Top 10 Best Tires for Ford Escape, Tested and Reviewed

 The Escape is one of Ford's best-selling vehicles, though it lately had some hard time with the Japanese competition. Still, owners seem to be very satisfied with the compact crossover/SUV, which is famous for offering a bit of driving fun along with a spacious and versatile interior.

However, you will need a good set of tires to extract the best possible performance from your Ford Escape. A set of high-quality tires won't only improve the driving dynamics of your family SUV but also make it quieter and more comfortable, and it even might extract more fuel efficiency.

The problem is that the tire market is very crowded, and that is especially true if you consider tires for compact crossovers/SUVs. These vehicles are increasingly popular, and as a result, every tiremaker is offering numerous models that fit them. These include touring all-season tires (sometimes even two models), UHP all-season, performance summer tires, and winter tires.

But how do you find the best possible set of tires for your Ford Escape? Well, I think that this article can guide you through the process. I prepared a list of the ten best tires for Ford Escape and touring, performance, and winter tires because I believe that everyone should choose tires according to his/her driving needs and style.

If the short reviews down there are not enough, there is a whole FAQ section down there, where I'll answer all your lingering questions about Ford Escape tires. If you are new to this, I recommend reading the questions thoroughly, as you can learn a lot about the different classes of tires and what they bring to the table.

So, without further ado, let's have a closer look at the best Ford Escape tires currently available on the market.

Best Touring All-Season Tires for Ford Escape

1. Continental CrossContact LX25

Continental's latest crossover/SUV touring all-season tire beats its competition when it comes to traction and safety, regardless of the weather around you. It is also a very durable tire that you can use for years without worrying about its performance diminishing and hurting the safety of your ride.

But just like with almost every Continental tire nowadays, I will start with the wet performance because that's where the CrossContact LX25 really shines. It is currently the best crossover/SUV touring all-season tire regarding longitudinal traction, meaning it will give you the best acceleration off the line and shortest stopping distances.

Furthermore, it behaves very calmly in the corners without the edginess of some other touring tires. The CrossContact LX25 feels very balanced and surefooted while also offering excellent lateral wet grip. It is a tire that is very easy to drive when it rains, even at the limit, where it progressively loses traction, leaving time for the driver to react.

Continental combines excellent rain abilities with very good dry properties. The CrossContact LX25 remains a very capable tire in dry conditions, with natural handling, precise and quick steering, and good overall grip.

Notably, the stopping distances are again among the shortest in the category, which makes the CrossContact LX25 one of the safest tires in its category, and certainly a great fit for the family-oriented Ford Escape.

What impressed me the most about this tire, though, is that it also works well on light snow. The CrossContact LX25 actually beats most of its rivals with its braking performance, which, again, is crucial for safety. It also accelerates without many issues, meaning the chances that you get stuck in snow are pretty low.

I was also very happy with how it performed in the corners. The front tires were always happy to react to my steering input, reacting quickly and maintaining grip. Meanwhile, the rear tires never destabilized and kept the crossover planted in the corner. Even when the CrossContact LX25 lost traction, it did that progressively, which left me with quite a lot of time to catch the slide. This won't often happen, though, as the CrossContact LX25 has a pretty good lateral grip in the snow for a crossover/SUV all-season tire.

When it comes to comfort, Continental did a great job with the noise isolation. The CrossContact LX25 is one of the quietest touring tires, with almost no noise entering the cabin at highway speeds. However, I found that the ride can be a bit busy on roads with sharp and repetitive impacts. The ride is still good overall, but there is no question that some of its competitors deal with bad roads better.

Continental provides a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty on the CrossContact LX25, which is one of the highest in the category. Owners are also very happy with the treadlife, and the previous LX20 was already famous for being very durable, so I have zero concerns about the longevity of this tire.

Pros:

• Provides dependable grip and balanced control on wet surfaces
• Demonstrates robust braking and impressive lateral grip on dry terrains
• The steering responds quickly and consistently
• Effective performance on light snow
• Backed by a long 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
• Maintains a quiet ride, even at high speed

Cons:

• Ride quality decreases on damaged roads
• The price point may be steep for some budgets

2. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3

Pirelli's answer to the CrossContact LX25, the Scorpion AS Plus 3, can't compete with its closest rival when it comes to wet traction, but boy, it drives so smoothly. If you care about a serene driving experience, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is currently one of the best Ford Escape tires on the market.

The ride this tire provides is sublime, as it deals with smaller and larger road imperfections with ease. Notably, it feels soft on smooth roads without transmitting too many vibrations into the cabin, but it also feels very composed on bad roads. The Scorpion AS Plus 3 deals amazingly well with sharp and repetitive impacts, giving your Ford Escape that luxury ride you've been dreaming of.

Furthermore, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a very quiet tire. The noise it produces is in the low frequencies, meaning it drowns out on the highway and is almost never heard inside the cabin. Along with the buttery-smooth ride, this makes the Scorpion AS Plus 3 one of the best long-distance tires in its category.

Now, I said that the Scorpion AS Plus 3 couldn't compete with the CrossContact LX25 in wet traction. That is certainly true if you compare them side by side, but in isolation, Pirelli's tire is still a very good performer. It offers solid longitudinal traction for relatively short stopping distances and good lateral grip.

Where the Scorpion AS Plus 3 suffers is in the subjective feeling. Unlike its closest rival, Pirelli's tire feels a bit nervous at the limit. Fortunately, you won't be reaching the limit of grip too often – probably never, but you might need to be more alert during evasive maneuvers.

With that said, Pirelli did a great job elsewhere. The Scorpion AS Plus 3 performs very well on dry roads, with comparable longitudinal traction to the best crossover/SUV touring all-season tires. Its steering is also very responsive and linear, which is surprising given how comfortable it is over bumps (sharper tires usually have worse rides). On top of that, the lateral grip is excellent and among the highest of any tire in its category.

I was also very happy with how the Scorpion AS Plus 3 performed on snow-covered roads. The handling was very balanced, with both the front and rear ends keeping the crossover stable like it is on rails. And even when the Scorpion AS Plus 3 lost grip, it did so very predictably, leaving a lot of time to react.

As for traction, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 provides very short stopping distances, good acceleration, and solid lateral grip on light snow. With that said, its ice traction is below average for the category. Still, that's not a big disadvantage, as no all-season tire is really usable on ice in the first place.

Pirelli offers a 70,000-mile warranty on the Scorpion AS Plus 3, which is among the highest in the category. Owners of this and the previous model are also very satisfied with the longevity of the tire, with treadlife that matches the warranty. Overall, it is one of the most durable tires in its category.

Pros:

• Delivers excellent lateral grip in dry situations
• Steering response is quick and consistent
• Effectively manages braking and lateral grip on wet surfaces
• Exhibits superior handling and traction on light snow
• Ensures a smooth ride across all types of roads
• Manages noise effectively, even at high speeds

Cons:

• Feels unstable when pushed to the limit in rainy conditions
• Traction on ice falls below the average

3. Michelin CrossClimate 2

Michelin is one of the tiremakers that offers multiple options in the same category of tires. For instance, in the grand-touring all-season category (it still fits the Ford Escape), it has the Primacy Tour A/S, Premier A/S, and the CrossClimate 2. The first two models are regular all-season tires, meaning they focus more on the spring/summer/fall part of the equation, while the CrossClimate 2 brings advanced technology that makes it a much better snow tire.

Thanks to its unique directional tread pattern, the CrossClimate 2 promises much better snow and ice traction than its siblings, and it also comes with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. As a result, some rate it as an all-weather tire, which is an all-season tire with more snow-focused capabilities.

So, does it deliver? Absolutely! The CrossClimate 2 offers much higher snow traction than a regular all-season tire, especially when you compare it to its siblings. The stopping distances on snow are the shortest in its category, and you can easily accelerate on snow without too much wheel spin.

Moreover, the lateral grip is excellent for an all-season tire, and the handling remains very balanced, even at the limit. Michelin was even able to extract some ice traction from this tire, which is very impressive. Overall, the CrossClimate 2 won't replace a winter tire on snow, but it comes dangerously close.

And it does all of that while delivering in dry and wet conditions as well. Michelin's unique directional tread pattern has a sizeable contact patch with the road, which also makes it a very good dry tire. It has excellent lateral grip, shorter stopping distances than most grand-touring all-season tires, and good acceleration traction. Furthermore, the steering is very precise and quick, and the handling is very playful and natural.

The CrossClimate 2 also impressed me on wet roads, where it provided excellent overall traction and hydroplaning resistance. Notably, the braking distances are among the shortest in the category, and the lateral grip also beats most of its rivals.

But the subjective impression it left on me is even higher – the CrossClimate 2 provided natural handling and behaved predictably at the limit in rainy conditions. It never felt nervous – just stable and surefooted.

Although the directional pattern looks sporty, Michelin designed it with noise comfort in mind. Thus, the CrossClimate 2 is also a very quiet tire, even at higher speeds. That said, the ride can see improvement, as it feels a bit choppy over repetitive and sharp impacts. It's not bad, but certainly worse than some of its premium rivals.

With that said, the biggest disadvantage of the CrossClimate 2 is the 60,000-mile treadwear warranty. It is good, especially when you consider the performance it provides, but some of its all-weather rivals, like the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, offer a longer warranty. Knowing Michelin, the CrossClimate 2 should be very durable in the real world. Still, I would've liked to see a longer warranty, particularly considering the fact that this is the most expensive grand-touring all-season tire.

Pros:

• Provides robust lateral grip on dry surfaces
• Promises an enjoyable dry driving experience
• Exhibits excellent braking capabilities in wet conditions
• Delivers superior lateral grip in the rain
• The steering responds well and maintains straight-line tracking
• Performs reliably on snow and handles well at the limit
• Offers best-in-class acceleration and braking on snowy surfaces
• Ensures a quiet ride, even at high speeds

Cons:

• Ranks as one of the more expensive options in its category
• Ride quality could be improved
• Treadwear warranty is less than some competitors, at 60,000 miles

4. Bridgestone WeatherPeak

Bridgestone recently entered the all-weather category with the WeatherPeak. It is a tire that competes directly with the CrossClimate 2 and the Vredestein Quatrac Pro (right below in the list), and it trumps its rivals regarding longevity.

Namely, Bridgestone offers a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty on the WeatherPeak, which is the highest of any 3PMSF-rated (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) tire. It is a big selling point for the WeatherPeak, as it shows that you can have a tire that offers advanced snow traction without sacrificing treadlife. Since this is a new model, I can't comment on the real-world treadlife, but considering it comes from Bridgestone, I have no doubts it will last for a very long time.

But does the WeatherPeak deliver on snow-covered roads? It absolutely does! In terms of overall drivability, it competes closely with other 3PMSF-rated grand-touring tires, making it a great option for Ford Escape owners that live in areas with harsh wintry conditions.

Notably, the WeatherPeak provides some of the shortest stopping distances on snow in its class, along with good acceleration off the line. It also feels very stable in the corners, with predictable behavior at the limit and, overall, very balanced handling.

The lateral grip is also excellent for an all-season/all-weather tire, rounding off a stellar performance on snow-covered roads. Oh, and thanks to the pliable rubber, the WeatherPeak also offers some ice traction, more so than a regular all-season tire.

Bridgestone's latest grand-touring tire continues to deliver on dry and wet surfaces. In dry conditions, it remains very stable in the corners, with nice, playful handling and quick steering. I won't call it a sporty tire, but the WeatherPeak did give me a pretty fun drive down a twisty road. On top of that, the straight-line tracking and highway stability are excellent.

There is a small gripe, though – the stopping distances in dry conditions are slightly longer than the competition, particularly the CrossClimate 2. The WeatherPeak is still very good in isolation (and better than most cheaper tires), but it does need a few more feet to stop than its closest rivals.

As for rainy conditions, I had no issues with traction or grip. The braking distances are among the shortest in the category, which is important because most accidents happen when it rain. Moreover, the lateral grip is excellent for the category, and the hydroplaning resistance is excellent.

With that said, while you can drive at some very high speeds in the corners, the WeatherPeak can feel a bit edgy at the limit. You will probably never reach the limits of grip, but if you do, be ready to make quick maneuvers with the steering wheel.

Lastly, I was very impressed with how comfortable the WeatherPeak is. Looking at the aggressive tread pattern with multiple sipes, I expected higher road noise, but there was almost none at lower speeds. Even on the highway, the WeatherPeak remains very quiet and serene. Besides, the ride quality is very smooth, even on roads with frequent and sharp imperfections. Overall, it's a very comfortable tire.

Pros:

• Excels in cornering grip and maneuverability during dry conditions
• Offers precise steering with consistent response
• Delivers superior acceleration and braking traction during rainy conditions
• Provides good lateral grip on wet surfaces
• Brakes and accelerates remarkably on light snow
• Easily manageable on snowy terrains with balanced handling and solid lateral traction
• Maintains quietness even on uneven road sections
• Ensures a comfortable ride over both minor and major road imperfections
• Boasts the lengthiest treadwear warranty amongst 3PMSF-rated all-weather tires

Cons:

• Exhibits slight instability when pushed to the limit during wet conditions
• Has a slightly longer stopping distance compared to its main competitors on dry surfaces

5. Vredestein Quatrac Pro

The Quatrac Pro is another all-weather tire that is particularly close to my heart. It doesn't come from a manufacturer that is well known in North America, but Vredestein is a staple name in Europe, known for producing high-quality tires that compete with the best in every category.

The reason I like the Quatrac Pro that much, though, is that it performs well regardless of the weather conditions outside. It doesn't feel sporty, sure, but that is out of the scope of Ford Escape owners. Instead, it offers precise and linear steering with excellent straight-line tracking, properties that seem very well-suited to compact crossover/SUV owners.

Where the Quatrac Pro shines, though, is traction. On dry roads, it competes with other premium grand-touring all-season tires for top honors. It offers excellent lateral grip – higher than you would expect from a 3PMSF-rated tire.

Moreover, the handling is very balanced, with predictable behavior at the limit. The longitudinal traction on dry roads is also excellent. The Quatrac Pro provides very short stopping distances, is on par with other premium tires, and accelerates without any issues.

You and your family will also be very safe when it rains. In fact, the Quatrac Pro is one of the best rain tires in its category, with a good driving experience and excellent traction. Notably, the stopping distances are just a bit longer than other premium tires, though the lateral grip matches its rivals.

What is more important is that the Quatrac Pro performs well at the limit because it loses traction progressively, i.e., it leaves you precious time to react to the slide. This is crucial when you need to make an evasive maneuver and important for the overall safety of a tire.

This brings me to the snow performance of the Quatrac Pro. It is a tire with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, meaning it was certified that it provides higher longitudinal traction on snow than regular all-season tires.

Indeed, the Quatrac Pro will give you some of the shortest braking distances in its category on snow, which is perhaps the most important thing regarding safety. However, you will also be happy to hear that the Quatrac Pro provides excellent acceleration traction, even on Ford Escape models with front-wheel drive.

In the corners, the Quatrac Pro impressed me even more. It felt very stable and had a harmonious handling that gave me the confidence to push the tires to their limits. And when I hit the limit, the Quatrac Pro gently went into an oversteer that was easy to correct. It was fun, yet very safe. Oh, and thanks to the softer rubber compound, Vredestein's all-weather tire will give you some traction on snow, unlike the average all-season tire.

Now, you probably think that Vredestein sacrificed comfort to give you great performance, but that is not the case. In fact, I was delighted with the lack of tread growl on the highway – the Quatrac Pro is truly a quiet tire. Moreover, the ride is very smooth, even on roads with sharp and deep impacts.

There is one disadvantage that might make buyers turn away from this tire. Namely, Vredestein offers a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is much shorter than that of its rivals and similar to many UHP all-season tires. You should also expect a shorter treadlife in the real world, though the Quatrac Pro should last for at least three years before a replacement is imminent.

Pros:

• Exhibits a strong grip and short stopping distances on dry surfaces
• Performs very well on wet surfaces
• Offers excellent handling in light snow conditions
• Provides a smooth ride
• Maintains a quiet environment, even at high speeds

Cons:

• Offers only a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is below par for its category 

Best All-Season Performance Tires for Ford Escape

6. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4

Looking to sharpen up the steering and make your Ford Escape more enjoyable to drive? Or maybe you own the quick 2.0 EcoBoost model and want a set of tires that will extract the most performance from it? Well, look no further than the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, which is currently one of the best ultra-high-performance all-season tires on sale.

What I really liked about this tire is how good it makes any crossover to drive. The steering is far better than on any grand-touring all-season tire; it is sharper, quicker, and much more precise. Sure, crossovers aren't made for driving enjoyment, but if you are a dad with gas in his veins, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 can make your Escape more fun to drive down a twisty road.

All that sharpness in the steering is accompanied by excellent traction and grip. In fact, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 is among the best UHP all-season tires regarding road-holding, both on dry and wet surfaces.

On dry tarmac, you can expect a significant increase in braking power, meaning shorter stopping distances. Yup, UHP all-season tires not only make your Escape more fun to drive but also safer. I also found that on front-wheel-drive cars, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 limits wheel spin during acceleration, especially when you exit a turn. In other words, it limits torque steer, which is a problem in FWD vehicles with torquey turbocharged engines.

The lateral grip is also excellent – the Pilot Sport All Season 4 allows you to drive much faster in the corners than any grand-touring all-season tire and most of its rivals as well. Not only that, but the handling is very playful and surefooted, even at the limit.

The Pilot Sport All Season 4 doesn't stop impressed with the driving qualities when it starts to rain. In fact, it is one of the best wet tires available for the Ford Escape, with exceptional stopping power and quick acceleration off the line. Moreover, it sticks well to the tarmac in the corners, providing lateral acceleration like no other Ford Escape tire.

You must be thinking that the Pilot Sport All Season 4 will suffer in the winter, but Michelin sorted that out as well. Of course, this model won't reach the traction of 3PMSF-rated all-weather tires, but it is one of the best for its category.

Namely, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 remains controllable on light snow, behaves predictably at the limit and provides good lateral grip. In addition, the stopping distances are relatively short, and you will get ample acceleration traction, even on steep inclines.

With all that said, there are some downsides to owning the Pilot Sport All Season 4. Namely, this tire will hurt the comfort of your Ford Escape, as it is noisier and harsher over bumps than a regular grand-touring all-season tire. Your family will probably not notice the difference, but it's definitely there.

Fortunately, Michelin offers a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty to ease your back pain, which is relatively high for a performance-oriented tire.

Pros:

• Provides impressive handling on wet surfaces
• Ensures short stopping distances in rainy conditions
• Offers high lateral grip and excellent braking in dry conditions
• Performs well in light snow for a performance all-season tire
• Offers a long tread life for its category

Cons:

• Ride quality is unsettled, especially over rough surfaces
• Noise levels can increase at high speeds

7. Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus

Pirelli's closest rival to the Pilot Sport All Season 4 isn't as polished overall, though it can still be a good option for Ford Escape owners that want an engaging and fun driving experience.

Much like other products in the company's high-performance family, the P Zero All Season Plus is a hugely entertaining tire to drive. The steering is super quick and precise and offers the granular control that many other tires lack. In that sense, it almost feels like a summer performance tire designed for track use. Combined with Escape's already solid steering, it will make a real difference on a twisty road, but the P Zero All Season Plus will also feel good on the highway, thanks to the stellar straight-line tracking.

All that steering precision is accompanied by exceptional traction and grip on dry tarmac. When Pirelli launched the P Zero All Season Plus, it moved the bar of what is possible from a UHP all-season tire in dry weather. The lateral grip is excellent – higher than most UHP all-season tires I tested, and the braking power is second to none.

Furthermore, the P Zero All Season Plus stays very stable under braking and accelerates swiftly out of a corner. Overall, the handling is very balanced and natural, and the tires feel predictable at the limit, which further adds to the excellent driving credentials of this tire.

I also had a lot of fun in wet conditions. The handling remained very lively and agile but still very stable. Thus, the P Zero All Season Plus can be quick in the hands of expert drivers and safe in the hands of regular drivers.

However, the P Zero All Season Plus lacks the overall traction levels of its competitors, particularly the Pilot Sport All Season 4. Namely, the stopping distances are longer during rainy conditions, and I just couldn't achieve the same lateral speeds as I could with some other tires from the category.

Still, for most people, the P Zero All Season Plus is a very capable rain tire. The traction disparity is measurable, but only when you compare Pirelli's tire to its rivals. Besides, not many Escape owners drive at the limit in the rain, and if they do, good behavior at the limit will help you keep control of the vehicle.

I can't say the same things for snowy conditions, though. The P Zero All Season Plus not only lacks the ultimate traction of its rivals, but it also feels very edgy in the corners. So, expect to be more involved with the steering wheel, longer stopping distances, and more slipping during acceleration. There is no other way to put it – the P Zero All Season Plus is only an average snow tire.

With that said, you'll be happy to hear that unlike its Michelin rival, the P Zero All Season Plus is supremely comfortable. The ride is very smooth, without the harshness associated with UHP all-season tires, and I had no issues having conversations on the highway. Really impressive stuff.

Pirelli offers a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty on the P Zero All Season Plus, which is par for the course in the category.

Pros:

• Steering is impressively quick and linear, enhancing the driving experience
• Provides excellent lateral grip in dry conditions
• Stability is exceptional under braking, with strong acceleration
• Performs well in wet conditions
• The ride is smooth for a UHP all-season tire
• Noise level is low for its category, even at high speeds
• Treadlife and treadwear warranty are excellent

Cons:

• Wet traction falls behind class leaders
• Not well-suited for light snow, with below-average traction

8. Sumitomo HTR A/S P03

Premium tires always provide the safest and most enjoyable driving experience, but Ford Escape owners aren't always ready to pay handsomely. If you are one of those drivers that want to save some cash yet don't want to sacrifice performance, the Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 is an excellent option.

Sumitomo is one of the biggest tire manufacturers in the world, so it knows a thing or two about making excellent tires. Still, the Japanese company decided to compete with more budget-oriented brands, which is a good thing because more options are always welcome.

Its ultra-high-performance all-season tire, the HTR A/S P03, is a perfect example of how you can produce an excellent budget product without cutting too many corners. Namely, this tire comes with a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty on W-speed-rated sizes and an exceptional 65,000-mile warranty on H-speed and V-speed-rated tires. This makes it a great buy for drivers that want to save money on tires, as the HTR A/S P03 is not only cheap but also warrants less frequent replacements.

And it's not like it disappoints on the road. In fact, I was thoroughly impressed with how it drives, considering its price. Like, sure, it won't compete with the Pilot Sport All Season 4, but it doesn't really need to. For most drivers, the HTR A/S P03 offers enough traction in dry, wet, and snowy conditions.

Actually, it beats any grand-touring all-season tire when it comes to traction on dry and wet roads. On dry tarmac, I was impressed with the relatively short stopping distances and high lateral grip, which gave me a lot of confidence to push forward. The HTR A/S P03 was also very satisfying in the corners, with good steering precision, playful handling, and predictable behavior at the limit.

It was the same story in rainy conditions. The stopping distances weren't too far away from its premium rivals, and the HTR A/S P03 had enough lateral grip to keep high speeds in the corners. I also didn't have any issues with how it handled at the limit, as it felt easy to control. So, yeah, you will get a more stable and safer drive with a premium tire, but only if you drive frequently at the limit. For regular daily driving, the HTR A/S P03 will suffice.

But the thing that impressed me the most about this tire is that it worked surprisingly well on snow. Although the tread pattern doesn't suggest that, the HTR A/S P03 had usable longitudinal traction that translated into good braking and acceleration. Moreover, it felt good to drive in the corners, with a surprising amount of grip.

However, the HTR A/S P03 shows its budget-oriented pricing in the comfort department. The stiffness of the sidewalls might make it more enjoyable to drive, but they lead to a very jumpy ride, particularly on roads with sharp imperfections. Moreover, you can clearly hear the tires in the cabin, particularly on the highway.

Still, these comfort deficiencies plague many UHP all-season tires, and they might not be as big of an issue for drivers that want a more engaging driving experience.

Pros:

• Exhibits satisfactory traction and grip on dry surfaces
• Delivers pleasing handling in dry conditions
• Provides excellent traction and grip during rainy weather
• Exhibits commendable acceleration and braking on snow, particularly for a budget UHP all-season tire
• Offers balanced handling on light snow
• Provides excellent treadlife and treadwear warranty considering the price point

Cons:

• Ride quality suffers over repeated or sharp surface imperfections
• Noise levels increase on the highway

Best Winter Tires for Ford Escape

9. Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV

3PMSF-rated all-weather tires, and even some premium all-season tires, can be the only option for Ford Escape owners that live in areas where it doesn't frequently snow during the winter. However, if you live in an area with freezing, snowy, and icy winters, you should absolutely replace your all-weather/all-season tires with winter tires.

And the best winter tire for the Ford Escape currently on sale is the Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV. It is Michelin's latest winter/snow tire, designed to offer exceptional traction on snow, ice, and slush but also to remain safe and controllable in dry and wet conditions.

This is an expensive tire – not surprising for a Michelin product, but it is also one of the few winter tires that come with a warranty. Namely, the French tiremaker offers a 40,000-mile warranty on this tire, which is frankly mind-blowing.

This means that treadlife will never be an issue, as you will be using this tire for only four months every year. In other words, you are looking at up to six years of driving before the X-Ice Snow SUV reaches its lowest legal tread depth.

You also get what you are paying for regarding performance. The X-Ice Snow SUV provides some of the shortest stopping distances of any winter tire on snow and also accelerates quickly off the line, even on Escape FWD models. Moreover, the handling is very balanced, and the lateral grip is outstanding, all leading to one of the safest driving experiences on snow for your Ford Escape.

But the X-Ice Snow SUV makes an even stronger argument for itself on ice, where it wipes the floor with any all-weather tire. Sure, you will need to be careful when driving, but you will get more acceleration and braking traction, along with more usable handling. The X-Ice Snow SUV is also usable in slush, where it handles very securely.

Thanks to its advanced compound and tread pattern, the X-Ice Snow SUV is also a very good wet tire. It provides solid braking in rainy conditions, outstanding hydroplaning resistance, and very surefooted and stable handling. Some of its rivals offer shorter stopping distances, but those are not available in sizes that fit most Escape models. Besides, it's not like the X-Ice Snow SUV is bad at braking.

Although people don't often care about the dry performance of winter tires, I reckon this is a very important aspect because they will be mostly used in dry and freezing conditions. And I am happy to report that the X-Ice Snow SUV handles those duties very well, with good lateral grip, balanced handling, and strong braking.

With that said, the aggressive tread pattern with numerous sipes can be noisy, particularly on a coarse tarmac. It's not overly intrusive, and you can still have a conversation at highway speeds, but you will hear slightly more noise than on some of its premium rivals. The ride quality is very smooth, though, even on cracked roads with repetitive impacts.

Pros:

• Provides outstanding handling and traction on snow
• Exhibits excellent handling and traction on icy surfaces
• Solid handling and lateral grip in dry conditions
• Delivers short stopping distances in rainy weather
• Ensures a smooth and quiet ride for a highly aggressive snow tire

Cons:

• Slightly louder than rivals on rough surfaces
• Has slightly less lateral grip in rainy weather compared to its closest competitors

10. Vredestein Wintrac Pro

The Wintrac Pro is another tire that shows how good Vredestein is at making high-quality tires that offer a safe driving experience.

Unlike the X-Ice Snow SUV, it is rated as a performance winter tire, and you can feel that on the road. The dry grip is slightly higher on this tire, meaning you can drive faster through the corners. Moreover, the stopping distances are slightly shorter, and overall, the handling feels more agile.

That said, I would've liked the steering to be more responsive – it feels dull, despite the tire's performance credentials. It's not slow, but it simply doesn't return much information from the road.

Still, the Wintrac Pro redeems itself in rainy conditions. On wet and slushy roads, it offers an unparalleled driving experience for the category. The lateral grip is very high for a winter tire, the hydroplaning resistance is exceptional, and the stopping distances are among the shortest of any winter tire.

Moreover, the Wintrac Pro handles well in the corners, where it feels stable and reasonably agile. I was particularly pleased with how the tires handled at the limit, as they felt controllable and predictable.

But the reason you will be buying this tire is for its added snow traction, and I am happy to confirm that it delivers. It might not beat the X-Ice Snow SUV in deep snow, but it actually feels a bit more agile and playful on light snow.

The handling is also very balanced – I was very happy with the surefooted nature of the Wintrac Pro, which made the driving experience on snow much safer. It is engaging, too – you can push it to its limit, and the Wintrac Pro will let you control your Escape without turning the wheel too much. It's the same story on ice – the Wintrac Pro is easy to drive, with a solid amount of longitudinal traction and lateral grip.

Although the Wintrac Pro is rated as a performance winter tire, it offers a very smooth ride. Maybe that is where the dullness in the steering comes from, but I think that it's a compromise many Escape owners are willing to take. Sadly, like most winter tires, the Wintrac Pro will make itself heard on the highway.

Finally, Vredestein doesn't offer a treadwear warranty on the Wintrac Pro. That is not too uncommon in the category, but some of its rivals come with warranties. Still, the lower starting price might be enough to lure potential buyers.

Pros:

• Provides excellent lateral grip and braking on dry roads
• Exhibits exceptional grip and handling on wet surfaces
• Performs very well on snowy terrains
• Ensures a smooth and refined ride

Cons:

• Produces more noise than its premium competitors at higher speeds
• Steering feedback is a bit muted

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the recommended tire sizes for a Ford Escape?

The recommended tire size depends on the model year and trim level of your Ford Escape. Ford's crossover/SUV has been on the market since MY 2001, and the company has changed the tire sizes throughout the generations.

The first-gen model, which was sold from 2001-2007, has two tire sizes available – 225/75R15 and 235/70R16. The second-gen model, introduced in 2008, added larger 17-inch wheels with 225/65R17 tires, though it also kept the sizes from the previous generations for lower-end models.

Furthermore, the third-gen model, introduced in 2013, went with more aggressive tires with low-profile sidewalls. These included 235/55R17, 235/50R18, and 235/45R19, all adding to the handling and styling aspect of Ford's compact crossover/SUV.

In 2020, Ford introduced the fourth-gen Escape and, with it, new tire sizing options. Perhaps for fuel economy reasons, the American automaker went with narrower 225-section tires on all wheel sizes. As a result, the latest Escape can be had with 225/65R17, 225/60R18, and 225/55R19 tires.

It is very important that you use the same dimensions when choosing new tires. Ford developed the Escape to work best with those tire sizes, which would give the perfect balance between handling, comfort, and fuel economy. The factory-recommended sizes also won't rub the fender or the wheel well. Not to mention, putting larger or smaller wheels will result in wrong readings on the speedometer because you will be changing the final driving ratio.

With that said, you can put larger rims for better styling and handling, but you will need to make sure the overall diameter of the wheel stays the same. For convenience, choose the tire sizes Ford recommends for larger wheels. Namely, if you have a 2022 Ford Escape SE with 225/65R17 tires, you can put larger 19-inch wheels and 225/55R19 tires, the same as the 2022 Ford Escape Titanium, without worrying about changing the geometry.

2. Should I use all-season tires on my Ford Escape?

All-season tires are the best choice for Ford Escape owners in North America. This is primarily because they are the most widely available – you'd be hard-pressed to find many summer tires for your Escape nowadays.

A combination of summer and winter tires will always give you the best possible performance for the conditions you are driving in. Summer tires offer higher longitudinal traction and lateral grip on a dry and wet tarmac when it's hot/warm outside, while winter tires offer the best snow/ice traction.

Still, Ford Escape owners often seek convenience rather than the best possible grip. Hence, along with the undisputable availability, all-season tires are the best choice for Ford's compact crossover/SUV. Not only do the latest all-season tires offer more grip than you would ever need on public roads, but they are also comfortable and quiet.

A big advantage of owning all-season tires is also that they last for a very long time. Some of the latest crossover/SUV touring all-season tires easily last over 50,000 miles, meaning you can drive them for four straight years without replacing them in the winter. Talking about all-season tires is talking about convenience!

With that said, if you live in an area with severe winter conditions, you should still replace your all-season tires with winter tires. While the latest all-season tires are very usable on light snow, they are far worse than winter tires in deep snow and especially over ice.

As for European drivers, where the Escape is sold as the Kuga, the best choice for most countries are summer tires for the warmer days and winter tires for the colder days. Still, you can save some cash and opt for all-season tires if you live in the southern regions of the continent.

3. How often should I replace the tires on my Ford Escape?

The frequency of tire replacement depends on many factors, such as driving habits, road conditions, and tire quality. As a general rule, it's recommended to inspect your tires regularly and consider replacement every 5 to 6 years or sooner if the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch.

It is very hard to gauge when exactly you should replace the tires on your own Escape. However, if you drive 15,000 miles annually, a good set of all-season touring tires should last you for 4-5 years or longer if you replace them with winter tires during the colder months.

Meanwhile, all-season performance tires typically have a shorter treadlife than touring tires and are rated at around 40,000 miles before a replacement is imminent. Winter tires have even shorter treadlife at around 20,000 to 30,000 miles, though you are really using them only four months every year.

It is very important to note that even if you don't use your Ford Escape that often and there is still enough tread left on the tires after six years of use, you should still consider replacing them.

The rubber compound on the tires ages over time and becomes very brittle after 6-8 years of its production date, depending on the model. This is called dry rotting, and it's unavoidable. In fact, it can be accelerated by external factors, like, for example, the sun.

Tires that are way past their due date will have much lower traction, particularly on wet and snowy roads, regardless of how much tread depth is left. Therefore, for maximum safety, it's paramount that you replace your tires at best after eight years of usage.

4. Can I use performance tires on my Ford Escape?

Absolutely! The Escape is one of the most agile compact crossover/SUV vehicles on the market, and hence it's a prime candidate for performance all-season tires. I wouldn't put summer performance tires on the Escape, though, since they wear faster, and you can only feel the performance benefits if you drive really fast, way over the speed limit.

There are some excellent ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season tires available in sizes that fit the Ford Escape. These will improve the overall driving experience by sharpening up the steering, making the crossover/SUV more agile, and feeling more stable on the highway. The biggest improvement will be in traction and grip, though, as UHP all-season tires offer shorter stopping distances, better acceleration, and higher cornering speed, both on dry and wet roads.

With that said, there are some disadvantages inherent to UHP all-season tires. For starters, due to the stiffer sidewalls, they are harsher and less comfortable over bumps, which can be especially felt on bad roads. Moreover, due to the stickier compound, they tend to produce more noise, which can also be a deal breaker for some people.

Furthermore, UHP all-season tires have a higher rolling resistance, which could result in slightly worse fuel consumption. Not to mention, they tend to be more expensive than touring all-season tires and necessitate more frequent replacements due to the lower treadlife.

Overall, UHP all-season tires aren't for most people, but they can definitely make your Escape more fun to drive if you are ready to live with the compromises. Still, I would only consider them on higher-end models, like the latest 2.0 EcoBoost that puts out excellent 250 horses, or the 3.0-liter V6 models in the past generations that produced from 200-240 hp.

5. How do different tires affect the fuel efficiency of a Ford Escape?

The type of tire you choose can significantly impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Low-rolling-resistance tires, for example, are designed to minimize wasted energy as the tire rolls, which can help improve fuel efficiency.

Low-rolling-resistance tire compounds are typically used in touring all-season and summer tires. That is because the traction/grip requirements are not the highest here, and usually, stickier rubber compounds have a higher rolling resistance. So, if you want to maximize fuel economy on your Escape, look for crossover/SUV touring all-season tires and, if possible, tires with some Eco credentials.

Meanwhile, UHP all-season tires will have higher rolling resistance because, here, higher traction/grip is more important than fuel economy. Some premium UHP all-season tires still offer a good balance between high grip and low-rolling resistance but are still way off any touring tire.

Furthermore, max-performance summer tires sacrifice rolling resistance to offer the highest possible traction/grip on dry and wet surfaces. These tires are made from very sticky rubber compounds that generate more heat as they roll, meaning more energy is lost, which results in higher fuel consumption.

Finally, winter tires are made from more pliable rubber compounds that increase rolling resistance but also feature deeper tread grooves and many sipes across the tread blocks, all of which affect rolling resistance negatively. Hence, you can expect an increase in fuel consumption when you replace your all-season/summer tires with winter tires.

6. How does tire choice impact ride quality in a Ford Escape?

The choice of a tire can significantly affect the ride quality and noise levels in your Ford Escape. For instance, touring tires are made with comfort in mind and have softer sidewalls that better cope with road imperfections.

Of course, there are very big variations between different makes and models, but generally, you will get the softest ride with a set of touring tires, both all season and summer.

Meanwhile, performance tires are designed for higher steering precision and stability and hence have stiffer sidewalls. Naturally, this results in a stiffer ride because the tire can't dampen as much harshness from the road and leaves most of the job to the suspension.

Winter tires should have a comparable ride quality to touring tires because they are made from a softer, more pliable rubber compound. Still, there are some sizeable differences between makes and models here as well.

7. How does tire choice influence the noise levels in a Ford Escape?

Tires with aggressive tread patterns, such as winter tires or off-road tires, tend to produce more noise. However, performance tires also produce more noise due to the stickier compound, which enhances grip by raising friction with the road. But there are some very big variances here, as some performance tires are almost as quiet as touring tires.

With that said, if you want the quietest possible ride, you should choose touring summer or all-season tires. The latest touring models have computer-optimized tread patterns that minimize road noise by canceling the frequencies, resulting in a very serene driving experience. Some of the tires I tested are really quiet – you'd be hard-pressed to hear them on the highway.

Interestingly, summer touring tires will be the quietest because they have fewer grooves than touring all-season tires. Unfortunately, not many such models are available in North America.

However, while the make and model can definitely affect road noise, other factors are also in play. For instance, the materials and technologies used in the construction of the tire also affect noise levels. For instance, some premium tires use sound-damping technologies within the tire itself to reduce the amount of noise that reaches the cabin.

Furthermore, if you compare the same model, wider sizes will always be noisier than narrower sizes. Improper tire pressure can also contribute to noise. Overinflated tires can create a loud humming or drumming sound, while underinflated tires can cause a low droning noise.

Lastly, uneven or excessive tire wear can lead to increased road noise. Regular rotations and alignments can ensure even tire wear and help maintain a quieter ride.

8. Are there specific tire types recommended for a Ford Escape based on driving conditions or climate?

Absolutely! For most Escape owners in North America, all-season tires are the best option because they offer a solid balance between summer grip and winter traction. They won't provide the best possible traction and grip anywhere but are capable enough for the regular driver.

With that said, if you're driving in areas with heavy snow and icy conditions, winter tires are recommended, as they are designed with special tread patterns and rubber compounds to improve traction. These tires will give you the shortest stopping distances and best acceleration on snow, along with the most stable handling.

As for wet and warm conditions, the best option is, interestingly, summer tires, thanks to the stickier compounds they are made of. Unfortunately, not many summer tire options are available for the Ford Escape in North America, mainly because buyers see them as inconvenient, as they necessitate a replacement before each winter.

9. How often should I rotate the tires on my Ford Escape?

As a rule of thumb, you should aim to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. For convenience, you can ask the mechanic to rotate your tires at each oil change, which cuts on time and cost. Tire rotation is the best method of preserving your tires and contributes to even wear.

As for which tire rotation pattern to use, it depends on whether you own a front-wheel-drive (FWD) or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model.

For Ford Escape FWD, I recommend moving the front tires straight to the back while moving the back tires to the front in a cross pattern, i.e., the rear right tire moves to the front left position, and the rear left tire moves to the front right position.

Meanwhile, for Ford Escape AWD models, the rear tires move straight to the front, while the front tires move to the rear in a cross pattern, i.e., the front right tire moves to the rear left position, and the front left tire moves to the rear right position.

However, always talk to your mechanic about the best rotation pattern for your particular vehicle.

10. Can I use run-flat tires on my Ford Escape?

Yes, you can use run-flat tires on your Ford Escape. These tires are much more convenient than regular tires because they allow you to travel for up to 50 miles (80 km) and at a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) after a complete pressure loss due to a puncture. Run-flat tires are also safer in the event of a sudden pressure loss because they allow control over the vehicle.

However, run-flat tires also have some significant disadvantages. For starters, they are much more expensive than regular tires and usually have shorter treadlife, meaning more frequent replacements. Moreover, due to the stiffer sidewall that needs to support the tire in the event of a complete pressure loss, run-flat tires tend to be harsher over bumps and noisier as well.

Finally, not all tire shops can repair run-flat tires, and they are generally harder to repair than regular tires.

Conclusion

From hyper-comfortable touring tires to sharp and responsive UHP all-season tires, there is a model for everyone in my list of the ten best tires for the Ford Escape above. All the tires I listed there have proven themselves on public roads and racetracks and, crucially, offer a very safe drive in most weather conditions.

So, if you find a tire model that suits your needs, it would help if you purchased it via our website. You will still get the same price, but we will earn a commission that will help us produce more articles like this.

If you didn't find a model that suits you, make sure to read our reviews of other tires, as we covered most models on the market. And if that didn't help, make sure you always purchase tires from reputable manufacturers.

Tires might be the most important purchasing decision in your life, as they are directly correlated to the safety of you, your family, and other traffic participants, and cheap models can't offer you a safe driving experience. In fact, most of the mega-cheap tires on the market are dangerous and suffer from severe issues like bulges, cracks, and tread separation, all of which could lead to blowouts.