all-season tire.
- Performance: It boasts strong wet and dry ratings, with a wet traction rating of 9.4 and dry performance rating of 9.5. Its winter performance is decent, with an 8.7 overall rating in snow and ice conditions.
- Comfort: The tire is comfortable with a ride quality rating of 9.1, although its noise level is slightly lower at 8.5.
- Treadwear: It has a treadwear rating of 8.3, which is slightly lower than the Assurance CS Fuel Max.
- Comparison: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is on par with the Assurance CS Fuel Max in wet and dry conditions but offers better winter performance. It is a great option if you need an all-season tire that handles diverse weather well.
Yokohama Geolandar CV G058
Overall Rating: The Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 is a solid, budget-friendly all-season tire that doesn’t skimp on performance.
- Performance: With wet and dry ratings of 9.1 and 9.2 respectively, it performs well across various conditions. Its winter performance is average, with a 7.9 rating for ice traction.
- Comfort: It offers a comfortable ride with a ride quality rating of 9.0, and it’s relatively quiet with a noise rating of 8.6.
- Treadwear: The tire has a good treadwear rating of 9.0, making it a durable choice for the price.
- Comparison: While the Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 might not match the top-tier performance of the Assurance CS Fuel Max, it offers a very competitive alternative at a lower price. It’s a great pick for those who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Each of these alternatives provides a distinct set of features tailored to different priorities:
- The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is ideal for top performance in all conditions.
- The Michelin CrossClimate SUV offers balanced excellence with a slight edge in winter performance.
- The Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 provides solid performance at a budget-friendly price.
Depending on your driving needs and budget, these options present viable choices to consider alongside the Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max is a well-rounded tire that delivers on its promise of fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride. It performs admirably in wet and dry conditions, offering solid traction and stability. While its treadwear and noise levels are competitive, some users have reported that it can be a bit noisier at higher speeds and might wear out sooner than expected. Winter performance is adequate for light snow, but not the best for icy roads.
In summary, the Assurance CS Fuel Max is a great choice if you prioritize fuel savings and comfort. It stands toe-to-toe with other top all-season tires, though it’s not a category leader in extreme winter performance. If you need a reliable, efficient, and comfortable tire for your SUV or crossover, this tire should definitely be on your shortlist.
Good luck and happy motoring.
