So, you’re eyeing the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 for your SUV or crossover and wondering if it’s the right pick? With a jungle of options out there, choosing the right tire can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Let’s delve into what makes this tire tick and whether it’s worth your bucks.
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is on par with the leading competitors in the Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season category, offering robust performance across both wet and dry conditions with commendable comfort and tread life.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3, including its performance on different terrains, its strengths and weaknesses, and how it stacks up against other popular tires in its class.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
9.0 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.3 of 10
Tread Wear
9.0 of 10
Dry Weather
9.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.2 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: 9.3 of 10
Road Noise: 9.1 of 10
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a robust Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire, expertly designed to enhance the driving experience across a broad range of weather conditions. Engineered by Pirelli, this tire merges superior performance with lasting durability, making it an ideal choice for both daily commuting and adventurous driving.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
- Wet Traction: The Scorpion AS Plus 3 boasts a wet traction score of 9.2, supported by a hydroplaning resistance rating of 9.1. These features ensure reliable performance in rainy conditions, providing drivers with peace of mind during wet weather journeys.
- Dry Handling: On dry surfaces, this tire scores impressively with a 9.4 in dry performance. Its corner stability and dry traction ratings of 9.4 and 9.5, respectively, alongside a steering response of 9.3, translate to precise control and enjoyable handling.
- Comfort and Ride Quality: Pirelli has effectively balanced high performance with exceptional comfort, achieving a comfort rating of 9.2. The tire’s ride quality (9.3) and noise level (9.1) contribute to a serene and enjoyable driving experience.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.0, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is built to last, offering great value over its lifespan.
COMPARISON TO LEADING COMPETITORS
- Wet and Dry Performance: In both wet and dry conditions, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 meets or exceeds the performance of many top competitors in the Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season category. Its balanced approach to hydroplaning resistance and traction provides dependable performance.
- Comfort and Noise: Its performance in terms of ride quality and noise levels is competitive, often outperforming others in providing a quieter, more comfortable drive.
- Treadwear: The durability of this tire is on par with the best in its class, ensuring that drivers receive a reliable tire that can withstand various driving demands.
PROS
- Provides excellent dry traction and sharp steering response for precise control.
- Achieves high marks in wet performance with strong hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Offers a comfortable ride and maintains lower noise levels, making it ideal for long drives.
- Demonstrates robust construction with a solid treadwear rating, promising longevity.
CONS
- In extreme winter conditions, the tire’s performance in deep snow and ice traction is adequate but does not excel compared to specialized winter tires.
- Some users may find the ride slightly firmer than purely comfort-oriented tires, particularly on rougher roads.
BOTTOM LINE
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is an excellent choice for drivers looking for a reliable, all-season tire for their crossover or SUV. It combines Pirelli’s renowned tire crafting expertise with practical features that perform well across various conditions. This tire ensures safety, comfort, and durability, making it a smart investment for diverse driving needs. While it is not intended for severe winter conditions, it excels in its primary role as an all-season tire.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Problems
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is praised for its all-around performance in diverse weather conditions and its robust build. However, like any product, it has some areas where feedback from users has pointed out potential drawbacks. It’s important for potential buyers to consider these issues to make an informed decision that aligns with their driving needs and expectations.
Road Noise and Comfort
- Increased Road Noise: Some users have noted that the Scorpion AS Plus 3 can be noisier on the highway compared to more comfort-focused touring tires. This is often the trade-off with tires that offer higher tread durability and all-season capabilities.
- Ride Comfort: While the tire generally provides a comfortable ride, a few drivers have mentioned that it feels slightly firmer, especially on uneven roads. This characteristic can be more pronounced in vehicles with stiffer suspensions or when driving on rough terrains.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Varied Tread Life: Reports on tread life are mostly positive, but there have been instances where users experienced less than expected wear performance. Such variations can be influenced by driving habits, vehicle alignment, and maintenance practices.
- Warranty Coverage: Some concerns have been raised about the comprehensiveness of the warranty related to tread wear. A few users felt that the warranty terms did not fully reflect the actual lifespan of the tires under regular driving conditions.
Winter Performance Limitations
- Ice Traction: The Scorpion AS Plus 3 handles light to moderate snow well but falls short on ice traction compared to dedicated winter tires. This could be a critical point for drivers in regions with harsh winter conditions.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Performance Relative to Peers: While the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is competitive in its category, there are alternatives that might offer better performance in specific areas like ice traction or ride softness. Prospective buyers should weigh these factors based on their personal priorities.
These reported issues are not universal but are worth considering. The Scorpion AS Plus 3 offers significant advantages in terms of all-season performance and durability, making it a strong contender in its class. Nonetheless, understanding its potential limitations helps in making a choice that best fits individual needs and driving conditions.
Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Alternatives
Exploring alternatives to the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 can help you tailor your tire choice to your specific driving needs and preferences. Here are three top competitors, each with their unique selling points:
Continental CrossContact LX25
Overall Rating: Known for its balanced approach to all-season performance, the Continental CrossContact LX25 is a strong contender in the Crossover/SUV category.
- Wet and Dry Performance: With a wet traction rating of 9.2 and dry traction at 9.5, it matches the Scorpion AS Plus 3 closely but offers slightly better dry handling.
- Winter Traction: Performs moderately well in winter conditions, though it falls a bit short in ice traction compared to dedicated winter tires.
- Comfort and Noise: This tire is on par with the Pirelli, providing a comfortable ride and maintaining noise at similar levels.
- Treadwear: Slightly underperforms with a treadwear rating of 9.0, just below the Pirelli’s 9.2, indicating a minor compromise in longevity.
Michelin CrossClimate SUV
Overall Rating:
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is a high-performing crossover/SUV touring tire that’s built for year-round reliability. It stands out with superior wet and dry traction, scoring a 9.5 in both categories. This makes it a great choice if you often encounter rainy or dry roads.
- Wet and Dry Performance:
With wet traction at 9.5 and dry traction at 9.6, the Scorpion WeatherActive outshines the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport LT in both areas. Its steering response is crisp, and it handles corners confidently. - Winter Traction:
Winter traction is a strong suit with a score of 9.1 overall, giving you peace of mind in snowy and icy conditions. The BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport LT can’t quite match up, particularly on ice. - Comfort and Noise:
Pirelli nails it in terms of comfort, with a ride quality score of 9.3 and low noise levels. This means you can enjoy a quieter, smoother ride compared to the BFGoodrich.
Yokohama Geolandar CV G058
Overall Rating: Ideal for drivers looking for reliable all-season capabilities with a focus on comfort.
- Wet and Dry Performance: Provides solid performance in both wet and dry conditions, though it does not surpass the Pirelli in any significant way.
- Winter Traction: Comparable to the Pirelli in winter conditions but does not excel in deep snow or ice.
- Comfort and Noise: This tire shines in the comfort department, potentially offering a softer ride than the Pirelli, which might appeal to those who prioritize driving comfort over outright performance.
- Treadwear: With a treadwear rating of 9.0, it stands on equal footing with the Pirelli, promising durability and value.
Each of these alternatives presents a viable option depending on your focus—whether it’s superior dry handling, better winter performance, or enhanced comfort. When considering a switch from the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3, weigh these aspects to find the perfect match for your driving style and conditions.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 emerges as a solid contender in the all-season tire arena, well-suited for drivers who demand reliability and performance year-round. With its impressive scores in both wet and dry traction, it ensures a confident driving experience in diverse weather conditions. The tire’s comfort levels are notable too, with a ride quality that challenges even some of the more established names in the market.
On the flip side, while it handles light to moderate snow adequately, its performance on ice may leave drivers wanting more—something to think about if you’re navigating more severe winter conditions. The noise level, although generally low, can be noticeable on certain surfaces, and some users have reported varied experiences regarding tread life.
When placed side by side with industry leaders, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 holds its ground, demonstrating capabilities that often match or even exceed those of its peers, especially in terms of handling and comfort. It’s not the undisputed king of the hill, but it certainly isn’t playing catch-up either.
Good luck and happy motoring.
