Considering a new set of tires for your SUV or crossover and stumbled upon the Michelin Latitude Tour HP? With so many tire options out there, it can be tough to figure out if this one is the right fit for you. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the Michelin Latitude Tour HP to see if it meets your needs.
The Michelin Latitude Tour HP offers solid performance and comfort but falls short in severe winter conditions compared to leading competitors. It’s a dependable choice for most seasons but may not be the best for heavy snow or ice.
In this article, we’ll break down the key features, performance metrics, common problems, and the best alternatives to the Michelin Latitude Tour HP.
Michelin Latitude Tour HP
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.6 of 10
Wet Weather
8.0 of 10
Winter Weather
6.3 of 10
Tread Wear
6.9 of 10
Dry Weather
8.5 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.3 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 440
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 55,000 Miles (H- & V-Speed Rated)
6 Years / 45,000 Miles (W-, Y-, & Z-Speed Rated)
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 7.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.2 of 10
Cornering: 8.4 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.8 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.4 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 7.0 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 6.0 of 10
Ice Grip: 5.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.4 of 10
Road Noise: 8.1 of 10
The Michelin Latitude Tour HP is a versatile Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire. It is designed to provide a balance of performance, comfort, and durability for SUVs and crossovers. Michelin’s engineering prowess is evident in this tire, offering reliable traction and a comfortable ride throughout the year.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The Latitude Tour HP scores well in wet conditions, with a wet traction rating of 8.2 and hydroplaning resistance at 7.9. This makes it a dependable choice for rainy weather, ensuring you maintain control even on slick roads.
- Dry Handling: In dry conditions, the tire performs admirably with a dry traction rating of 8.8. It offers solid corner stability (8.4) and responsive steering (8.4), making it suitable for everyday driving and light off-road use.
- Winter/Snow Performance: The tire is not as strong in winter conditions, with ratings of 7.0 for light snow traction, 6.0 for deep snow traction, and 5.8 for ice traction. While it can handle light snow, it’s not the best choice for severe winter weather.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: Comfort is a key strength of the Latitude Tour HP, scoring 8.4 in ride quality and 8.1 in noise level. It provides a smooth, quiet ride, ideal for long-distance driving.
- Treadwear: The tire has a treadwear rating of 6.9, which is lower than some competitors. This means it may wear out faster, but still offers reasonable longevity for a tire in this category.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet Performance: The Latitude Tour HP holds its own in wet conditions, though some top competitors slightly outshine it in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Dry Performance: It performs well in dry conditions, comparable to leading tires in its class, offering good cornering and steering response.
- Comfort and Noise: It excels in providing a comfortable, quiet ride, making it one of the top choices for those who prioritize a pleasant driving experience.
- Treadwear: Its treadwear rating is on the lower side compared to top competitors, which may mean more frequent replacements.
PROS
- Reliable wet traction (8.2) ensures safe driving in rainy conditions.
- Good dry performance with solid traction (8.8) and corner stability (8.4).
- Excellent comfort and ride quality, providing a smooth and quiet ride.
- Suitable for everyday driving and light off-road use.
- Consistent performance across different conditions.
CONS
- Lower treadwear rating (6.9) may result in quicker wear compared to competitors.
- Not the best option for severe winter conditions, with low ratings in deep snow and ice traction.
- Some competitors offer better hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
The Verdict
The Michelin Latitude Tour HP is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, comfortable all-season tire for their SUV or crossover. While it may not excel in every category, it offers a well-rounded performance that meets the needs of most drivers. With good wet and dry handling, excellent ride comfort, and decent treadwear, it provides a balanced driving experience. However, if you frequently encounter severe winter conditions, you might want to consider other options. Overall, the Latitude Tour HP is a dependable tire that delivers on its promise of quality and reliability.
Michelin Latitude Tour HP Problems
The Michelin Latitude Tour HP is a popular choice for many SUV and crossover drivers, offering a comfortable ride and dependable performance. However, like any product, it has its drawbacks. It’s important to understand these potential issues to make an informed decision based on your specific driving needs.
Road Noise and Comfort
- Increased Road Noise: Some users report that the Latitude Tour HP can be noisier than expected, especially at highway speeds. While generally quieter than many performance-focused tires, its noise level may still be noticeable to some drivers who prioritize a quiet cabin.
- Ride Comfort: While this tire is designed for comfort, some drivers have found the ride to be less smooth on uneven roads. The focus on durability and all-season capability might contribute to a firmer ride compared to other touring tires.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Variable Tread Life: Although Michelin is known for durable tires, some drivers have reported varied tread life with the Latitude Tour HP. Factors such as driving style, vehicle type, and regular maintenance can impact how long the tread lasts. Some users have experienced faster wear than anticipated.
- Warranty Coverage Concerns: There have been mentions of dissatisfaction with the treadwear warranty. Some drivers feel the actual lifespan of the tire under normal driving conditions doesn’t always match the warranty claims.
Winter Performance Limitations
- Ice and Deep Snow Traction: The Latitude Tour HP is not a strong performer in severe winter conditions. Its ice traction rating is relatively low, and while it can handle light snow, deep snow performance is limited. Drivers in regions with harsh winters might need to consider additional winter-specific tires.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Against Competitors: When compared to leading alternatives, the Latitude Tour HP performs well in comfort and dry handling. However, it may fall short in treadwear longevity and severe winter performance. If on-road comfort and extended tread life are top priorities, some competitors might offer a better balance for everyday driving.
The Bottom Line
The Michelin Latitude Tour HP offers a good blend of comfort, dry handling, and wet traction for SUVs and crossovers. However, prospective buyers should consider its potential for increased road noise, variable tread life, and limited severe winter performance. Understanding these issues can help ensure that the tire meets your specific driving needs and expectations.
Michelin Latitude Tour HP Alternatives
While the Michelin Latitude Tour HP is a solid all-season tire for SUVs and crossovers, you might want to explore other options that better suit your specific needs. Here are three top alternatives, each with its own set of strengths, including a budget-conscious choice for those looking to save some cash without sacrificing performance.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall Rating: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a top-tier all-season tire that excels in various conditions.
- Performance: This tire shines with a wet traction rating of 9.5 and dry performance rating of 9.5. It’s also outstanding in winter, with light snow traction rated at 9.4 and deep snow traction at 9.2. This makes it a reliable choice for year-round driving.
- Comfort: Offering a smooth and quiet ride, the Scorpion WeatherActive scores 9.2 in comfort, which is slightly higher than the Latitude Tour HP.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.2, it promises a longer lifespan compared to the Latitude Tour HP.
Comparison: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive outperforms the Latitude Tour HP in wet performance, winter traction, and treadwear. It’s a robust option for those seeking top performance across all seasons.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Overall Rating: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is an excellent option for those wanting high performance in all seasons.
- 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 solid, with an overall rating of 8.7 in snow and ice conditions.
- Comfort: The tire offers a comfortable ride 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 comparable but slightly lower than the Latitude Tour HP.
Comparison: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is on par with the Latitude Tour HP in wet and dry conditions but offers better winter performance. It’s 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 Latitude Tour HP, 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 Michelin Latitude Tour HP.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Michelin Latitude Tour HP shines with its reliable wet and dry performance and impressive ride comfort. These strengths make it a great option for daily driving and long road trips. However, it does have its drawbacks, particularly in severe winter conditions where it doesn’t perform as well as some of its competitors. Its treadwear rating is also lower, which might mean you’ll need replacements sooner than with other high-end options.
Overall, the Michelin Latitude Tour HP is on par with many top all-season tires for SUVs and crossovers, especially in terms of comfort and dry handling. If you’re looking for a tire that balances performance and comfort for most of the year, this could be a solid choice. However, for those who deal with harsh winters regularly, exploring other options might be wise.
Good luck and happy motoring.
