Thinking about getting the Michelin Latitude Tour for your crossover or SUV? It’s a big decision, and you want to be sure it’s the right one. This tire promises a lot, but does it deliver on all fronts? Let’s dig into the details and find out if the Latitude Tour is the perfect match for your driving needs.
The Michelin Latitude Tour offers solid performance and comfort, but it falls short in winter conditions and treadwear compared to leading competitors. It’s a good all-season choice but not the best in every category.
In this article, we’ll cover the performance features, common problems, and the best alternatives to the Michelin Latitude Tour.
Michelin Latitude Tour
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.9 of 10
Wet Weather
8.1 of 10
Winter Weather
6.4 of 10
Tread Wear
7.8 of 10
Dry Weather
8.6 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.4 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: 8.0 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.1 of 10
Cornering: 8.4 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.9 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.5 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 7.1 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 6.1 of 10
Ice Grip: 5.9 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.6 of 10
Road Noise: 8.2 of 10
The Michelin Latitude Tour is a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire designed for a smooth, quiet ride and reliable performance in various weather conditions. This tire aims to provide a balanced blend of comfort, durability, and year-round traction for crossovers and SUVs.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The Latitude Tour has a wet traction rating of 8.1, making it reliable in rainy conditions. It features a tread design that helps resist hydroplaning (8.0), allowing for confident driving on wet roads.
- Dry Handling: With a dry performance rating of 8.6, this tire performs well in dry conditions. It offers solid corner stability (8.4), dry traction (8.9), and responsive steering (8.5), making it a dependable choice for everyday driving.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: Comfort is a strong suit for the Latitude Tour, earning an 8.4 rating. It provides a smooth ride (8.6) with low noise levels (8.2), ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
- Treadwear: This tire has a treadwear rating of 7.8, which indicates decent durability and a good lifespan for regular driving conditions.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet Performance: The Latitude Tour performs adequately in wet conditions but doesn’t quite match the leading competitors in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Dry Performance: While solid, the Latitude Tour’s dry performance is slightly behind the top-tier options, particularly in corner stability and steering response.
- Comfort and Noise: This tire offers good ride quality and low noise, comparable to some of the best in the class.
- Treadwear: The treadwear rating is competitive but falls short of the highest-rated competitors, suggesting a shorter lifespan under heavy use.
PROS
- Provides reliable wet traction (8.1) and good hydroplaning resistance (8.0)
- Offers solid dry handling with good corner stability (8.4) and dry traction (8.9)
- Ensures a smooth ride (8.6) and keeps noise levels low (8.2)
- Competitive treadwear rating (7.8) for regular driving conditions
- Balanced performance makes it a versatile choice for various driving environments
CONS
- Wet traction and hydroplaning resistance are good but not top-tier
- Dry performance, while solid, doesn’t lead the class in corner stability and steering response
- Treadwear rating is decent but lower than some of the top competitors, possibly leading to more frequent replacements
- Winter performance is not a strong suit, especially in deep snow and ice conditions
THE VERDICT
The Michelin Latitude Tour is a solid choice for drivers seeking a dependable, all-season touring tire for their crossover or SUV. It offers a comfortable, quiet ride and reliable performance in wet and dry conditions. While it may not be the top performer in every category, it provides a well-rounded driving experience and good value for everyday use. For those prioritizing comfort and reliable traction year-round, the Latitude Tour is a worthy option.
Michelin Latitude Tour Problems
The Michelin Latitude Tour is known for its comfortable ride and reliable performance in various weather conditions. However, like any tire, it has some areas where it falls short, according to user feedback and performance statistics. Understanding these potential issues can help you make a more informed decision about whether this tire suits your needs.
Road Noise and Comfort
- Increased Road Noise: Some users have reported that the Michelin Latitude Tour generates more road noise than expected, especially at highway speeds. This can be a drawback for drivers who prioritize a quiet ride.
- Ride Comfort: While generally comfortable, the tire’s ride quality may not be as smooth on rough or uneven roads. Some drivers have noted that the tire feels firmer compared to other all-season options.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Varied Tread Life: The Latitude Tour has a treadwear rating of 7.8, which is decent but not outstanding. Some users have experienced uneven or premature tread wear, which can depend on driving habits, vehicle type, and maintenance routines.
- Warranty Concerns: There have been instances where drivers felt the treadwear warranty did not accurately reflect the tire’s lifespan under normal conditions, leading to dissatisfaction.
Winter Performance Limitations
- Snow and Ice Traction: The Latitude Tour is not a top performer in winter conditions. It has a light snow traction rating of 7.1 and performs even less effectively in deep snow (6.1) and on ice (5.9). For those in regions with severe winter weather, this tire may not provide the necessary traction and safety.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Against Competitors: Compared to leading competitors, the Latitude Tour falls short in several areas. Its wet traction and hydroplaning resistance are adequate but not top-tier. Similarly, while its dry performance is solid, it doesn’t lead the class in corner stability and steering response. In terms of comfort and noise, the tire is competitive but does not stand out.
The Bottom Line
While the Michelin Latitude Tour offers a balanced blend of comfort and performance for everyday driving, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations. Increased road noise, varied tread life, and subpar winter performance are notable concerns. Weigh these factors against your driving conditions and priorities to determine if this tire is the right choice for you.
Michelin Latitude Tour Alternatives
If you’re considering the Michelin Latitude Tour, it’s wise to look at a few other options that might better fit your specific needs. Here are three top alternatives, each with unique strengths, including a budget-friendly choice for those looking to save some money without compromising too much on performance.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive stands out as a top-tier all-season tire for crossovers and SUVs. It excels in both wet and dry conditions, making it a great all-around performer.
- Performance: With a wet traction rating of 9.5 and dry performance rating of 9.5, this tire is hard to beat. It also shines in winter conditions, boasting a light snow traction rating of 9.4 and deep snow traction rating of 9.2.
- Comfort: Offering a smooth and quiet ride, the Scorpion WeatherActive scores 9.2 in comfort, which is slightly better than the Latitude Tour.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.2, it promises a longer lifespan than the Latitude Tour.
Comparison: The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive outperforms the Michelin Latitude Tour in wet performance, winter traction, and treadwear. If you’re looking for top performance across all conditions, this tire is a solid choice.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is another excellent option for those seeking high performance in an 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 overall rating of 8.7 in snow and ice conditions.
- Comfort: This 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 comparable to the Latitude Tour but slightly lower.
Comparison: The Michelin CrossClimate SUV is on par with the Latitude Tour 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
For those on a budget, the Yokohama Geolandar CV G058 is a solid all-season tire that offers good performance without breaking the bank.
- 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, it offers a very competitive alternative at a lower price. It’s a great pick for those who want reliable performance without spending too much.
Each of these alternatives provides distinct features tailored to different priorities:
- Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive: Ideal for top performance in all conditions.
- Michelin CrossClimate SUV: Offers balanced excellence with a slight edge in winter performance.
- 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.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Michelin Latitude Tour is a reliable all-season tire that provides a smooth, comfortable ride and dependable performance in wet and dry conditions. It stands out with its strong corner stability and dry traction, making it a great choice for everyday driving. However, it has its drawbacks. The tire struggles in severe winter conditions, with less impressive traction on ice and deep snow. Additionally, while it offers decent treadwear, it doesn’t quite match up to the durability of some top competitors.
In summary, the Michelin Latitude Tour is on par with many leading tires in terms of comfort and dry performance. Still, it lags behind in winter capability and tread longevity. If you drive mostly in milder climates and prioritize a smooth, quiet ride, this tire could be a good fit. But for those facing harsh winters or looking for the longest-lasting tread, exploring other options might be wise.
Good luck and happy motoring.
