Need a tire that can handle your crossover or SUV with comfort and confidence in all seasons? The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 might be just what you need. But how does it compare to other crossover touring options, and what compromises should you consider?
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 brings responsive dry cornering, reassuring hydroplaning resistance, a noticeably cushioned ride, and extended tread durability to the table, making it a compelling choice in the crossover/suv touring all-season segment. However, limited winter traction could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
In this article, we take a closer look at the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3. We will compare it side-by-side with top alternatives like the premium Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive, the average-priced Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology, and the budget-friendly Continental CrossContact LX25. We will also discuss common issues and share detailed performance stats so you can decide if it is the right tire for you.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Price Comparison
| Tire | Price Category |
|---|---|
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | Mid-Priced |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | Premium |
| Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology | Mid-Priced |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | Budget |
Wet Performance
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 9.1 | 9.2 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.3 | 9.4 |
| Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology | 8.6 | 8.6 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.1 | 9.2 |
Dry Performance
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.4 |
| Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology | 8.7 | 8.7 | 8.7 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
Winter/Snow Performance
| Tire | Light Snow Traction | Deep Snow Traction | Ice Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 8.7 | 8.2 | 7.9 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.2 | 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 8.8 | 8.3 | 7.9 |
Comfort Performance
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 9.2 | 8.9 |
| Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology | 8.4 | 8.4 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.2 | 8.9 |
Treadwear Performance
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
| Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 | 8.9 |
| Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive | 8.9 |
| Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology | 7.7 |
| Continental CrossContact LX25 | 9.1 |
Detailed Review
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
Customer Ratings
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.3 of 10
Dry Weather
9.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.1 of 10
Tread Wear
8.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 800
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 70,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.2 of 10
Cornering: 9.4 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.5 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.3 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.7 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.2 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.9 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.2 of 10
Road Noise: 9.1 of 10
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is designed for drivers seeking reliable crossover/suv touring all-season performance. It offers a balanced combination of comfort, traction, and longevity for everyday driving conditions.
Dry Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
On dry roads, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 shows exceptional grip and responsive steering. Its excellent corner stability and dry traction give you a solid, confident feel behind the wheel. Whether you’re cruising on highways or winding through country roads, you’ll enjoy steady handling and precision. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger dry traction and handling than most of the competition.
Wet Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
This tire performs impressively in wet conditions. With high ratings for hydroplaning resistance and wet traction, it efficiently channels water away to lower the risk of skidding. You can drive confidently in heavy rain, knowing the tire has been designed to keep you on track. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.
Ride Comfort and Noise Level
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 offers a comfortable ride that most drivers will appreciate. Road imperfections are absorbed well, and noise levels remain subdued even at highway speeds. Long drives become more enjoyable with this level of refinement. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for ride comfort and noise control.
Winter/Snow Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In snowy conditions, the tire does well, especially in light to moderate snow where it shows decent traction. However, its performance on ice isn’t as robust, and you might experience occasional slipping during cornering. If you often drive in mild winter conditions with icy patches, extra caution is advised. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for winter and snow traction.
Treadwear and Longevity
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 has a strong treadwear rating, which means it should last for many miles when maintained properly. Its durable design is built to handle varied conditions, and the warranty backs up the manufacturer’s confidence in its longevity. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for tread life and longevity.
Pros
- Excellent dry and wet traction
- Responsive steering and stable handling
- Capable winter and snow performance
- Durable treadwear for long-lasting use
Cons
- May not suit all driving styles
- Some size availability limitations
- Requires proper maintenance for best results
- Performance varies by vehicle type
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 delivers outstanding value in the mid-range segment. Its performance ratings consistently exceed what you’d expect at this price point, and solid tread life adds to the long-term return on investment. For drivers seeking reliable crossover/suv touring all-season performance, this tire punches well above its weight.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a strong option if you value comfort and all-season versatility. It excels on dry roads and wet conditions and durability and shows good durability. However, if you have very specific performance requirements, you might want to consider other alternatives. Overall, this tire is a worthy pick for those who need a reliable tire that performs well across a range of everyday conditions.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Problems
While the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a capable tire, real-world feedback from drivers has highlighted a few areas of concern. These include faster than expected tread wear and challenges in light snow, ice, or slush. It’s important to note that many of these issues are reported by a minority of owners and can often be mitigated with proper maintenance like keeping the right air pressure, regular rotations, and proper alignment.
Understanding these concerns can help you decide if this tire is the right choice for your driving needs.
Tread Wear Patterns
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Several reviews mention faster than expected tread wear or uneven wear patterns on the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3. Some drivers report cupping or feathering, particularly when alignment or rotation schedules aren’t maintained.
Light Snow, Ice, and Slush Performance
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Some drivers have noted that the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 can feel less confident in light snow, slush, or on icy surfaces. While deep snow traction is generally adequate, packed snow, slush, and glazed or black ice conditions can be more challenging compared to dedicated winter tires.
Balancing and Installation Issues
Typical
A few reports mention problems during mounting or balancing the tire. Some drivers experienced vibrations or a wobbling feeling when the tires were new, which might require extra adjustments to get a smooth ride.
The Bottomline
While the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a strong tire overall, it is not without its concerns. Issues such as shorter tread life, reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush have been noted by some drivers. If these problems worry you, consider looking into our recommended alternatives.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Alternatives
While the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a strong tire overall, some drivers have noted its lower performance in light snow or icy conditions. If these issues are a concern for you, consider these recommended alternatives.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Overall: A premium crossover/suv touring all-season tire known for its proven durability and high performance, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is built for drivers who demand the best. It offers a robust performance package that can address some of the Scorpion AS Plus 3’s concerns.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the Scorpion AS Plus 3’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the Scorpion AS Plus 3’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the Scorpion AS Plus 3’s winter capability.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for good tread life and durability; while the ride may be slightly firmer than the Scorpion AS Plus 3, its longevity is proven.
Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology
Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology
Overall: The Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology is a well-balanced, average-priced tire that offers a good mix of performance and value. It delivers solid traction in most conditions and represents a strong alternative at its price point.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Delivers adequate wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, though it doesn’t quite match the Scorpion AS Plus 3’s exceptional wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Provides dependable dry traction and stable handling for everyday driving.
- Winter Performance: Offers adequate winter performance, though its snow and ice traction are lower than the Scorpion AS Plus 3’s ratings.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Delivers a comfortable ride with solid treadwear, performing similarly to the Scorpion AS Plus 3 in day-to-day driving.
Continental CrossContact LX25
Continental CrossContact LX25
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Continental CrossContact LX25 offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the Scorpion AS Plus 3 in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the Scorpion AS Plus 3’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Offers strong dry traction and stable handling, performing comparably to the Scorpion AS Plus 3 on dry pavement.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the Scorpion AS Plus 3’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for good tread life and durability; while the ride may be slightly firmer than the Scorpion AS Plus 3, its longevity is proven.
Each of these alternative tires brings its own strengths to the table.
- The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a premium choice with proven durability and strong performance in many conditions.
- The Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort at a solid average price.
- The Continental CrossContact LX25 is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Depending on your driving needs and what matters most to you, these tires can be great alternatives to the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a solid all-season tire that offers great value with its strong dry, wet traction, dependable treadwear, and comfortable ride. It is built for drivers who need a tire that performs well across varied conditions throughout the year.
However, it’s important to note some of its drawbacks. less reliable traction in light snow or on icy roads While these issues are not widespread, they are worth considering if you have specific performance needs.
In the end, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 offers a balanced mix of performance and value. If you want dependable all-season performance, it is a strong choice. But if you are concerned about the issues mentioned above, you might want to look at alternatives like the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive, Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology, and the Continental CrossContact LX25. Your decision should reflect your driving style and priorities.
Good luck and happy motoring.
